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

Off to Cardiff for the big Grand Slam match - Wales v France.

Essential maintenance works on the A483 at Llandybie are programmed to commence on Tuesday 20th March 2012. The works are being carried out on behalf of the South Wales Trunk Road Agency acting as Agent for the Welsh Government. The main contractor will be Tarmac Limited with Atkins, as the Consulting Engineer, supervising the works. The works comprise of drainage repairs, ironwork replacement, kerbing and footway works and re-surfacing works. Traffic management will be in place to protect the workforce and manage the flow of traffic. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation 24hr,s manually controlled during peak periods to minimize delays to the travelling public. This is a busy section of road and unfortunately, due to the nature of the works, there will be disruption to road users whilst the works are in progress; however, every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum. The works are programmed to be completed by the end of May 2012 subject to weather conditions.

It's planned to get Shopmobility’s wheels moving soon in Llanelli. After 10 years of trying, Llanelli Shopmobility opens up at 16 Cowell Street on April 2. Shopmobility is a scheme which hires manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public of all ages with limited mobility to shop and to visit leisure and commercial facilities within town centres. Carmarthenshire Council have guaranteed £30,000 for each of the first three years thanks to the support of a Welsh Government transport grant. Chairman of Llanelli Shopmobility Roy Coslett said: “I have been involved for more than a decade and accede it has been a long time coming and is a service that desperately needed in Llanelli. “We have the benefit of having a Llanelli company, LTC , helping to deliver the Llanelli operation which will be a tremendous advantage because of their knowledge of mobility issues in Llanelli. “Other authorities and organisations have pledged to support us now th

Pembrey golf professional Martin Stimson is celebrating five years as the ‘Pro’ at the Ashburnham Championship Links golf course. “It’ a marvellous course and one which makes it a pleasure coming to work every day,” said the 45-year-old. Stimson has known the course as man and boy, being born in Pembrey and a former pupil of Glan-y-Mor School in Burry Port. “I originally came here during the time Richard Player was here in the 1980s. I trained under Robert Ryder for five years. “I went back into engineering work for a while, but then turned Pro when I was 30. “I spent some time at Milford Haven, but then came back here as Pro in 2007. “I’ve known some of the members since I was a boy and they are a great crowd.” Stimson’s work as club Pro involves a number of duties. “I run the club shop and, of course, I am available for lessons. “We run a service centre for power caddies, we hire out buggies and we look after all sorts of repairs. “The focus is always on looking after club members

Hywel Dda Health Board | Support for families (Carmarthenshire) Support is now available to vulnerable families in rural mid and west Wales to enable them to make positive lifestyle changes in the interests of their children and the whole family. The Integrated Family Support Service (IFSS), officially launched  by Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services at Llanelli’s Parc Y Scarlets, is being delivered in partnership by Hywel Dda and Powys Teaching Local Health Boards with Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys Local Authorities In Carmarthenshire this will result in an annual quarter of a million pounds invested in working with some of our most vulnerable families. The county’s multi-disciplinary team will be based in Llanelli and will work intensively with families who have multiple problems, in particular those who suffer from drug and alcohol misuse.

Appeal for information continues for missing pensioner | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police are continuing their appeals for information or sightings of a 78-year-old man who has been missing since Monday. John William Davies is described as being a white male, of slim build, 5’9” – 5’10”, greying ‘mousey’ hair, wearing fawn coloured corduroy trousers, fawn coloured countryman shirt, camel V neck long sleeved top, brown leather deck shoes. He was last seen in the Taliesin area of Aberystwyth at approximately 10am on 12th March, in possession of a Maroon Red coloured Rover 45 W163 GEJ.

The legal team at Redkite has beaten off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand called QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Redkite will now be rebranded as QualitySolicitors Redkite. “The name changes, but we remain your ‘local’ solicitors for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire,” said QualitySolicitors Redkite managing partner Luke Smith. “Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place. “But the new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.” QualitySolicitors is expanding fast to becoming a household name, with strong media and television campaigns. The game changing group now has 220 branches across the UK and has ambitions to be present in every major UK town and city. Mr Smith (pictured above) said the Redkite team was delighted to be chosen as the only law f

Nice story in the South Wales Evening Post today - Aberglasney Gardens in Top 10 places to visit for Mothering Sunday.

