07777683637 rlloydpr@btinternet.com

Press releases

GREAT Scholarships for Malaysian students to study at Aberystwyth

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Aberystwyth University is one of five UK Universities to have partnered with the British Council to offer scholarship opportunities to Malaysian students.

The ‘GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia’ scheme encourages and supports individuals to pursue higher education in the UK. 

The scheme is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and participating universities in the UK. It provides funding opportunities to prospective students from a selected number of countries who will enrol into UK universities in the autumn of 2019. 

The inaugural GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia scheme offers ten taught postgraduate scholarships to qualifying Malaysian students, totalling almost £100,000.  

The UK attracts more than 17,000 Malaysian students every year, most of whom head to the UK to pursue their undergraduate studies. In recent years, trends suggest that a growing number of Malaysian students are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. Currently, the number of postgraduate students accounts for about 15 per cent of the total number of Malaysian students in the UK. 

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “Aberystwyth University has had strong academic links with Malaysia for many years and the GREAT Scholarships scheme will further strengthen the unique bond between us. With our long-standing reputation for teaching excellence and world-leading research, we are delighted to be part of this inspiring collaboration with the British Council and look forward to welcoming postgraduate students from Malaysia to join our international academic community.”

The four other UK universities which will offer opportunities under the scheme are Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Kent, the University of Stirling, and the University of Warwick. 

Sarah Deverall, Director of the British Council in Malaysia said: “Postgraduate studies in the UK are more appealing as the duration of the programmes are relatively short. Most UK postgraduate degrees take only one year to complete, making the overall cost much more affordable compared to other countries.  Malaysia is a key country for the five universities that have chosen to partner with the inaugural GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia. These universities have been welcoming Malaysian students to their campuses for years and they value the diversity and academic contribution that Malaysian students bring.” 

The GREAT Scholarships are only available for one-year postgraduate taught programmes in the UK for the 2018/19 academic year. Malaysian students intending to apply for the scholarships must have received an offer of entry from any of the five participating universities mentioned above and must satisfy all entry requirements for the chosen course as stated by the respective university. 

For more information about the GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia, please visit: www.britishcouncil.my/study-uk/scholarshipsE

Photo:Left to right: Dr Marco Odello (Aberystwyth University), Ms Andrea Fordham (Queen’s University Belfast), Mr Imran Hashim (University of Warwick), Ms Sarah Deverall (British Council) and Ms Sue Hopkinson (University of Kent) at the launch of GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia in Kuala Lumpa on 21 October 2018.Credit: British Council

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News

Jenkins Bakery team launch Christmas product range

Posted By Robert Lloyd

The team at Jenkins Bakery have started releasing their range of Christmas products.

The festive goodies are being released at intervals to Jenkins Bakery shops.

Jenkins Bakery operations director Russell Jenkins said: “Christmas is a great family time and, as your traditional, quality family baker, we like to think we know what products work best over the festive period.

“We wish our customers a very Happy Christmas and hope they enjoy our festive products.”

Christmas goodies include –

Victorian Christmas Pudding

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Viennese Mince Tartlets

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Puff Mince Pies

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Christmas Slab

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Christmas Cake, 6.5 inch, traditional

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Christmas Gift Cake

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RICE KRISPIE SANTA

£1.20

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CHRISTMAS CAKE SLICE

£1.20

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YULE LOG ENDS

£1.15

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MARZIPAN DAINTIES

£1.50

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TRUFFLE PUDS

£1.20

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TRUFFLE LOGS

£1.20

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SANTA BISCUITS

£0.95

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ELF BISCUIT

£0.95

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RUDOLPH CUP CAKES

£1.20

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CHRISTMAS TREE BISCUITS

£1.15

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FESTIVE MUFFIN

Price to be confirmed.

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Press releases

Waste amnesty for Newcastle Emlyn

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Householders in Newcastle Emlyn and the surrounding areas are being urged to have a clear out.

A waste and tyre amnesty is being held at the mart car park on Saturday, December 1, from 8am-12pm.

Most household waste can be taken along including, unwanted furniture, carpets and mattresses, electrical items such as fridge-freezers and televisions, as well as black bags.

A maximum of four domestic tyres can also be disposed of; however, tractor or lorry tyres will not be accepted.

The following hazardous waste items will not be accepted e.g. paint (only empty paint tins accepted), fluorescent tubes, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles, asbestos, trade waste, construction waste, agricultural waste, glass e.g. panes of glass or furniture containing glass.

Residents are advised to please separate their waste and to bring proof of address or they will be refused entry.

