Ammanford's carnival of lights

The skies of Ammanford will be lit up with a glittering array of lanterns at the start of the town’s Christmas festivities.

Local children are being encouraged to join in lantern-making workshops ahead of the town’s Christmas Carnival on Friday, December 4.

The lanterns will be released in to the night skies before the carnival parade to provide a magical backdrop to the evening’s activities, which include a walking parade and a grand fireworks display.

Father Christmas will also be brought in to town on a horse drawn carriage before he opens his Grotto in the Pensioner’s Hall.

Radio Carmarthenshire and Ammanford Town Band will provide a host of musical entertainment on the night, and a funfair and street entertainers, including balloon modelling and magic and Uncle Sam stilt walker, will provide plenty of fun and games for all the family.

The event is being organised as a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Ammanford Town Council, and is sponsored this year by national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

Ammanford Town Mayor Cllr Irena Hopkins, said: "Ammanford Town Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the county council and Taylor Wimpey on this event, which we hope will be an enjoyable occasion for local families.

"We know that Father Christmas is looking forward to meeting children at his grotto at the Pensioner’s Hall, which is always a delightful part of Christmas in Ammanford."

Sara Taylor, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey South Wales, said: "The Christmas lights switch on is a highlight in Ammanford's annual calendar and, as part of the local community, we are delighted to be supporting this event.

"Our sponsorship has gone towards offering visitors a choice of fun festive activities designed to make this year's Christmas Carnival even bigger and better than last year's. We look forward to involving the whole town in this event and getting them together to celebrate the season in style!"

The lantern workshops are being held at Gelli Manwydd Hall, Heol Wallsey, on Saturday, November 28, with a number of sessions suitable for all ages being held between 10am and 3pm.

Ammanford Town Council will be awarding prizes for the most impressive lanterns, with a £15 first prize, £10 second prize and £5 third prize.

The children will be asked to attend the carnival on December 4 when the lantern parade will lead the carnival procession.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for leisure and regeneration, said: "What a wonderful way to start a night full of festivities which will herald the start of Christmas in Ammanford.

"I hope children will take part in the workshops and come up with some wonderful creations for the carnival night.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Ammanford Town Council to organise this event, and we are very grateful to Taylor Wimpey Homes for its sponsorship of the occasion."

For further information on the lantern workshops, or to register for a session, call Emma Stuart on 07854 980 071.

Order of events 5pm: Radio Carmarthenshire kick starts the event with music from its main stage at Lower Quay Street. Funfair begins with catering stalls and street entertainers on hand to get people in to the festive spirit.

7pm: Children gather at the Co-op car park with their lanterns.

7.10pm: Lanterns are released before the walking parade, including community groups, leaves the Co-op car park through Margaret Street and Quay Street.

7.20pm: Carnival parade arrives at lower Quay Street. Ammanford Town Deputy Mayor Ray Cllr Spencer, Father Christmas, the Carnival Queen and her attendant take to the Radio Carmarthenshire stage.

7.25pm: Welcome speech and Christmas lights count-down by Cllr Ray Spencer on main stage

7.30pm: Lights switch-on by the deputy mayor and Carmarthenshire County Council chairman Cllr Tyssul Evans, signalling the start of the grand fireworks display.

7.40pm: Doors open to Santa’s grotto at Ammanford Pensioner’s Hall

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ENGAGE scheme launches

Young people who are at risk of missing out on education and job opportunities are being supported by European funding.

12,000 young people from across South West Wales are to benefit from a £32.5million scheme to improve their chances of success.

The scheme, called 'ENGAGE', aims to target 14-19 year olds who are at risk of dropping out of formal education or training or are failing to achieve their full potential.

The scheme is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils as well as six further education colleges across the region who will all provide match funding.

They are Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Gorseinon, Coleg Sir Gar, Pembrokeshire and Coleg Ceredigion.

Aimed at reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training, ENGAGE will provide complementary curriculums and innovative training approaches to motivate and boost the confidence of students who are experiencing problems learning.