Aberystwyth University has announced the publication of the new prospectus for entry in 2013. Earlier in the year, the demand for places in 2012 was so buoyant, that this popular university had to close all its courses to new Home and European applicants who applied after the UCAS deadline of 15 January. Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor, explained: “Although we live in an increasingly technological age, there is still a significant need for traditional published media. With the increase in applications we have had to print more copies of our prospectus year on year so great is demand.” This year, Aberystwyth University has pioneered the introduction of QR (quick response) codes in the undergraduate prospectus.  These codes enable people with smart phones to scan a special bar code which then provides a direct link to a website or to a video presentation.  Aberystwyth will be amongst the first universities in the UK to publish a ‘QR friendly’ prospectus. Professor

There’s a new team at the helm at The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course in Pembrey. The new club captain is structural engineer Mel Williams. And the new ladies captain is Iris Jacob. Mr Williams, 69, has been playing at ‘The Ash’ for 53 years, since he was 16. “When I was brought up in Pembrey and most of the local boys in played golf as well as the traditional sports of rugby and cricket,” Mr Williams said. “I’m really looking forward to my year as club captain. The fellowship and the fun is great here and I am looking forward to all the competitions and activities planned for the year.” Ladies captain Mrs Jacob is a post office worker living in Pembrey. She started playing golf in 1994. She recalled: “I started playing on the advice of a friend. I’d just become a widow and she brought me down to ‘The Ash’ to try the game. I’ve made new friends and been given a new lease of life with a new circle of friends.” Mrs Jacob added: “We have a wonderful course here at ‘The Ash’ an

Award-winning South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership are celebrating winning a place on a UK-wide register which is designed to champion efficiency and best practice. Constructionline is a partnership between the Government and Capita and is designed to deliver savings for both the public and private sector. “Constructionline isn’t a name which is well known among the general public, but it is a real door-opener in business,” said Lewis Partnership Managing Director Philip Lewis. “You have to meet key standards for a place on the Constructionline register and we’ve been successful in achieving Constructionline registration. “Constructionline is the UK’s largest register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants. “At the heart of what they do is a national online database. In terms of efficiency, time and cost saving and best practice, Constructionline is proven to deliver for public and private sector organisations alike. “The service is recommended by the Government’s Offi

Hywel Dda Health Board | New health centre for Aberystwyth Padarn Surgery and Hywel Dda Health Board are pleased to announce that patients from Padarn GP surgery in Aberystwyth will soon benefit from a new purpose built facility. The new Meddygfa Padarn Surgery on Penglais Road replaces the current premises in 26 North Parade and offers the opportunity to provide an enhanced range of GP services.

Motorcyclist convicted of travelling at 132 mph | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A motorcyclist caught travelling at 132 mph on the A48 Cross Hands to Pont Abraham services has been given six penalty points and fined £900. Robert Rees from Swansea was caught speeding in July 2011 during a day of action aimed at encouraging motorcyclists to be safe on the road.

Surreal evening - it was first aid training at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel.

BBC News - Fire at Llanelli care home prompts evacuation A total of 37 people have been evacuated from a privately-run care home in Llanelli after a fire in its laundry. Fire crews were called to the Llys y Coed Care Centre at 21:21 GMT on Wednesday. Senior officers praised fire crews and staff at the home for quickly leading the residents to safety, saying it could have been more serious.

Hywel Dda Health Board | New mums receive special support New mums in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire can now get special support with their babies from volunteers. Hywel Dda Health Board’s Volunteering for Health Project has enrolled volunteers to help support new mums with their babies. Head of Volunteer Services, David Fretwell said: “All of the volunteers on the ‘buddy’ scheme are mums themselves. “The scheme is particularly designed for new mothers so the volunteers can share their experiences and offer reassuring support.”

