Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir members are looking forward to Christmas.

‘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.

They are pictured above rehearsing one of the songs from the Christmas show – Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King.

More than 30 eco-friendly homes could be built in Burry Port as early as next Spring following a £4million funding package secured by Cartrefi Croeso, Carmarthenshire County Council’s new housing company.

The Welsh Government included the ambitious Burry Port Garden Village development in its £43million Innovative Housing Programme grant, announced by Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans yesterday (October 16, 2018).

The proposed scheme – subject to planning approval – will create 22 two-bedroom family homes and 10 one-bedroom apartments on land next to the existing Plas Y Mor Extra Care Scheme in the town.

Exciting designs have been drawn up with environmentally-friendly features including solar panels and Welsh timber, both sourced and manufactured locally, that will help residents save up to £1,000 a year on energy bills.

They will be low maintenance by design, with open plan living space that can be easily adapted to reflect the changing needs of residents.

Pre-planning consultations have already begun, and subject to planning approval, the build could start as early as next Spring.

Cartrefi Croeso was established by Carmarthenshire Council last year to open up new opportunities for hundreds of affordable homes to be built outside the boundaries of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which limits investment to social housing.

Providing greater freedom to build homes, the company’s main aim is to help local people get a foot on the property ladder and to support the local construction industry.

Cartrefi Croeso has entered into partnership with Coleg Sir Gâr and local construction apprenticeship training schemes to secure training opportunities and jobs during the build of the Burry Port Garden Village, which will be developed by Tŷ Solar and TRJ Construction Ltd.

A large proportion of the homes will be manufactured in a newly established factory in Ammanford, which will also create new jobs, and 80 per cent of the raw materials and the labour will be locally sourced to help sustain local businesses.

Robin Staines, Managing Director of Cartrefi Croeso, said: “We are delighted to have secured funding for the Burry Port Garden Village scheme. This will be the first development delivered by Cartrefi Croeso and sets the bar for the future of new, affordable homes in Carmarthenshire.”

Cllr Linda Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Housing, added: “This is fantastic news, and will mean local families can benefit from fully adaptable, low-cost homes. We established Cartrefi Croeso to offer families an alternative to social housing and to take advantage of the skills of local companies. This development is a fantastic start, and demonstrates our commitment to supporting local people, communities and businesses.”

Burry Port Garden Village, in detail…

Maximising the use of the land, there will be a mix of homes, including apartments built over two storeys with lift access, and bungalows.

Located adjacent to an existing extra care facility, residents with particular support needs can access local care support services.  

The design of the homes will also be easily adaptable to changing housing and health needs. The two-bedroom homes can accommodate future lift provision and a wet room on the ground floor, if required; the first floor apartments are accessed by stairs with the provision for easy lift installation, if required; and the one-bedroom accommodation can be adapted into two bedrooms, should the need arise for a live-in carer.  

The design, together with the location, will help promote independent living, creating sustainable communities and promoting good physical and mental well-being.

The homes will be created from wood, external larch cladding and spruce core timbers from locally sourced trees to provide warm, comfortable, and affordable homes.
The homes will be south-facing to maximise solar gain. Integrated PV roof panels will generate 7,000KwH of energy per annum per home, and lithium ion batteries will store, on site, up to 150KwH of energy per day during periods of low energy usage.

The walls will be insulated with recycled newspaper, and the wooden windows will achieve Passive House standard.

The innovatively designed homes will achieve a SAP rating of 104, and will consume 12 per cent less energy than traditionally-built homes, meaning energy savings for residents of up to £1,000 a year. They will be designed to encourage low energy life styles, improve health and well-being and mitigate fuel poverty.

Two years in to a promise to deliver 1,000 more affordable homes by 2021, Carmarthenshire County Council is celebrating passing the half-way mark.

More than 500 families have benefitted from the council’s £25million investment to provide more good quality low-cost homes since it made its Affordable Homes Commitment in 2016.

And now, with construction starting soon on up to 50 new-build homes in the Llanelli area, the council says it is looking to provide even more than it initially promised.

Over the next three years, a further 700 affordable homes will be delivered through a range of means – building new, bringing empty homes back in to use, converting redundant premises, and even buying from the open market to grow its housing stock.

It will also continue its work with developers to ensure a proportion of homes on all new developments are available at an affordable rate.

Cartrefi Croeso (Welcome Homes) – the new housing company the council recently created – has its own plans to build around 500 homes over the next five years.

The company will deliver a mix of new affordable homes, for sale and rent, to offer families alternatives to social housing whilst creating new jobs and training opportunities in the building sector. It will also offer housing options across the county, including more rural developments.

Cllr Linda Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing, outlined the progress at a recent meeting of councillors at Carmarthen’s County Hall.

