our latest edition of Carms News

CarmsNews
SUMMER 2016
Carms News is produced on recycled paper
Public Services Board providing you with news and information from Carmarthenshire
Learning
opportunities
this September
Have your say on the future of Carmarthenshire – take part in our survey. See page 8
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Sports academies
There are plenty of learning
opportunities
starting
in
Carmarthenshire this September at
Coleg Sir Gâr and the University of
Wales Trinity Saint David.
The college is an award-winning
provider of further education in the
county which also delivers university
level courses in partnership with
UWTSD.
Coleg Sir Gâr has five campuses based
over the county, each offering its own
specialist facilities including automotive
engineering, business, adult teaching,
an art and design school, catering and
hospitality, agriculture, agricultural
engineering,
construction
and
hairdressing. A range of A-levels are
available to study including the ACE
programme, which is a bespoke
initiative designed for those who excel
academically. The college is also a key
partner in the Seren Network’s steering
and executive group. A whole range of
vocational courses and apprenticeships
are available across the entire college
including business, enterprise and
performing arts.
A team of mentors support a level one
foundation course to help those who
benefit from an introduction to college
or who may need additional support or
require guidance on their educational
journey. A range of higher education
courses are available from the
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
campuses in Carmarthen, Swansea and
Lampeter.
GET YOUR FUTURE ON COURSE: Find out more about
full-time and part-time courses including
apprenticeships, degrees and courses for businesses.
Contact Coleg Sir Gâr on
[email protected] / 01554 748179 or
The UWTSD team on 0300 323 1828
g students
Award-winnin
Fantastic result
s
Turn to page 5 for further
information...
2
Summer 2016
News from the
Public Services Board
A new Public Services Board has been set up to help improve the
social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being in
Carmarthenshire.
The board, which met recently for the first time, has four statutory
organisations - Carmarthenshire County Council; Hywel Dda
University Health Board; Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service;
and Natural Resources Wales, along with invited participants including
Welsh Government; Dyfed Powys Police; Coleg Sir Gar; University of
Wales Trinity Saint David; CAVS; Department for Work and Pensions;
National Probation Service; Community Rehabilitation Company;
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority; Arts Council of Wales; and
the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Barry Liles, Coleg Sir Gâr Principal, was elected Chair and Cllr Emlyn
Dole, County Council Leader, was elected Vice-Chair. One of the board’s
first tasks will be to undertake a well-being assessment, people can
participate in this by completing an online survey. Meetings of the PSB
take place bi-monthly and an e-newsletter will be published following
each meeting. Questions can also be submitted for future meetings.
Agendas and newsletters, along with other information and news about
the PSB will be published on the website.
To sign up for the newsletter, take part
in the survey, ask a question or find out
more information visit
www.thecarmarthenshirewewant.wales
Carmarthenshire County Council
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Natural Resources Wales
Welsh Government
Dyfed Powys Police
Coleg Sir Gar
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
CAVS
Department for Work and Pensions
National Probation Service
Community Rehabilitation Company
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
Arts Council of Wales
Police and Crime Commissioner
We hope you enjoy reading Carms News.
If you would like to comment on any aspect of the publication
or to include a feature on the ‘your community’ pages then
please contact:
Marketing and Media
Carmarthenshire County Council,
County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01267 224654
Web: www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales
Rights to photographs reserved; photographs may not be reproduced
without prior written permission from the above address.
Student wins annual
John Hancock shield
Coleg Sir Gâr agricultural engineering student Philip Mattey (front) receives the
John Hancock annual shield from Mr Hancock. They are pictured with Philip’s flat
8 grab and the Level Three Agricultural Engineering group who all took part in the
competition.
A Coleg Sir Gâr student from Pembrey has won the annual John
Hancock shield for his innovative design and manufacturing skills
in agricultural engineering.
Philip Mattey, 18, is studying an extended diploma in agricultural
engineering at the college’s Gelli Aur campus where every year, students
are asked to design or modify a working product for the agricultural
industry.
Philip designed a flat 8 grab with an unique rotational feature. “The design
promotes safety as well as taking away the need for hand stacking
machine-made bales,” said Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer Geraint Evans.
Students were asked to come up with three concepts, then choose and
manufacture their chosen design or modification and present their
research and costings to a panel of judges.
Council buys
properties
Carmarthenshire
County
Council
has
invested
£1.5million
buying
15
properties to add to the
authority’s social housing stock.
A range of two and three bedroom
homes have been purchased on the
open market in areas where there is
greatest need. More homes will be
added to the council’s portfolio as
part of its plans to create 1,000
affordable homes over the next five
years.
Cllr Linda Evans, Executive Board
Member for Housing, has
previously spoken of the
£60million Affordable Housing
Commitment. As well as buying
homes, the authority is working
with private developers and
landlords, encouraging housing cooperatives, providing grants to
bring empty homes back into use
and building its own homes. The
commitment will increase the
number of affordable homes in
four ‘action areas’ - Ammanford
and
the
Amman
Valley;
Carmarthen and the west;
Carmarthenshire rural and market
towns; and Llanelli and district.
University
launches
£3.7m project
The University of Wales Trinity
Saint David recently officially
launched its innovative £3.7
million
project
‘Growing
Workforces through Learning
and Development’ (GWLAD).
This is a three-year scheme
supported by the European Social
Fund
through
the
Welsh
Government and will deliver
accredited work-based learning
programmes to support the
professional development of over
550 employees from over 100
businesses in South West Wales.
Employees
will
have
the
opportunity to improve their skills
and productivity in a range of
business areas and achieve higher
education
qualifications
in
Professional Practice. The project
will also work with businesses to
up-skill their staff and to introduce
strategies that will be developed
through
specific
learning
programmes.
For more information
call 01267 225169 or email
dylan.williamsevans@
uwtsd.ac.uk
Are you a private
foster carer?
