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

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 of o

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

Several businesses in Laugharne have received a facelift with the help of an RDP Sir Gâr  Commercial Property Enhancement Grant . Choices Gift Shop, Castle View Restaurant on the Grist, and the newly opened Ferryman Delicatessen on King Street, have all benefited through the scheme run by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Physical Regeneration department. Grants of up to £15,000 were available to eligible businesses to renovate the facade of their premises in the centre of Laugharne ensuring their continued use. This was funded by the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007 – 2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural fund for Rural Development. Council project officer Grant Cole said: “The work carried out has really improved the look of the buildings and we hope it will help to bring more visitors to the area. “Between the businesses assisted, the grant has safeguarded five full-time and four part-time jobs, and it is hoped it will create a furthe

Latest news from Introbiz, the Cardiff-based business networking group -  Wales's Biggest Business Expo 2015 2 Day Spectacular Cardiff City FC House of Sport, Leckwith Introbiz are proud to announce the return of Wales' Biggest Business Exhibition for the fourth year running. For the first time ever the Introbiz exhibition will be held over 2 DAYS in Cardiff. At last years sell out event there was a record breaking 200 exhibitors and 2500 visitors throughout the day! Our plans this year are even more ambitious than what we have delivered in the past with an expected 5000 visitors over 2 days! Day 1 Thursday 5th November 8am-5pm The exhibition kicks off with a record breaking Networking Breakfast event at 8am, where you can network with 100's of exhibitors, sponsors and visitors until 10am. Followed by the official opening of the business expo you will find the UK's biggest businesses and Internationl companies exhibiting promoting their lastest products and

Open day at the Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa in Pembrokeshire. Nice place to chill out! INFO@LAMPHEYCOURT.CO.UK | LAMPHEYCOURT.CO.UK BEST WESTERN LAMPHEY COURT HOTEL & SPA, LAMPHEY, NEAR TENBY, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES, SA71 5NT

10 Ways to Develop Incredible Charisma (Yet Still Be Yourself) | Jeff Haden | LinkedIn 10 Ways to Develop Incredible Charisma It might sound a bit corny, but worth a read . . .

david hieatt : One of the best things I've read this year. Manifesto of a Doer by David Hieatt. It starts with - 1, If you find something that you want to change, you have two options. One, is to talk about the change you are going to make. Or, two, stop talking. And begin.

15 things you can only say in the horseworld - Horse & Hound 15 things you can only say in the horseworld You know you’ve been spending too much time with your horsey friends when you forget to clarify in normal conversation that your love of thrusters, whips and spurs is all in relation to horses…" From Horse and Hound

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s new Chief Executive got to know the organisation and its staff a little better as he took part in an Induction Day with fellow new starters on Monday 5 January. Steve Moore was recently appointed to the post following a career largely based within the NHS, much of it in rural areas. He experience includes an appointment as Chief Executive of the both Cornwall and Devon Primary Care Trust clusters, and Consulting Director for Health and Social Care Policy for ICF International. On his first day in post, Mr Moore and all other induction attendees had an opportunity to learn more about the NHS in Wales; the structure and useful internal processes in the UHB; as well as specialist sessions on issues such as patient experience, practical basic emergency first aid and the Welsh language. “I was fortunate to meet some fellow new starters yesterday, which was a great opportunity as they will take up posts in various locations across the University He

The Welsh Department at Aberystwyth University is living again in the presence of one of its most distinguished members of staff. Thomas Gwynn Jones (1871- 1949) taught in the department for 34 years between his appointment as a lecturer in 1913 and his retirement in 1937. He was appointed Chair of Literature in 1919. Now, through the generosity of his grandson, Mr Emrys Wynn Jones, who served as registrar at the former University of Wales Aberystwyth, many of Professor Jones’s books, including copies of his own work, have been donated to the Department for the use of staff and students. Thanking Mr Jones for his gift, Dr Robin Chapman, acting head of the department, said: “Thomas Gwynn Jones was both a distinguished academic and a first-rate writer. The history of twentieth-century Welsh literature in many senses begins with him. “It is thrilling to hold his personal copies of work that I have read and taught to students throughout my career, many inscribed with his signature.

