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

One of the UK’s leading constitutional experts will use a public lecture at Aberystwyth University to critique the latest attempt at a Welsh devolution ‘settlement’. Professor Richard Rawlings will examine the implications of the Wales Act 2017, which marks the fourth main phase of Welsh devolution in just twenty years. His lecture Strange Days? Reworking the Welsh Devolution ‘Settlement’ will be held at 5pm on Wednesday 22 February 2017 in the Main Hall of the Department of International Politics. Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Rawlings who is Professor of Public Law at University College London and Honorary Distinguished Professor of Law at Cardiff University, said: “Partly framed by the work of the Silk Commission, and also influenced by Scottish constitutional developments in the wake of the 2014 independence referendum, the process of developing the legislation has been an elongated and commonly painful one. “It is a process which has stretched from incoherent party pol...

Show your love and celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day with the help of Carmarthenshire markets. The markets have all you need for a romantic night in to mark the patron saint of Welsh lovers day on Wednesday, January 25. Impress your partner with a choice of gifts, cards and flowers which are all available at Carmarthen and Llanelli indoor markets. From perfume to paintings to love themed signs or clothing and jewellery there’s lots of different gifts and ideas to be found at both markets. If you’re preparing your loved one a delicious meal, why not visit the market where you can buy a choice of great local produce; from steaks to cheeses, speciality fish and seafood to Gin and other spirits and delicious desserts. Why not surprise your loved one with a romantic trip and call into Eden Tours. Don’t forget your pets need pampering too, so pop into Burns Pet store or The Pet Pantry to find that perfect treat. In addition, one lucky couple will win a romantic dinner and an overnight stay for t...

The changing faces of radicalism in Wales will be examined as part of a new research project at Aberystwyth University. The study will examine the different approaches taken by three nationalist organisations - the Free Wales Army, Meibion Glyndŵr and Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society). The aim is to look at civil participation on society’s fringes and analyse why certain forms of citizen engagement are viewed as being more socially acceptable than others. Hosted by the University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences and funded by the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales, the study covers the 30 years from 1962 to 1992, widely seen as a tumultuous period in modern Welsh history. A unique feature of the project will be the close collaboration between the University and the Welsh Political Archive at the National Library of Wales. It is hoped the findings will also form part of an exhibition in 2019 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the invest...

People aged 65 or over are being advised to get vaccinated against influenza (‘flu’) soon for best protection this winter. Flu can be very serious for older people, and the annual ‘Beat Flu’ immunisation programme is now underway throughout Wales, encouraging individuals most at risk of serious complications from flu to get protected with a free flu vaccination. As well as older people this also includes pregnant women and those with certain long term health conditions as these groups are at high risk of complications if they catch flu. Older people, and the carers of those whose health may be at risk if the carer becomes ill, are being advised about the dangers of flu with a clear message from Public Health Wales to “Beat flu before it beats you!” Last year in Wales around a third of the people in Wales aged 65 and over missed out on getting their flu vaccine. Ian Thomas, Chief Executive of the older people’s charity Age Cymru, said: “As part of our annual Spread the Warmth campaign, ...

New rules have been introduced in Wales to ensure takeaways promote food hygiene ratings on publicity materials. Takeaway food businesses will be required to publish a bilingual statement on certain hardcopy publicity materials from today - the third anniversary of the introduction of the statutory Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) coming into force in Wales. If a takeaway leaflet or menu shows food for sale, the price and a way of ordering the food without visiting the premises, it will also have to include a statement which will remind customers they can check the hygiene rating of the business on the FHRS website: http://ratings.food.gov.uk/ , and also remind consumers they can ask the food business for their food hygiene rating when they order. Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce a statutory food hygiene rating scheme in November 2013 when the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 made it mandatory for food businesses to display their food hygiene rating on their...

Secondary school pupils from Carmarthenshire will represent Wales at the Music For Youth Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Carmarthenshire Secondary Schools Girls’ Choir, which is led by staff in the county council’s music service, has been selected from a large number of choirs from across England and Wales to perform at the prestigious event. The group is conducted by Islwyn Evans and they will be performing two pieces: Clodforaf Di by Robat Arwyn and Carol Y Seren by Gareth Glyn. Education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones said: “This is a fantastic achievement for these pupils as this is the first year that the county music service has entered this festival. “Both the county choir and orchestra were selected to perform earlier in the year at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and now the choir has been invited to sing at the last night of the youth proms. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the music service for their hard work and dedication and wish ...

