After a successful victory at Cyncoed Campus against Cardiff Blues A, the Scarlets A team are ready to begin their journey through this years newly launched Celtic Cup.
Their first competitive game of the cup will take place at Brewery Field, Bridgend against Ospreys A, this Friday, 7th of September, KO: 19:00
Marc Jones will be making his Scarlets debut tomorrow evening after joining the region from Sale Sharks.
Winger Steff Evans will bring an exciting and experienced edge to the Scarlets A side as he takes his place in the starting Celtic XV.
This first game will be a great start for both Scarlets and Ospreys to kick off the Celtic Cup as both old rivals battle it out with some familiar faces but also as we bring the next generation to the pitch with some Scarlets Academy players.
Looking ahead to the first competitive clash of the newly formed Celtic Cup, Head Coach Richard Kelly said; “We’re looking forward to the opening game of the competition after a positive hit-out in the friendly against Cardiff Blues a few weeks ago.
“We want to see improvements from that game; the regular training and time spent together as a group will hopefully mean that we continue to see an improvement week on week.”
“Dan (Davis) and Ioan (Nicholas) played well against the Blues and were rewarded the following week with selection to the senior squad. This competition is a fantastic platform for individuals to show what they can do, step up to the next level and put their hands up for regional call-ups.”
“From a coaching perspective we’ll also be looking to the younger group, making their first step up from the age grade and academy, to continue to improve. Having experienced players like Tom Price, Marc Jones and Steff Evans within the group is really important in terms of the overall group’s development and leadership.”
Scarlets A side to take on Ospreys A, Brewery Field, Bridgend, Friday 7th September, KO 19:00;
Replacements; 16 Taylor Davies, 17 Jamie Hughes, 18 Kemsley Mathias, 19 Morgan Jones, 20 Lewis Ellis-Jones, 21 Declan Smith, 22 Ryan Conbeer, 23 Tom Rogers
Speaking ahead of the game, head coach for the development team Richard Fussell said: “We’re really looking forward to it, we’ve got a good group of players who’ve been brought together to develop that mentality and culture at the Ospreys of what we are about. It’s a great chance for those players to gain the experience and a good opportunity for those young players to get out on that pitch tomorrow night.
Our focus is us this week and for the remainder of this tournament. We obviously want to develop some of these younger boys coming through but also give some game opportunity to those players who are possibly on the fringes for the senior side. For us its not so much about our opposition and who we’re playing, it’s about who we are and what we are about.”
Byron Jenkins, who has died at the age of 82, was very much a man for all seasons, a hard-working and much respected and admired figure in Llanelli.
He was best known for being the owner of the Best Western Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli, the venue for so many great Llanelli ‘occasions’.
His life was rich and varied. He cherished family and friends above all else.
His great friend Phil Bowen has written the following ‘Tribute to a true Llanelli gentleman and inspirational successful businessman’ –
Byron Jenkins was born in Llanelli and brought up in Park View, before moving on to Raby Street.
Byron’s mother moved to Llanelli from Kilgetty near Saunderfoot.
Byron lost his father through an accident in the Llanelli Steelworks when he was just seven years old.
His mother never remarried and devoted her life to Byron, bringing him up as single mum.
Byron was a pupil at Pentip Junior School, before going to the old Coleshill School for Boys.
Byron then studied further education at the old Llanelli Technical College.
Byron’s first job was an apprenticeship at the Llanelli Steelworks, where he qualified as an electrical engineer.
Byron met and married the love of his life, Marlene, whose parents owned the Ty Melyn Pub (in those days a great Llanelli landmark).
Still young and very ambitious, Byron worked at Cynheidre Colliery as an electrican, before setting his goals even higher and moving abroad to work.
Byron settled in Ghana, West Africa, where he was employed as an electrical engineer in a mine.
His work ethics were soon appreciated and he was promoted and became the ‘Chief Electrical Engineer’.
When settled and happy with the surroundings, Byron called for Marlene and their three-month-old son Paul to join him in Ghana. Their daughter Georgina was born 13 months later, while the family were still living in West Africa.
The Jenkins family stayed in West Africa for 11 years, but frequently returned to their home town of Llanelli to visit family and friends.
Byron was passionate about Llanelli and it was a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.
While on one vacation back to Llanelli, Byron and Marlene saw that the ‘The Ael-y Bryn House’ (now The Diplomat Hotel) was on the market for sale.
Byron had the vision to transform the old broken down mansion into a luxury hotel.
(Historical note: Ael-y-Bryn was once home to Llanelli industrialist Ernest Trubshaw, the grandfather of Brian Trubshaw, who rose to international fame as the test pilot for the supersonic airliner Concorde)
After a series of negotiations, Byron finally purchased the property. It was the place where he was to make his dream come true.
The Jenkins family returned to Ghana and, within a few months, sold up and moved back to Llanelli.
Byron starting the much required renovations as soon as his feet hit the ground.
‘The Diplomat Hotel’ project took Byron three very long years before the venue opened the doors for business.
Byron and Marlene opened the ground floor bar and restaurant, together with six bedrooms.
Within a few months, another six bedrooms were added, making a total of 12.
After establishing a sought-after hotel with excellent service and value for money, Byron had further plans to expand ‘The Diplomat’. He set out plans to create a further 24 bedrooms, function suite and indoor spa.
Retaining its original character, coupled with an excellent record for service, ‘The Diplomat’ became a sought-after stay for sporting legends – and even Prime Ministers!
It quickly earned a reputation for hosting wedding receptions and night-time parties most weekends, along with and many other social occasions.