Hywel Dda Health Board | Special memorial service to be held for lost babies People whose lives have been touched by the loss of a baby, during pregnancy or shortly after birth, are invited to attend a memorial service. The Annual Memorial Service for Loved and Lost Babies arranged by the Hywel Dda Health Board Chaplaincy and Neo Natal Departments will take place on April 7, 2012 at 12noon at the Hospital Chapel, Glangwili General Hospital, Carmarthen. The service will include hymns, poetry readings, music and prayers and there will be the opportunity for people to light candles in memory of their child or children they have lost, and they will be offered in the silence. People can also bring a decoration to hang on the Easter tree during the service and cards will be available for people to record a message. Balloons will also be released.

Aberystwyth University is among the top three places in the world to be a student and has the highest level of student satisfaction, according to the 2012 International Student Barometer which has just been published.  Aberystwyth ranks number 3 of 238 Higher Education institutions worldwide for the elements ‘good place to be’ and ‘overall student satisfaction’. The International Student Barometer is the largest annual survey of students and has gathered information from more than 600,000 students worldwide since its establishment in 2005. It incorporates over 500 institutions in 150 countries on 5 continents.  The University performed exceptionally well in all aspects of a student’s experience. From the initial welcome on their first weekend, through to the teaching and learning facilities and academic support, students at Aberystwyth reported that the quality of the academic experience available to them was amongst the very best.  Professor April McMahon, Vice

Queens and Princes have heard and honoured them. Prime Ministers have praised them. The Pope has enjoyed them. Audiences in over 120 countries have listened to them. The exciting opportunity to be a young singer in their ranks is currently open to all young people. Wales’ exciting Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers are currently opening its doors to new singers aged 7 – 17 years as it launches its new 2012-2013 concert repertoire and plans. “If you love singing then join!” is the excited advice of 10 year old Caitlin Smith of St. Mary’s School, Llanelli – a three-year veteran of the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers. If the joint experiences of all the Hywel choristers were crammed into one year then it would shadow the itinerary and experiences of the busiest of celebrity pop stars - 25 international concert tours. Television broadcasts across 120 countries. Royal performances to Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Prince of Wales. Perform

Llanelli rugby legend Derek Quinnell has been honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship from Llanelli Rotary Club. The award is the highest honour which can be handed out by the Rotary movement. Mr Quinnell, pictured with his wife Madora, was presented with the award by the President of Llanelli Rotary Club Graham Williams. The presentation was made at the launch of a Paul Harris Society for the South Wales District 1150 area of Rotary. Mr Quinnell, who played for Llanelli Scarlets, Wales, The Barbarians and The British Lions, made his international debut against France. Could that be a lucky omen for Saturday's Grand Slam match?

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. The latest Red Kite Law Business Brief column is in the Carmarthen Journal newspaper today. Lovely picture story in the Evening Post about Jenkins the Bakers making Wales rugby biscuits ahead of the big Grand Slam crunch match! Splendid story on page 9 of the Evening Post about Llanelli firm Morganstone's latest building award success - for The Mews, Port Talbot. Splendid story in the Llanelli Star about Jon Tregenna's Buggerall play being featured at the Laugharne Festival. Nice piece in the Llanelli Star today about Cor Meibion Llanelli performing with top tenor Wynne Evans at Parc y Scarlets on Friday night. Llanelli Star puts the spotlight on construction firm Morganstone's latest award - for a project in Port Talbot. Smashing picture story about the Healing The Wounds charity helping PTSD victim Darren Martin in the Llanelli Star today.

The latest ‘The Business Brief’ column written by Red Kite Law for the Carmarthen Journal. This week, Company and Commercial Partner Betsan Powell puts the spotlight on succession planning . . .  Succession planning is something that many businesses do not consider until things start going wrong, such as the ill health of the owners. In today’s economic climate, with huge uncertainties facing businesses of all sizes, succession planning is essential to safeguard continuity and the livelihood of employees. It is vital to plan a business succession strategy that works for everyone involved. Succession planning should be considered carefully by business owners as a means of allowing the business to continue when the owners retire, or in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as illness or death. With some careful thought and planning, you can create plans to deal with these circumstances. Succession planning can also benefit the current trading of the business. Talking ab