Did you know if you’ve been caring for a child for more than
28 days, or someone is caring for your child and they’re not a
close relative, this could be classed as a Private Fostering
Arrangement.
If so, you are legally obliged to inform the Carmarthenshire Children’s
Services Department.
A close relative is an aunt, uncle, step-parent, grandparent or sibling - but
not a cousin, grand aunt/uncle, or a family friend.
By informing the local authority of your circumstances, the best help and
advice can be provided to support you and the child involved.
If you would like further
details, or if you’re already
involved in such an
arrangement, please contact
Carmarthenshire Children’s
Services Department on
01554 742322.
Advertorial
New school gets ‘A-Star’ from pupils
Summer 2016
Pupils at Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen enjoy their new school
College pilots new MOT
training programme
Coleg Sir Gâr’s Automotive Engineering Centre, Carmarthen
which is piloting the new MOT Tester qualification
Coleg Sir Gâr is one of the few
colleges chosen by ABC Awards
to pilot the new ABC MOT
tester qualification.
The brand new qualification will
change the way learners achieve
Driver and Vehicle Standards
Agency (DVSA) MOT tester
status.
The college’s automotive centre, a
purpose-built facility is the largest
training facility of its kind in South
Wales and John Morrissey,
assistant curriculum head at Coleg
Sir Gâr is thrilled to have the
facility chosen as one of nine pilot
centres in the UK. “We are
delighted to be included in the pilot
training of the new qualifications
for MOT testers and MOT test
centre managers,” he said.
Get onto the ABC MOT
training programme
by calling
01554 748179 or email
[email protected]
3
Children in the Cwmann area are enjoying their new £5.7million
school at Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen.
The school caters for children aged between four and 11, and also houses
Cylch Meithrin Coedmor. It has state of the art facilities and first class
accommodation, including a 3G artificial grass pitch, designed for both school
and community use.
Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen was delivered through Carmarthenshire County
Council’s Modernising Education Programme. Funding was shared between
the council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools
initiative.
Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “This is exactly the kind of environment
we want to provide for every child in the county and demonstrates what our
MEP is all about.”
The school is sited adjacent to the Canolfan Pentref Cwmann, at the heart of
the community, both geographically and culturally. The scheme addresses key
educational objectives, as well as providing a community resource.
Headteacher Aled Jones Evans
said: “It’s a different world for us,
the children, parents and staff
are over the moon with their
new school. We are very grateful
to everyone involved in making
this happen.”
New Professional Learning
Partnership team is unveiled
The University of Wales Trinity
Saint David unveils the team
leading a new Professional
Learning
Partnership
for
teacher education.
Professor Dylan E. Jones, Dean of
the Faculty of Education and
Communities and Peter Rabbett,
Professor
of
Educational
Leadership will be joined by Dr
Jane Waters who has become
Assistant Dean of Research and
Knowledge Transfer.
The team is at the heart of exciting
new plans to shape educational
change in Wales through the
creation of Yr Athrofa, the Institute
of Education. It will focus on
ensuring that all children and
young people benefit from
excellent teaching that will be
achieved
through
a
new
partnership – schools and the
University working together.
Working in partnership with the
profession, a new model of schoolcentred professional teacher
The new Professional Learning Partnership for teacher education team
education, is being set up to drive
standards, quality and innovation
in schools and in doing so, will
develop confident, reflective
teachers in effective learning
communities.
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL,
Vice-Chancellor at UWTSD, said:
“The team’s combined experience
on delivering educational system
change will be of great value in
achieving our ambition to make a
leading contribution to the reform
of the Welsh educational system
and to make sure that our schools
are at the heart of effective
professional
training
and
development.”
4
Your community
Summer 2016
Tidy Tuesdays
Macmillan appeals for
volunteers to join team
Visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/prideinyourpatch
for more information and to find a list of the
Tidy Tuesday events.
Residents across Carmarthenshire are being urged to roll up their sleeves and take
part in ‘Tidy Tuesdays’.
A series of weekly, organised events are being held in various locations across the county as
part of the Pride in your Patch project - from litter-picks to planting workshops.
A joint initiative between the council’s recycling section and housing department, with
support from Keep Wales Tidy, the aim is to improve the quality of the local environment
through community action.
Individuals and organised groups are being encouraged to get involved and help spruce up their local area.
People can also organise their own events with the help of Pride In Your Patch co-ordinator Brian Mogford.
If you are a council tenant, or live in a Communities First area, you could earn Time Credits for taking part.
What’s on?
Annual showcase of dance at theatre
Annual Vintage Festival
Carmarthen town centre is to take a step
back in time for its annual Vintage Festival
on July 23. A range of vintage activities and
attractions will be on offer, including a
fashion show, arts, crafts, music, dance
and a wedding fayre.
More information on Facebook
Carmarthen Vintage Festival
Llanelli Art Society exhibition
Llanelli Art Society is hosting its Three
Towns Exhibition, including Llanelli,
Ammanford and Carmarthen towns.
The event launches in The Athenaeum Hall
in Llanelli Library, on October 15 at 11am
and the exhibition runs for two weeks.
If you want to feature on this page as an
article or advert please contact
[email protected]
Limited space but all events and
organisations will be considered
Ignite is an annual showcase of dance which highlights the
breadth of work of Coleg Sir Gâr dance students including
degree level work in partnership with University of Wales
Trinity Saint David.
The show was performed at Ffwrnes theatre where students
performed a myriad of contemporary dance pieces,
intertwining abstract choreography with traditional dance,
offering social commentary brilliantly performed in a modern,
energetic and thought-provoking evening of entertainment.
Macmillan provides practical
and emotional support services
to those affected by cancer in
their local communities of
Carmarthenshire.
We know that more and more
people will be living with and
beyond cancer in the future and
Macmillan wants to ensure no one
faces cancer alone, we need many
volunteers to help us achieve this.
