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

Funding has been awarded to create a safer walking and cycling environment for schoolchildren and the wider communities in Carmarthen and Pontyberem. The council has received funding of £542,759 from Welsh Government to carry out walking, cycling and road safety improvements as part of the Safe Routes in Communities programme. A grant of £292,759 was awarded to fund a scheme in Carmarthen town and £250,000 towards a range of measures which includes improving access to Pontyberem Primary School. The scheme in Carmarthen will improve access to Ysgol y Dderwen via Llys Fynnon and improve walking links to Richmond Park School. It includes safer crossing points and traffic calming measures along Lime Grove Avenue and a raised plateau and improved lighting around Pondside, Johnstown. The grant will also go towards a proposed zebra crossing and parent waiting shelter at Model School. In Pontyberem, the proposals include a new path linking Brandyway with the school; a potential new footpath ...

Residents in three Carmarthenshire communities are being asked for their views on proposals to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The council is consulting on Safer Routes in Communities schemes for Carmarthen, Pontyberem and Pencader. These communities were successful at the first stage of the assessment process. Display boards showing details of the schemes will be put up in each of the areas so that people can leave feedback. The comments will form part of a bid to Welsh Government for funding for the schemes to be carried out next year in 2017-18. The council is also consulting directly with local schools, town and community councils and the local members. The Safer Routes in Communities project has been developed to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists through the implementation of engineering measures such as cycle routes, cycle paths, traffic calming and educational road safety initiatives. The aim is to shift away from car use for cert...

Plans to refurbish Pontyberem CP School are well underway. A major investment, which is part of the county council’s Modernising Education Programme (MEP), is being proposed to remodel the building which will improve its facilities and increase capacity. Internal works would include a complete reconfiguration of the building with new floors and ceilings, installation of a lift platform for wheelchair users, updating electrical equipment and a new ventilation system. In addition the building will undergo a full decorating programme, and will provide specialist rooms for additional learning needs, design and technology and art, as well as new toilet provision. An extensive outdoor repair scheme with re-surfacing and security fencing works is also planned. Work is expected to start next autumn. It is proposed that the scheme will be jointly funded by the council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools initiative. The council’s executive board member for education, Cl...

A major award has been won by Rheilffordd Cwm Gwendraeth Valley Railway, a heritage and community line being developed on a unique disused rail corridor starting in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire. The £75,000 award will enable the establishment of a Velorail (cycle-rail) operation in the first phase, bringing a family tourist attraction to the area. The Velorail project will introduce to the UK a form of activity popular in France, using ‘carriages’ propelled by two ‘cycles’, with seating for another two-three people. Velorails are great fun for everyone and suitable for all ages and abilities. The operation will ‘kick-start’ the development of the entire Rheilffordd Cwm Gwendraeth Valley Railway, which runs between Kidwelly and Cwm Mawr near Pontyberem. The railway was originally built on the tow path of probably the world’s first industrial canal – the first canal in Wales - providing a unique rail corridor with rail, cycle track and long tracts of waterway along the sam...

A Carmarthenshire village hall and church will be snug in the cold weather following grants for new roofs and heating. Following a recent round of funding, Llanddarog Village Hall Institute and St John’s Church in Pontyberem were both successful in obtaining a grant from the Welsh Church Fund towards roofing and heating costs ensuring that their venues will continue to host comfortable community meetings and events all year round. In addition, Llanelli Wanderers RFC received a Welsh Church Fund award towards the construction of their new community facility. Administered by Carmarthenshire County Council, the Carmarthenshire Welsh Church fund is available to churches, chapels, charitable organisations and individuals for grant support for the following purposes: advancement of education, libraries, museums, art galleries etc, relief of poverty, advancement of religion, and other purposes beneficial to the communities. Individual Grant Support is also available for the advancement of t...

Sinfonia Cymru bring an evening of Tchaikovsky, Bach, Haydn and Strauss to the village on October 16. The concert takes place at the Pontyberem Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. It will feature - Strauss Sextet from Capriccio.  Bach Three-part inventions arranged for string trio (excerpts).  Haydn String Quartet in D Major, Op. 33 No. 6.  Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence.  The featured violinist will be Bartosz Woroch. In this deeply intimate concert, Sinfonia Cymru presents a kaleidoscopic programme of chamber music for strings. From tenacious verve to heartfelt tragedy, Sinfonia Cymru will explore the full emotional range with one of the most popular works in the chamber repertoire; Tchaikovsky’s intensely expressive Souvenir de Florence. YCAT (Young Classical Artists Trust) violinist and Guest Leader Bartosz Woroch directs Strauss’ elegant string Sextet from the composer’s final opera Capriccio alongside the Sixth in Haydn’s lyrical set of ‘Russian’ qua...

