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

Carmarthen Town beat Bryntirion 1-0 in today's friendly fixture played at Richmond Park, Carmarthen.

Off to Carmarthen for the friendly match between Welsh Premier league Carmarthen Town and Welsh League champions Bryntirion.

I am grateful to my good friend Alan Evans from St Clears for this contribution to the current debate on whether Llandeilo should have a new Sainsbury's superstore. Community Based Model Community owns and shares land for allotments Community purchases seed from local farmers and suppliers Community grows fruit and vegetables and trades with other communities for non-localised goods at fair trade prices Community supplies community-owned shops, cafe and population Community-owned shops and café pays community supplier Community shop and café provides for community Community supplier spends money in the community Community shares monopoly on food production and supply Community prospers Corporate Based Model (This model although simplistic highlights what most supermarkets are aiming for) Corporates own land Corporates dictate who grows what from what seeds Corporate brings in own goods from corporate suppliers from anywhere they can get it at the lowest price Corporate supplies co

Splendid 70th birthday party for David Gravell (of Gravells Garage, Kidwelly fame) at the Stradey Park Hotel last night. Great speeches from Dai Vaughan and Dai 'Llanilar' Jones.

Award winning West Wales brewer Evan-Evans has joined forces with a group of Llandeilo residents to campaign against the planned Sainsbury’s superstore development on the outskirts of the town. The proposed superstore is currently being considered by Carmarthenshire County Council. The Chief Executive of Evan-Evans brewery, Simon Buckley, said: ‘This superstore will destroy our wonderful market town. “The store will be four times bigger than all the retail stores in Llandeilo combined together. “There will be a massive increase in the number of cars and delivery vehicles coming through Llandeilo, and for many small food retailers in Llandeilo it will be the beginning of the end. “Is that what we want for our lovely and historic market town of Llandeilo? “Sainsbury’s have lulled the town’s people into believing that they will bring a cheaper food and fuel to the town. “But, hang on, we are in a rural agricultural area, where many of the shops use local suppliers! “In addition, the new s

Llanelli Rotary Club will be meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 10. The format is a committee evening. Other meetings this month at the Stradey Park Hotel - Friday August 19, 1pm lunch, and Wednesday, August 24, 7.30pm, guest speaker to be announced. Anyone interested in joining Rotary can ring the club's marketing and communications officer, Robert Lloyd, for an informal chat on 07777 683637.

Brewer Simon Buckley, of Evan-Evans in Llandeilo, gives his views on the current debate about whether Sainsbury's should be allowed to build a supermarket on the outskirts of the historic town - Are the people of Llandeilo going to roll over and let the town be destroyed by a major development that will increase pollution, and destroy generational family businesses that are trading in the town? The simple answer is yes; if we do not oppose the proposed development. I am not against Sainsbury's as a retailer, but I am opposed to Sainsbury's in Llandeilo. Why are the people of Llandeilo lulled into the false belief that Sainsbury's will be the company that brings us cheap everything? We live in an agricultural community. The farmers have been outspoken critics of the supermarkets, and yet we have heard nothing from them over the proposed development in Llandeilo. Nor have we had any professional guidance from our town council, whom it appears are offering no lead on this.

A new minibus service means that Heart of Wales railway line passengers can easily access the spectacular Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley. The Tywi Valley Explorer minibus will meet trains at Llandeilo station every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during August and September. A day ticket for the bus costs £2, but you then get 50 per cent off your admission to Aberglasney when you show your ticket at the gate. “The service is a wonderful way to explore the countryside,” said a spokesman for Aberglasney. “It also means you can relax on your journey to the house and gardens. Just let the train and the bus take the strain!” The Tywi Valley Explorer minibus also serves Dinefwr Park (National Trust), Dryslwyn Castle (CADW), and the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Seats on the minibus must be pre-booked by 2pm the day before you travel, as space is limited. The service is wheelchair accessible. Concessionary travel passes are not valid on the bus. You can pre-book by ringin

Lovely piece in the Tenby Observer about the Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa and its new £2million spa - http://ning.it/naQywI Spotlight on the latest news and results from The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club in the South Wales Evening Post today. Good story by Liz Perkins in the South Wales Evening Post today about the Healing The Wounds charity fighting for funds from Help4Heroes.

