07777683637 rlloydpr@btinternet.com

Press releases

Urgent reminder for school transport applications

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Parents with children starting secondary school in September who think they may be entitled to free transport are being urged to apply as a matter of urgency.

The number of applications received is lower than expected, particularly for those going to schools outside of Carmarthenshire such as Ysgol Bro Pedr, Bro Teifi, Preseli and Gwyr.

Anyone who leaves it too late could find that the bus nearest their home is already full and they will have to make their own way to a bus further away from their address or perhaps even wait whilst extra capacity is arranged, which can take weeks; or that if their application is refused and they want to go through the referral process, it may not be determined by the start of the new academic year.

The deadline to apply for a place is December 21.

30.8.05. A First Cymru Yellow School Bus. Picture Ralph Carpenter.

For further information on the council’s school transport policy and to make an application please go to www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/schooltransport

Read More

Press releases

New housing development company call for contractor partners

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Cartrefi Croeso, Carmarthenshire County Council’s local housing company, is calling on property and construction consultants and contractors to join its register of approved partners.

Hundreds of affordable homes are to be built across south west Wales over the next few years, meeting the demand for low-cost rental and ownership options.

Formed by the council last year, Cartrefi Croeso has committed to supporting the local construction industry, giving strength to the existing workforce as well as providing opportunities for new jobs, training and apprenticeships.

It is looking to appoint partners and companies to deliver a range of services, including planning and development advisors; design consultants; cost consultants and quantity surveyors; project managers and employer agents; property engineers; and construction contractors who can deliver projects valued at £500,000 and over.

Cartrefi Croeso’s activities are focused on the Swansea Bay City Deal region which comprises Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, and ideally partners will be based or have a substantive interest in these areas. 

Robin Staines, Managing Director, said: “We look forward to hearing from a range of organisations that want to work with us over the next few years to build and deliver hundreds of good quality affordable homes.

“Partners will need to demonstrate a positive attitude to social responsibility, quality and the environment, as well as having relevant technical expertise, organisation and capacity and good financial standing.” 

For further information, and to download an application questionnaire, visit www.cartreficroeso.cymru.

The questionnaire should be returned to info@cartreficroeso.cymru. The register is open for applications until 12pm, Friday, December 14.  

Read More

Press releases

Crusaders’ Brad Mooar to replace Pivac as Scarlets head coach

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Super Rugby Champions Crusaders Coach Brad Mooar will replace Wayne Pivac as Scarlets Head Coach.

Scarlets are delighted to confirm that Brad Mooar has been signed as the region’s new head coach for the 2019-20 season and beyond. 

44-year-old Mooar will join the West Wales region from the successful Super Rugby side Crusaders. 

Mooar will bring with him a wealth of coaching experience having been assistant coach at the Crusaders for the last three seasons, Head Coach at Mitre10 Cup side Southland Stags as well as attack and backs coach with South African sides Eastern Province Kings and Southern Kings in the Super 15. Eastern Province Kings were unbeaten Currie Cup Division 1 Champions during Mooar’s tenure.

The experienced coach leads on team attack as well as strategy and tactics at the Crusaders. Away from the rugby field Mooar is a qualified solicitor and was admitted as barrister and solicitor to High Court of New Zealand in 1997. He has been hailed for his inspirational leadership and excellent management skills.

Commenting on the news Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said; “After a detailed and comprehensive search we are delighted to have secured an exceptional coach in Brad. As part of the recruitment process we have taken extensive references on all candidates and what came through loud and clear on Brad was that he is one of New Zealand’s best coaching prospects and destined for great things.

“We pride ourselves in appointing players and coaches that not only perform on the rugby field but also contribute to the ethos and environment of the club and our wider community. Brad’s rugby philosophy, leadership style and personality are everything we were looking for in a head coach. 

“Brad has been assistant coach with the Crusaders over the last three seasons helping the side to two consecutive Super Rugby titles. Brad has a great understanding of what is required for success and how to build a winning culture.