Whilst thousands of people are limbering up for the  Swansea Memory Walk in aid of the  Alzheimer’s Society , a team from Pontyberem’s Nantyglo Sheltered Scheme are checking their walking sticks and zimmer frames are in good shape as they prepare to take it on themselves. The ‘Nantyglo Warriors’ are determined to complete the full 2km walk with the assistance of their walking aids, putting on a united front against the disease. Amongst them is Malcolm Hammond, who at age 83 is the oldest member of the team. He said: “I am a sufferer of this disease and I’m doing this walk to help fund a cure – it might not come in my lifetime but something needs to be done to help others.” The tenants of Nantyglo, a sheltered scheme run by Carmarthenshire County Council, regularly support charities and agreed at this year’s annual general meeting that they would support the Alzheimer’s Society as each of them have known someone close who has suffered the cruel disease. One of the tenants, ...

An unique event coming up in the Gwendraeth Valley will give local people their time to shine! It is hoped that ‘Nantyglo Has Talent Meets X Factor’ will unearth some hidden talent in the Cwm, with a special panel of judges ready to gives their thumbs up – or down – to singers, dancers, magicians and even talented pets. The event has been organised by tenants of Pontyberem’s Nantyglo Sheltered Scheme, who are looking forward to throwing open their doors to their neighbours on Saturday, September 6. Six Nantyglo tenants will also make up the judging panel, with Enid Osborn, Hywel Walsh, Irene Holden, Ann Shirtslinger and Jim Cowell, alongside host Andrew O’Leary. Anyone of any age can enter, and there’s some cash prizes up for grabs. Sheltered Scheme Officer Amanda Wheelhouse said: “We’re all very excited and looking forward to welcoming new faces to Nantyglo. Someone sparked the idea a few weeks ago, and all the tenants have really got behind it. “We’re all for thinking outside the ...

Copies of the Sun newspaper have been pulled from the shelves in Pontyberem in a show of solidarity for the grief-stricken family of tiny Eliza-Mae Martha Mullane. The six-day-old baby tragically died  — leaving the community in shock and united in grief. The family’s dog, an Alaskan Malamute, has been seized by police. Yesterday’s front page of the national newspaper has caused outrage in the community and on social networking sites, accusing the paper of sensationalising the tragedy. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

The grieving parents of little Eliza-Mae, Sharon John and Patrick Mullane, have paid tribute to their baby girl. Thanking the community of Pontyberem for its support, the mum and dad said there were no words to describe how they feel. Six-day-old Eliza-Mae died suddenly this week and police investigations are ongoing. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

Residents in Llangunnor and Pontyberem have cleaned out their sheds and cupboards. Old TVs, carpets, electrical and bits of unwanted furniture were just some of the items taken along to a waste and tyre amnesty by householders. A total of 442 tyres were also collected at both the events held at Y Talar in Llangunnor and Pontyberem Park. The aim of the amnesties, organised by the council’s waste and recycling section and Tidy Towns, was to encourage people to recycle and to help reduce fly-tipping. Pictured at the Y Talar amnesty is local resident Joan Willson with council staff Geraint David, Dorian Lee and Vicky Guntrip. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “These amnesties are very popular with local residents as it gives them the chance to dispose of any unwanted waste they have in the house; and it can be particularly difficult to get rid of larger items if they have no transport. We want to try and help householders as much as we can and encourage...

Residents of Pontyberem are playing their part in shaping services for people with dementia. The small Gwendraeth Valley village has been officially recognised as Carmarthenshire’s first Dementia Friendly and Supportive Community, helping people understand dementia and providing feedback on a range of topics to the county’s Dementia Action Board. Carmarthenshire County Council has worked with partners to deliver and evaluate this multi-agency approach with a view to developing a model which can be used throughout Carmarthenshire. The project was officially launched at Pontyberem Memorial Hall recently, with members of the community joined by a range of organisations who provide support for people with dementia. Over the next few months, villagers will help establish a community profile including the physical environment, facilities, services and groups, and will take part in a quiz to find out how much the community understands about dementia. People who suffer with dementia, and the...

Residents in Pontyberem are being urged to have a good clear out and take advantage of a waste and tyre amnesty being held in the village. The amnesty, organised by the council’s waste and recycling section and Tidy Towns, is taking place today, Wednesday, February 5, between 8am and 1pm at Pontyberem park. Most household waste can be taken along including unwanted furniture, carpets and mattresses, electrical items such as fridge-freezers and televisions, garden waste and tyres (maximum 10 tyres per household / no tractor or lorry tyres). However, paint, garden chemicals, car batteries, gas bottles, asbestos, construction and trade waste will not be accepted. Residents that dispose of any waste items will also get a free bag of Merlin’s Magic Compost (while stocks last) courtesy of CWM Environmental Ltd. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “The aim of the amnesty is to encourage people to recycle more and reduce fly-tipping. If people don’t hav...

