Latest news from the team at Brecon Jazz Club –

TUESDAY 12 JUNE at the Muse / supper at Casa.Details below, make a date:

FOOD:supper from 6pm at Casa, we all enjoyed last month, so is booked again. Menu will be a meat or veggie option plus a slice of cake – £10 per person. Please note, if I don’t reply to your email, it may have been missed, so please make sure your booking is acknowledged. To book, reply email stating meat or veggie for each person:  info@breconjazzclub.org

JAZZ – music begins from 8pm at the Muse, doors open 7.30pm – Fab Trio

TUES 12 JUNE: JUAN GALIARDO TRIO 8pm
Making a welcome return visit, Spanish jazz pianist Juan Galiardo has been busy since his last visit to Wales, recording and playing in jazz festivals and concerts across Europe and in UK, as well as his teaching and masterclasses in Spain. Lineup:
Juan Galiardo – piano/keys
Ruth Bowen – double bass
Phill ‘Redfox’ O’Sullivan – drums
As you can see, it is a great lineup of well-loved and much admired local and international musicians! Juan Galiardo truly is a leading name today and a wonderful jazz pianist – it will be a swinging set!!

We’ll see you there… don’t forget to book your Casa supper – and jazz tickets can be bought online now:  www.breconjazz.org/tickets
Members £10 / £12 Visitors and non-members. All Welcome.

Lynne, Roger, Fiz, Jamie, Ruth, Sylwia, Angus, Rosie and team
Brecon Jazz Club

The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will begin in South Wales for the first time as Carmarthenshire and Newport host the opening stage of Britain’s national Tour on Sunday 2 September.

It will mark the first time that the race has visited Carmarthenshire with the county set to welcome 120 of the world’s top professional cyclists next September for the start of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race.

The city of Newport last hosted the Tour of Britain in 2004, while the final stage of the 2017 race passed through the city on its way to the overall finish in Cardiff.

Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “Hosting the start of this iconic professional race and having an all Welsh stage is fantastic news for Wales.  Since hosting the Tour of Britain for the first time in 2010, the event has established itself in the Welsh sporting calendar with the race visiting various locations across Wales almost every year since – and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support the event.

“The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events. The event gives cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step and spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere. I hope that people from across south Wales come out to support the cyclists as they travel from Carmarthenshire to Newport on the first day of the race in September.”

More details of Stage One, including the exact Start location in Carmarthenshire, details of the route and where the race will finish in Newport will be announced at the national launch of the 2018 route on Tuesday 5 June.

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This is the largest professional road cycling event in the UK and we are proud that organisers have chosen Carmarthenshire as the starting venue for the race.

“As a televised event this is a wonderful opportunity to show our county’s beautiful scenery to the world. No doubt it will also be a massive boost to the local economy with thousands of people involved in the race and turning out to watch.”

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said; “We are very excited to again be involved in the Tour and promise to give competitors the warmest of Newport welcomes as they cross the first finish line in the heart of our city.

“Newport boasts such a diverse landscape which lends itself perfectly to events such as the Tour – from flat, urban routes to challenging climbs and descents through beautiful countryside – we are sure the cyclists, supporters and spectators alike will enjoy the leg and their time in our city.”

Commenting on the announcement, OVO Energy Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said; “We have been working with our partners at the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council for some time to put together this plan for the opening stage and visit the area for the first time, and are delighted to be able to confirm plans so spectators can begin to make their plans now for the 2nd September to join us for our opening leg.

“As the home of Welsh Cycling and the Wales National Velodrome it is fitting that the OVO Energy Tour of Britain will finish its opening stage of 2018 in the city and we look forward to working with Newport City Council and their partners to deliver the event.”

Commenting on the announcement Nick Smith, Chairman at Welsh Cycling said: “It is absolutely fantastic news for Wales to play host to the opening of Britain’s biggest international cycling race.

“Beginning the entire race in Carmarthenshire is truly fitting to the county’s commitment to cycling, as they strive to become the cycling hub of Wales following the recent refurbishment of the Carmarthen Velodrome as well as the current construction work on the Pembrey Closed Road Circuit.

“Locals and fans in Wales will not only have the opportunity to cheer on the best cycling talent on their very own door steps as they begin the first stage of the competition in Carmarthenshire; but also congratulate the riders as they cross the finish line at the home of Welsh Cycling at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step, taking place between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 September 2018.

Vimeo video of Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire Council, talking about the Tour of Britain.

Tour of Britain comes to Carmarthenshire from Cyngor Sir Gâr | Carms Council on Vimeo.

Weblink –

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Scarlets and Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes will make his 100^th regional appearance on Saturday evening in the Guinness PRO14 final.

The Scarlets have reached their second consecutive final in as many seasons at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

British and Irish Lion fullback Leigh Halfpenny returns from a hamstring injury that saw him miss last weekend’s semi final victory over Glasgow Warriors.

Johnny Mcnicholl, who made a return from injury in time for last weekend’s clash, moves to the wing with Tom Prydie moving to the replacements bench.

With John Barclay unavailable following surgery to a ruptured Achilles tendon Wayne Pivac has made changes to the pack. Tadhg Beirne moves to number eight, partnering James Davies and Aaron Shingler in the back row. Lewis Rawlins comes in to the second row to partner Steve Cummins whilst the front row remains unchanged.

Looking ahead to the Guinness PRO14 final Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said; “They’re a very good side. We only have to look back to our semi final where we were completely outplayed. They’ve gone on to win the big prize and be crowned Euro champions, and deservedly so.

