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

Carmarthen Leisure Centre In a nutshell: There is still a ‘shiny new’ feel to Carmarthen Leisure Centre. The centre boasts an eight-lane 25 metre main pool, a small pool, squash and badminton courts, a health suite, Fusion Health and Fitness Club, Dance Studio and much, much more. There is also an indoor adventure play area. www.actifsirgar.co.uk Carmarthen SA31 3NQ 01267 224700 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date. Previous post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/what-to-see-in-carmarthenshire-013.html

Clay Pigeon Shoooting In a nutshell: You can try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting at Llanerchindda Farm, nestling near Cynghordy. There is a ‘down the line’ shoot suitable for all levels of experience. All equipment is provided. Full safety briefings are given and tuition is available. Male and female guns are available. www.activitywales.com Llanerchindda Farm, Cynghordy, Llandoverygathen SA20 0NB 01550 750274 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date. Previous post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/what-to-see-in-carmarthenshire-012.html

Carmarthen Park In a nutshell: Opened in 1900, Carmarthen Park boasts the very first velodrome (cycle track) built in Wales. It is one of very few to survive in working condition. There is a skateboarding area, children’s play area and a tea room in a glorious park setting close to the town centre. The entrance gates were made by Coalbroookdale. www.carmarthentowncouncil.gov.uk Carmarthen SA31 3AX 01267 235199 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date. Previous post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/what-to-see-in-carmarthenshire-011.html

Carmarthenshire Theatres In a nutshell: Carmarthenshire can boast three wonderful theatre venues – The Miners’ in Ammanford, The Lyric in Carmarthen and Theatr Elli (soon to be replaced with Y Ffwrnes) in Llanelli. Stars galore have walked the boards – from Ken Dodd to Go Compare tenor Wynne Evans. http://www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk/ Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli 0845 2263510 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date. Previous post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/what-to-see-in-carmarthenshire-010.html

Castle Woods Nature Reserve In a nutshell: Ancient mixed oak woodland noted for its spring carpets of bluebells. Walk to the castle for views of the Tywi Valley. You won’t fail to notice the imposing fortress of Dinefwr Castle. As you wander through the woodland, you will see among the undergrowth fossils of long gone Trilobites from 450 million years ago. www.wildlifetrusts.org.uk Grid Ref SN625221  01269 621600 Castle Woods Nature Reserve Grid Ref SN625221  The longer view: Ancient mixed oak woodland noted for its spring carpets of bluebells. Walk to the castle to gain fine views of the River Tywi Valley. While at the reserve you won’t fail to notice the imposing fortress of Dinefwr Castle, as you wander through the woodland you will see among the undergrowth fossils of long gone Trilobites from 450 million years ago. The Months March to July are best to see the woodland flowers, May to July for breeding birds, September to November for fungi, and December to ...

Brynderi Honey Farm In a nutshell: Tucked away in the village of Blaenwaun, is a honey ‘hot-spot’. Keith Taylor and his family moved their apiary from Cambridgeshire in 2002. The clean, fresh air is credited with producing top class honey. Don’t miss the opportunity of trying Brynderi’s tasty honey ice-cream. You won’t want to leave. www.brynderihoneyfarm.com Whitland SA34 0JD  01994 448653 The longer view: Tuck into a honey-flavoured ice cream while hearing about the life cycle of the bee at Brynderi Honey Farm in the village of Blaenwaun, just north of Whitland. Keith Taylor and his family moved their apiary to this wild corner of the county from Cambridgeshire in 2002. Ever since, they have been sharing the spoils of the efforts of hundreds of thousands of honey bees that live in the hives in their garden. The honey is top quality, says Keith, a fact he puts down, in part, to the remarkably clean air that comes in off the Atlantic, reducing the contaminants that ...

Brecon Beacons National Park In a nutshell: Quite simply, a national treasure. The western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park is designated as Fforest Fawr Geopark. The Carmarthenshire slice of the park is known as the Black Mountain, above Llandovery, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley. Walk it, bike it, run it . . . you won’t be short of ideas in a simply stunning landscape. http://www.breconbeacons.org/ Bethlehem, SA19 6YH 01874 623366 The longer view: You'll be blown away by the area of high, rolling countryside above Llandovery, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley, known locally as the Black Mountain. This western end of the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of Carmarthenshire’s proudest possessions and home to many of the least-explored sections, including one of the top geological sites in Europe. It’s so accessible too. You can walk it, bike it, run it – you'll be delighted to discover you can even take the dog on it! It is possible to walk the entire length of the ...