“These are exciting times,” said Cllr Evans. “We are so proud to be delivering on our promise to local families, with the keys for around 550 affordable homes handed over since we made our commitment two years ago. I have been honoured to meet a number of families that have moved in to their new homes.

“We have looked at every option to make more low-cost homes available to rent or buy – only a few months ago I was shown around four new apartments created in an empty space above shops in Llanelli town centre, and met a tenant who has moved into a new flat above office space in Carmarthen. I’ve been on site at the former Buckley’s Brewery in Llanelli where we are working with Pobl Group to create 21 new apartments in a previously redundant building, and am following progress on their work to bring new homes to Ammanford.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be cutting the first sod at Garreglwyd in Pembrey where we are building new family homes, and hope to start work in Dylan, Bryn, before Christmas should planning permission be approved.

“Whilst providing homes for people in need, our investment is also helping to create hundreds of jobs and training opportunities in the construction industry.”

She added: “I have likened our Affordable Homes Commitment to a book – a book with an exciting story. We have already been through a few chapters, but there is much more of the story still to come.”

Links:

• Housing
• Affordable housing

Aberystwyth University’s Lifelong Learning and Learn Welsh Awards Ceremony on Monday 22 October 2018 was a celebration of the love of learning.

Held at the University’s Medrus conference centre, the annual ceremony recognised the successes and achievements of students of all ages on a wide range of lifelong learning courses.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Director of Welsh Language and Culture and External Relations said: “Congratulations to each and every one of our lifelong learners on their success. Embarking on a lifelong learning course is a great personal commitment, and one which also requires the support of family and friends.  

“As well as celebrating their achievements, the Lifelong Learning and Learn Welsh Award Ceremony offers learners a chance to thank the inspirational tutors who work so hard to support learners and go the extra mile to ensure their success. 

“Lifelong Learning and Learn Welsh provide everyone with an opportunity to upskill and contribute in new and interesting ways to the community, wider society and to the economy. 

“We are also delighted as a University to work alongside our learners to contribute towards realising Welsh Government’s target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050”, he added.

At the ceremony, students were presented with Certificates of Higher Education in Art and Design, Creative Writing Studies, Field Ecology, and the Diploma of Higher Education in Field and Conservation Ecology, and Continuing Education.

A number of awards were also presented to both students and staff during the ceremony in recognition of their contributions, successes and achievements.

The Lifelong Learning Student of the Year Award was presented to Art and Design student Caroline Nicholas.

Nominatedby her tutors and fellow students, Carolinehas completed a number of Lifelong Learning courses including Plant Portraits and Painting Gardens. Her work was described as “awe-inspiring and motivating”.

The Lifelong Learning Student Team Award was presented to Candy Bedworth, Ian Munday and Danielle Harrisonwho worked on the Figuratively Speaking volunteer initiative, an Art and Design distance learning development.

The team spent nine months creating educational units for a distance learning module and have been described as “amazing ambassadors for future learners”.

The awards also recognised the contributions of Lifelong Learning tutors.

Alison Pierseand Lara Clough were presented with the Lifelong Learning Tutor of the Year Award, having been nominated by their students.

An Art and Design tutor in Lifelong Learning for more than twenty years, Alison Pierse was described as having “teaching in her bones”, “going the extra mile” and showing “enormous energy and enthusiasm”.

Fellow award-winner, Creative Writing tutor Lara Clough, was nominated for“her love of literature and of creative writing, backed up by her own experiences as a published author.”

The awards were presented by Elen James, Corporate Lead Officer for Lifelong Learning and Culture at Ceredigion County Council, and Chair of Ceredigion Adult Community Learning Partnership.

Learn Welsh

The event also celebrated the successes of Welsh language learners and organisations who have been promoting the use of the language.

Cecilia Harman and Emily Leafwere joint winners of the Welsh in the Family Award.

Both from Llandrindod, Emily has been learning Welsh for three years. Along with her partner Robin, who is also learning Welsh, and their three children who are receiving Welsh medium education, the family supported the Urdd National Eisteddfod which was held in Llanelwedd earlier this year.

Cecilia Harmanalso lives with her family in Llandrindod and has been learning Welsh for less than two years. Having moved to Wales from London four years ago, her sons receive Welsh medium education.

The Welsh in the Workplace Employer Awardwas presented to The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. 

In May 2016 the Commission moved to new offices in the National Library and has seen an increase in visitors to its library and research facility, and over the past year, seven of the Commission’s staff have been learning Welsh, including the course Welsh in the Workplace.

And the Welsh in the Workplace Employee Awardwas presented to a member of staff at The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.  

David Thomas, is Head of the Commission’s Public Services and receives a £30 book token and a book from the Amdaniseries by Aberystwyth University publishers CAA.

The ceremony’s final award, Welsh Language Group of the Year, was presented to Grŵp Pontarfynach, which meets every Monday evening at the Hafod, Devil’s Bridge.