Tailored to the needs of each individual, a range of techniques will be used such as vocational training, one to one intensive support and activities to raise self esteem to encourage them to remain in education and improve their skills.

Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, said, ""ENGAGE will help raise aspirations and increase participation rates in education, training and employment across South West Wales.

"It is an excellent example of partnership working with local authorities, schools and further education colleges delivering the very support young people need to remain or reengage with education.

"Equipping young people with new skills and confidence will lead to improved career opportunities and a quality workforce, bringing increased economic and social benefits to the region."

The scheme will also assist those who are not attending school or college by supporting them back into the education and it will also work with pupil referral units, care leavers and young offenders, providing additional learning support for those who are not in mainstream education.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, "I am excited by the opportunities that will be offered to our young people through the ENGAGE project. The project will provide them with the support they need to succeed. It is so important that we use this funding effectively to motivate learners and to improve their ability to secure rewarding and satisfying careers."

Photograph: Natasha Burgess joins John Griffiths to launch ENGAGE

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20 year honour for St David's coxswain

St David's RNLI lifeboat 2nd Coxswain Clive Hayes has been awarded with a 20 year service badge.

Clive was officially enrolled as a crew member in July 1999. He was appointed Deputy Second Coxswain in 1994 and became 2nd Coxswain in 1995.

He was also an Inshore Lifeboat crew member from it's arrival in July 1997 until November 1998.

He has been on some notable callouts receiving a Vellum Service Certificate for the Blackfriars Rescue in 1999, and also a Framed Letter of Thanks for the Western Belle rescue in 2008 when he sustained broken ribs.

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New mobile youth facility launched

An event was held on Friday November 6 to launch the new MOBI youth facility.

The MOBI vehicle, delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire Youth Service and Plant Dewi, aims to provide young people between the ages of 11-25 years living in isolated, rural communities throughout West Wales with access to youth information, advice and activities. Activities have included self-defence classes, go-karting trips, cooking competitions, DJ workshops, wall climbing and much more.

The ceremony was conducted jointly by the Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr. Tyssul Evans, the Director of Education & Children’s Services, Vernon Morgan, and Rev. Philip Johnes on behalf of Plant Dewi. Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn and from Ysgol Gyfun Pantycelyn (Llandovery) – two of the schools visited by the project - were also present to lend their support.

The new vehicle replaces an older one – a converted horse-box – which has been serving remote villages throughout West Wales since 2002. It is equipped with a host of technological gizmos offering young people a wide range of services and opportunities for learning, or simply having fun.

The new facility will be staffed jointly by Carmarthenshire Council’s 3Ts (Tywi, Taf and Teifi) Youth Workers and Plant Dewi officers. By day, it will visit local schools followed each evening by community-based activities.

3Ts Senior Youth Worker, Chris Davies, said:

“Mobi acts as a catalyst for community activity and development through a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council’s youth service and Plant Dewi. The project works with individuals, community groups and organisations to develop sustainable youth projects in rural areas. This work involves training opportunities, fundraising, project promotion and ongoing community support for isolated, remote or vulnerable groups.”

For further information, please visit http://youth.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Or contact the 3Ts team on: 01267 228273 or Plant Dewi on: 01267 221551

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Priestland enjoying himself after Warriors win

After a strong individual performance against Worcester Warriors at Parc y Scarlets, fly-half Rhys Priestland has said he is 'really enjoying' his rugby with the Scarlets.

He says the players will go away for a week's break in a 'good place' after two impressive performances from a youthful Scarlets side in the LV=Cup that has been without seven of its internationals.

Mentioned in dispatches by Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland at the weekend, as one to watch within of a batch of emerging talent in the Welsh regions, Priestland says he's just concentrating on life with the Scarlets.

He said: "Obviously it's always good to be mentioned by the Head Coach of Wales, but I am just really enjoying playing down here at the moment and that's all I can concentrate on. When Steve's away or I get my opportunity to play, then I just want to do my very best."