The hotel now has 50 bedrooms, a function suite for up to 350 guests, restaurants, a luxury indoor swimming pool and spa.
Byron loved his music and started Llanelli’s Music and Jazz Festival 22 years ago. He loved organising the event with his friends. Each event was quite unique as they raised funds for various local charties.
Byron had a lovely voice and would often be called upon to entertain his guests, friends and family most Saturday evenings in the main lounge of his dream hotel.
Exceeding his dream, Byron, with the help Marlene, Paul and Georgina, transformed what was once a broken down mansion into a one of the leading Best Western hotels in Britain.
Long live ‘The Diplomat Hotel’.
It is also worth noting the Byron Jenkins ‘Castle Buildings’ Project . . .
Byron bought ‘Castle Buildings’ (on the corner of Murray Street and Station Road) Llanelli in 1989.
This imposing structure stands on a corner section of a plot of land that was formerly known as Pen-y-Castell.
Historians believe this site was once the location of an ancient fort, probably a small Roman station or fortlet, hence its name.
Today, it houses the restaurants and bars known as Langostinos and the Vista Lounge.
In 1989, Byron opened Le Caprice, which became hugely popular and became one of West Wales’ most popular bars.
Byron recently project managed the conversion of the first and second floors into luxury accommodation, creating a extra 20 hotel bedrooms now known as the ‘Vista Hotel’.
Finally, on a personal note, Byron was a true gentleman and great friend.
Byron sponsored the AlvaHorse Easter Parades in Llanelli for 15 years.
Byron would give up his time, every Easter Sunday, for all the participating equestrians, their friends and families.
Greeting people on arrival (and welcoming them back), Byron would give everyone a hot bowl of soup and a bread roll.
Horses and ponies would leave ‘gifts’ for Byron, gifts he would say helped “make my roses blooom”.
He was a true Llanelli legend.
RIP Mr Byron Jenkins. Heaven is now a better place.
Here are some other memories of Byron Jenkins . . . .
Robert Lloyd, former editor of the Llanelli Star, said: “Byron was a major figure in the life of Llanelli. He was very proud of his town and his own achievements. Always approachable, he was frequently a great font of knowledge on all matters relating to the town.
“He lent his support to many local charities (and businesses). He also played his part in helping and nurturing talent in Llanelli. Singers, comedians, entertainers, they all had a debt of gratitude to Byron.
“He was always a great ‘mine host’ and always took a keen interest in visitors, guests and patrons of the hotel. The name “The Diplomat’ was synonymous with Byron Jenkins.”
Rupert Moon, former Llanelli Scarlets rugby captain said: “Great guy. Huge supporter of loads of charities. Thoughts with all his family. Good to us as players at Llanelli RFC. RIP Byron.”
Phil Davies, former Llanelli Scarlets rugby captain and coach, said: “Sorry to hear of Byron’s passing and sincere condolences to his family. Had many a great night with him at ‘The Dip’ over the years. A very thoughtful and generous gentleman. RIP. Top Man.”
Rhys Walters (son of Monro Walters, the Parc y Scarlets and Stradey Park rugby announcer known as ‘The Voice of the Scarlets’) said: “Very sad. He taught me how to open a bottle of champagne – correctly! Always was a bit of class.”
Funeral details –
The funeral will be held on Monday, September 17, with a public service at 12noon followed by interment in the churchyard.
Carmarthenshire Council’s annual Welsh Language report for 2017/18 can now be seen on the authority’s website.
The report focuses on the second year of the implementation of the Welsh Language Standards.
It includes information about work that has been carried out not only to ensure compliance with the Standards but also to promote the Welsh language in the county.
Highlighted in the report is the work the council, in partnership with the County Strategic Forum, has done to produce learning resources, including a leaflet explaining the benefits of ‘Being bilingual’ and a ‘Welsh with your kids – Give it a go!‘ leaflet to help parents with simple sentences.
A number of council staff have been on Welsh language courses, and others are showing interest.
Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, executive board member for the development of the Welsh language, said: “This report provides a positive overview of our work in relation to the Welsh Language Standards and the promotion of the language. We do recognise that more can be done and our priorities for 2018/19 are available to view on our website.”
A Carmarthen woman has been ordered to pay almost £500 after fly-posting about an antiques fair on a public highway without permission.
Carmarthenshire County Council brought the prosecution against Brita Rogers, of Groesffordd Fach, who had illegally advertised the Derwen Antiques Fair, held at the National Botanic Gardens in January.
She appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court on August 17, where she pleaded guilty to an offence under s.224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 of advertising without consent. She was fined £80, with costs of £374.46 and a £30 victim surcharge.
The court heard that a council environmental enforcement officer noticed a number of advertising signs whilst on patrol in Pontyates, and in the days that followed also spotted the adverts on posts at the Pontabraham roundabout, along the A48, on directional signs along the A40, and along the High Street in St Clears.
During interview, Rogers stated that although she had not placed the signs herself, she had agreed for others to do so on her behalf.
She had previously been issued with a fixed penalty notice for flyposting in 2014, and had signed a declaration to the council that she understood she needed to seek authorisation from them before displaying further advertisements in Carmarthenshire.
In mitigation at court, Rogers said that although she had permitted other people to place advertising signs on her behalf, she thought that these would be placed on private land.
She also stated that she didn’t make a lot of profit out of the event and that she helped organise it to bring increased foot fall to the Gardens.
Cllr Philip Hughes, Executive Board Member for enforcement, said: “Fly-posting is potentially very dangerous as it is distracting to drivers and when broken down by the weather causes litter on our roadways and verges. It is a shame, having previously been warned about fly-posting, that this lady found herself in court.”