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Press releases

Christmas bus timetable details released

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Arrangements over the Christmas holiday period for bus services operated on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, including the Carmarthen Park and Ride, Bwcabus and Carmarthenshire’s Dial-a-Ride have been made available.

  • Monday, December 24– Normal services will operate except evening journeys on services 129, T1, and X13 will terminate early.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday December 25 and 26 – No services
  • Thursday, Friday and Saturday December 27, 28 and 29 – Normal services will operate but with Saturday timetables on services 124 and 128
  • Sunday, December 30 – Normal Sunday services
  • Monday, December 31 – Normal services will operate except evening journeys on services 129, T1, and X13 will terminate early.
  • Tuesday, January 1 – No services
  • Wednesday, January 2 – Normal services will resume

For information on bus services which are operated commercially or on behalf of other County Councils, please contact the bus operators directly or Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or at www.traveline.cymru

Passengers wishing to book journeys for travel on Carmarthenshire’s Dial-a-ride services on December 27, 28, 29, 31 and January, 2 2019 must do so on 01267 228 326 by 12 noon on December 24.

Passengers wishing to book journeys for travel on the Bwcabus service during the holiday period should note that the call centre opening hours may be reduced on some days during the holiday period – for further details contact 01239 801 601 or go to www.bwcabus.info

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Robert Lloyd

Blog posts

The latest ‘On Song’ column from the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star

Posted By Robert Lloyd

It’s going to be a busy few weeks for the young choisters from the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and Angelicus Celtis.

They are staging ‘The Magic of Christmas’ at 7pm on Saturday, December 8, at St Catherine’s Church, Gorseinon.

And the following week (Saturday, December 15) they will be staging ‘Christmas Fantasia’ at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre (curtain up at 7pm).

Tickets are going fast for the Gorseinon event.

The evening is billed as a chance to embrace the miracle of Christmas, portrayed through massed voices, congregational singing, music and narration with the international broadcast and performance voices of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and the acclaimed voices of the Angelicus Celtis.

The evening will also feature the Llanelli Choral Society, organist Huw Tregelles Williams OBE, percussionist Gareth Hamlin and narrator Jeremy Hywel – all under the legendary baton of John Hywel Williams MBE.

The setting will be very festive inside the beautiful candlelit St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon.

Highlights of the evening will include great Christmas favourites such as the Hallelujah Chorus, Pie Jesu, O Holy Night, Star of Bethlehem, Ceremony of Carols, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Benedictus, Gabriel’s Message, Carol of the Bells, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful.

Tickets £7 and available from 01792 893631, 07795 236807, Church Members or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/themagicofchristmas

Doors open at 6.15pm. 

The evening will be in aid of Church Funds and Initiatives.

The Christmas Fantasia at Ffwrnes Theatre on December 15 will celebrate the 70th magnificent anniversary of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and embrace Christmas in magnificent style.

The Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers will be joined by Angelicus Celtis, stars of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the symphonic sounds of the British Sinfonietta Orchestra, organist Huw Tregelles Williams OBE, pianist Jane Jewell, percussionist Gareth Hamlin and narrator Jeremy Hywel.

Once again, John Hywel Williams MBE will be in charge of the proceeedings.

Festive highlights will include magical moments from The Nutcracker, The Hallelujah Chorus, Pie Jesu, O Holy Night, Star of Bethlehem, Ceremony of Carols, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Benedictus, Gabriel’s Message, Carol of the Bells, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Sleigh Ride and Troika.

Tickets are £20 and are available from 07795 236807.

Doors open 6.15pm.

Meanwhile, in other news, the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers are again planning their ‘Operation Christmas Love’.

This has the goal of delivering a goodwill gift and a song to those in need of a smile this Christmas.

Members of the public are being asked to nominate ‘someone in need of a smile this Christmas’.

Llandyfaelog-based Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi are looking forward to their Christmas events.

They include – 

Tuesday 11th December, Glanmorfa Care Home, Kidwelly, 6.30pm.

Thursday 13 December, Towy Castle, 6.30pm.

Tuesday 18th December, Red Lion, Llandyfaelog, 7pm.

Thursday 20th December, Gwernllwyn Care Home, 6.30pm.

There’s a special concert coming up in December to raise funds for Burry Port Lifeboat Station.

‘Christmas by Candlelight will feature Elin Manahan Thomas, Gary Griffiths and Osian Wyn Bowen.

It is being held at St Mary’s Church, Burry Port, on Saturday, December 22 (7pm).

Tickets for the Bury Port concert are £15 and are available from Cadno Travel or from the following phone numbers – 07795415411 and 07900893150.