A judge has ordered [1] Cardiff Council to reveal how the Cardiff incinerator can be categorised as a ‘recovery’ installation - eligible for more than £100 million of Welsh Government subsidy - instead of a ‘disposal’ operation, which would not receive a penny. Leading environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth Cymru had challenged the Information Commissioner’s decision that the information should be kept secret. Now a judge has decided that Cardiff Council should have revealed the information, which Friends of the Earth Cymru first requested back in June 2013. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “This is a hugely significant decision by the Judge. He has rightly determined that spending more than a hundred million pounds of public money should be subject to full public scrutiny. “Incineration is the wrong answer to our waste problem. People right across Wales are making terrific efforts to recycle, and we now recycle more than half of our waste. Instead of

Hywel Dda University Health Board, in partnership with Hywel Dda Community Health Council, has launched Let’s Talk Health events and is inviting those with an interest in their local health service to join the conversation. Let’s Talk Health aims to provide regular opportunities for Hywel Dda UHB to communicate clearly about how health services currently work and listen to the experiences of those who use the services. A total of twenty eight events will be held throughout 2015 with four events a year held in each of the seven localities area that make up the Hywel Dda area. Chair of Hywel Dda UHB, Bernardine Rees said: “This is YOUR health service and we need to work together to make it work for the future. “Often public perception and concerns differ from our perception and so we want to de-mystify our explanations, listen to what our public have to say and come to a shared understanding and ownership of how we go forward.” The first round of Let’s Talk Health events will be held fro

The award-winning Llanelli-based firm of architects, the Lewis Partnership, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. And the firm, which already operates throughout South Wales, is looking for further expansion in its anniversary year. “This is a wonderful milestone for us here at the Lewis Partnership,” said managing director Philip Lewis (pictured above), the son of company founder Wynford Lewis. “We pride ourselves on being a business where quality counts. That philosophy has stood us in good stead for the last 20 years – and we sincerely hope it will continue to do so for the next 20. “Our roots are very firmly here in Llanelli, but our portfolio of work extends over a far wider area - South, West and Mid Wales, with many of our projects located in Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys.” The Lewis Partnership currently has eight staff (2 Architects, 3 technologists and 3 administrators) based in Park Crescent near Llanelli Leisure Centre. Mr Lewis

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -  Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas has made a passionate plea for singers to make ‘joining a choir’ their New Year’s Resolution for 2015. Mr Thomas is also the conductor of the Côr Baroc mixed choir in Llanelli, a town which has a rich and fascinating musical heritage. Mr Thomas said: “During my 37-year teaching career, I had the honour and pleasure of forming school choirs which were able to perform music of a very high standard - from the very first Christmas Concert by Furnace Primary School in 1967. “I recall the boys’ choir at Coleshill Secondary Modern School which sang at Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 1972 and at the annual prize-givings held at Tabernacle Chapel in Llanelli ; the choir at Burry Port Boys' Primary School in 1978/79, which sang so beautifully at the combined schools concert in the Memorial Hall; the Halfway Primary School cho

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. ----------------------- Journalism has a lot in common with piracy. They’re both cut-throat businesses and I’m led to believe that many newspaper employees wear black eye-patches and wander around the office with squawking parrots on their shoulders (especially during the Panto season at The Grand in Swansea). So, I have no idea for how long this newspaper will keep me on to entertain you with my weekly whimsical witterings. I’ve still not been cured of my advanced alliteration addiction, despite several soul-searching sessions with Sven, a simply superb, sensitive Swansea psychiatrist. Without notice, the excellent South Wales Evening Post might give me the elbow, the cold shoulder or some other additional body part I don’t need. On the positive side, it’s possible that a national newspaper might offer me a fortune to jump