We are looking for more
volunteers to join our team of
support buddies who give a couple
of hours a week to support
someone by helping out around
the house and garden or by having
a cup of tea and a chat. All
volunteers that join the team are
provided with training, guidance
and support from Macmillan.
We are also looking for area
support lead volunteers who can
help us to coordinate the service
locally.
Local volunteer Paula Clarke said:
“If you have a couple of hours to
spare, you can make such a
difference to someone’s life but
you’ll also be surprised how much
you’ll get out of it too.
“Volunteers might think they’re
not appreciated but trust me we
are, big time, doing what we do.”
Macmillan Volunteering Services
Manager, Carrie Harris, echoed
this, “Coping with cancer can be
especially difficult if you don’t have
family or friends close by or if you
worry that you are asking for too
much support from the same
people over and over again.
Macmillan volunteers can help to
make life easier for people affected
by cancer.
“If you’re friendly, reliable and
inspired to help, we’re recruiting
new volunteers to grow our team,
to make sure that no one in
Carmarthenshire faces cancer
alone.”
For further information please contact:
Macmillan in Wales on 01656 867960
or Carrie Harris on 07980572620
Email [email protected] or
visit the website www.macmillan.org.uk
Learning in Carmarthenshire
University advises of clearing process
As thousands of young people in
Carmarthenshire prepare for
their A Level results on August
18, the University of Wales
Trinity Saint David has some
advice for students who may
find themselves in the Clearing
process.
Melanie Jones, Executive Schools
and Colleges Marketing Officer at
UWTSD, said: "Students should get
some advice from their tutors about
the options available to them and
look up the institutions with
vacancies in their chosen subject.
“They can do this via the UCAS
website, the media or individual
institution websites. Students can
also talk to Clearing line advisors to
find a course that’s suitable for
them.
"Using the unique Clearing number
(located on the welcome and
choices pages of the UCAS Track
website) and personal ID number,
students can contact each
institution directly, where trained
staff will be on hand to advise them
about any vacancies that may be
available on each specific
programme. In some cases they are
able to make an offer straight away.
"One of the best ways to find out
about an institution is to visit its
campus. Many places will hold a
Clearing Open Day, which offers a
great opportunity to judge if the
course and the place are the right
choice.
"Once a student has made a choice
and accepted a provisional offer, the
next step is to apply electronically
through the UCAS Track system at
www.ucas.com and confirmation of
their place should come directly
from the institution shortly after."
Clearing Open Days will be held at
the University’s campuses in
Swansea,
Carmarthen
and
Lampeter on Saturday 20th August.
University and academic staff will
be on hand during the day to
answer any questions about
UWTSD courses or about
applying.
You’ll be able to find a list
of course vacancies at
UWTSD by visiting
www.uwtsd.ac.uk. Any
potential students who’d
like to discuss the options
available to them can
speak to the UWTSD
admissions team on
0300 323 1828.
Summer 2016
5
Next Steps competition
The competition to find
Carmarthenshire’s
next
construction apprentices is
underway.
Candidates are battling it out to
win one of four apprenticeships
from Lloyd and Gravell Ltd and
TRJ Ltd.
Previous Next Steps winners
They are currently working on-site
with skilled tradesmen to learn
skills including carpentry, bricklaying, plastering and ground works and
the winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on August 12.
Next Steps is a joint initiative between the two local building firms and
Constructing Carmarthenshire Together - a partnership between
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property division, Coleg Sir Gâr, and
Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd.
Visit www.nextstepscarmarthenshire.co.uk or
follow Next Steps on Facebook and Twitter
Students win gold in final
Rugby star uses uni expertise
Coleg Sir Gâr students have won gold in the
Welsh final of three Skills Competition Wales
events in the categories of popular music, graphic
design and video moving image.
Art student Lewis Phillips won gold in graphic
design, Aaron Taylor, Eve Bryan, Ryan Kimber
and Benjamin Richards won gold in video
moving image and Laura Mitchell, Katie-Ann
Hedge, Quillan Thomas and Thomas
Westerholme won gold in the popular music
category with their band, The Bluestones.
Former Wales rugby star Shane
Williams has been using the
facilities and expertise at The
University of Wales Trinity Saint
David Carmarthen to improve
his swimming technique ahead
his of upcoming sporting
challenges.
Shane has been working with
Geraint Forster, the University’s
BSc Outdoor Fitness Programme
Director.
“The training with Shane has
involved a lot of video analysis
work,” says Geraint. “I record
footage of Shane swimming from
the front, side and above. I then
take it away and analyse it using
performance analysis software.
This allows time to freeze frame
and pin point exactly where Shane
needs to improve.”
Shane Williams added: “Training
with Geraint has been of huge
benefit to me. As well as improving
my technique in the water, the
training has worked on a
psychological level too. Watching
the video was a huge help as I could
see exactly what I needed to
work on.”
For more information on the sports related
courses offered at UWTSD, please contact Ceredig
Emanuel, Head of the School of Sport, Health and
Outdoor Education [email protected]
6
Summer 2016
Keeping our communities safe
Give violence the red card
Chief Inspector Ieuan Matthews and Superintendent Claire Parmenter
For further information about the various domestic abuse support
services available please see below:
Football fans all over Wales
turned out to support the Welsh
National Football team in the
UEFA European football cup.
During the tournament fans across
Carmarthenshire were urged to
‘Give Violence’ the red card and to
be mindful of how much they
drank whilst enjoying the games,
whether out at a pub, at a football
club or in the comfort of their own
homes.
Inspector Jolene Mann said:
“Excessive consumption of alcohol
aggressive,
to
lead
can
confrontational behaviour and
sometimes violence.
This kind of behaviour will not be
tolerated whether it happens in the
privacy of your own home, in a pub
or a public place.