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal  newspaper - Carmarthen Town AFC has received thanks for lending a hand to the newly-formed Wales Football-Tennis (Futnet) Association. Club Shop administrator Celia Kirkby explained: "The request for help arrived at Carmarthen Town’s online shop. Futnet ( www.futnet.eu ) is played with a football over a tennis net by teams of one to eight players. “We were asked if we could we help with any surplus old kit. Our storeroom contains a collection of kits from previous seasons and a quantity was parcelled up and sent to the Futnet organisers, who named one of their teams after Carmarthen Town AFC.” The Wales Futnet Association sent the club a message this week: “Today we have great news, we played our first ever match against England. We won in all three disciplines, singles, doubles and triples. We have a Wales Futnet Facebook page which has full pictures of everyone in the Car

The Evan-Evans brewery news page has just been updated with latest on a new 'Grand Slam' ale - http://ning.it/vZuBwK

Off to Richmond Park, Carmarthen, for a meeting of the Carmarthen Town AFC executive committee, followed by a meeting of the general committee - a double-header!

Work is progressing well on the Lampeter campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David. South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership are helping to bring one of the most historic university sites in Wales bang up-to-date with a major makeover. The £800,000 project is in the hands of WRW Construction, with all the design work carried out by the Llanelli-based Lewis Partnership. See the earlier post for more information - http://www.lewispartnership.co.uk/lewis-partnership-helps-university-makeover/ The photos here illustrate just some of the works going on at the site. Work progressing at the Lampeter campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David Weblinks – http://www.trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk http://www.wrw.co.uk On Facebook, search ‘Lewis Partnership Ltd.’ On Twitter, look for @Lewis_Architect

The work to extend a popular doctor’s surgery in the Tywi Valley is progressing quickly and smoothly. Meddygfa Tywi in Nantgaredig is being extended for the second time with help from South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership. The new extension will provide additional facilities for patients and a new treatment room. The £100,000 project will be completed by the end of July. The contractor is Mike Hiorns Building Contractor Ltd of Llanelli. The work is now up to wall plate level. The photos show some of the work on site. Work progressing on Meddygfa Tywi in Nantgaredig. For more information, see earlier story - http://www.lewispartnership.co.uk/further-extension-to-meddygfa-tywi-nantgaredig/

The news pages for the website for the Lewis Partnership (architects) have just been updated - http://ning.it/yx8rcC

Jenkins the Bakers are doing their bit to add to the Wales rugby roar for the big Grand Slam match against France at the weekend. The Llanelli-based business has produced patriotic Wales rugby biscuits to mark the event. “With the crunch game against France approaching, we wanted to do our bit to generate hwyl and passion and support for our rugby team,” said Jenkins Bakery’s Operations Director Russell Jenkins. “The biscuits are made using top quality ingredients – a bit like the way Warren Gatland has mixed together a first class Welsh rugby side! “The biscuits are topped off with red sugar paste icing in the hope that red will be the colour of the winning team as we claim the Grand Slam. “Already, the biscuits are a great hit with fans. “They are a nice way of showing support for Wales in the workplace. You can enjoy your mid-morning mug of tea and coffee with a Wales rugby biscuit!” Mr Jenkins said the biscuits had already caught the eye of Llanelli Scarlets rugby players. One of

Melin Consultants, the fast-growing South Wales firm of environment and sustainability experts, has expanded its operation into England. The Llanelli-based company has opened a branch office in Bristol. “It’s a move which puts us on the map nationwide,” said Melin director Jamie Best. “We offer specialist technical services which are earning us a great reputation here in West Wales, but it is time to make our mark on the wider world east of Cardiff. “We are in the market to win contracts further up the M4 corridor and the Bristol office should put us in a position to do just that.” Mr Best said 2012 was shaping up to be an exciting year for Melin Consultants. “We have a team of eight based in Llanelli – and now in Bristol, at Park House in Park Street. “We specialise in all the things which people value in the construction industry today – getting environmental issues right and making sure buildings are as sustainable as possible. “We are right up there in the vanguard when it comes

