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Press releases

Ivy Bush Royal Hotel sold to international group operator

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Specialist business property adviser, Christie and Co has completed on the freehold sale of the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, situated in a prominent town centre position in Carmarthen, to Compass Hospitality Holdings (UK) Limited.

The traditional period property dates from the 18th century, with later modern additions providing substantial letting accommodation with 70 en suite guest rooms.
Sitting in 1.5 acres, the hotel also includes a range of bar, restaurant and private function spaces, ideal for weddings as the venue is registered for civil ceremonies, plus leisure facilities such as a gym and sauna. The outdoor space comprises well-kept gardens, external dining trade areas and a private customer car park for 90 vehicles.
Previous owners and directors of The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel Paul and Ann Jaycock have continually invested in the business over the years to create a high quality three star hotel and have built up a significant presence and reputation both within the local leisure and business communities.
Paul Jaycock comments, “After 28 years of active ownership of a number of hospitality businesses in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, Ann and I have decided to retire. We would like to thank all staff and customers of the hotel over the last 15 years for their loyalty and support. We would also like to wish the new owners every success in this venture.”

The business will continue to be managed by existing staff under the direction of new owners, Compass Hospitality Holdings (UK) Limited which operates hotels in Thailand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Ivy Bush Royal Hotel will be part of the company’s portfolio of 16 hotels in the UK and operating as its second hotel in Wales, alongside the Citrus Hotel in Cardiff.

Harmil Singh, CEO of Compass Hospitality comments, “Our maiden entry to Wales in Cardiff has proven to be extremely successful and we are pleased to further expand our business in Wales.”

“While the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel is already performing very well, particularly in the F&B sector, we feel there is upside opportunity to further grow the business through synergies with the other hotels in our portfolio as well as a strategic refurbishment programme.”

Corrina Jones, Business Agent based in Christie & Co’s Cardiff office, who handled the sale comments, “We are pleased to have been able to assist Mr & Mrs Jaycock in securing a successful completion and would like to wish them all the best for their well earned retirement from the trade. The business is perfectly located for Compass Hospitality Holdings (UK) Limited to add to their existing portfolio of properties and increasing their profile within Wales, which represents an exciting time for all staff and customers of the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel.

“We are seeing increased activity within the region since January 2018 and this is reflected in increased viewing numbers, offers presented and completions, proving a thriving market in South Wales.”

Sheraz Akram, Head of Corporate and Commercial at DJM Solicitors assisted the vendors in the sale of Ivy Bush Royal Hotel.

Ivy Bush Royal Hotel was sold off a guide price of £2,700,000.

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Press releases

2018 Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards launched

Posted By Robert Lloyd

The countdown is on to find Carmarthenshire’s sporting stars of 2018.

The annual Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards will recognise and reward those people who have made a positive difference and shown outstanding achievements in their field whether it be as an individual, coach, volunteer or sport team in disabled, non-disabled, professional and amateur sport.

Nominations are now being invited for 12 categories of awards at the 2018 Sports Awards ceremony in February 2019.

Do you know of any athlete, team, coach or volunteer who should be recognised for their achievements? If so, why don’t you nominate them for an award?

Sports Personality of the Year sponsored by McDonald’s

Open to any male or female sports person. We are looking for individuals who have achieved success at an international level, representing Wales and/or Great Britain within their sport.

Young Sportsman of the Year

Nominees must be in the Junior Category of their Sport and U21. We are looking for an individual who has achieved success at an international level, representing Wales and/or Great Britain within their sport. If under 21 and have competed in a senior event, they can also be nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Young Sportswoman of the Year

Nominees must be in the Junior Category of their Sport and U21. We are looking for an individual who has achieved success at an international level, representing Wales and/or Great Britain within their sport. If under 21 and have competed in a senior event, they can also be nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by MAGSTIM

To be awarded regardless of age. We are looking for male and female sports people who are involved within their sport at a community, regional, national and/or international level.

High Performance Sports Coach of the Year sponsored by Alliance and Leisure

Nominees must be a qualified coach within their sporting field. We are looking for individuals who have achieved success in coaching athletes/teams performing at Regional, National and/or International level. The winner of this award will automatically be entered for the Sport Wales Coach of the Year.

Community Sports Coach of the Year

Nominees must be a qualified coach within their sporting field. We are looking for individuals who have devoted their time in getting more people active in sport and retaining their participation in a local community setting.

Sports Volunteer of the Year

Open to any male or female over 21, who has given up their time and energy to lead and inspire within an organisation, e.g. school, sports club, youth group. Roles undertaken could involve leading sessions, running events, officiating and administration. Voluntary work is unpaid, and predominantly within Carmarthenshire. Nominations are welcome from teachers.