Police patrolled local communities
to ensure the tournament was
enjoyed safely by all.
“We also know that alcohol is a
contributing factor in domestic
abuse and consequently there is a
tendency for incidents to increase
during high profile sporting events.
“The advice is Don’t ‘tackle’ a loved
one and end up with a life changing
red card, limit your alcohol intake
and stay sensible.”
Live Fear Free
There is a free and confidential, 24 hour all Wales telephone helpline,
Live Fear Free: 0808 80 10 800.
Reports can also be made to police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Police target drivers
who risk lives of others
Llanelli Women's Aid
Llanelli Women's Aid in Station Road, Llanelli, can be contacted on
01554 752 422. The outreach/information centre is open every day
between 9am and 2pm. It also offers an appointment system between
2pm and 4pm In addition to this, we provide a 24hr on call emergency
service 365 days a year.
Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services
The service provides support to anyone who is experiencing any form
of domestic abuse be that advice or direct support. A Drop In service is
available on weekdays between 10am and 12am at their offices at 5-6,
Queens Street, Carmarthen.
Call 01267 238410.
Calan Domestic Violence Service - Amman Valley
Calan Domestic Violence Service - Amman Valley can be contacted on
01269 597474.
Their community office in Church Street, Ammanford is open
Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm.
Community workers will provide information, advice and arrange contact.
Support services are also available for children.
Calan DVS - Amman Valley operate a 24-hour on call service for those
needing to access temporary emergency accommodation.
Hafan Cymru
Hafan Cymru is a Wales wide charitable organisation that provides housing
and support to women, men and children, especially those escaping
domestic abuse.
Call 01267 225555 or email [email protected]
This summer police will be
targeting drivers who risk their
lives and the lives of others by
driving whilst under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Dyfed Powys Police led a campaign
on behalf of the four welsh police
forces to coincide with the 2016
UEFA European Championships
which took place in France.
Although this was a month-long
focussed campaign, the drive to
change attitudes, increase road
safety and catch offenders
continues all year round.
Chief Inspector Ieuan Matthews
said: “Whilst drink or drug driving
has become socially unacceptable
there is still a small group of drivers
who offend in this way.
“If you drink and drive you will
potentially not only ruin your life,
but the lives of others.
“There is absolutely no excuse for
drinking and driving and the
consequences can be devastating.
“Think before you go out, watch
what you drink and plan how you
will get home.”
If you have information relating to someone you
think is driving whilst under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, please contact Police on 101
or Crimestoppers anonymously on
0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
Summer 2016
Keeping our communities safe
7
Community Safety Partnership - 2015/16
During the year, the CSP has continued to work together in partnership to tackle
local crime prevention priorities identified by agencies and local communities.
This has included:
• Extending work with vulnerable people to try to prevent them being a victim of scams.
Police and Trading Standards officers have been visiting potential vulnerable victims
subjected to scams received in the post, on the internet and from phone calls. The pilot
was introduced in the Ammanford area and is now being set up in Llanelli. There are
over 600 potential victims in Carmarthenshire.
• Raising awareness of the increasing problem of cyber crime by police and council
Trading Standards officers. Council officers have issued tips to avoid falling victim to
cyber crime by offering advice and also investigating such crimes through the council’s
digital forensic unit – the only one in Wales.
• Joint licensing visits have taken place during the year by the council’s licensing team
and police with proactive work undertaken at Christmas and during the Six Nations
games. Police continue to work closely with Trading Standards officers in relation to
any issues with underage drinking and sales to young people.
Supporting the White
Ribbon Campaign against
domestic abuse with staff
across
the
partner
agencies and county
councillors signing a
pledge not to commit or
condone violence against
women and girls.
•
•
Tackling speeding by education, enforcement and road safety measures. Campaigns
have been run near schools involving schoolchildren and schemes publicised such as
encouraging young drivers to take part in `Pass Plus Cymru` training to help improve
driving skills.
Continuing to target the offending behaviour of our most prolific offenders.
`Trawsnewid / Transform` - the integrated offender management scheme - has
continued to perform well, with a co-located team of police and probation officers
working with partner agencies. There has been improved engagement by agencies
including Housing and Social Services and links with the adult substance misuse
service and the management of serious violent offenders. The latest performance data
(12 month period ending December 2015) show that crimes have reduced by 89, with
a cost of crime saving of over £800,000.
•
•
Close working with Gwalia who address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in partnership
with organisations. Warning letters continue to be issued and improved links made
with the Youth Offending and Prevention Service to engage in referrals relating to
young people.
Evaluating the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO), introduced in an area in Llanelli
town centre to tackle alcohol-related crime and ASB. It was found that the Order had
successfully addressed alcohol-related ASB and disorder in public places.
Promoting the ‘Paul’s Pledge’ alcohol related violence campaign. #PaulsPledge,
launched in December 2014, is led by Paul Pugh who is still suffering the effects of a
vicious, unprovoked attack that happened on a night out in 2007. The initiative
encourages you to think about the consequences of violence for the victim and
offender. You can pledge online to ‘never commit or condone alcohol-fuelled violence
or aggression, or any violence full stop.’ Paul has continued to give talks to schools and
colleges supported by the neighbourhood policing team. The campaign has had TV
coverage with documentaries shown on ITV Wales and S4C. Paul’s Pledge was relaunched before Christmas and also promoted by police officers. In Llanelli, the new
mobile police station was used at Llanelli Carnival, supermarket roadshows were
held, the campaign was promoted at Parc y Scarlets and wristbands were handed out
to shoppers and revellers.
Go to
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/
Trading Standards or
www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/
for more information on scams
and cyber crime
Phone the police on 101
to report anti-social behaviour
Paul’s Pledge is on Twitter at
#paulspledge
Motorcyclists urged to get biker safe
Motorcyclists in Carmarthenshire are
being urged to apply for a free CRASH
card which will help emergency services
in the unfortunate event of a collision.