The award recognises the success of a group that has brought native speakers and learners together to promote the use of Welsh and £100 worth of Welsh medium resources.

The awards were presented by Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Director of Welsh Language, Culture and External Engagement at Aberystwyth University, who also presented certificates to students who have successfully completed their WJEC ‘Use of Welsh’ Entry, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced qualifications.  

Further information about Lifelong Learning study opportunities at Aberystwyth University is available at: www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-learning/

Further information about Learn Welsh is available at: www.aber.ac.uk/en/learn-welsh/

Photo: Alison Pierse (left) joint winner of the Lifelong Learning Tutor of the Year Award with Elen James, Corporate Lead Officer for Lifelong Learning and Culture at Ceredigion County Council, and Chair of Ceredigion Adult Community Learning Partnership.

An ancient drink has been given a modern twist by the first manufacturing company to set up on the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus. 

Shire Meadery was established by Benjamin Guscott and Nelson Almeida in early 2018 to produce a contemporary version of mead, an alcoholic drink made with fermented honey.

The idea for the new business became a reality after Benjamin and Nelson met at a student entrepreneur conference in February. 

After exploring several options for a base for their meadery, they decided that the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus buildings on Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus near Penrhyncoch would be ideal. 

Benjamin Guscott, who has a PhD in Biosciences from Aston University, said: “I discovered mead when I was doing my doctorate, but only started making it myself much later. I approached mead-making from a scientific angle, experimenting with the most important components to make something with a much wider appeal than what is currently available. After a lot of testing, I created a formula for a contemporary mead which is less sweet and has a lower alcohol strength than traditional meads. 

“We considered several locations for the business including Birmingham, Bristol and Bath. We were looking for somewhere that would not only provide professional support for the scientific aspect of the business but would also offer a beautiful, welcoming and affordable option. The Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus at Gogerddan ticked all the boxes.”

Shire Meadery produced its first bottles of mead in July 2018 and full commercial production is now underway.

Nelson Almeida, who came to Aberystwyth University to study Computer Science, said: “Mead is arguably the oldest alcoholic drink in the United Kingdom and it’s becoming increasingly popular with young people. We have had a lot of support from the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus’s incredibly useful BioAccelerate programme and the University’s AberPreneurs enterprise scheme. The other great aspect about being on a university campus is having so many different innovators around you. There are researchers here from all over the world and it’s a very creative, stimulating environment.”

Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, Chief Executive of Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus, said: “We are delighted that Shire Meadery Ltd has become one of our early start-up companies, taking up tenancy in our fully-furnished office spaces adjacent to the University’s biggest research facility. They join other tenants here in having access toworld-leading expertise in the agri-tech and biosciences sectors as well as ample networking opportunities with likeminded innovators. Construction of the main facilities for the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus is well underway and we look forward to expanding our community further in the coming months and years.”   

Due for final completion in 2020, the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus will be a world-class facility which will attract both private and competitive research funding, enabling companies and researchers to undertake collaborative research projects to boost the bio-economy.

The Campus underlines Aberystwyth University’s commitment to greater interdisciplinary research and innovation in a future that is increasingly focussed on cross sector research and development for new products and services.

The £40.5m Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus development is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Government; by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – part of UK Research and Innovation; and by Aberystwyth University.

Photo: Benjamin Guscott (left) one of the founders of Shire Meadery with Dr Rhian Hayward, Chief Executive of Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus.

Links:
Shire Meadery
https://shiremeadery.com/

Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus
www.aberinnovation.co.uk

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers

BBSRC
https://bbsrc.ukri.org

Wales European Funding Office – WEFO
wefo.gov.wales

Scarlets will take on Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday evening as focus returns to the Guinness PRO14.
 
Head Coach Wayne Pivac has named a 26-man squad for the South African adventure, travelling today, Monday 22^ndOctober. 
 
Twelve players have linked up with Wales in readiness for the Autumn Series with a further seven unavailable.
 
Lewis Rawlins, James Davies, Jonathan Evans, Aaron Shingler, Tom Prydie and Angus O’Brien are unavailable through injury whilst Kieron Fonotia is suspended until Sunday.
 
Scarlets squad flying to South Africa;
 
Forwards;
 
Phil Price, Dylan Evans, Werner Kruger, Simon Gardiner, Taylor Davies, Marc Jones, Daf Hughes, David Bulbring, Tom Price, Josh Helps, Steve Cummins, Blade Thomson, Josh Macleod, Will Boyde, Uzair Cassiem, Ed Kennedy
 
Backs;
 
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Kieran Hardy, Declan Smith, Dan Jones, Steff Hughes, Paul Asquith, Ioan Nicholas, Morgan Williams, Johnny McNicholl, Clayton Blommetjies

Earlier story – http://rlloydpr.co.uk/2018/10/22/scarlets-look-ahead-to-fridays-south-african-clash/