A Gwendraeth Valley woman has lost three and a half stone in weight thanks to a Carmarthenshire Actif Fitness programme and healthy eating. Ruth Lloyd was forced to rethink her lifestyle after suffering a heart attack two years ago. She was just 50 years old. The thought of not being around to see her sons again spurred the mum of two into action and turn her life around. She gave up her full time job in the bank, changed her diet and joined Carmarthen Leisure Centre gym after her weight ballooned to 13 stone. Now Ruth from Pontyberem is more active more often and fits neatly into a size 10 dress size. She also eats healthily, walks her dog and works part-time from home. Ruth said: “At the time of my heart attack I had been under quite a lot of stress and my weight had escalated to a dress size 18. “One Saturday morning I woke, got out of bed, and started getting ready for work. I bent down to put my socks on and had the most excruciating pain in my chest. My husband was in bed...

A Gwendraeth Valley community is playing a unique role in helping people understand dementia. Pontyberem has been chosen to pilot a Dementia Friendly and Supportive Community Initiative, providing feedback for the development of future services. Carmarthenshire County Council, through its Dementia Action Board, is working with partners to pilot the initiative, which will establish a community profile including the physical environment, facilities, services and groups. People with dementia, and their carers, will be asked how they feel about their community - how they engage, what difficulties they face, the impact dementia has on their lives, and what can be done to help. A quiz will also be undertaken to find out how much the community understands about dementia. Cllr Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, Dementia Care Champion and Chair of the Carmarthenshire Dementia Action Board, said: “We want to ensure that people living with dementia are able t...

People in the Amman and Gwendraeth Valley are being urged to attend the latest Meet the Health Board event at Pontyberem to find out more about Your Health Your Future – Consulting Our Communities. The drop-in event is held between 2pm and 7.30pm in Pontyberem Memorial Hall on Tuesday October 9 and is part of a wider programme of events in each locality. They have been organised by Hywel Dda Health Board so that members of the public can find out more about their proposals to improve health services in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The aim is to provide the highest quality healthcare in the most appropriate setting, as close to home as possible, at the time it is needed and with improved outcomes for patients. Senior health board staff will be in attendance at the events in order to have one-to-one discussions with people. There will also be a number of stands with information on local healthcare services. Chief Executive Trevor Purt said: “We have held public meetings...

The junior section of Theatr Ieuenctid Menter Cwm Gwendraeth will be performing in an adaptation of a tale from the Mabinogion. Pwyll, Rhiannon a’r March Hud is an adaptation by Emlyn Dole of the story of Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed. The production will feature fun, songs and dancing. There will be performances by the children aged 7-11 on Wednesday November 30 and Thursday December 1 at 7.30pm in Neuadd Pontyberem. Tickets will be going on sale through Menter Cwm Gwendraeth.

Theatr Ieuenctid Menter Cwm Gwendraeth will be performing in a colourful and lively show about childhood next month. The production, Chwarae Plant, will be staged at Neuadd Pontyberem on Tuesday October 18 and Wednesday October 19 at 7.30pm featuring youngsters from the age of 11-18 as well as singer Gwenda Owen. The show’s director Carys Edwards said: “This is a show that encompasses the life of a child from birth to youth. The audience will have a glimpse of a child coping with growing up and that through song, dance, varied scripts and poetry. “It is an excellent opportunity for the cast to perform work which is all about their daily lives. This is an ensemble work where the contribution of each individual is equally important to the success of the performance.” Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children and are available by contacting Menter Cwm Gwendraeth on 01269 871600.

Menter Cwm Gwendraeth has held a highly successful open day at the Gwendraeth Resource Centre in Pontyberem to promote IT and other courses available in 2011-2012. The Resource Centre has a range of IT courses - keyboard skills, IT for beginners, Word and file management and E-mail and Internet; Multi Media courses – digital camera, digital imaging, Photoshop 1 and 2, Foundation in Multi Media and Level 1 in Further Technology; Welsh, and Spanish. The courses range from four to 30 weeks in length with a mix of daytime and evening courses. Julie Nicholas of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth said: “The open day was very successful. There are still a number of places available on some of the courses for anyone who is interested.”

Menter Cwm Gwendraeth has organised an open day at the Gwendraeth Resource Centre in Pontyberem next week. The event at the centre in Coalbrook Road on Tuesday July 26 from 10am-6pm is to let people know about the courses available in 2011-2012. The Resource Centre has a range of IT courses - keyboard skills, IT for beginners, Word and file management and E-mail and Internet; Multi Media courses – digital camera, digital imaging, Photoshop 1 and 2, Foundation in Multi Media and Level 1 in Further Technology; Welsh, and Spanish. The courses range from four to 30 weeks in length with a mix of daytime and evening courses. For more information and to register contact Julie Nicholas on 01269 871600.