CRASH is a set of easy to remember steps to
keep you or a fellow motorcyclist safe if
involved in an accident.
The card is placed in the lining of the crash
Dates
r
u
o
y
r
o
f
diar y
helmet because that’s where the emergency
services will look for it. There is also a green
dot to stick on the right hand corner of the
visor/helmet to indicate it is there.
To help riders stay safe on the road, the
council is also offering free motorcycle
training courses.
Dragon Rider Cymru is a full day motorcycle
Pass Plus Cymru
Ammanford fire station
August 8
Llanelli fire station
September 12
Carmarthen fire station
October 10
training course of enhanced rider skills,
delivered by experienced and accredited
instructors and tailored to meet the needs of
the individual.
The courses, which are free to residents
thanks to road safety grant funding from
Welsh Government, are held on weekends in
Carmarthen, Llanelli or Ammanford.
For further information or to
apply for the CRASH card or to
book a place on the Dragon Rider
Cymru course visit
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/
roadsafety
Dragon Rider Cymru
Ammanford fire station
August 28
Llanelli fire station
September 18
Carmarthen fire station
October 16
For further details visit Carmarthenshire.gov.wales/roadsafety
Biker Down!
Cymru
Carmarthen fire station
August 23
Ammanford fire station
September 20
**All information correct
at time of print
8
Have your say...
Summer 2016
Help shape the future of our county
A well-being survey is being carried
out by Carmarthenshire’s new
Public Services Board (PSB). The
survey aims to find out more about
what well-being means and what
matters most to the people and
communities of our County.
It is being launched on Monday,
July 4, and will be carried out in
partnership with Ceredigion and
Pembrokeshire PSB’s.
The PSB is committed to
improving the economic, health,
social, environmental and cultural
well-being of our area by working
to achieve the seven well-being
goals set by the new Well-being of
Future Generations Act. It will
begin by assessing what matters
most to our communities by asking
people about their experiences in
the well-being survey. The PSB
needs the help of residents to put
together it's Well-being Plan for
Carmarthenshire, and is urging
everyone to take part in the survey
so that their views are gathered.
Findings from the survey will be
used to help develop the well-being
plan for Carmarthenshire which
will set out local objectives for
improving well-being and detailing
the steps the PSB will take to meet
them. Like all of the individual
public bodies named in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act,
the PSB must follow the sustainable
development principle - meeting
the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own
needs.
To take part in the survey
and to find out more about
other opportunities to get
involved or receive further
information about the new
PSB visit www.thecarmarthenshirewewant
Mobile library fit for 21st Century
Carmarthenshire Libraries are proposing to change the mobile vehicles in order to provide a mobile
service fit for the 21st Century which can bring technological, informational and reliable service
changing customers’ expectations.
To update the network of mobile & housebound stops providing a comprehensive route plan that removes
duplication of mobile & housebound stops and taking into account actual service usage and needs. (We regularly
receive requests for stops to be added to the network. At the same
time certain stops on the network have fallen out of use over time).
To achieve maximum availability for new and existing services, the
proposal will look to increase the availability to users by extending
the time that the mobile library is static within the community.
The survey can be found online
at i-Local consultations
It is proposed to review the housebound service to ensure that
ilocal.gov.wales
all existing and new users are offered a first class service in their
It runs until July 29
home.
Discussions to improve
mental health services
Local residents have taken part
in a series of discussions across
Carmarthenshire
about
improving
mental
health
services, following recent
engagement with health board
staff, service users, partners and
the public.
Hywel Dda University Health
Board, together with West Wales
Action for Mental Health, Hywel
Dda Community Health Council
and key stakeholders, held
engagement
activities
from
October to January across the
county.
A significant amount of feedback
was also received from individuals
and groups responding to the
Transforming Mental Health
Services document.
Hywel Dda University Health
Board’s Director of Mental Health
Services, Libby Ryan-Davies said:
“We are really encouraged by the
amount of interest people have
shown in our vision for improved
mental health services and we will
continue to involve all our
stakeholders every step of the way.
“We are planning further
engagement activities, including
focus groups to develop options for
a new model of mental health
services across the Hywel Dda
University Health Board area.”
Useful Contacts
How can I get hold of a bus timetable?
01267 234567
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/bus-timetables
How can I apply for a school uniform grant?
01267 246521
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/school-uniform-grant
How can I apply for a blue badge?
0844 463 0215
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/blue-badge-scheme
Do I require a temporary events notice?
Call 01267 228787 / 01267 228801
Do we have any splash parks?
01554 784181
How can I find out hospital visiting hours?
Amman Valley Hospital
Glangwili Hospital
Llandovery Hospital
Prince Philip Hospital
01269 822226
01267 235151
01550 722200
01554 756567
How can I apply for a place at Coleg Sir Gâr?
For further information contact
[email protected]
01554 748179
How can I book an event at Trinity Saint David
University?
www.uwtsd.ac.uk
01267 676767
9
Rogue Trader Awareness Week
Carmarthenshire’s
Trading
Standards team joined with
Dyfed
Powys
Police
to
undertake a large-scale exercise
during Rogue Trader Awareness
Week.
More than 820 homes were visited,
residents were advised about
doorstep crime and handed advice
packs. Officers also gathered
information and intelligence,
discovering that the majority of
cold callers in Carmarthenshire
were people touting for building
work.
People are being advised to stay on
their guard, to always think twice
about agreeing to pay for goods or
services on their doorstep, and to
check out Carmarthenshire’s
Registered Traders Scheme if they
need to employ someone to help
with DIY, gardening or cleaning.
Follow #1StepAhead on
Twitter @CarmsCouncil and
@DyfedPowys for updates
and tips on how to
protect yourself from
becoming a victim.