The team at Red Kite Law, the newest and biggest law firm in South West Wales, have been doing their bit to raise money for charity. A staff summer party raised £111.75 for the Wales Air Ambulance. Other charitable donations recently made by Red Kite Law include - Haverfordwest Girl Guides - £25.00. Withybush Hospital Special Care Baby Unit(SCBU – £25.00. Royal British Legion - £150.00. Liam’s Dream (a little boy from Pembrokeshire with cerebral palsy, raising money to go to America for an operation, see http://www.liamsdream.co.uk/) - £100.00. Kacey Fisher (terminally ill little girl to go to Disneyland) - £250.00. Cystic Fibrosis - £50.00. Cancer Research – £45.00. AYME (the largest charity for children and young people with ME/CFS) - £50.00. Ty Cymorth (the day hospice in Carmarthen - £50.00. Mary Immaculate School in Pembrokeshire (repair fire damage) - £250.00. Red Kite Law has been established through the merger of two long-established law firms in South West Wales – Lowless &

Graham Williams is the new President of Llanelli Rotary Club, taking over from Melanie Carroll-Cliffe, who is pictured getting ready to hand over the official chain of office. Mr Williams is the manager of the Llanelli and District Cemetery. The club meets weekly at the Stradey Park Hotel and you can find out more about Llanelli Rotary by visiting the website at - http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.asp?ClubID=936

Investing in people is paying off for the newest and biggest law firm in South West Wales, Red Kite Law. “It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but it is a proven fact that investment in people always pays dividends,” said Red Kite Law managing partner Luke Smith. The law firm has just achieved the prestigious Investors in People award and has been given the quality benchmark stamp for three years. “It’s a great boost to us as a law firm and an endorsement of the way we like to work as a business. “As a law firm, we always stress the need for strong standards and for providing a trusted service. “For us, those standards start at the core of the business and how we help to develop and nurture our staff. “Here at Red Kite Law, we have happily taken on board the ideas and practices laid down by Investors in People. Making sure our staff reach and fulfil their potential is hugely important to us. “We are a unique, innovative law firm, founded on the principle of specialist expertise. Our te

Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat sufferers of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), is raising its profile at Cardiff Airport. If you’re taking a holiday out of Cardiff Airport, then you are likely to be met by volunteers raising funds for the charity. “We’ve already received a great deal of help from the general public in fund-raising and we’re very grateful for businesses and councils who have helped by giving us permission for bucket collections,” said Healing The Wounds fund-raising manager Rachel Phillips. “Now, we’ve been handed a great opportunity by the team at Cardiff Airport to carry out bucket collections from now until October 31. “Holidaymakers and travellers often end up with lots of loose change weighing them down at airports, so it’s a great opportunity for us as a charity. “It will also go a long way to helping to raise the profile of the charity, which is now running regular treatment courses for people with PTSD. “The work we do is hugely valu

The newest and biggest law firm in South West Wales, Red Kite Law, has chalked up its first major tender success. The firm has been successful in tendering to provide legal services to the South West Wales Legal Consortium. The consortium includes 11 local authorities, three police authorities, Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Authority and Swansea University. “It’s a big feather in our cap and a good start to establishing ourselves as a major force in the legal world in Wales, said Red Kite Law managing partner Luke Smith. “We are a new firm and a great deal of hard work had to go into our tender bid. But we are delighted that it was a success and credit must go to the hard-working team here at Red Kite Law who made it happen.” The six original members of the South West Wales Legal Consortium were: Carmarthenshire County Council; Bridgend County Borough Council; Ceredigion County Council; Pembrokeshire County Council; Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council; and Swansea City and