Young Sports Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Castell Howell

Nominees, male or female, must be aged 21 and under. We are looking for individuals who give up their time to lead, inspire and support people to become more active within an organisation, e.g. school, sports club, youth group. Roles undertaken could involve leading sessions, running events, officiating and administration. Voluntary work is unpaid, predominantly within Carmarthenshire and is not part of a formal educational course.

Team of the Year sponsored by Coleg Sir Gar

Male or female team who have achieved success at a high level within their sport.

Young Team of the Year

Male or female Junior team competing within the junior category of the sport who have achieved success at a high level within their sport.

Sports Club of the Year *new for 2018*

Awarded to a club that is affiliated to the National Governing Body. We are looking for clubs that proactively offers all members within the club (players, coaches, volunteers, officials) an opportunity to develop. Clubs that have made a significant impact on developing their sport through community engagement, promotion and fundraising.

The Ryan Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Services to Sport

Life Time Achievement Award. Male or female of any age, must be a serving member of a club in the Carmarthenshire area.  This category is restricted to volunteers only. We are looking for an individual who has dedicated over 20 years to improving sport within their community/organisation, from coaching, officiating, administrative roles to washing the kit, preparing refreshments or general maintenance of the club.

Sporting Hall of Fame (closed entry)

Athletes, coaches and volunteers can be nominated for more than one award.

Those eligible must either:

    • have been born in the County,
    • be currently resident in the County or
    • be representing a County Club or School
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Press releases

See The Estrons perform at Llanelly Library

Posted By Robert Lloyd

You wouldn’t normally think of booking tickets to see your favourite band in a library, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Llanelli Library which has landed an exclusive gig with Welsh-Canadian pop-rock band the Estrons.

It is the only Welsh library to secure a live music gig as part of a ‘Get It Loud In Libraries’ campaign.

The Estrons will be playing there on Sunday October 14, and tickets are on sale now.

The gig will conclude a week of events during Libraries Week from October 8-13 when each of Carmarthenshire’s libraries will have activities on offer.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “We’ve hosted many events in Llanelli Library over the years but it is a first for us to host a live music gig amongst the bookshelves.

“We’ve long said that libraries are about more than just books, and this is a great example.”

The Estrons gig has been funded by the Welsh Government, which pledged to fund two live music events for children, young people and families in Welsh museums and libraries during 2018.

Get It Loud In Libraries is a unique award-winning project designed to give people who love music the chance to see top artists in their local library.

Since 2005, it has featured gigs in libraries by breakthrough and established music acts including Adele, Jessie J, Plan B, Cate Le Bon, Clean Bandit, Juliette Lewis, Meilyr Jones and many more.

See the Estrons at Llanelli Library on Sunday October 14, doors open at 4pm. Tickets £8.

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Press releases

Bin collection changes for August Bank Holiday in Carmarthenshire

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Carmarthenshire residents are being reminded that there are changes to bin collections over the August bank holidays.

From Monday, August 27, until Friday, August 31, collections will take place one day later than usual. So for example, if your collection is due on Monday it won’t be picked up until Tuesday and so on.

These changes also affect garden waste and trade waste customers.

The recycling centres in Trostre (Llanelli), Wernddu (Ammanford), Nantycaws (Carmarthen) and Whitland are all open as usual over the bank holidays.

All recycling centres are now operating summer opening hours, 8.30am-7pm.

Cllr Hazel Evans, executive board member for environment, said: “Please remember to recycle using your blue bags. Items such as plastic bottles, food tins, aerosol cans, magazines and catalogues, plastic coat hangers and cardboard can all be recycled in the blue bag. Information and advice is available on the council’s website.

“In Carmarthenshire about a quarter of a typical black bag still contains food waste, and half of that is still in its packaging.

“Reduce your food waste and save money, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for advice on avoiding food waste and using up leftovers.

“If you do have waste food such as teabags, bones, vegetable and fruit peelings or egg shells please put these in your food waste bin for a weekly collection where it will be treated and turned into soil conditioner.”

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Blog posts

Latest podcast from Phil Evans and Robert Lloyd

Posted By Robert Lloyd

The latest podcast from Phil Evans and Robert Lloyd.

The Big Cwtsh (Episode 26) is now on Soundcloud.

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Press releases

Waste and tyre amnesty for the Llandovery area

Posted By Robert Lloyd

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

A waste and tyre amnesty is being held at the Mart on Saturday, September 15 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. Garden waste accepted.

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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