A student from Aberystwyth University has been chosen to be a member of the high profile Tir na n-Og judging panel for 2016. Jenna Hughes won a competition to secure her place as a student judge on the panel for the book awards which recognise authors who have written children’s books set in Wales. There are three awards for Welsh and English writers and Jenna will help choose the best English language children’s book. Joanna Jeffery is a Teaching Fellow at Aberystwyth University’s School of Education and encouraged students to take part in the competition which involved writing a book review. “For the last two years, the School of Education has provided a student judge for the Tir na n-Og Prize and we are delighted that it will continue with Jenna’s selection,” said Joanna. “In her winning entry, the adjudicator felt that she demonstrated her understanding of the links between the three key elements needed to get children reading: a child who wants to read; an adult who wants to enc...

Landlords in Carmarthenshire are being reminded that there are just weeks left before the deadline to register under the new housing laws introduced in Wales. By November 23, all landlords must register and self-managing landlords and agents will need to obtain a licence, as a requirement of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. To obtain a licence, self-managing landlords and agents must either complete training on-line or attend an approved training course. Carmarthenshire County Council was the first local authority in Wales to be certified as a landlord trainer. Rent Smart Wales is the service delivered by Cardiff City Council who have been designated by the Welsh Government to be the single licensing authority on behalf of all local authorities in Wales. They process registrations and grant licenses to all landlords and agents who need to comply with the legislation. Over a hundred landlords have already completed their training with Carmarthenshire County Council, with many more booked...

A scheme aimed at tackling the ‘serious decline’ in the take up of modern foreign languages by school pupils in Wales has substantially increased the number of project schools it will be working with into its second year, from 28 to 44. Initially a pilot, the major intervention is aimed at increasing the take up and attainment of modern languages at secondary schools across the country. It is funded by the Welsh Government as part of its five-year Global Futures strategy aimed at supporting modern languages in schools in Wales. Under the scheme, modern foreign language (MFL) undergraduates at Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and Aberystwyth universities are recruited and trained as student mentors and are partnered with pupils in local schools. Each undergraduate undergoes a rigorous assessment process and training with specialists in student mentoring. They are partnered with committed schools in the areas surrounding their university in close collaboration with regional educational consort...

The 25th British Academy Cymru Awards are now open for entry with new eligibility criteria. Today, BAFTA Cymru launches call for entries for the anniversary year of Cymru Awards. Broader criteria ensures all Welsh talent working on UK productions now eligible. The 25th ceremony, which will celebrate Welsh talent across film and television production and craft and performance roles will take place on 2 October at St David’s Hall. Individuals and companies are invited to enter productions that have had their first broadcast transmission or screened at an approved film festival between 1 April, 2015 and 31 March 2016 by the entry deadline of 26 April. Having reviewed the eligibility criteria for last year’s Awards, BAFTA Cymru is now encouraging Welsh individuals who have worked on Welsh or UK productions – rather than solely Welsh productions – to enter into any one of the 16 craft and performance categories. This change will ensure that BAFTA in Wales can recognise the work ...

It promises to be a great year for 16 projects across Wales, as the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced awards worth over £3.5million. From Anglesey to Aberystwyth, Pembrokeshire to Pontypridd, groups are celebrating their funding success. Capturing the stories of South Wales miners, regenerating an important maritime town, unlocking the secrets of a treasured community collection and extending a local museum to attract more visitors are just some of the activities that will benefit from this latest round of National Lottery money. The legacy of the mines Mining has played a vital role in Welsh heritage and volunteers at the South Wales Miners’ Museum are leading a project that will look at the social history and legacy of the coal industry in the Afan and Llynfi valleys. Local young people will become actively involved through placements and training while students are also set to benefit from the museum’s active involvement in the Welsh Baccalaureate. Mair Boast from the m...

Get well soon wishes go to Peter Rees, Scarlets and Wales rugby hero. The former Llanelli RFC Chairman and President went into hospital in November and had to have a second emergency operation on Saturday - but he came around from surgery in time to watch the Wales team beat South Africa! Peter is the last surviving player from the 1947 Five Nations Tournament, which was the first after World War Two and the first Five Nations tournament for 16 years. Wales were joint Champions with England. Peter, 89 (90 in February), is currently in Preseli Ward in Glangwili Hospital. Mark John, Secretary Llanelli Rugby Football Club, said everyone at Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets wished Peter a speedy recovery.

Author, former Education and Children’s Librarian for Dyfed and Assistant Director of Education at Ceredigion County Council, D Geraint Lewis, has been honoured as Fellow of Aberystwyth University. Originally from Ynys-y-bwl in Cwm Clydach, he was educated at Aberystwyth University and is the author of Geiriadur Cynradd Gomer, Y Llyfr Berfau, Pa Arddodiad?, Y Treigladur, and Geiriau Lletchwith. He has been the Honorary Secretary of the Welsh Books Council since 1986 and was the winner in 1996 of the Tir na n-Og award for his dictionary Geiriadur Gomer yr Ifanc. Mr Lewis was presented by Dr Mari Elin Jones, Director of the Centre for Welsh Language Services at Aberystwyth University, during the first of the 2014 graduation ceremonies which was held on Monday 14 July. Eleven Fellows are being honoured this week by Aberystwyth University during this year’s Graduation ceremonies which take place at the University’s Arts Centre from Monday 14 until Friday 18 July. The title of Fellow is...