You’ve seen the TV series and you might even have read the books . . . Now, there’s the chance to see colourful Cranford brought to life as an open-air theatre performance. The venue will be the stunning Aberglasney Historic House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley. The gardens will ‘become’ Cranford when the Chapterhouse Theatre Company stages a performance on Thursday, August 18 (7.30pm). Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic novellas, this brand-new adaptation of Cranford will bring a smile to young and old alike as the adventures and dramas of life in the countryside are brought to picturesque Aberglasney The Chapterhouse Theatre Company is a professional touring production group bringing its wide range of experience to venues across Britain. The company – now entering its 10th season of productions - prides itself on fully accessible, traditional but innovative productions. A spokesman for Chapterhouse said: “Brush off your bustle and fasten your bonnets as we invite you to the sleepy

It’s the newest and biggest law firm in South West Wales and it’s called Red Kite Law. The new team of legal eagles has been established through the merger of two long-established law firms in South West Wales – Lowless & Lowless and Morris Roberts. “It’s a major move for two very well known legal names in South West Wales,” said Red Kite Law senior partner John Lewis. “But it’s a marriage which puts us in an unrivalled position to provide a first class service to the people and the businesses of South West Wales.” Mr Lewis added: “The traditional route in mergers such as this one between law firms is to end up with some lengthy name such as Lowless & Lowless and Morris Roberts. “That option wasn’t for us as a new law firm as we are setting out our stall out as a unique, innovative law firm, founded on the principle of specialist expertise. “So, we decided to go for a new name for the new firm and Red Kite Law was the result – a new which reflects our ‘local’ roots and reflects

The George Melly Sculpture Appeal will have a high profile at the Brecon Jazz Weekend later this month. Melly lived locally and was huge supporter of the jazz festival. As we all gear up for Brecon Jazz 2011, Martin Chilton's article reminds us of the history of " A festival with buzz" and George Melly's important role in its successs - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/brecon-jazz-festival/8623717/Brecon-Jazz-History-of-a-festival-with-buzz.html It is fitting that The George Melly Sculpture Appeal is presenting fringe events either side of the festival weekend on Thursday 11th and Monday 15th August with the message "Come to Brecon Jazz 2011 - if you can, come a day early, stay a day later!" For more information, see - www.georgemellysculpture.org.uk Events - Thursday 11th August at 7.30 pm, the Appeal is presenting Twelve Poems : The Dylan Thomas Jazz Suite at Theatr Brycheiniog by pianist Jen Wilson and her ensemble featuring Paula Gardiner and Margot Mo

Latest Llanelli Rotary Club leaflet has been completed - http://ning.it/q4MX94 and on YuDu at http://ning.it/nlnQUs

People across Carmarthenshire have given their views on life and services in the county. An extensive independent survey was carried out to find out how residents felt about a range of issues including council services, safety, health, transport and their communities. The information will be used by all major organisations when planning services and developments for the future. A company called BMG conducted the confidential survey using a representative sample of 1,000 residents. Council Leader Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We want to know what people think about the council, our services and their local communities. Only by gathering this information can we identify where improvements to the services, facilities and information that we provide can be made.” Results show that over four fifths of people – 83 per cent – are satisfied with the services provided by Carmarthenshire County Council. Only a small proportion – five per cent – expressed dissatisfaction. At least nine out of 10 resp

Children across Carmarthenshire are enjoying books due to the success of the county’s Bookstart scheme. Libraries have given out 100 per cent of the packs gifted to them through the initiative which aims to promote enjoyment of reading and books for toddlers and young children. The scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly, and is a partnership between libraries, health and education, and is delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, the Hywel Dda Health Board and other local partners. A Bookstart spokesman said: “Many congratulations to Carmarthenshire on the percentage reach of the Bookstart packs. “To gift 100 per cent of both packs to families in the county is an amazing achievement!” Baby and Early Years Bookstart packs are available from the area libraries at Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen, and some of the larger branch libraries. Education executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “Thanks to our staff for making this scheme such a success in Carmarthenshire. “It is