“Throughout the process we have been hugely impressed with Brad’s appreciation of Scarlets’ place in the community, his passion for developing players and the research he had done on our heritage.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Brad and his family to West Wales, we’re excited for the future but we still have everything to play for this season which will remain our primary focus.”

Brad Mooar added; “The opportunity to take on the role of Head Coach at the Scarlets is simply too good to pass up and is both an exciting challenge for myself, and a fantastic opportunity for my family to experience life on the other side of the world. 

“The Scarlets is a rugby brand that’s known the world over, it is a winning club with an extremely proud history, passionate fans, and is aspirational in its goals. It is humbling to be offered the opportunity to take the reins after the great work Wayne Pivac has led, as he moves on to the Wales job.

“In addition to Scarlets’ on-field rugby pedigree, with a strong squad of talented and largely homegrown players, the club represents its wider community with great pride and dedication. My family and I are looking forward to being a part of the wider Scarlets community integrating into life in West Wales.”

Mooar progressed through the Canterbury age grades as a flyhalf, reaching Canterbury B level.  He played for Mid-Canterbury from 1997-1999 and then played overseas before returning to Christchurch to take up coaching.

His first coaching role was with the Christchurch Colts and then the club’s premier team from 2007 to 2011.  In 2011 he became the assistant coach of the Canterbury Colts. 

In 2012 he moved to South Africa to coach the EP Kings then become assistant coach of the Southern Kings Super Rugby side under Matt Sexton’s leadership.  He returned to New Zealand to take up the head coach and Director of Rugby role at Southland. 

Read More

Press releases

Carmarthenshire Council’s annual Toybox appeal is underway

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Carmarthenshire Council’s  annual Toybox appeal is underway and the council will be accepting donations up until Christmas Eve.

The earlier they land will make the work of the team easier.

Warm-hearted Carmarthenshire residents with a little extra to spare are being asked to help put a smile on the faces of families and children in need this Christmas.

Residents county-wide are being urged to help brighten Christmas for those deserving by donating presents, toiletries and food appropriate for ages 0-16.

Those kind enough to go out of their way and donate are being asked to leave gifts unwrapped as they can then be easily sorted by our hardworking team.

The donated gifts will be given to families who, for a number of reasons are unable to give their children the Christmas the rest of us perhaps take for granted.

Schools, family centres, social workers and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support.

Council staff are supported by volunteers to sort, wrap and deliver toys and hampers in the run-up to Christmas.

Cllr Mair Stephens said the Toybox and Christmas gift appeal was growing in strength year by year. “The amazing number of donations we receive over the busy festive period yearly is down to our generous residents county wide, with donations ideal for new-borns to teenagers we can’t be thankful enough. 
During a time of giving and receiving I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses involved for their generosity and support, in particular Nolan, which has allowed the appeal to be hosted at their premises in Johnstown.”

Collection Bin Locations:

  • Customer Service Centre, 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen
  • County Hall, Carmarthen
  • Natwest Bank, Carmarthen
  • Blas Myrddin at Parc Dewi Sant, Building 2, Carmarthen
  • Block 1, Parc Myrddin, Carmarthen
  • Cillefwr depot, Carmarthenshire County Council, Johnstown, Carmarthen
  • Nant y Ci, Carmarthen
  • Llandeilo Community Education Centre
  • Tesco Ammanford
  • Town Hall, Ammanford
  • Pontyberem Hall
  • Town Hall, Llanelli
  • Hub, Llanelli
  • Cathedral Hygiene, Unit 1, Dragon 24, North Dock, Llanelli
  • Burns Pet Nutrition, Kidwelly
  • Jennings Solicitors, Llanelli
  • Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli
  • Yr Atom, King Street, Carmarthen
  • Llanelli Library
  • Ammanford Library
  • Carmarthen Library
  • Leisure Centres: 
    Llanelli
    Carmarthen
    Ammanford
    Newcastle Emlyn
    Llandovery
    St Clears
Read More

News

Community launches new flood assistance appeal

Posted By Robert Lloyd

A community is rallying around to help neighbours and businesses who are still counting the cost of the flooding brought by Storm Callum last month.