On Wednesday 14 March 2012 at 4pm at Aberystwyth University (Hugh Owen Building A14), William Dieneman will recall his life story in a talk entitled ‘From Berlin to Aberystwyth: the life history of a former Kindertransportee’. William was born in Cottbus in 1929 into a Jewish family and lived in Berlin as a boy where he experience the National Socialist take-over. Together with his sister Ursula he was sent to Britain in 1939 as a nine year old on a Kindertransport. Dr Andrea Hammel (European Languages, Aberystwyth University), an expert on the history and culture of German-speaking refugees who came to Britain in the 1930s and 40s, will introduce the talk and give a brief overview of the history of the Kindertransport. The term Kindertransport is usually used for the 10,000 unaccompanied German, Austrian and Czech minors, mainly from Jewish backgrounds, who found refuge in the UK between December 1938 and September 1939.  William Dieneman will talk about the challenges of adjust

The Dyfi Virtual Observatory, managed by Aberystwyth University, is hosting and sponsoring a “Night on the Dyfi” at the Tabernacle, Machynlleth on Thursday 29th March from 7 to 10pm to celebrate the Dyfi River and its surrounding environment. This free event’s diverse line up of speakers and stimulating ‘Question Time’ will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a lively community evening. The first half of the evening will feature three fascinating talks: Jean Napier, a local photographer will narrate a photographic story, sharing highlights and mythological stories from the Dyfi River’s source down to the sea; Dr Paul Brewer, Aberystwyth University, will talk about the Dyfi River’s dynamic behaviour; and Mike Bailey, Countryside Council for Wales, will give a presentation on the natural treasures of the Dyfi-Cors Fochno wetlands. Following a Welsh cheese and drinks interval, a lively ‘Question Time’ session will take place with a panel of experts and will be chaired by the young loca

Hywel Dda Health Board | Feel healthier this Healthy Wednesday The Hywel Dda Health Board website poses the question: Have you gone without your first cigarette this Healthy Wednesday/No Smoking Day? If so well done and you will soon start to see the benefits of it. Within 20 minutes of stopping smoking you blood pressure and pulse returns to normal and within 8 hours your nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood are halved. After 24 hours of being smoke free carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your body and lungs and after 48 hours there is no nicotine left in your body. On top of this every packet of cigarettes costs on average £6.50, so if you smoke 20 a day, within a week you can save £45.50 and within a month £195.

The Llanelli Rotary Club homepage has just been updated - http://ning.it/wy8jYO

The award-winning South Wales construction firm Morganstone Ltd is giving the popular Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre a facelift. The forest park is one of the leading tourist attractions in the Neath and Port Talbot area, catering for walkers, leisure cyclists and expert mountain-bikers. “It’s a hugely popular venue and we were delighted to win the contract with Neath Port Talbot Borough Council to carry out the refurbishment and extension of the visitor centre,” said Morganstone managing director Ian Morgan. “There is a great deal of pride in the area about the forest park and it is widely recognised as one of the leading mountain-biking attractions in the UK. “The works we are carrying out there will be very important to the future success of the forest park and we are sure visitors will be delighted with the finished result when the project is completed in the spring.” The renovation is part of ‘Cognation mtb trails South Wales’, an exciting new partnership project between Neath

Volvo 8×4 Tridem for Cowindale Feeds Of Carmarthen | 3D Car Shows A new Volvo FM-420 8×4 Tridem lorry has entered service with animal feeds specialist Cowindale Feeds of Carmarthen, South Wales. The FM Tridem was supplied by Volvo dealer Mansel Davies at Llanfyrnach.