Wild or cow parsnip prevalent in Carmarthenshire parks is a natural hazard of the all hedgerows, countryside pastures and open developed areas. At the Discovery Centre on Llanelli’s North Dock warning notices of its presence have been posted and there are a further 10 notices at entrances to the Millennium Coastal Park with pictures of the weed. At this time of the year, county countryside officer Simeon Jones advises people should be cautious of nettles, broom, blackberry and dewberry bramble, hogweed and ragwort as well as wild parsnip all of which exist in open spaces and can cause similar problems. Wild parsnip causes a non-allergic dermatitis that can occur with the right combination of plant juice and sunlight. You can touch and brush against the plant - carefully - without harm, unlike stinging nettles. Wild parsnip is only a risk when its sap gets on skin from broken leaves or stems. Fair-skinned may be extra-sensitive to tiny amounts of sap. The florets of the plant can su

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - Carmarthen Town AFC, through our EMC Services-sponsored Community Programme, is committed to giving local primary school children the opportunity to play on Richmond Park and watch their club for free again this season. Primary schools have been invited to participate in the scheme, which started very successfully last season. Matches will be played at half-time on a mini-pitch on Richmond Park, usually on a Friday night under floodlights. Games will last for 10 minutes for teams of eight-a-side with three substitutes. Paul Ashley-Jones, Head of the Community Programme at Carmarthen Town AFC, said: “We hope that the experience of playing on a Welsh Premier League ground in front of hundreds of spectators will be unforgettable for both the children and their parents. “In addition to the children playing, unlimited additional free children’s tickets are available for supporters, together

The ‘Policy Statement regarding the Welsh language’ has been launched in Carmarthenshire. The launch was part of Gŵyl Hwyl Llandybie Fun Festival, Gŵyl Fwyd Castell Newydd Emlyn Food Festival and Cwm Gwendraeth’s Mabolgampau Meithrin Sports held in Pontyberem Park. The document was prepared by Mentrau Sir Gâr Partnership Group, which includes the Welsh Language Board, Carmarthenshire County Council, Menter Bro Dinefwr, Menter Cwm Gwendraeth and Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr. The group promotes, supports and ensures the use of the Welsh language in every aspect of life in Carmarthenshire. The vision is to see establishments and organisations working together and with people across the county, from all backgrounds, to promote the Welsh language. The Carmarthenshire Integrated Community Strategy Partnerships have committed to five aims of the document which are: • To increase the numbers and percentages who speak, understand, read and write Welsh • To increase the use of the Welsh language and

Welsh learners can take advantage of a summer school at Ferryside before the new term starts. The course is being run by Carmarthenshire County Council from August 30 to September 2, from 9.30am to 4pm on all days. It is an opportunity for learners to revise before the regular community courses start the week commencing September 19, the course also provides a good starting point for new learners. There will be six groups at different levels. Group 1 is aimed at absolute beginners who haven't been on any course previously, and is ideal for anyone who needs extra support because it will give a good basic foundation ready for the end of September. Groups 2 and 3 are for Mynediad level. Groups 4 and 5 are aimed at Sylfaen level. Group 6 is for learners who have succeeded in learning Welsh to GCSE level and are hoping to progress on to higher levels in the autumn. A free crèche will be provided in partnership with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth. Children must be booked in advance. The cost

A new vocational learning centre is open in Llanelli to benefit secondary schools and adults wanting to learn skills in DIY and construction. The centre is part of TAD Builders Temple Works site in Furnace and has been developed through a partnership between Coleg Sir Gâr, Llanelli secondary schools, Carmarthenshire County Council’s adult community learning and TAD. It will give pupils in the Llanelli area access to construction related courses through their school curriculum, and provide adult learners with part-time evening courses in construction, plus short courses in home maintenance. Paul White, headteacher at St John Lloyd School and chair of the Llanelli 14-19 Network Cluster said: “Currently, we are only able to send Llanelli schoolchildren to the college’s Ammanford campus, but transport costs and travelling time are prohibitive so having a centre in town is great news.” TAD Builders Managing Director Anthony Jones said:”The children will benefit from being around a working