Hywel Dda University Health Board has announced the three finalists in the ‘Providing Bilingual Healthcare category at this year’s Best of Health staff awards. The Best of Health awards are organised annually by the University Health Board to recognise and reward the extraordinary achievements of its staff and volunteers, many of whom often go beyond the call of duty in their work for the benefit of patients and service users. This year, 100 entries were received from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The winners will be announced at the Best of Health Awards ceremony, sponsored by Health Shield Friendly Society Ltd at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday 16 January. Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce & Organisational Development said: “These nominations reflect just some of the high quality patient care provided by many of our staff and volunteers and highlight the fantastic efforts and achievements above and beyond their normal day-to-day work. I wish all t

Former Labour Leader Neil Kinnock will be the guest speaker at the next fundraising dinner for the Labour Party in Llanelli. Baron Kinnock is famous for his passionate speeches. The night will consist of dinner followed by Baron Kinnock's speech and then a question and answer session. The dinner is at the Stradey Park Hotel and will be a four course Welsh-themed menu. It starts at 7pm on Thursday, February 12. The cost is £25 per person payable at time of booking by cash or cheque - £18 for students/children. Anyone interested in attending should contact - Suzy Curry 01554 757511 or 0756 1566 456. About Neil Kinnock: Neil Gordon Kinnock, Baron Kinnock (born 28 March 1942) is a British Labour Party politician. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1970 until 1995, first for Bedwellty and then for Islwyn. He was the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1983 until 1992, making him the longest-serving Leader of the Opposition in British political

A little eco warrior from Burry Port has been given an award by council staff for his work in raising awareness about dog fouling. Carmarthenshire County Council’s enforcement team have issued five-year-old Harry Evans with an Eco Hero award after his mother contacted the department asking for stickers because Harry wanted to place them in the community when he saw people not cleaning up after their dogs. The Burry Port primary school pupil was also given a family pass to Play King, courtesy of them after they heard of his good work. Mum Helen Morgan said: “During the summer Harry noticed some people would take their dogs to the grass area near our home and they wouldn’t clean up after them. Some days he would stand in the garden with his hand on his hips staring at the people who didn’t clean up after their dogs. I got in touch with the enforcement department and asked if there were any stickers that Harry could put up in the area because he was fed up with the dog mess left in the

Enforcement officers in Carmarthenshire are warning smokers to stub out their cigarettes wisely in a New Year blitz on smoking litter. Local businesses are also being urged to take action to stop smoking-related litter. The Environmental Protection Act (1990) gives powers to local authorities to take action against individuals and businesses who create litter, and to get areas cleaned up. Smokers who flout the law can be issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £75, and if they fail to pay, they face a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000. Executive board member for environmental and public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We have received a number of complaints about smoking-related litter in the town centres. “We are determined to improve the quality of the environment in Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors and if that means fining people, then so be it. “It costs tax payers £2million a year to provide the service to clean the county’s streets, which is

Council staff who organised events welcoming the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay have been rewarded for their efforts. In May 2014, Carmarthenshire folk turned out in their thousands to welcome the Queen’s Baton in style, with fun events from Laugharne, through to Carmarthen, Ammanford and Llanelli,. Chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games Wales, Chris Jenkins, visited County Hall for a celebratory reception delivering t-shirts to the organising team and a memento - ‘The Granite Gift’, which is an official replica of the gemstone from the top of the Queen’s Baton - to recognise their efforts. Mr Jenkins said the welcome carpet rolled out for the Queen’s Baton across Carmarthenshire had exceeded all their expectations. Senior sport and leisure manager Carl Daniels, who managed the Carmarthenshire Queen’s Baton Relay welcome programme, said: “It was a tremendous effort by a hard working team that captured the media’s attention and brought a good deal of glory to Carma