Aberystwyth University is the safest University in Wales according to a report published by The Complete University Guide: http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/ . Aberystwyth also retains its position among the top five safest locations in England and Wales to study. Compiled from official police data, The Complete University Guide gives the clearest picture possible of the crime rates for the communities surrounding almost 140 universities and other higher education institutions in England and Wales. The report looks at three selected crimes - burglary, robbery and assault – and is based on the cumulative rate of all three crimes occurring over 12 months within a three mile radius of the main campus. Professor John Grattan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for International and Student Experience at Aberystwyth University, said; “We know from our research that the majority of our students chose to study in Aberystwyth because it’s a safe and friendly place. “We have also found that when w...

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...

Carmarthenshire is winning in the race towards zero waste. The council is No2 in a UK league table of 172 local authorities showing the amount of rubbish being thrown away per person. It has also come out as the best performing authority in Wales. The table has been put together by industry magazine Resource as the best measure of progress towards zero waste for 2012/13. Recycling and the separate collection of food waste together with waste minimisation initiatives have helped reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Based on official figures from WasteDataFlow the average person in the UK now throws away about 249.9kg per year – the figure for Carmarthenshire is much lower at 162.1kg. Executive board member for the environment Councillor Colin Evans said: “We are working hard to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and to increase our recycling rate. “For Carmarthenshire to be the 2nd out of 172 local authorities throughout the UK – not to mention the best performing a...

A total of 50 leading experts will gather for a seminar hosted by Aberystwyth University in Cardiff today to explore a particular aspect of the changes in the way Wales is being governed since devolution. The inter-disciplinary seminar is being organized by the University's Institute of Welsh Politics and the Department of Law & Criminology at the Pierhead building in Cardiff Bay. It will bring together Commissioners, Ombudsmen, key decision-makers, Civil Servants and leading academics from Wales and beyond to examine the role of these key figures in Welsh public life. Professor John Williams, Head of the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University and one of the convenors said: “Commissioners and Ombudsmen are a prominent feature of Welsh governance and indicate how Wales has developed its distinctive path of governance and policy-learning since devolution. The Children's Commissioner, the Older People's Commissioner for Wales, the Welsh Language Commis...

Some 5,752 staff from across NHS Wales have completed at the least the opening level of the national learning programme Improving Quality Together in just one year - and numbers are continuing to grow. Improving Quality Together (IQT) was launched in March 2013 to give all staff in health boards and NHS Trusts the opportunity to develop a common approach and language to healthcare improvement. And as the first anniversary of the programme falls on NHS Change Day – a national movement to encourage staff to pledge do something to improve care – it’s a great opportunity to inspire even more staff from within Hywel Dda University Health Board to do IQT. Dr Alan Willson from 1000 Lives Improvement, the national improvement service in NHS Wales that delivers the programme, said; "We are delighted to reach this milestone of 5,752 staff completing the bronze level of the programme. "We are seeing the benefits of everybody speaking a common language of improvement and working towards ...

The Jenkins Bakery has released details of its St David’s Day range of products. "There's something for everyone to enjoy at on St David’s Day, March 1," said the Jenkins Bakery's operations director Russell Jenkins. "Our staff always enjoy producing new ideas for our patron saint’s day and I'm sure our customers will enjoy sampling the products we have on offer." The range of products includes - BARA BRITH £2.95 Bara Brith is a traditional fruit loaf made with our own rich dough containing top quality sultanas and currants with mixed peel and mixed spices. This will be packed with a decorated bow. TEISEN LAP £3.00 Our traditional Welsh farmhouse cake which contains honey, brown sugar, mixed spices, currants and sultanas which is topped with streusel topping. WELSH CUPCAKE £0.85 Our top quality sponge, individually decorated with fondant icing and daffodil. TEISEN LAP MINI LOAF CAKE £1.25 Made with our Teisen lap cake mix and new for 2013 WELSH PAS...

Passenger satisfaction with train companies in Wales has dropped below 50 per cent. A new survey reveals by Which? reveals First Great Western scored a satisfaction rating of 45 per cent, while Arriva Trains Wales had a score of 48 per cent. The survey conducted in November sought views from 7,415 adults, and also showed more than one quarter of commuters experienced a delay on their last train journey. Full story on the headline link to the South Wales Evening Post.