Good to see Carmarthen artist Mark Cox in the Waverley in Carmarthen today. Check out his art at - http://markcoxpaintings.co.uk/

Gall pobl sy'n dysgu Cymraeg fanteisio ar ysgol haf a gaiff ei chynnal yng Nglanyfferi cyn dechrau'r tymor newydd. Mae'r cwrs, sy'n cael ei redeg gan Gyngor Sir Caerfyrddin, yn para o 9.30am hyd 4.00pm bob dydd o 30 Awst i 2 Medi. Mae'n gyfle i ddysgwyr adolygu cyn bod y cyrsiau cymunedol rheolaidd yn cychwyn yn yr wythnos sy'n dechrau 19 Medi. Hefyd, mae'r cwrs yn fan cychwyn da ar gyfer dysgwyr newydd. Bydd chwe grŵp ar wahanol lefelau. Mae Grŵp 1 yn targedu dechreuwyr llwyr sydd heb fod ar gwrs o'r blaen. Mae'n gwrs delfrydol i unrhyw un sydd ag angen cymorth ychwanegol ac yn ddechreuad da, yn barod at ddiwedd Medi. Mae Grwpiau 2 a 3 yn rhai lefel Mynediad. Mae Grwpiau 4 a 5 yn targedu'r lefel Sylfaen. Mae Grŵp 6 ar gyfer dysgwyr sydd wedi llwyddo i ddysgu Cymraeg i lefel TGAU ac sy'n gobeithio mynd ymlaen i lefel uwch yn yr hydref. Darperir meithrinfa am ddim ar y cyd â Menter Cwm Gwendraeth. Rhaid trefnu lle i blant ymlaen llaw. £52 yw

Library members in Carmarthenshire can now download e-books through a new service launched this month. It is being offered to make libraries and books more accessible to people and easier to use. All that’s needed is a library card, a library PIN number and a PC or MAC connected to the internet. A wide selection of books are available to download and are issued for a loan period of 21 days, after which time they expire. Once the e-book has been downloaded it can be transferred to other devices such as e-readers, tablets and smart phones. Books which have already been downloaded by another library member can be reserved and an alert will be emailed as soon as the title becomes available. Borrowers can download or reserve up to four titles. Categories available include fiction; arts; language; science; children’s; education; sports and leisure; biographies; health; and computing. The eBook service is being offered at six Welsh authorities from this month, including Carmarthenshire, with

Libraries across Carmarthenshire are welcoming children to this year’s circus-themed Summer Reading Challenge. Children aged between four and 11 are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the summer holidays. Every child who completes the challenge will get a certificate or medal, plus there are small prizes and rewards along the way. The 2011 Summer Reading Challenge is called Circus Stars and follows six children who have signed up for a contemporary circus skills academy. As they read books, mirrored by children everywhere who are doing the challenge via their local libraries, they gain new circus skills through three important stages: Practice, Rehearsal and Showtime. An interactive Circus Stars website www.circus-stars.org.uk also links children with top authors and illustrators, has games to play and gives them space to talk about their favourite books. Carmarthenshire’s education executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “Circus Stars promotes the

Off to Carmarthen for the (sunny) delights of market day in the town and a series of meetings.

Just back from a photo shoot with TAD Builders, of Llanelli, re a sustainable business project at St John Lloyd School in the town.