Priestland produced an excellent solo effort, securing 17 points (one try, two penalties, three conversions) in the Scarlets 32-17 defeat of the Warriors at Parc y Scarlets on the stadium's first birthday.

Head Coach Nigel Davies congratulated Priestland on a great personal effort at the weekend in tricky conditions.

"We all know what Rhys is capable of, yes he's a bit of an enigma at times, but he plays some great rugby and he is as good as anybody technically in that position," he said.

"The more he plays at the top level, the more confidence it will give him and the more consistent he will become.

"He's working very hard at his goal kicking at the moment, in training this week he was striking well and getting everything."

Speaking about his try which saw him run from the half way line, Rhys Priestland joked: "I was bit gutted when there was nobody there to pass to! But of course it was nice to get a try under my belt.

"The conditions out there were quite tough with the wind, which made it difficult for both sides to kick from the floor and out of hand.

"But it was great to get a bonus point win and I thought the team played particularly well."

Priestland added: "Every game we play the Head Coach tells us never to stop playing if it's on and that we have got to back ourselves, and in the last few weeks we've shown some of that belief on the pitch.

"The forwards have been outstanding and it has given the backs a really good platform to play and the outside backs have run some good lines."

Priestland believes the team is gelling well at the moment: "This game is only going to strengthen our position, we want to do well in every competition we play in.

"It was great last week to see a lot of our younger players perform well, they all stood up and have bought into the way we want to play. I think we can be pleased with our last two weeks of rugby."

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Exploration Tywi celebrates Christmases past, present and future

Residents and visitors to Llandeilo are being invited to learn all about the Exploration Tywi Project, as part of the town’s Festival of the Senses.

The festival, taking place on Friday, November 20, will see hundreds of local people and tourists flocking to the town centre to kick start Christmas celebrations.

And as part of the evening, Dyfed Archaeological Trust is throwing open its doors so that people can learn all about the new historical discoveries of the Tywi Valley.

Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by the archaeological trust.

The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.

Project officer Hazel Williams said: “During the evening visitors will have a chance to learn what has been achieved so far on the graveyard survey at Sant Teilo churchyard, the headway we’ve made with our House Detectives, and our study of the hedgerows and dry walls of the area.

“They will also have a chance to talk to the archaeologists and volunteers who were working on the recent digs, and can put their names down for any of the future projects which will include The Valley at War and our Big Dig next Easter.”

The Exploration Tywi event is taking place at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, on Friday, November 20, from 6.30pm-9pm.

There will also be mince pies and punch and a chance to learn some old Welsh Christmas recipes.

Children’s activities will include puzzles and games and a chance to have their photo taken with a Christmas medieval knight.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “I hope people will come out and lend their support to this project, which has already unearthed some fascinating discoveries about the Tywi Valley.

“The project is putting people in touch with their past, and tying this in with the Christmas celebrations is a great way to get people involved in their own heritage.”

For further details contact Alice Pyper or Hazel Williams on 01558 823121 or email a.pyper@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk

• Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by The Dyfed Archaeological Trust.
• The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.
• Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd (Tywi a River Through Time) is a £2.4million project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, which is aimed at conserving the area’s landscape, biodiversity and history; and creating a legacy for future generations.
• The project received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £557,378 from the Rural Development Plan, and support from the Countryside Council for Wales, Menter Bro Dinefwr and National Trust.

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Get to grips with gadgets

Anyone who needs a helping hand to get to grips with the latest technology are being invited to take part in a skills share workshop in Ammanford.

The workshop is being organised by Pantyffynnon Communities First, a Welsh Assembly funded initiative being led by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Young volunteers will be on hand to help older people learn how to send text and picture messages, upload pictures from a camera to a computer, or simply stay in touch with friends and family online.

The workshop is being held at Ammanford Library’s ICT Suite on Thursday, November 26, from 5.30pm-7pm, with light refreshments provided.

Emma Martin-Jewell, Pantyffynnon Communities First development officer, said:

“This will be a good workshop for anyone who is lacking confidence with new technology, but also for those who would like to use mobile phones and computers to stay in touch with friends and family.

