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

Traders in Carmarthen market have chosen their charity for this year. It has been decided that they will support the RNLI-inshore division, following on from the part the crews have played in the search for 11-year-old Cameron Comey. Chair of market’s traders committee, Doug Ashton, said: “Each year we support a charity, and this year traders felt that they would like to support the RNLI-inshore division as we appreciate the work they have been doing, particularly in the town recently. “This year’s choice was an easy one to make following the town and county uniting in the prayers and hopes in the search for Cameron.” The money donated is made up from the percentage of the takings received to the committee from the market’s photobooth and children’s ride as well as donations made by shoppers to the wishing well in the foyer. For more information on traders, opening times and what’s coming up in our county’s markets please visit www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

Members of the team at Clay Shaw Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants in Carmarthen are taking part in an unusual charity challenge. Four members of the Clay Shaw Butler team will be drinking water only for two weeks as part of a campaign to raise money for the RNLI, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. "All caffeine products are off the menu - and there's no wine," said Clay Shaw Butler director David Butler. "It will be water, H20 Only, for two weeks starting on Tuesday, May 27. "Obviously, the main aim will be to raise money for the RNLI, a very worthwhile charity which helps save lives at sea. "We're being sponsored by friends, colleagues and customers for the duration of the H20 Only challenge. My guess is that at the end of two weeks we will also be feeling a lot healthier as well." Taking part in the Clay Shaw Butler H20 Only challenge will be David Butler, his daughter Kim, Hanne Prescott and T...

There was a strong turnout of 25 teams of four at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club for a fund-raising competition for the RNLI lifeboat station at Burry Port. It turned out to be a true test of golf as the players had to play into a strong north-westerly wind which was of no help on any of the 18 holes. Trevor Griffiths, the RNLI station chairman, thanked the 100 players who took part. Thanks were extended to the directors of Ashburnham Golf Club for allowing the station to host the event at the links course. Special thanks were extended to companies that had sponsored individual holes and to the two main sponsors, Jason Rees Building Services Limited and Andrew Scott Limited Construction and Engineering based in Port Talbot. Roger Bowen, Lifeboat Operations Manager, organised the day and thanked all the helpers who had made the day possible. Huw Dixon and Tony Washer, past captains of The Ashburnham, presented prizes for the different competitions. The longest drive by ...

The Lewis Partnership firm of architects has secured its first contract with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the RNLI. The firm will be designing an extension to the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat station on Gower. Lewis Partnership managing director Philip Lewis said: “We are delighted to be working with the RNLI on this project. “I am sure we are all great admirers of the sterling work of the RNLI. We are delighted to be associated with the charity and helping to provide this extension to the Horton station.” Weblink - http://rnli.org and http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Horton-and-Port-Eynon-Lifeboat-Station.aspx http://www.lewispartnership.co.uk/

Burry Port RNLI supporters have organised a fund-raising golf day at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club on Friday, September 14. Entries are invited from teams of four to compete on a Stableford competition basis. Prizes will be awarded to the first eight teams. There will also be prizes for the longest drive, nearest to the hole and hole-in-one. The entry fee is £120 per team. Tee-off times are between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Call Roger Bowen on 07890 728584.

RNLI lifeguards will be returning to Cefn Sidan beach in Pembrey this Saturday (12 May) to offer high-level first aid and safety service to the public for the summer season. The charity’s lifeguards will be ready at their posts between 10am-6pm everyday from Saturday until Sunday 2 September. The charity’s lifeguards have already completed two weeks of intense training and passed vital fitness tests to ensure that everyone is on top form ready for the seasonal service. This will be the fourth season for RNLI lifeguards to provide a safety service on Cefn Sidan beach. Rob Steele, Swansea RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said: “The charity’s lifeguards are looking forward to return to Cefn Sidan beach in Pembrey this weekend. They have all been put through their paces over the past few weeks to ensure the highest level of fitness and training to help save lives on Welsh beaches this summer. “RNLI lifeguards can provide tips and advice to help beachgoers avoid any unfortunate incidences t...

The Duchess of Gloucester, commandant- in-chief, for St John Ambulance in Wales, offically opened the revamped inshore lifeboat station at Ferryside. The day was tinged with sadness that the late Gwyn Thomas, who had inspired the new boathouse more than three years ago was not present to celebrate the realising of his ambition. But his wife and daughter Joan and Jennifer were able to attend. The Rev Canon Aled Griffiths, St John Chaplain for Carmarthenshire, dedicated the new lifeboat station supported by Vicar of Llanelli, the Rev Sian Jones. The Duchess was presented to the widow of the former Commander of Dyfed and Powys, Mrs Beryl Davies and former area commissioner for Dyfed, Gerald Kent. Her Royal Highness presented four certificates of Priory votes of thanks for their support to Brian Beynon, William John Rogers, Barry Saunders and Sidney John Saunders. Lifeboat Coxswain Tony Bean said the station averaged 25 call outs a year involving between 50 and 60 lives. He said: “They are...