Smashing feature on rising Ashburnham Golf Club star, 15-year-old Nia Greville, in the Llanelli Star today. Llanelli Star sports pages put the spotlight on the latest results from The Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey - and a Texas Scramble pic! Spotlight in the Llanelli Star today on Llanelli Business Network International BNI club's latest recruits to their Thurs breakfast meeting. Lovely picture in the Llanelli Star today of Llanelli Rotarian Mark Evans, who completed the Carten 100 charity bike ride. Smashing story in the Llanell Star about Erwyd Rees donating his famous 1972 Scarlets v All Blacks 9-3 signed ruby ball to the hospital. Nice tribute to Cor Meibion Llanelli member Anthony 'Biffo' Richards in the Llanelli Star today. He died aged 53. Carmarthen Journal back page puts the spotlight on Carmarthen Town AFC's latest recruits for the Welsh Premier League campaign. Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC football club column is in the Carma

Thank you very much, folks. Thanks to you, dear readers and visitors, this blog is continuing to pick up more hits. It's now hit the 43,000 page views mark. That's 3,000 more views since July 18. Keep the hits coming, folks! Much appreciated. Many thanks. See earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/40000-visits-chalked-up.html Meanwhile, the blog has chalked up its first visitor from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The full country by country list (figures from January 6, 2010) is as follows - United Kingdom (GB) 12,930; United States (US) 1,523; India (IN) 110; Belgium (BE) 103; Canada (CA) 87; Australia (AU) 80; Germany (DE) 79; France (FR) 75; Ireland (IE) 62; Taiwan (TW) 60; Europe (EU) 52; Netherlands (NL) 34; Italy (IT) 33; Spain (ES) 30; Philippines (PH) 29; Qatar (QA) 29; New Zealand (NZ) 25; Pakistan (PK) 22; United Arab Emirates (AE) 20; Poland (PL) 20; Malaysia (MY) 20; Russian Federation (RU) 19; Japan (JP) 17; Singapore (SG) 15; Brazil (BR) 14; South Africa (

In her first public engagement as Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth, Professor April McMahon welcomed more than 70 learners of Welsh from all corners of the World to the University on the opening day of the Cwrs Haf Awst 2011. The course, which is aimed at beginners and more experienced learners, is organised by the Mid Wales Welsh for Adults Centre at Aberystwyth University. It runs from 1 to 26 August and this year welcomes learners from America, Brittany, Poland, Germany, Australia, Japan and England, as well as Wales. Professor McMahon, who has been learning Welsh since March of this year, addressed learners at a special reception at 6.30 on Monday evening 1 August at Tamed Da on the Penglais campus. The evening included entertainment by the folk group Cerddcegin. Cwrs Haf Awst offers a full programme of social activity to enable learners to use their Welsh and get a taste of life and culture in the Aberystwyth area. The programme includes an evening to welcome the learners at St Mary

Eight of the United States’ brightest students are visiting Aberystwyth University as part of a pioneering new Summer Institute which will introduce them to the culture, history, politics and landscape of Wales. Three universities across Wales were appointed by the prestigious US-UK Fulbright Commission to run the first Wales Fulbright Institute and the students have already embarked on their journey through Wales, starting at Cardiff University. From the capital city, they travelled up to Bangor University where they stayed for a fortnight and they have now arrived in Aberystwyth where they will be spending their final two weeks. During their time in Aberystwyth, they will look at Wales and its relationships with the wider world and begin to think about different ways Wales is facing up to the challenges of the future. Dr Marc Welsh, Academic Director for the Fulbright Summer Institute, said: “The historic links between Wales and the USA are more extensive than many people think as a

Trimsaran residents are calling for traffic calming measures throughout the village. Sixty-three attended an exhibition at the leisure centre to publicise traffic calming throughout the village including a variable speed limit in the vicinity of the school. The meeting was called by local member and Leader of Carmarthenshire Council Cllr Meryl Gravell who said it was clearly an issue people were concerned enough about to get a scheme in place fairly quickly. It means that at school times the speed limit will be 20mph about village school reverting at other times to 30mph. Cllr Gravell said many who attended the meeting requested a safer pedestrian crossing feature to be created just east of the mini roundabout. “Others wanted to see the existing mini roundabout feature to be made safer. There were concerns that some drivers were speeding at this location. They were also short cutting and not circumnavigating the roundabout whilst others were not yielding to the right. “We have marked u