A Llandysul and Pontweli Flood Assistance Appeal has been launched by volunteers to raise funds and collect donations to support those trying to repair and rebuild.

Carmarthenshire County Council and Ceredigion County Council have agreed to collect the donations and handle the distribution of funds by agreement of the administrators.

Money raised will be distributed to households, community enterprises and businesses in the flood area, between Abercerdin to Llandysul Bridge; Wills Cleaning Services to Llandysul Bridge; Swain Commercials on the Pencader Road to Llandysul Bridge, and a small number of properties upstream on the Carmarthenshire side.

Donations will be collected up until January 15, 2019, when the appeal fund will close and the money distributed.

Every penny raised will be distributed to those in need of assistance, with all parties agreeing that no administrative fees will be deducted.

Eligible recipients will be able to receive or decline the assistance.

Facebook page (Apel Cymorth Llifogydd Llandysul & Pontweli Flood Assistance Appeal) has been set up to raise awareness of the fund.

The fund’s administrators are Cllr Keith Evans, Cllr Linda Evans, Cllr Ken Howells, Meinir Davies, Robert Jenkins and Rev Gareth Reid.

DONATE TO THE APPEAL

Cheques should be returned to:

  • Carmarthenshire County Council, Cashier Department, 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen SA31 1LE and should be payable to Carmarthenshire County Council. Please write on the back of the cheque: ‘Llandysul / Pontweli Flood Assistance Appeal’
  • Ceredigion County Council, Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3UE and should be payable to Ceredigion County Council. Please write on the back of the cheque: ‘Llandysul / Pontweli Flood Assistance Appeal’

Cash and cheque donations can also be made at the following local businesses:

  • Valley Services
  • Gwesty’r Porth
  • Spar
  • FFAB
  • Milfeddygon Tysul
  • YBT
Read More
Ospreys

Press releases

Ospreys team to play Zebre

Posted By Robert Lloyd

The Ospreys team to play Zebre at Liberty Stadium on Friday 30th November 2018, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:

15 Dan Evans 14 George North 13 Scott Williams 12 Owen Watkin 11 Luke Morgan 10 Sam Davies 9 Aled Davies 1 Nicky Smith 2 Scott Baldwin 3 Tom Botha 4 Adam Beard 5 Alun Wyn Jones  6 Olly Cracknell  7 Sam Cross 8 Justin Tipuric (Capt)

REPLACEMENTS – 16 Scott Otten 17 Gareth Thomas 18 Alex Jeffries 19 Lloyd Ashley 20 James King 21 Harri Morgan 22 James Hook 23 Cory Allen

Alun Wyn Jones plays his 233rd Ospreys game to move clear at the top of the Region’s all time appearance list 

Ospreys
Ospreys

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Dan Baker – Knee; Bradley Davies – Knee; Ma’afu Fia – Back spasm; Gheorghe Gajion – Hamstring; Paul James – Shoulder; Rhodri Jones – Hamstring; Lesley Klim – Hamstring; Dan Lydiate – Elbow; Sam Parry – HIA; Luke Price- Fractured tibia

Ospreys Head Coach, Allen Clarke, said: 

“It’s been great to have the full squad together following what was a hugely successful Autumn International period for Wales – the energy and buzz has been fantastic. We’re together for the next seven weeks before the Six Nations and we’re conscious it’s a period that defines league positions at the back end of the season.

“Our opponents Zebre are the first in an important series of matches. For us it’s about concentrating on the basics and bringing the energy from training to the eighty minutes that matter.

“It’s a particularly special occasion for Alun Wyn, who will become the most capped Ospreys player of all time. He reflects what we stand for and as a team we want to make it a memorable night.”

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 8 Dec – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Stade Francais – Liberty Stadium

Fri 14 Dec – 8.45pm (Local) – Stade Francais v Ospreys – Stade Jean Bouin

Sat 22 Dec – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Scarlets – Liberty Stadium

Sun 30 Dec – 3.00pm – Dragons v Ospreys – Rodney Parade 

Read More
error: Content is protected !!