“Places are limited, so early booking is essential.”

Pantyffynnon Communities First, based in New Road, Ammanford, is committed to promoting the skills of local people as part of its aim in regenerating the area through improving living conditions and prospects for people in the ward.

Cllr Kevin Madge, deputy council leader and executive board member with responsibility for community wellbeing, said: “Keeping in touch with friends is so important, and in this day and age it is so easy to socialise through the use of technology – but only if you know how.

“It is fantastic to see young people getting involved in this way, and passing on their skills to the older generation. It creates a fantastic bond between young and old in the town, and helps break down social barriers. They really are to be commended.”

To book a place on the workshop, or for further information, call Pantyffynnon Communities First on 01269 590255.

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Bwlch Scrambling Bike Project

With the support of the Prince’s Trust and Communities First, the Morfa Youth Forum, in association with the Carmarthenshire Youth Service is embarking on a venture to achieve a Motorbike Scrambling Project.

Through interaction with local young people, it has become clear to youth work practitioners that motorbike scrambling is a pursuit that young people are passionate about and they continually enquire about the opportunity to partake in this activity.

The young people in question often have experience of the activity through maybe owning a bike of their own or through using their peer’s bikes. However, the activity is seldom done through official channels – the young people in question are often ‘scrambling’ illegally on land which they have no permission to ride on.

The implications for this sort of activity raise issues over the young people’s safety and wellbeing while partaking in what can be a dangerous pastime. There is also an anti-social behaviour issue as the scrambling often takes place in residential areas which causes tension between the young people and other residents.

Huw Thomas, Senior Youth Worker for the Llanelli area said:

“Engagement in this activity is something which is of great interest to many young people and could be an excellent arena in which youth work can take place.

“As one of the aims of youth work is to educate young people through informal learning by participating in leisure time activities it seems a good opportunity to create a project which young people will want to engage with while also facilitating their personal and social development.”

Open College Network certificates [OCN] will also be available in Motorbike maintenance and riding.

Other impacts include:

• Enhancing skills for young people at risk leading to positive outcomes such as reintegration, further educational opportunities employment or voluntary opportunities.
• Participants demonstrated a return to or an increase in school attendance.
• Voluntary opportunities for young people.
• Positive images of young people in the media and the community thus building up trust and capital.
• Young people see themselves as community stakeholders.
• Safe, included and responsible young people.
• Diversion from anti-social behaviour and negative lifestyle choices for young people.
• Running this project would help reduce illegal riding and keep young people energised in a sport that many enjoy.

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Sustainability commissioner commends Carmarthenshire County County Council

Sustainability commissioner Peter Davies has commended Carmarthenshire County Council for its success in gaining the Platinum Corporate Health Standard Award.

The standard, run by the Welsh Assembly Government, is the quality-mark for workplace health promotion in Wales.

Carmarthenshire has already been awarded bronze, silver and gold standards in the past, and has exceeded all levels of expectation to achieve platinum status this year.

Photograph: Pictured with Mr Davies is Carmarthenshire County Council chief executive Mark James, council chair Cllr Tyssul Evans, council leader Cllr Meryl Gravell, and special projects director Robert Sully. Pic Jeff Connell

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Tickling the Tastebuds

Tastebuds are tingling to the delights of a new winter menu in primary schools across the county.

Several delicious home made dishes have been added to the daily specials for the 2009 winter term.

Pupils are tucking in to a healthy variety of meals including lamb and apricot meatballs - a unique product for Carmarthenshire schools which is being produced by the authority’s meat supplier Welsh Bros Foods Ltd, based in Newport. Welsh Bros have sourced the lamb from Cig Calon Cymru, a company based in Cross Hands.

And those wise enough to leave room for dessert are licking their lips to the delights of Rachel's' Organic Yoghurt, which is produced in Aberystwyth.

The new menu forms part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s commitment to provide healthy, low cost meals that have a good nutritional balance.