Carmarthenshire has been awarded more than £1.9million by the Welsh Government for achieving improvements to services. The money is given through the Outcome Agreements between the Welsh Government and all councils in Wales. They focus on local government service improvement and are designed to link in with the Welsh Government’s priorities, using a grant as a central lever for improvement. The grant, known as the Outcome Agreement Grant (OAG), is paid to the council according to the level of improvement they achieve and the outcomes they deliver. Carmarthenshire County Council was the first in Wales to report progress and was awarded the maximum grant of £1,922,000 for its performance. Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Local Government and Communities said: “Carmarthenshire has clearly made a significant commitment to delivering this agreement, and to working in partnership with us and local agencies to do so. There were few if any grounds for doubt, with much evidence of very strong p

It's back to the trenches in Burry Port to beat a drug habit. The trenches have been excavated by Carmarthenshire Council to protect land on the fringes of the Millennium Coastal Park at Burry Port because of reports of its use by drug users and dealers. Residents in Heol Vaughan and Tanbryn have complained to Carmarthenshire Council of cars gathering at night on land between Shoreline Caravan Park and Ashburnham Golf Club. They claim scores of cars and local youngsters are involved. They are driving their vehicles on to the land and leave behind evidence of drug taking paraphernalia including bags full of needles that have been recovered and handed in by residents. The land is the part of the Pembrey Harbour system built almost 200 years ago (1819) that was filled in by the former Burry Port Urban Council as an incinerator land fill and domestic tipping site in the early 1970's. The land has been earthed and grassed over and has had limited leisure use. At one time Ashburnham

There's a love 'em or hate 'em relationship with Burry Port residents and their 63 speed humps. It has been a year since the town-wide scheme of 20mph zones and traffic calming was introduced. Accidents have been all but eliminated. There have been two in 13-months where there were five between 2003 and 2008. At a post scheme monitoring public meeting some residents attending asked for humps to be removed and an equal number for more humps to be installed. Forty-eight attended Burry Port Memorial Hall with residents of Elkington Road asking for the number of humps in their street to be reduced. However, residents in Heol Vaughan and Sea View Terrace were demanding they have them installed. Overall there was a balanced view for and against the humps for those to attended exhibition. Analysis has revealed that speeds on roads in Burry Port has been reduced by a third since the introduction of humps. One resident Kathryn Evans, of Stepney Road said: "I would like to see f

A Merlin Hunt is taking place through the centre of Carmarthen as part of the town’s Merlin Festival. Organisers have identified eight shops in the town centre who are displaying a Merlin puppet in their window with a number on it. Members of the public are being encouraged to use the clues given in the Carmarthen Journal, on discovercarmarthenshire.com and from the Tourist Information Centre to find the puppets and complete the application form. These will also be available on the day. The prize is a bicycle worth £100 and a family cinema ticket for Apollo cinema sponsored by Merlin’s Walk and St Catherine’s Walk. The Merlin, Magic and Mystery Festival itself will take place on Saturday August 13 to celebrate the legend and folklore of the town’s ancient links with the world’s most famous wizard. Members of the public are being asked to dress up in magical costumes, which could include Harry Potter lookalikes as the film will be showing at the end of July. Organisers have also been p

A dog owner has been fined £75 for failing to clean up after her pet during a ‘Poop Scoop Week’ event in Pendine. The 48-year-old woman from Llanelli was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 by the council’s environmental enforcement officers. They were on patrol in the area at the time of the incident which happened at the mini golf course near the Museum of Speed where children were playing. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a fine of up to £1,000. The incident occurred during a National Poop Scoop Week 2011 event to raise awareness on dog fouling and its consequences. The council’s ‘poop scoop’ team were in the village with information and advice and free poop bags. Executive Board Member for the Environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “The council is determined to stop the problem of dog fouling and improve the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire. “By taking part in National Poop Scoop Week we are reminding dog