Brechfa Forest In a nutshell: It’s easy to get the impression this forest was’ invented’ for walking and mountain biking. Dramatic views combine with deeply-cut river valleys. Dog lovers rave about it. The woodland is mixed broadleaf and coniferous. There’s a selection of way-marked trails. In the middle is the 16th C Black Lion in Abergorlech. http://www.visitbrechfaforest.com/ Grid Ref SN587338 Forestry Commission 0300 0680300 +44 (0)1267 231557 The longer view: Brechfa Forest Grid Ref SN587338 If you crave a fresh air experience in a landscape that is varied and diverse, then put on your walking boots and explore the Brechfa Forest. With its dramatic views and deeply cut river valleys, the Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire’s forested central region offers superb dog walking opportunities. Spectacular mountain bike trails and stunning walks in the heart of Carmarthenshire. Mature mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland. The Forest Garden has a variety of rare and exotic ...

Boat Fishing Wales In a nutshell - The Bristol Channel is warmed up by the Gulf Stream which brings in many species - Sharks, Porbeagle, Bass, Tope, Plaice, Turbot, Pollock, Bream and Rays. The summer months attract shoals of Bass. Boat Fishing Wales offers pleasure cruises and charter fishing - or a high speed experience on the ‘Panther’. http://www.boatfishingwales.com/ Burry Port SA16 0FE  01554 759034 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date.

Albert Rees in Carmarthen In a nutshell: Forget Parma Ham, it’s Carmarthen Ham that matters at Albert Rees the butchers in Carmarthen’s Indoor Market. Chris Rees, a fifth generation member of the Rees family, is one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes. The theory goes that when the Romans conquered Carmarthen they stole the recipe for air-dried hams. http://www.carmarthenham.co.uk/ Carmarthen SA31 1QY 01267 237687 The longer view: “When the Romans conquered Carmarthen, they pinched our recipe for Carmarthen ham.” So says Chris Rees, the fifth generation of the Rees family to supply cured hams and bacon to the Carmarthenshire community, a family business that stretches back to the 19th century. Chris – one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” – makes the award-winning air-dried Carmarthen hams, with his wife, Anne, to a secret recipe, for which they’re seeking appellation status. You can see the hams hanging high above the counters at Albert Rees, the butcher’s shop Chris runs in the Carma...

In a nutshell: Ashburnham Golf Club ‘The Ash’ is a highly-rated classic Welsh links golf course. Three Ryder Cup captains have won big tournaments here. The golf schedule includes - 2013 Men’s Welsh Amateur Championships; 2014 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships; 2015 Men’s Welsh Stroke Play Championships. http://www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk/ Pembrey SA16 0HN 01554 832269 The longer view: One of the classic Welsh links courses, no less than three Ryder Cup Captains have won tournaments at Ashburnham, namely Dai Rees, Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance. In 2010 Ashburnham are proud to host the amateur Home Internationals and the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 PGA Welsh Open. The first and final two holes are inland near the clubhouse, holes three to eight strike out parallel to the sea, and holes 9 to 15 run back with the wind directly behind. With out of bounds and assorted trouble on the right in both directions, there is no peace for the slicer. The fac...

In a nutshell: Amman Valley Leisure Centre Fancy an early morning dip or joining friends for an aerobics class? You’ll be made welcome at Amman Valley Leisure Centre. A friendly atmosphere, on-site parking and a team of fully qualified staff are reasons why more than 200,000 people a year enjoy the centre. http://www.actifsirgar.co.uk/english/leisurecentres/ammanvalley Ammanford SA18 2NP  01269 594517

In a nutshell: Apollo Cinema Carmarthen Brand new 3D multiplex with luxury stadium seating. It opened as Europe’s first all digital, fully 3D enabled cinema. The latest releases plus music, sports, opera and ballet – all shown using Sony 4K Digital Cinema and Dolby Surround sound. Relax in the café bar. http://apollocinemas.com/apollo-carmarthen.aspx Carmarthen SA31 1GA  0871 2206000 

In a nutshell: Aberglasney Gardens Outstanding heritage garden set in tranquil heart of the Tywi Valley. Restored to old glory, 10 acres of horticultural treasures include three walled gardens. Unique attractions include the Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister Garden and a Parapet Walk. A new woodland walk and the indoor Ninfarium provide surprises. www.aberglasney.org Llangathen SA32 8QH 01558 668998 The longer view: One of the finest and oldest gardens in Wales, Aberglasney has wonderful horticultural qualities and a long history. Within the 10 acres of garden there are three walled gardens. At its heart is the unique and fully restored Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister Garden and a Parapet Walk, which is the only example surviving in the UK. The Garden contains a magnificent collection of rare and unusual plants which are seldom seen elsewhere in the country. The ‘Ninfarium’ is an amazing indoor garden created within the ruinous rooms in the centre of the mansion.