The council produces seasonal menus with emphasis on traditionally cooked, fresh food, with reduced additives, salt and sugar.

Locally sourced produce is used wherever possible as part of the authority’s Local Sustainable Food Strategy.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Catering Services Manager Sandra Weigel said: “The menu has been designed to be nutritionally balanced while providing a tasty variety of dishes that children will enjoy.

“We are continually trying to introduce new appealing dishes for the children. Desserts are always more difficult to produce as they need to incorporate fruit whilst maintaining a varied menu.

“We aim to make the food not only appealing to the eye but tasty to eat while maintaining a healthy balance.

“We’ve kept a lot of the old favourites that our schools were serving 15 years ago, but over the years much of the rest of the menu has been revamped. The new menus are certainly a lot healthier - levels of salt and fat have been dramatically reduced.”

Executive board member for schools Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “Carmarthenshire County Council is firmly in favour of providing the best standard of school catering possible throughout the county. Catering staff work tirelessly to ensure the quality and nutritional value of our school meals and as you can see from this year’s menu, that work is paying dividends.”

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Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan

Residents of Carmarthenshire are being asked for their views on how they would like the county to look in 2021.

The Pre-Deposit Preferred Strategy represents the first important stage of the Local Development Plan (LDP) process. Developed following consultation and participation, the Strategy sets out the direction of the LDP and provides the strategic framework for future stages of the Plan.

It details the social, economic and environmental issues and trends within the county and the Plan’s Vision and Objectives.

The Pre-Deposit Preferred Strategy sets out the key issues facing the county; the Vision and Objectives - how the County wants to look in 2021; and key strategic growth and spatial options – how much growth is needed and broadly where it should go.

The Pre-Deposit Preferred Strategy is available for public consultation until January 4, 2010, and the council is inviting comments on its content.

Detailed policies and proposals are not included within the Preferred Strategy and will be set out within the Deposit LDP document later into the preparation process. When completed, the LDP will cover the period through to 2021 and will set out where housing, employment and other developments will be take place as well as identifying those areas of the County worthy of protection.

In preparing the LDP, the Council has undertaken a Sustainability Assessment/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). The SA/SEA of the Plan ensures that the effects on the environmental, social and economic factors in the County are reflected in the LDP. The impacts of any land use on European designated conservation sites are assessed by means of a HRA.

The Pre-Deposit Preferred Strategy is available to view on the Council’s website, at customer service centres, selected Council offices and at libraries throughout the County. Comments will need to be submitted in writing using the questionnaire forms provided.

Senior Forward Planning Officer Ian Llewelyn said that “The consultation period for the Pre-Deposit Preferred Strategy provides an opportunity for interested parties, communities and stakeholders to get involved and influence the course of the LDP”.

For the latest information on the LDP and the process to date visit the Council’s website at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk. For further information please contact us on 01267 228818.

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Canolfan Tywi Centre launch

A new heritage centre supporting traditional sustainable building, landscape and history of the Tywi Valley will be launched in Carmarthenshire this week.

The centre, a centrepiece of the Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd project, is housed in two converted barns at Dinefwr Home Farm, on the outskirts of Llandeilo.

It will provide an invaluable resource to the area, offering a range of traditional sustainable building information services and education and community resources.

It will also offer a range of subsidised courses for builders, building professionals and homeowners, in a bid to help locals conserve the area’s historic homes and buildings.
The Welsh Assembly’s Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, will officially open the centre on Wednesday, November 18, at 10am.

Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd (Tywi a River Through Time) is a £2.4million project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, which is aimed at conserving the area’s landscape, biodiversity and history, and creating a legacy for future generations.

Project staff will be based at the centre and will oversee a full complement of activities, training courses and seminars promoting the Tywi Valley and the uptake of skills required to maintain this beautiful and historic landscape.

Nell Hellier, Traditional Sustainable Building Centre Officer said: “The former Cart Shed houses the offices of the Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd Project and a seminar and demonstration area, and the Cow Shed has been converted into workshop space for carpentry, joinery, masonry and stonework skills.