Protect yourself from becoming
a victim – our top 10 tips:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
If in doubt, keep them out
Always ask for an identity card and look up the
organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is correct
Don’t get taken in by sales banter and high pressure selling
techniques, or sign on the spot for work to be undertaken
Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting
any work straight away - talk to someone you trust for a
second opinion
Always shop around for the best price
Read the small print and double check the facts
Avoid handing over any money before work is started
Trust your instincts – if it sounds too good to be true,
it probably is!
It is okay to say no. Remember, it’s your doorstep and your
decision. If you feel pressured for any reason, ask the
person to leave
Finally - report any suspicious activity
Remember to think
about your neighbours
People are being reminded to think about their
neighbours enjoying their gardens and other open
spaces this summer.
Unwanted noise, smells from barbecues and loud music
are amongst the complaints that Carmarthenshire
County Council’s environmental health team deal with
during the summer months.
Executive Board Member for Public Protection, Cllr Jim
Jones, said: “We don’t want to spoil people’s fun - all we
ask is that people have consideration for their
neighbours. Let them know if you’re planning an outdoor
party and think about how smoke from a barbecue, for
example, could blow across to their properties in the
wind. Taking a few simple steps could avoid a complaint.”
For further information visit the
environmental health pages at
www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales
©shutterstock.com/Rawpixel.com
Frequently Asked
Questions...
Summer 2016
Holiday Watch
Worried about leaving your home empty
while you go away on your summer holiday?
Why not loan security gadgets from your
local police station to put off burglars.
Holiday Watch is a pioneering holiday security
equipment loan scheme established by DyfedPowys Police’s Neighbourhood Development
Team with the support of the Carmarthenshire
Community Safety Partnership.
The scheme, set up last year, is run by the
Neighbourhood Development team in Llanelli
who will loan boxes containing security
equipment to members of the public. It is aimed at
anyone who has poor security measures or people
with a high level of fear of a crime happening
when they are away on holiday.
For further details contact
your local Neighbourhood
Policing team on 101
10
Summer 2016
Healthier Carmarthenshire
Plans for a multi-million pound
Wellness and Life Science Village
Discussions are under way to
drive forward plans for an unique
Wellness and Life Science Village
at Delta Lakes, Llanelli.
The
multi-million
pound
Carmarthenshire County Council-
led project will be the first of its
kind and is being developed
through ARCH – A Regional
Collaboration for Health - an
initiative by Abertawe and Hywel
Dda Health Boards and Swansea
University.
The Wellness and Life Science
Village aims to transform the way
the region delivers care and
promotes wellbeing – partnering
first-class health, research and life
science, with innovative leisure
opportunities to help people live
healthy lives.
The concept of a Wellness and Life
Science Village followed talks on
plans to build a new leisure centre
Fitness tip
Russian twist
Cleo Hardy, Coleg Sir Gâr sports degree student and
5x30 volunteer demonstrating a Russian twist
This exercise works your obliques (side
abdominals) and also strengthens your back
which helps with maintaining good posture.
•Sit on the floor with your knees bent and
together with your feet on the floor
•Hold a weighted object in both hands
directly in front of you with the elbows slightly
bent
•Lean back slightly to take the strain off the
back muscles and engage your core muscles
•Twist from side to side, the weight should
almost touch the ground each side before
twisting back
Safety: Be sure to twist from your waist and not your shoulders
Ramp it up: Lean back further and lift the feet off the floor so
you are balancing on your buttocks to progress the exercise
and add core stability training
Top tip: If you haven't got a medicine ball, use something from
the home such as a water bottle or a bag of potatoes
in Llanelli and the council’s desire to
work collaboratively with health
partners,
putting
additional
investment into facilities and
services to help prevent ill-health
and reduce pressure on front-line
health care.
Scoping work to fine-tune details of
the pioneering scheme is underway,
with potential to include a state-ofthe-art wellness and leisure centre,
and life science and research
facilities, as well as the possibility of
a hotel, conferencing and high-spec
business suites.
Partners have now signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to
develop the project.
Summer Wellness
Hywel Dda University
Health
Board
is
encouraging residents in
Carmarthenshire to make
the most of their summer
by Choosing Well and following practical healthcare advice.
Every summer emergency departments typically admit higher numbers of
patients with minor sports and leisure-related injuries, as well as very
common - and easily preventable - conditions like sunburn, dehydration
and heatstroke, so it’s important to remember to keep safe in hot weather
in order to avoid a trip to A&E.
Jill Paterson, Interim Director of Primary Care, said: “While we encourage
people to be physically fit and active, we would also remind them to take
care when they are out and about, particularly when the weather is hot.
“This means wearing a hat and a high-factor sunscreen, staying in the
shade between 11am-3pm, reapplying sunscreen after swimming, and
wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid being burned.
“Members of the public can also help us by choosing the best healthcare
service according to their need, such as community pharmacies, triage and
treat services, opticians and dentists.”
For more information about Choose Well visit:
www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
Healthier Carmarthenshire
Revolutionary gym facility opens
Summer 2016
11
What’s on: healthy activities
Walking Well Carmarthenshire
Walking even short distances can help us feel
better mentally as well as physically. The walks
organised by our Volunteers are designed to
be attainable by everyone.
For more details, please contact Helen Williams
on 07986 526732 or look at
www.walkingwellcarmarthenshire.org.uk
Wildlife Walks Carmarthenshire - Various locations
Tuesdays & Saturdays - Dates tbc - 10am
Call Trixie Evans on 01554 751950 or
07503 675569 or see www.wildlifewatch.org.uk or
www.walkingwellcarmarthenshire.org.uk
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 and fortnightly
Meet at the Black Mountain Centre, Brynaman -10.30am
Call Helen Williams on 07986 526732 or
Scott Davies on 01269 823400
A revolutionary purpose-built training facility
has officially opened its doors in Carmarthen
Leisure Centre.
