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

Penny Lane and All That, by Camarthenshire (and Pembrey) author Ann Carlton, is published this week. It is a celebration of growing up in Liverpool’s Penny Lane neighbourhood during the 1940s and 1950s – the same era as the Beatles and Quarrymen. Ann Carlton grew up at Penny Lane. Her father rose from a poor background to become a senior local government officer; thus giving her unique insights into both poverty and affluence in the city at the time. After studying sociology at the London School of Economics, Ann had a career in politics and journalism. She was one of the first UK Government Special Advisers and, for a time, a Western Mail columnist. She lives with her husband, the former MP Denzil Davies, in Pembrey. From first-hand experience, she describes the Penny Lane area itself, the squalor of the city’s slums, the treatment of needy children and unmarried mothers, the glamour of civic events and the cultural diversity of the city – including the writer’s own Welsh b...

Captured brother's voice was 'hard to recognise' | This is South Wales The sister of a Carmarthen journalist held captive in Libya said he was choked with emotion when she spoke to him from his cell on Sunday evening. Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, originally from Llansteffan, was able to make an unexpected phone call to his sister in Pontargothi, near Carmarthen.

BBC News - Gareth Montgomery-Johnson's sister denies Libya spy claim The sister of a Welsh journalist detained in Libya has rejected claims her brother is a spy. Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 36, from Carmarthen, a cameraman with Iranian television network Press TV, is being held with colleague Nicholas Davies. The militia holding them say they are being investigated for alleged spying. Mr Montgomery-Johnson's sister Mel Gribble said: "He's not a spy. We emphatically don't regard him as a spy in any way shape or form."

BBC News - Family's worry over British journalists held in Libya The father of one of two British journalists held by former rebel fighters in Libya says the family is finding the impasse "very stressful". Cameraman Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 36, from Carmarthen, and reporter Nicholas Davies, 37, were captured by Misrata Brigade members last Tuesday. Mr Montgomery-Johnson's father Philip Johnson said he was relieved to hear the pair were being treated well. But he is worried they will not hand the Britons to the Libyan government.

BBC News - Efforts continue to free British journalists held in Libya Efforts are continuing to obtain the release of two British journalists who are being held by a group of former rebel fighters in Libya. Reporter Nicholas Davies and cameraman Gareth Montgomery-Johnson were detained by members of the Misrata Brigade on Tuesday and are being held in Tripoli. It is not clear if Mr Montgomery-Johnson, a cameraman from Carmarthen, and his colleague will face charges. Human Rights Watch says it has been denied access to the journalists.

Libyan militia hold TV newsman from Carmarthenshire | This is South Wales A journalist from Carmarthenshire has been seized by militiamen in Libya. His family have spoken of their shock and are appealing to the British Government to help.

'ITN tramp Ed Mitchell was once a TV golden boy, but drink and easy credit destroyed him,' says ex-wife | Mail Online ITN tramp Ed Mitchell was once a TV golden boy, but drink and easy credit destroyed him,' says ex-wife". What a sad story . . .