“To back that up against a good Munster team, not an easy task a week later after celebrations and euphoria of winning it, was to me a testament to how strong that squad is, they’ll be better this weekend with some guys freshened up.

“We’re expecting a massive game. It’s a massive challenge for us but I think it’s a great game, last year’s PRO12 champions up against this year’s European champions. If you want to win it you want to do so against the best.”

Scarlets team to take on Leinster in the Guinness PRO14 final at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday 26^th May, kick-off 18:00;

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Johnny Mcnicholl, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens ©, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Lewis Rawlins, 5 Steve Cummins, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 James Davies, 8 Tadhg Beirne

Replacements; Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Werner Kruger, David Bulbring, Will Boyde, Jonathan Evans, Dan Jones, Tom Prydie

Leinster v Scarlets, Guinness PRO14 final, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, kick-off 18:00

Aberystwyth University will once again show its support for Wales’ biggest youth festival next week as thousands of young people compete at theBrecon and Radnorshire Urdd National Eisteddfod.

For the third year running, the University is the sponsor of the sports arena at the Eisteddfod, which is being held at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground, Llanelwedd from May 28 until 2 June 2018.

The sports arena, which offers a full program of sessions that include cricket, tennis, rugby, hockey and football, is part of a long term initiative between the University and the Urdd to promote sports provision and develop new talent across Wales.

Eisteddfod goers will also be able to follow the latest Eisteddfod news on a large video wall near the Pavilion and on a large screen at the Urdd’s Cafe, thanks to the University’s support.

Competitors are also set to benefit. For the first time, on its stand which this year is in the South Glamorgan Pavilion, Aberystwyth University offers a professional piano and rehearsal space for individuals or groups who want some last minute preparation before they take to the stage.

There is no need to book in advance, but anyone wishing to reserve the rehearsal space in advance can do so by contacting Eurgain Haf Evans at ehe2@aber.ac.uk/ 07854373041.

And of course, there will be an opportunity to relax and watch some of the highlights of Eisteddfod week including the crowning and chairing ceremonies, live on the Unviersity’s stand throughout the week.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Welsh Language, Culture and External Relations at Aberystwyth University said: “The Urdd Eisteddfod is a highlight in the calendar and we are really proud to have shown our support by sponsoring the field sports, the video wall and rehearsal space, thereby enriching the experience of eisteddfod goers, both visitors and competitors. We will also have students competing during the week, including Aelwyd Pantycelyn, and we wish them and the Eisteddfod every success.”

Weblink –

http://www.urdd.cymru/en/eisteddfod/20181/

Workmen have been busy bees at Sandy Water Park in Llanelli.

They’ve been busy creating a new habitat for bees, close to Pont d’Agen (the Agen footbridge and cycle crossing over Traeth Ffordd).

I’m no expert in the habits of bees, so the jury may be out on whether locating such a habitat close to the busy path and cycleway is a good idea . . .

But, for now, I think it’s worth parking any issues like that and commending what seems to be a good idea.

After the diggers moved in a few weeks ago, the site has been left to settle and it is now just some shallow banking and a gravel bed.

The sign says: ‘It may look a bit are at the moment, but in a few years we hope that this patch of ground will be full of wildflowers.

‘We’re creating an area similar to bare ground and sand dunes so that local wildflowers, which like low levels of competition from grasses, can thrive.

‘This will provide lots of food for pollinators such as bees.’

The project is being supported by Carmarthenshire Council, The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bees have a massive role in nature by helping pollination.

Both commercial and wild bees have been in the news because of their decline in numbers.

The campaign group Avaaz has been working hard in recent months to ban the world’s most common insecticides, pressing the farming industry to develop a whole new model of non-toxic agriculture.

West Wales is regarded as an important place for bumblebees, with many rare and protected species.

You can find out more about Bee Wild West Wales on the following weblink –

Bee Wild West Wales

If you want to find out more about bees, then the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has all the answers –

https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/

The site of the habitat near Pont d-Agen.

A Google map of the habitat location. Look for BEES in blue in the bottom, middle.

Work is set to start on the new £2.6 million archive extension at the rear of Carmarthen library.

The development of the new, much needed, purpose built archives facility, Y Stordy, will help ensure the awaited return of the Carmarthenshire Archives collection to the county.

Contractors TRJ are set to start work at the site. It is hoped that the archives, designed by Acanthus Holden, will be open in Autumn 2019.

Once complete Y Stordy will contain the current archive collection with room for up to around 25 years new material.

From this week, as part of the construction work – which is expected to take one year – 75 spaces will be temporarily unavailable in St Peter’s car park.

Part of the works also involve the relocation of a lighting column and ticket machine in the carpark. Parking is available at the remaining town centre car parks and the Nant y Ci Park and Ride service continues to operate with stops at Blue Street, Spilman Street and the hospital.

The library, community centre and car park will remain open as usual throughout the construction works.

Executive board member for transport, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this reduction in car parking spaces may have over the coming year, but it has been necessary to ensure safety whilst this work on the new archive building gets underway.”

Alongside the construction of the extension there will also be external works, internal alterations to the library, external fabric upgrade of the Book Stack and some improvements to the frontage of the existing library.

Executive board member for culture, sport, tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “It’s great to see that work is starting next week on this fantastic purpose-built building which will bring back the archives collection to Carmarthenshire.”