The SYNRGY360, which features in a stand-alone
room enabling it to be a session in itself, making it
unique to the county, launched in June.
A series of 15-minute taster sessions, run by
Carmarthenshire council’s Actif Sport and Leisure
Fitness teams, were held for fitness-goers of all ages
and abilities to trial the various cutting-edge apparatus
on offer.
Some of the equipment includes batten ropes, cables,
bands, TRX suspension training, punch bags, a
rebounder, kettle bells and more.
There is also high performance flooring marked to
provide visual cues to guide users through their
workout to ensure they get the best out of their
training.
Speaking about the new apparatus, Carmarthenshire
County Council’s Executive Board member for
Regeneration and Leisure Meryl Gravell said: “It’s
fantastic that we have such cutting-edge equipment
suitable for all fitness abilities available in
Carmarthenshire.
“I’m sure this will attract even more gym-users to
Carmarthen Leisure Centre as well as be a big hit with
current members in helping them reach their fitness
goals quicker.”
For further details please contact the centre’s Activity Co-ordinator Gareth Davies
on [email protected] or call 01267 224701
You can also visit www.actifsirgar.co.uk to find out what other great activities are
taking place across Carmarthenshire’s leisure centres.
£10m investment to Special Care Baby Unit
Significant improvements will be made to the
Special Care Baby Unit, labour ward and maternity
theatres at Glangwili Hospital as the health board
aims to provide the very best environment for
women, children and families.
A dedicated project group is already working up design
plans for the Phase Two project, which could see in
excess of £10m investment into the hospital.
The health board will then follow this with Phase Three
to improve accommodation for children’s services
(paediatrics), gynaecology and postnatal and antenatal
areas. Chief Executive Steve Moore said: “We are
continuing to make improvements to services for
women and children across our area.
“At Glangwili, we are pleased to have established a
suitable and comfortable area for partners of labouring
women who live further away to wait if they do not want
to return home, for example.
“An important next step is progressing capital (building)
improvements to accommodation for women and
children’s service.”
Wednesday, August 3, 2016 and fortnightly
Meet at St Clears Leisure Centre -10am
Call Nigel Bailey on 01267 211666
Meet at Carmarthen MIND Centre -10am
Call Peter Davies on 01267 230674 or 01267 222990
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 and fortnightly
Meet at Jackie’s Café, Capel Hendre -10am
Call Helen Williams on 07986 526732
(NB. Please confirm before going)
Thursday, August 11, 2016 and fortnightly
Meet at Glan Yr Afon Nature Reserve car park, Kidwelly 11am
Call Ray Davies on 01554 890147 or Helen Williams on
07986 526732
Friday, August 12, 2016 and fortnightly
Meet at The Station car park, Llandeilo - 11am
Call Philip James on 01558 685746 or Helen Williams on
07986 526732
Free 5k timed run - every Saturday
Llyn Llech Owain, Gorslas, SA14 7NF - Run starts 9am
For details email: [email protected]
Free 2k Carmarthen junior fun run every Sunday
Fun run for juniors - aged 4-14 year olds only Carmarthen Park, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen, SA31 3AX
Starts 9am
For details visit www.parkrun.org.uk/carmarthen-juniors
**All information correct at time of print
12
Summer 2016
School of Early Years
launches new programme
The School of Early
Years at the University
of Wales Trinity Saint
David is launching
exciting
new
programmes
in
September - including
BA (Hons) Early Years
Education and Care
Years
(Early
Practitioner).
This new and exciting
degree combines both
academic study and the
award of a BA (Hons)
degree
with
the
opportunity to gain an
assessed professional competence
with equivalence to The Children's
Care, Learning and Development
(CCLD) level 5. The degree
provides a range of employment
opportunities in the education and
care sectors, as well as developing
graduates who may want the
opportunity
to
apply
for
postgraduate studies such as
teacher training.
This programme content provides
Extra Care apartments open
A total of 111 Extra Care apartments
costing more than £23-million has been
opened
across
two
schemes
in
Carmarthenshire by January 2016.
Family Housing Association has been working
in partnership with Carmarthenshire council to
open the two new Extra Care schemes.
To complement Cartref Cynnes which opened
in Johnstown, Carmarthen, at the end of last
year Ty Dyffryn, Ammanford has now opened.
Cartref Cynnes has 61 apartments and Ty
Dyffryn 50. The community developments are
little villages in their own right.
Ty Dyffryn, Ammanford
Fostering fortnight celebrations
an opportunity to develop an
understanding of the issues linked
to working with children and
families - including the important
underpinning values of holistic
development, well-being inclusion
and safeguarding. Students will also
explore leadership and team
working in depth and explore
different international approaches
and curriculum as well as early
years work in Wales and the UK.
For more information contact Glenda Tinney on
01267 676605 or [email protected]
Weather couldn’t dampen
Carmarthenshire
council’s
fostering fortnight celebrations
at the Botanic Gardens.
All the activities including a walk
joined by up to 200 parents, carers
and children, were contained in
the dry under the UK’s largest
glasshouse.
There was a variety of activities
for children and families of all ages
to enjoy including playful walks
designed about the spectacular
gardens, Actif Story Sessions; the
Tenovus choir to enjoy and
Carmarthenshire Therapy dogs to
smooth and cuddle.
There
were
also
photo
opportunities
with
Carmarthenshire’s
loveable
fostering mascot, Cal the Bear.
County’s fostering manager
Gillian Grennan-Jenkins said: “It
was wonderful to see children and
carers interacting with people
visiting the gardens and talking
about fostering.
I am proud that the county’s
fostering
community
are
spreading the word that now is the
time to care and now is the time to
foster.
“We have more than 200 fostered
children in Carmarthenshire and
there are always children entering
the system looking for stability in a
loving foster home with carers
who can offer them safety, stability
and a chance to improve their lives
with a new belief, confidence and
feelings of self worth.”