“The Building Information Service, based at the centre, will provide a personal help service to professionals, builders and homeowners on how to undertake work on traditional buildings and how to use traditional materials and methods.”

The Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd project has engaged with hundreds of local people of all ages, encouraging them to learn about their area’s history, and to recognise the importance of maintaining it for their children and grandchildren.

The project received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £557,378 from the Rural Development Plan, and support from the Countryside Council for Wales, Menter Bro Dinefwr and National Trust.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “This will provide an invaluable resource to the area. The renovation of the buildings has been fantastic, and hinges on the ethos of the whole project, which has been so successful in the area.”

For further information about the centre, or any other schemes run by the project, call the team on 01558 824271, or visit the Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd pages at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

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Whitland death stays unexplained say police

The post mortem carried out on the body recovered at the Old Pump House, Station Road, Whitland on Sunday, November 8, 2009 proved inconclusive. Further forensic tests are being carried out to ascertain the cause of death.

Following extensive enquiries carried out by the Police the circumstances surrounding the death are currently not being treated as suspicious.

Enquiries are continuing in an attempt to formally identify the deceased.

Dyfed-Powys Police would like to thank the community of Whitland for the support received during this investigation.

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Body found after farm fire

Dyfed-Powys Police have commenced an investigation into the death of a person who has suffered fatal injuries in a fire that has taken place at premises in the Llanwrda area of Goodwick in Fishguard. Both Police and Fire Service were informed of an incident at a farm in this area at 9.04pm on Sunday 8th November 2009.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify this person and to locate and inform any next of kin. Further information will be made known as the investigation continues tomorrow.

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We will remember them

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them



Photograph (c) Ade Davies. Taken in Ferryside

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MOBI gets a makeover

People get ready. There’s a new bus a-coming. And, if you’re aged 11-25, you don’t need a ticket to get on board.

Plant Dewi, the community development arm in the St Davids Diocese of the Church in Wales, received a grant from Carmarthenshire County Council to fund a new mobile drop-in unit, which was unveiled at Newcastle Emlyn Secondary School (Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn) last Friday ( 6 November).

The ceremony was conducted jointly by the Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr. Tyssul Evans, the Director of Education & Children’s Services, Vernon Morgan, and Rev. Philip Johnes on behalf of Plant Dewi.

Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn and from Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery - two of the schools visited by the project - were also present to lend their support.

‘Mobi’, as it’s known, aims to provide young people between the ages of 11-25 years living in isolated, rural communities throughout West Wales with access to youth information, advice and activities. Activities have included self-defence classes, go-karting trips, cooking competitions, DJ workshops, wall climbing and much more.

The new vehicle replaces an older one – a converted horse-box – which has been serving remote villages throughout West Wales since 2002. It is equipped with a host of technological gizmos offering young people a wide range of services and opportunities for learning, or simply having fun.

The new facility will be staffed jointly by Plant Dewi staff and council youth workers. By day, it will visit local schools followed each evening by community-based activities*.

Project Manager Sue Fletcher said: “Mobi acts as a catalyst for community activity and development through a partnership between Plant Dewi and Carmarthenshire County Council’s youth service. The project works with individuals, community groups and organisations to develop sustainable youth projects in rural areas. This work involves training opportunities, fundraising, project promotion and ongoing community support for isolated, remote or vulnerable groups.”

Carys Davies, Plant Dewi Project Worker, said: “The idea for ‘Mobi’ came from the young people themselves. They conducted a research project into what was needed most and this is what they came up with.”

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50plus Forum Annual Event

More than 150 people have attended Carmarthenshire 50+ Forum’s annual event held at the new Ffos Las Race Course in Trimsaran.

A full programme was laid on for the morning including a talk by Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Ruth Marks, a theatre production on bogus callers by Cwmni’r Fedwen and exhibitions, all on themes of interest to older people.

Delegates also took part in workshops on a range of subjects – community safety, leisure, Welsh language, benefit entitlements, independent living, and sustainable communities.