Carmarthen Town did not tumble down with Merlin’s Oak but the Heritage Board in Lammas Street has been looking decidedly the worst for wear. After many years in circulation, the display located in Lammas Street had started to fall apart. But there has been salvation with Carmarthenshire’s marketing and tourism team responding to the challenge of councillors Alun Lenny, Alan Speake, Peter Hughes-Griffiths and Jeff Thomas. The existing frame was too decayed to be used and therefore it has been replaced with new text and design, including a reference to The Royal Welch Fusiliers monument in Lammas Street, which honours local servicemen killed during the Crimean War (1853-1856). The Carmarthen Town Forum is set to discuss the renovation of other heritage panels located throughout the town centre. County executive board member for regeneration, tourism and leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: "These panels are so valuable help to make people more aware of the rich heritage aroun

Father Christmas has helped Llanelli Rotary Club raise more than £1700 for charity. 'Santa' was kind enough to come down from the North Pole to sit in the special Rotary Grotto at the BHS store in Trostre, Llanelli, on five days in the run-up to Christmas. He was accompanied by some specially-dressed Rotary 'elves'. It was a big 'first' for Llanelli Rotary - the first time the club has managed to secure the services of Santa in the run-up to Christmas. "It was very much a team effort between Santa and his North Pole team and members of Llanelli Rotary Club," said Rotarian Alison Evans, who was one of the organisers. "Santa was full of the joy of Christmas and most of the young visitors who called in to see him at the grotto were delighted with the experience. "Fingers crossed, we will be able to secure Santa's services again next year and repeat the whole exercise. "Members of Llanelli Rotary Club thoroughly enjoyed

He is known as one of Wales's well established comedians and following a string of sell out shows worldwide, Phil Evans is coming home to West Wales. With stand-ups, comedy characters and musical comedy greats, Phil's set is sure to leave audiences wanting more. His act has been described as a 'non-stop barrage of hilarious stories', that are told in an easy-going style. Originally from Ammanford, Phil had ambitions to break into show business from the young age of seven, after seeing his first pantomime. From working as a waiter to delivering parcels as the local postman, Phil found his calling on the big stage, and decided to make people laugh for a living. His routines have amused audiences from Machynlleth comedy festival to Edinburgh and Toronto, and includes a popular nostalgic childhood routine with which everyone can identify. His comedy experience ranges from working in many top clubs, cabaret venues, hotels and holiday venues, and often adapts his material

Hywel Dda University Health Board has announced the three finalists in the ‘Improving Health and Wellbeing’ category at this year’s Best of Health staff awards. The Best of Health awards are organised annually by the University Health Board to recognise and reward the extraordinary achievements of its staff and volunteers, many of whom often go beyond the call of duty in their work for the benefit of patients and service users. This year, 100 entries were received from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The winners will be announced at the Best of Health Awards ceremony, sponsored by Health Shield at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday 16 January. Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce & Organisational Development said: “These nominations reflect just some of the high quality patient care provided by many of our staff and volunteers and highlight the fantastic efforts and achievements above and beyond their normal day-to-day work. I wish all the nominees the very

The first networking event of 2015 for the Llanelli Rugby Business Network will be held at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Tuesday, January 13. Leighton Davies, of the LRBN, said:"After a successful years networking in 2014 you are invited to join us for our first networking event of 2015. "The aim of the Llanelli Rugby Business Network is to promote and enhance business in Wales, particularly within the local area. "During our meetings all attendees will be provided with the opportunity of introducing their business, the services they provide and the type of leads and introductions they are seeking, plus there will be ample opportunity for informal open networking in a friendly, informal and welcoming environment. "There will be a joint presenters on the evening as Kevin Gould and his colleague Dave Thomas of Call of the Wild take centre stage. "Their theme will be “I’ve got a terrible memory” the focus of which will be on effective networking. "Call of the