Llanelli District Music and Drama Club have a special evening at the Lliedi Suite, Selwyn Samuel Centre on Friday, November 30 (7.30pm).

They will be presenting A Fine Romance, with Tony Jacobs and Catherine Sykes and Jim Barry at the piano.

The evening will feature music and songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

Tickets are £10 (students £5) and are available from Barrie Lewis, Market Precinct, Llanelli, phone 01554-772594 or at the door.

Crwbin Silver Band are getting ready for Christmas.

Their Christmas Concert will be at Pontyberem Hall on Friday, December 14 (7pm).

The concert will also feature Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth choir and wind band.

Tickets are £8 (children £5) and will be available at the door or from band members.

Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir members are also looking forward to the festive season.

‘Christmas With The Choir’ will be held at 7pm on Saturday, December 1, at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.

The choir’s special guests will be Burry Port Town Band and the St John Lloyd School Choir.

Also in December, The West End At Christmas returns to the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen with their brand new concert for 2018!

Stars from the West End present a magical evening of entertainment featuring hits from the musicals and the best of Christmas songs.

The talented cast have starred in many West End productions and national tours including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, Starlight Express, Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, Godspell, Joseph and Cats . . . to name but a few!

The West End At Christmas will at The Lyric on December 18.

The Kidwelly Festival Ladies Choir will be performing at a Grand Christmas Concert and Vintage Fashion Show at Carmarthen Museum, Abergwili, on December 15 (6pm). Tickets are £10 adults and £5 children. It promises to be a fun night.

Finally, in case you missed the news about Russell Watson . . . 

His Carmarthen concert has been re-scheduled to Tuesday November 27 at the Lyric.

Robert Lloyd works as a media consultant – www.rlloydpr.co.uk

If you have any news about the choral scene in Llanelli, the please contact him on 07777 683637 or email rlloydpr@btinternet.com

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Phil Evans

Blog posts

The latest Phil Evans column

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. This column appears in the South Wales Evening Post, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star. Website – www.philevans.co.uk

“If you want your children to be intelligent . . . read them fairy tales.

“If you want your children to be very intelligent . . . read them more fairy tales”.

That’s a statement that people uninterested in books might not agree with.

Nevertheless, there’s plenty of evidence that children who are read fairy tales by their parents, grandparents or guardians, soon develop a love for books.

They also gain a basic understanding of language, emotions and the difference between right and wrong.

Being ‘read to’ helps them develop skills in reading and writing much faster than children who haven’tbeen ‘read to’.

You may well say, “It’s not rocket science!” 

Go ahead. I can’t hear you.

But itdoeshave a scientific connection because the person who made that statement at the top of this article was none other than Albert Einstein – and even people who don’t read books have heard of him.

This time of year, with Halloween just behind us (Hooray for that!) and the pantomime season about to begin, (an even bigger hooray for that!)witches, fairies, mermaids, giants, evil wizards and beautiful princesses are in the ether.

Traditionally, fairy stories and their pantomime adaptations are based around a pretty heroine being rescued by a handsome hero.

Who would question a formula that’s worked for centuries?

Actress Keira Knightley, that’s who.

She’s banned her three-year old daughter from watching Disney films in which the heroine is rescued by and eventually marries a prince . . . because “These films are about waiting around for a rich guy to rescue you! No, rescue yourself!”

Frankly, I’m not sure a three-year old would understand such a heavy message and if her mum threatened to throw away her “Cinderella” and “Little Mermaid” DVDs she’d probably have a tantrum.

Then, the only way Keira could get her to sleep would be to read her a fairy tale about a princess and a handsome prince . . . 

…………………. 

Local achievements:

Last Saturday, I hosted a special community awards event, the Business Network International (BNI) Annual Awards Dinner at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

For the third year in a row, this event was another extremely well-supported success. 

Worthy members of the BNI Group were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Llanelli chapter’s success (a local business group that has been established for over 12 years).

The very worthy winners were:

Graeme Fox, of Davies Craddock Insurance Brokers, Llanelli. 

John Dray, of Cloud Genius, Llanelli.

Steffan Thomas, of Property Maintenance, Llangennech.

Business makes the world go round and the BNI members do their best to keep business ‘local’ and keep the West Wales economy moving and growing.

The event was supported by Llanelli councillors and other VIPs, including Ms Suzy Curry, Miss Molly Curry and Mr John Prosser.

There is so much good out there in our local communities and we are surrounded by people who make this world just a little bit better every day.

I was lucky enough to meet many of them on this unforgettable evening. 

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You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and www.philevans.co.uk

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