Carmarthenshire 50+ Champion Cllr Kevin Madge opened the event and Carmarthenshire County Council assistant chief executive Chris Burns described the progress made over the last year.

Cllr Madge said a lot had been achieved since he became 50+ Champion in June 2008, and was delighted that the 50+ Forum now had a membership of over 1,000 people and was steadily increasing. This was a clear recognition of how people wanted to work together with the council and other organisations to improve services. A number of actions had been taken forward including the expansion across the whole county of the Garden Tidy scheme in which supervised young offenders clear the gardens of older people who have no-one to help them.
Mr Burns said that the older persons’ strategy in Carmarthenshire aimed to be a voice and advocate for older people and to challenge people’s perceptions.

”We had meetings in Llanelli and Carmarthen and they nominated a steering group of 19 people who are your representatives. Throughout the year they have met people responsible for bus services, health services and leisure in Carmarthenshire and lobbied on your behalf. As a result of discussion the qualifying age for the Young at Heart scheme was reduced from 65 to 50.”

Ruth Marks gave a brief outline of her role and future objectives and then reported that the main issues raised with her by older people related to money and payment for services, information about and access to services, and the lack of dignity and respect that older people sometimes face.

Members of the Forum raised issues of social isolation in rural areas, the distance to travel to community facilities and the importance of adult education. These and many other questions were raised with the Commissioner and responses will be included in a conference report which will be drafted shortly.

Steering group member Andrew Kurzfeld said after the event: “It was very successful and identified a number of important areas affecting older people. There is plenty for the steering group to work on over the next year.

“We need joined up thinking in the provision of services, such as leisure facilities and transport.”

To join the 50+ Forum, please contact Ruth Lake on 01267 234567.

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Two-Year Pay Freeze for Senior Council Officers

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board is freezing chief officers’ pay because of the economic situation and the recession.

When considering the two year review of senior officers’ pay, the Executive Board today decided on the advice of the Chief Executive to freeze chief officers’ pay for two years.

In the light of severe pressures on public finances the Executive Board agreed that it would be inappropriate for senior officers of the Council to be granted any pay increases at this time.

Council leader Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Our senior officers have carried out tremendous work which is seen in the Council’s many award-winning services. We appreciate this very much.

“The Chief Executive has also reduced the senior management of the Council considerably over the last seven years. As a result we now have 20 per cent fewer directors, 30 per cent fewer heads of service and 25 per cent fewer third tier managers.

“This has resulted in savings of well over £1m in management costs. While we recognise this, the current economic conditions mean we must be prudent and I know our senior officers understand this.”

The Executive Board also agreed to harmonise senior officers’ terms and conditions on pay so that they are the same as for all other staff.

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Countdown starts to 29th annual Mayor’s Fun Run

It will take place, as usual, on Easter Monday, which next year falls on April 5, 2010.

For those of you who like plenty of warning, there are now just over 20 weeks left to get into shape for the 5k fun run and a series of junior races.

“The race is one of the highlights of the year in Carmarthen,” Deputy Town Mayor Councillor Alan Speake said this week.

“I would urge everyone, young and old, to consider taking part and making the event a great fun occasion for Carmarthen town.”

Councillor Speake is chairing the Mayor’s Fun Run Steering Group in the run-up to race day.

He added: “The event is recognised as a great occasion in Carmarthen. So, if you want to get into shape over the winter months ready for the big race day, then now is the time to start.”
Runners are being encouraged to dress up in fancy dress and field pub and club teams.

The junior races cater for Years 2-10. The senior fun run has categories for males and females under 40 and 35 and veterans groups for older age groups.

Everyone who completes the course gets a medal.

Entry forms will be published in the Journal in the new year. The forms will also be published in the new year on the Journal’s website, www.thisiscarmarthenjournal.co.uk and the Mayor’s Race website, www.rasusymaer.org.uk. Online registration for the run will also be available on the Runner’s World website, www.runnersworld.co.uk Race organiser Noelwyn Daniel said the race route which be the same as in previous years.