Professor Mike Christie has been announced as the new Head of the School of Management and Business within the Institute of Management, Law and Information Science at Aberystwyth University. An agriculture graduate from Aberdeen University, Professor Christie also completed his PhD in Environmental Economics at Aberdeen. In 1996, he was appointed a Lecturer in Environmental Economics at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Rural Studies before being appointed Professor of Environmental and Ecological Economics in the School of Management and Business in 2012. Congratulating Professor Christie on his appointment, Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said; “I am delighted that Mike has been appointed to lead the School of Management and Business. He is an outstanding researcher and will aim to further develop the School’s research agenda. I am also confident that his experience from across the University will support the University’s aim of interdiscip

A project that has helped more than 4,000 Carmarthenshire people get to grips with computer technology is celebrating its successes over the last five years. An event was held at the Mountain Gate on Ammanford Road, Ammanford to look at the achievements of Communities 2.0 and what the future holds when the project finishes in March. Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme which is delivered by four partner organisations – the Wales Co-operative Centre, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Carmarthenshire County Council and the George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling at the University of South Wales. Much of the funding for Communities 2.0 has come from the European Regional Development Fund. The programme initially worked in the Convergence area of Wales, breaking down barriers to engagement with technologies. Now it supports initiatives and projects across Wales . Communities 2.0 also supports new and existing enterprises to use ICT to improve performance,

It’s now easy to recycle glass in Pencader again. A long awaited glass recycling bank area has been placed in the village again following the banks being removed earlier this year from Cae’r Felin school because of vandalism and break-ins at the school. Since then Carmarthenshire County Council Street Scene officers have been working with local county councillor Linda Evans to find a suitable location in the village. The banks can now be found in the car park of the village chip shop Branneys Fish Bar. Cllr Linda Evans thanked Branneys Fish Bar owner Tina Evans. She added: “I’d like to thank the community for being patient whilst we found a location and also Tina for allowing us to place the recycling banks in her car park. I would now urge the community to use this facility and it is also important that they look after and respect it.” To find out where your local recycling banks are visit i-local

Children and families will be going bonkers for Ringos at Pembrey. It’s the fun new attraction at Pembrey Ski Slope , within Pembrey Country Park, that will be up and running in January. Twelve of the inflatable doughnuts have been acquired and riders aged from seven to 70 can launch themselves down the nursery slopes spinning and bumping one another to the bottom. You can be spun, linked to each other, go backwards, make trains or race your friends. Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for leisure services, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said: “The ski slope already attracts 70 schools for ski sessions from all over Wales and parts of England for ski practice and ski instruction ahead of school snow vacations to Austria and Switzerland at this time of year. “The Cobra Toboggan ride, alongside the slope -the longest toboggan ride in Wales - is also a great hit taking more than 10,000 riders each summer. Ringos will add another attraction in the drive to attract more visitors t

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING January 5, 2015 3 Medium Corned Beef £1.65 2 Large Corned Beef Pasties £1.95 2 Minced Beef and Onion Pies £2.20 2 Teacakes 90p Sandwich Of The Week, Chicken and Stuffing £2.30 Rustic Baguette Of The Week, Chicken Tikka £2.40 Filled Softie Of The Week, Tuna Mayo £2.25 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

By David Butler, director of Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants. January is the busiest month of the year for us at Clay Shaw Butler as we make sure everyone gets their tax returns sorted before the deadlines. But that doesn’t mean we ignore the other issues pressing on the minds of our customers. One of those issues has surrounded the reforms on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced changes to SDLT on residential property transactions in his Autumn Statement. This change applies to you if you are buying a home in the UK for over £125,000. Stamp duty will be cut for 98% of people who pay it. If you’re buying a home for less than £937,500, you will pay less stamp duty, or the same. Historically, SDLT has been charged at a single percentage of the price paid for the property, depending on the rate band within which the purchase price falls. Now, the SDLT system has been changed and each new SDLT rate will only