Support from Carmarthenshire County Council is helping to provide first class community facilities in Felinfoel, help people escape the debt trap, find work or enjoy their retirement. The council’s Chief Executive Mark James toured projects in the Llanelli area with officers from the regeneration and leisure department to see for himself the benefits being enjoyed by the local community. He visited the Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First base in Station Road, Llanelli, to meet staff and volunteers from the Llanelli Communities First Debt and benefit Support, Volunteering Demonstration Project. The three year project is now at his halfway mark and is already exceeding expectations with more than 2,000 people helped by the volunteers, more than three times the whole project target. The target for dealing with almost £1.4m of domestic debt has already nearly been met. Communities First Volunteer Development Officer Bryony Wiffen said: “The figures speak for themselves and are evidence o

Back from Aberglasney and straight into a meeting at Morganstone Construction followed by another one with Rotary at the Stradey Park Hotel.

Off to the wonderful gardens at Aberglasney in the Tywi Valley for a business meeting.

Carmarthenshire Council believes it may be the first council in Wales to use a pioneering legal order to bring an empty private home back into use. The council has taken over No.2 Station Road, Llangennech, a three-bedroom semi which has been left empty and in state of disrepair for almost 15 years. The property – which has attracted vandalism, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping over the years – has become the subject of the authority’s first Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO), which in the absence of the owner’s cooperation has led to the service of a rarely used Final Empty Dwelling Management Order (FEDMO). Only three EDMOs have been granted in Wales, with only 50 in the UK as a whole. An FEDMO is the final stage in the process and has been rarely used in the UK. The order enables local authorities to take over management of empty properties for up to seven years. Robin Staines, Head of Housing, said: “Carmarthenshire County Council is now improving the property, which will b

A rhyme, song, craft and story session for pre-school children is taking place at Ammanford library next week. The session is being held on Wednesday, August 10, from 11am -12noon. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Western Mail article featuring Simon Buckley and the Evan-Evans brewery - http://ning.it/rdFXZU

Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley featured in an excellent article on the rise in the fortunes of real ale in the Western Mail today.

The Flagship Evan-Evans brewery pub, The Cricketers in Cardiff, has won a top food award. The Cricketers has been judged the Best Food Pub in Wales and is now in the running for the UK title. The award is given by the pub industry’s leading magazine and website, The Publican’s Morning Advertiser. “It’s a major ‘Howzat!’ moment for one of the newest pubs in Cardiff,” said owner Simon Buckley. “The pub is in a great location in Cathedral Road and is proving hugely popular with customers old and new. “We have strived to put the emphasis on quality in everything we do – from the food, to the service and the award-winning real ales we offer from our renowned Evan-Evans brewery in Llandeilo. “Excellence is the watchword at The Cricketers and the nomination for this national award reflects great credit on the team working under manager Michelle Francis.” The Cricketers beat off the challenge of numerous pubs across Wales to claim the Welsh title. The Publican’s Morning Advertiser awards are r

Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity dedicated to helping victims of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has received another snub from the Help for Heroes charity. Help for Heroes has turned down a grant request from the Bridgend-based charity. “We probably shouldn’t be too surprised,” said the founder and executive director of Healing The Wounds, Kevin Richards (pictured above). “We have had plenty of discussions with Help for Heroes before about the way funds are allocated to Wales and our hopes were fairly slim when we submitted the grant application. “There is a major identity problem within Wales over what the two charities do and I have known some people to get us confused with Help for Heroes. “We are a very different type of charity. “Help for Heroes operates on a UK-wide level and only pays lip service to Wales. It also works closely with the Ministry of Defence, which means it is often filling in gaps in MoD requirements. “Help for Heroes, as a charity, also draws the lin