He added: “It is a tried and tested formula with the senior runners having three laps of the town centre circuit. Both the runners and the spectators like the fact that the whole event is staged very centrally in the middle of Carmarthen town centre.”

The 2009 races raised cash for four youth-orientated charities and organisations - £500 each for Dr Mz, Ty Ni, Ty Hapus and the ATC.

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Connacht 16 - 10 Scarlets

In front of a crowd of less than 2,000 and with conditions playing a role in the style of performance, Connacht fly half Ian Keatley ably kicked 11 of the 16 points which included the conversion of Mike McComish's first-half try as Connacht achieved a much need first win out of their last four Magners League outings.

The Scarlets had won 8 of the last 12 games against Connacht prior to this encounter but put in a first half performance that did not match up to their last three victorious outings.

With a number of front line players missing through international duties or injury this week and with experienced prop Deacon Manu a late Scarlets withdrawal, a below par first half Scarlets performance lacked its characteristic control and flair and saw Connacht move 13-0 ahead from two Keatley penalties on 15 mins and 18 mins.

Following a strong performance with the boot last week against the Dragons, Rhys Priestland missed his first shot at the posts just 12 minutes into the game following a decent spell of early possession by the Scarlets.

The first half also saw two sin bins; one on Connacht's centre Keith Matthews who was shown the yellow card for a late tackle and the other just nine minutes later from Scarlets lock Vernon Cooper.

Within three minutes of the Scarlets sin binning, Connacht took advantage with a powerful scrum and O'Connor popped an inside pass to set up athletic number eight McComish for an opening try which was promptly converted by Keatley.

The Scarlets pack didn't show its usual mettle and often played second fiddle to the hosts in the opening quarter - with the Connacht back row of John Muldoon, Johnny O'Connor and McComish swarming over the breakdown area.

Scarlets came back at the hosts in the third quarter with a strong rally - and with Connacht prop Brett Wilkinson the third player to see yellow, Priestland hammered over the resulting kick at 57 minutes to get the Scarlets off the mark at 13 - 3.

With a number of Scarlets substitutions in the final 10 minutes which saw Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Jamie Corsi, Emyr Philips, Gareth Davies, Gareth Maule and Dan Newton all take to the field, as the visitors tried to up the intensity.

However, Keatley thumped a long-range penalty over to further the lead at 16-3 at 66 minutes.

But the Scarlets spirit continued and their efforts paid off when in-form winger Lee Williams broke through for a characteristic try in the corner at 78 minutes (16-8).

Up stepped promising young Scarlets fly half, 19 year-old Daniel Newton, who will be pleased that his kick ensured the Scarlets left the Sportsground with a losing bonus point.

Scarlets remained in eighth position in the Magners League last night with 11 points, a point ahead of the Blues but two points behind the Dragons and six behind the Ospreys.

Final Score: Connacht 16 Scarlets 10.

Scarlets: Priestland Pen (1) Lee Williams Try (1) Daniel Newton Conv (1)
Connacht: Keatley Pen (3) & Conv (1) McComish Try (1) Attendance: 1,750

Scarlets: Evans, Stoddart, Lamont, Higgitt, Williams, Priestlend, Knoyle, I. Thomas, Owen, Manu, Cooper, Welch, Easterby, Pugh, Lyons. Replacements: Maule for Higgitt (72), Newton for Priestlend (72), G. Davies for Knoyle (72), Phillips for Owen (72), Corsi for John (72), Shingler for Cooper (62), Turnbull for Easterby (62).

Connacht: Duffy, Nathan, Ta'auso, Matthews, Carr, Keatley, F. Murphy, Wilkinson, Cronin, Morris, McCarthy, Upton, Muldoon, O'Connor, McComish. Replacements: Flavin for Cronin (73), Hagan for Morris (54), Browne for McCarthy (55), Swift for McComish (66). Not Used: O'Loughlin, Nikora, Bibo. Referee: G Knox (Scotland)

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