The fundraising initiative of students at Aberystwyth University has come to the fore once again this week as representatives from Aber Rag presented a cheque for £3,500 to the charity Tŷ Hafan. Aber Rag President, Ismael Khan and committee members Huldah Knox-Thomas, Verity Bailey and Rhian McIntosh were joined by the Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, Professor April McMahon, Professor John Grattan and Ms Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellors and Cathy Beckham, Societies and Volunteering Administrator at the Aberystwyth Guild of Students, as they presented a cheque to Mr Philip Thomas, Community and Business Fundraiser with Tŷ Hafan. Established in 1999, Tŷ Hafan provides care for children and young people with life limiting conditions, and support for their families. It looks after more than 100 families in West Wales alone, some of whom are bereaved. Alongside Childreach International, UNICEF and Oxfam, Tŷ Hafan is one of four major charities and numerous smaller loc

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club lent a hand at the Careers Wales mock interview sessions staged at Coedcae School, Llanelli. The mock interviews gave pupils the chance to gain some experience of doing job and further education interviews. Pictured with some of the Coedcae pupils are Rotarians Alan Owen, Alison Evans, Ken Abban and Roger Stephens. Also pictured is Gareth Price of Careers Wales.

Tax share hits £1k for first time this year | This is South Wales The council tax paid by householders in a Band D Carmarthenshire homes has topped £1,000 for the first time. The average council tax on a band D home will be £1017.34p from April — up from £998.50 last year — after Carmarthenshire Council approved the tax figure, which includes police and community council levies. Carmarthenshire Council leader Councillor Meryl Gravell said: "As a county we have kept it as low a possible, but we have still got to deliver services and maintain growth."

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.

'Give your Welsh a Go’ 'Rho gynnig ar dy Gymraeg' | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police have launched the ‘Give your Welsh a Go’ internal campaign. Dyfed Powys Police values the use of the language as a skill in the workplace whatever the level of ability, from simple greetings to conducting whole meetings – but there are also a number of benefits to speaking Welsh in your personal and home life.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Improving the patient experience thanks to Transforming Care Nurses spending more time at the bedside, improved ward environments and a significant reduction in pressure ulcers are just some of benefits patients at Hywel Dda Health Board have received thanks to the Transforming Care programme. In the two years since its launch, the initiative has empowered frontline NHS staff across the health board to make changes that have improved the patient’s experience of care and the safety and quality of services in both hospitals and the community.

West Wales businesses owners are invited to a workshop on “Business Planning in the Current Economic Climate” at Aberystwyth University. The workshop, which takes place in the MedRus Conference Centre, Aberystwyth University at 10:30am on Tuesday, 20th March, 2012 will be provided by Peter Cameron Business Consulting based in Machynlleth. “In the current period of extreme economic uncertainty, as some businesses fail, there is clearly an opportunity for other to survive, thrive and ultimately emerge form the recession stronger than ever” said Peter Cameron, experienced business and management consultant and an Investors in People advisor. The event is organised by the Sustainable Learning Networks Ireland and Wales (SLNIW), an exciting and innovative INTERREG 4A funded project being undertaken by the School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Wales in partnership with CEDRE, Waterford Institute of Technology. The SLNIW project, which has established 3 business

Off to my first meeting of the Llanelli Joint Committee of Governors at Coleg Sir Gar. Feel bit like the new boy at school!

The award-winning West Wales Brewer, Evan-Evans, has launched a new beer for the final week of the 2012 RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship. ‘Allez Rouge’ rather than ‘Allez France’ will be the shout across the bar for a light golden beer which has been specially-developed to celebrate the end of this epic rugby festival. Evan-Evans Brewery Chief Executive Simon Buckley said: “Allez Rouge is a fantastic new beer. “With the Grand Slam in sight, we decided to brew a new one-off beer that would reflect the end of the season and the hopes of the nation for a clean sweep. “This is a fantastic golden beer with rich malt palate and fruity dry hoppiness. “The brewing team in Llandeilo have worked hard to get this beer right and I believe that they have created a great new beer. “At 4.1% abv, this beer is very more-ish and will be enjoyed by everyone looking for a winner.” Mr Buckley said: “We have created a great beer. Now all we need is a great win for the red (the ‘rouge’) of Wales. “We wan

Just back from the Llanelli Talking Newspaper Studio after interviewing eye clinic liaison officer Derek Edwards - http://ning.it/xF3QBG

Splendid business meeting this am with the team at The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course - http://www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk/

Happy bunny: Just been accepted as a Press volunteer for London 2012 Olympics. Also on the team for Paralympics. Busy summer ahead!

