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

The latest Phil Evans column from the South Wales Evening Post. Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. ----------------------- Until last week, I’d never heard of Jodie Ginsberg or “The Index On Censorship”, the organisation of which she‘s the Chief Executive. But in the wake of the barbaric attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, she made a comment that, as a comedian who has to walk the tightrope between being ‘edgy’ and not deliberately offending people, I found very profound. “The ability to express ourselves freely is fundamental to a free society. “This includes the freedom to publish, to satirise, to joke, to criticise, even when that might cause offence to others. “Those who wish to silence free speech must never be allowed to prevail”. On stage, I’m able to say practically anything I want. I have, as Ms Ginsberg eloquently states, ‘The freedom to joke‘ - and I’m truly grateful to have that privilege. The cart...

Hywel Dda University Health Board has congratulated children at the Holy Name School in Fishguard who have been using their creativity to promote healthy living messages. The children submitted their entries into the Healthy Schools Twelve days of Christmas competition and their messages included suggestions like dressing up warm to stay well, eating more fruit, brushing your teeth twice a day and going for a walk more regularly. Mrs Robb the Head teacher in Holy Name, Fishguard said “As a school we are committed to encouraging our pupils to lead a healthy lifestyle and we are delighted that the high quality work produced by our pupils in PSHE has received this recognition.” Hywel Dda’s Director of Public Health, Teresa Owen added “I am delighted that the competition has given local school children an opportunity to get involved in promoting healthy living. “We hope to run the competition again next Christmas and I would encourage schools to get involved. Details about how to enter ...

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club have enjoyed taking part in the Mary's Meals backpack appeal. The club members and friends collected 59 backpacks to send to needy children in Africa. Project coordinator Alison Evans said she was delighted with the response. "We have had great fun building bridges with local schools to get response for the backpack appeal. "This is the first time we (as a club) have attempted anything like this and we are very grateful to the public for their response. "We know the backpacks are going to be put to good use in Africa, "Having seen some of the feedback videos from the delivery of the backpacks, I can say it is a wonderful donation. The joy on the faces of the children is incredible!" Llanelli Rotary Club President Hywel Bassett said: "We are a very active group of Rotarians who believe firmly in the Rotary motto of 'service above self'. "We have a number of community projects which are base...

There's a big shout out this week to tourism businesses in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthenshire Tourism Association wants to help build stronger links with local tourism business operators through Tourism Business Support Roadshows. Nia Ball, Chief Executive Carmarthenshire Tourism Association, explained: Those involved in running hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday cottages, places to eat etc are best placed to recommend that their guests and customers come to you, acting as ambassadors for your business. And so, any opportunities to meet and chat informally with these tourism trade representatives is a positive one, allowing you to share information, updates and news about what you offer to visitors to our county - and giving your industry colleagues the details they need to pass on, and to recommend and promote you… About the Tourism Business Support Roadshows We’re holding our informal ‘roadshows’ as a chance for tourism business operators to call in and chat with members...

It’s not just fruit and vegetables growing at Cefneithin’s community allotment – support for the scheme is growing too! The Growing Spaces project has certainly started to take root, with more people becoming involved to plant, tend for and pick fresh produce for their kitchens. Launched earlier this year, the allotment was a community initiative involving village residents, tenants and schoolchildren, with support from their local councillor and the Community Engagement Team from Carmarthenshire County Council’s housing department. Several raised beds were created, as well as sheds to store tools, and water butts to collect rainwater. And now, thanks to a £5,000 Awards for All grant and a £250 cheque from the Co-operative store in nearby Cross Hands, there’s more plans in the pipeline. Community Engagement Officer Janet Griffiths said: “The local community has really embraced this project, and you will often find people of all ages here working together to look after the fruit and...

The keep fit technique of Pilates is coming soon to Ammanford Leisure Centre. Pilates is a complete exercise method developed to improve physical and mental health. It focuses on building the body's core strength and improving posture through a series of low repetition and impact stretching as well as conditioning exercises. Pilates also helps to develop the core muscles without adding bulk, increases flexibility and agility, and at the same time tones the stomach and thigh muscles. It’s a complete body workout which works muscles you didn't even know you had! For further info call 01269 594517

Not for profit housing provider Gwalia has been granted planning permission to build 27 new homes on land off Heol Dyfnallt in Carmarthen. Gwalia is working in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council to deliver the affordable homes as a housing co-operative, one of three Welsh Government pilot projects in Wales. These pioneer projects will explore the use of co-operative models as an additional affordable housing option for people in Wales. The design of the two, three and four-bedroom homes has been inspired by the local architecture; brickwork facades mirror the material used most frequently in the locality, while the angular bays of nearby Job’s Well House have been modernised and incorporated into the design. The pale buff brick, dark grey window frames and good quality brick detailing seek to produce an elegant result. Jonathan Hughes, Director of Development at Gwalia said “We are delighted to have been granted planning permission for this innovative housing project. W...