Mark Williams MP last week (Friday 9 March) swapped legislation for automation when he spent the day with Dr Amanda Clare at the University as part of a unique pairing scheme run by the Royal Society - the UK national academy of science. Dr Clare, a Computer Science lecturer at the University, was on hand throughout the day to explain and demonstrate the University’s cutting edge research and its applications. Mark Williams also joined Dr Clare in giving a lecture to the students about the many roles of science and technology in Westminster, and how it's important that scientists make their expertise available to help policy makers. Having already spent a week in the Houses of Parliament as part of the scheme, this provided Dr Clare with a valuable insight into how science policy is formed and the working life of an MP. Dr Clare explained “Learning about the processes involved in policy making at Westminster was an illuminating experience for me as a scientist. MPs in P

Nice piece in the South Wales Evening Post today about Morganstone Ltd picking up an award for Port Talbot project - http://ning.it/wJIgUI

Parc y Scarlets is set to welcome some stars of the stage as it holds its biggest ever choral concert. Featuring performances by some of the biggest Welsh names in music, the Gala Concert will be staged in the stadium's Delme Thomas Centre on Friday, March 16. The show will showcase a wide variety of singing talent. Carmarthen-born tenor Wynne Evans, of Go Compare fame, will return to the stadium to perform, along with soprano Gwawr Edwards, who recently performed for the Prince of Wales at Highgrove. Young singers from Only Boys Aloud will join the pair on stage, and Cor Meibion Llanelli will show off the musical talent that has led them to perform at many of the UK's leading concert halls. And X Factor contestant John Adams will once again sing at Parc y Scarlets, where he wowed the crowds at last year's fireworks spectacular. The audience will also be treated to a performance by 200 youngsters from across the town in the 200 Voices Llanelli Schools choir. The Gala Conc

The Mayor of the London Borough of Richmond heaped praise on Côr Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Choir) after their concert at The Duke Street Baptist Church Theatre in Richmond. Councillor Mrs Clare Head described the choir’s performance as outstanding and said that the choristers were true ambassadors of Wales. The Mayor added: “The passion and commitment to Welsh choral singing really shone through in a wonderful evening’s entertainment. “We were regally entertained by one of the finest male choirs I have heard.” The concert was billed as a ‘St David’s Day concert in aid of the Mayor of the London Borough of Richmond’s chosen charity, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. The Mayor added: “It was wonderful to hear the choir in full voice and the whole evening was held together wonderfully by some readings of Welsh prose and poetry by the choir’s musical director, Eifion Thomas. “Wales is very lucky to have a choir of the stature of Côr Meibion Llanelli and we were very lucky to hear them a

Hywel Dda Health Board | ‘Take the Leap’ with No Smoking Day Smokers are encouraged to ‘Take the Leap’ and quit for good on 14 March for this year’s No Smoking Day. No Smoking Day is the biggest day of the year for smokers who want to try quitting. An estimated one million people in the UK will try and go without cigarettes and over 40,000 will be able to quit for good. People are four times more likely to succeed in giving up if they get help from their local stop smoking service. If you are one of the 63% of smokers that want to give up, then get in touch with any of these FREE local free stop smoking services: Anywhere in Wales: Stop Smoking Wales: 0800 085 2219 Glangwili Hospital: 01267 227185 Prince Philip Hospital: 01554 783558 Your local pharmacy

The line-up for this year’s Laugharne Weekend is (yet again) an interesting and diverse one with a variety of artists set to appear, including Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Cerys Matthews, the Pogues’ James Fearnley, Simon Armitage, Howard Marks, John Cooper Clarke and Jah Wobble and Keith Levene from the iconic late 70s band, Public Image Ltd.  There is one performance on the bill, however, that has a special relevance to Laugharne. The work of one of its most famous residents, Dylan Thomas, will be brought into the 21st century with a performance of Buggerall – which has been described as an ‘update’ of Under Milk Wood. The play, written by local author Jon Tregenna (pictured above), is being performed by Corsham-based theatre group Three’s Company on the opening night of the weekend. Buggerall poses the question: what if the poet was alive and well and writing about life in a West Wales seaside town today? (For those not in the know, Buggerall is Llareggub – the setting fo