University students showcase their talents
Third year students from the
University of Wales Trinity
Saint David’s School of
Performing Arts recently took
part
in
three
theatre
performances at Calon Y Fferi,
Ferryside Education Centre.
Each performance had been
devised and created by final year
students from the BA Acting and
BA Theatre Design & Production
degree courses.
"The School of Performing Arts has
a long tradition of working in
partnership with communities to
produce exciting and accessible
theatre,” said says Mark Kelley,
Head of the University’s School of
Performing Arts.
“We were delighted to work with
Ferryside Social Enterprise Group
and hope that we helped to raise
awareness of their efforts to
rejuvenate the site,” he added.
The three performances comprised
of The Stories of Hans Christian
Anderson - an adaptation by Mike
Kenny; Wave Me Goodbye - a
journey through the lives of those
who find it hard to leave the air, the
sea and the land of Ferryside and
We The Jury - an immersive
theatrical experience where the
decisions made by the audiences
affected the outcomes of the trial.
www.illumijen.co.uk
Students on the Welsh-medium
Performing Arts course also held
their end-of-year showcase at the
University’s Halliwell Theatre
performing in Wedi’r Cwymp, a
Welsh translation of Checkhov’s
The Cherry Orchard.
For further information on any of the courses
offered at UWTSD’s School of Performing Arts,
please contact Mark Kelley
by emailing [email protected]
Study professional cookery
Barn Owl
box to
boost
declining
numbers
A new Barn Owl box has moved
into Pembrey Country Park.
Nestled in the woodlands, towards
the west of the park, it is hoped the
roost will help boost declining owl
numbers.
The heart shape faced barn owls
have been spotted nesting in the
Corsican Pine woodlands for some
time.
The box, made by Burns Pet
Nutrition, is one of three donated
by Carmarthenshire Bird Club.
Other
locations
in
Carmarthenshire
include
Penclacwydd and near Llanboidy
in the west of the county. Plans are
also in hand to put up boxes near
Llangunnor and Cross Hands.
The council’s executive board for
leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said:
“We are doing our bit to conserve
one of the most beautiful birds on
13
Mark Medcalf©shutterstock.com
Summer 2016
earth and together with the park
being a perfect location for them
the box will help increase the Barn
Owl population.”
Barn Owls screech, not hoot. The
barn owl can fly almost silently
which enables it to hear the
slightest sounds made by its rodent
prey hidden in deep vegetation
while it’s flying up to three metres
overhead. Its hearing is the most
sensitive of any creature tested. In
order to live and breed, a pair of
barn owls needs to eat around
5,000 prey items a year. These are
mainly field voles, wood mice, and
common shrews.
The council’s conservation ranger,
Simeon Jones said: “The park is an
ideal location for Barn Owls being
well away from traffic which has an
adverse impact on Barn Owl
populations.”
Study performing arts
in Carmarthenshire
Industry professionals working with students and staff at Coleg Sir Gâr’s training restaurant in Carmarthen
Studying professional cookery and hospitality at
Coleg Sir Gâr has led many a former student to
follow their passion and work as chefs in some of
London’s top restaurants.
The industry needs professional skills in both cookery
and hospitality and these skills are taught with the
support of industry professionals at the college’s
Merlin’s restaurant, where students train at Pibwrlwyd
campus, Carmarthen.
The course not only focuses on behind the scenes
where table d’hote menus are created in the kitchen but
also focuses on the dining experience, teaching skills in
hospitality, learning the synergy of communication
between restaurant and kitchen.
The college has produced some very high quality chefs,
many who have returned from London to run their
own businesses or to become head chefs at prestigious
Welsh restaurants.
Put your future on the menu and train
to be a chef call 01554 748179 or
email [email protected]
Entrepreneurship coordinator appointed
Coleg Sir Gâr has recently
appointed Becky Pask as its new
entrepreneurship coordinator.
With a passion for nurturing young
people into thinking creatively
about
business
and
selfemployment, Becky is delighted to
be given the opportunity of driving
the enterprise agenda forward at
Coleg Sir Gâr.
“Students enjoy being given
autonomy to tackle problems,
engage in real issues and evaluate
the outcomes of their decisions.
It is about helping learners develop
enterprise capability, financial
capability and economic and
business understanding,” she said.
“Experience shared by business
leaders is the best way of inspiring
young people and we welcome any
companies that can provide
enterprise mentors as a vehicle to
bring the best of business into the
classroom.”
Email Becky on [email protected]
Study a business or enterprise course at Coleg Sir Gâr Call 01554 748179 or email [email protected]
For those leaving school this year, studying performing arts at Coleg Sir
Gâr not only offers an informal and creative learning environment but
students benefit from taking part in acting and dance workshops delivered
by external organisations.
During their study, students also learn how to professionally audition and
perform monologues, they have the opportunity of joining acting and
dance academies and take part in a number of shows and performances.
The two-year course is designed to prepare students for university and
specialist acting schools.
Get under the spotlight to start your
acting career. Call the college on 01554 748179
14
Summer 2016
Environment
Summer 2016
Sea turtles live on Welsh shores
You might think that sea turtles live thousands of miles away from our rugged Welsh coast,
but there is one species of turtle that might be closer than you think.
Pictured is Dr Tom Stringell, Natural Resources Wales Senior Marine Mammal Ecologist, with a
leatherback turtle.
Leatherback turtles, or Dermochelys coriacea, are summer visitors to Wales and the seas around
the British Isles. Although they are cold blooded, they can elevate their body temperature and
withstand our cold waters.
Adult leatherbacks will take on epic migrations every year or so. They travel around 7000km from
tropical waters where they nest, to colder waters where they feed.
Despite their large size (up to 2m long and around 700kg) they feed on jellyfish; and they seem to
like our local barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma octopus).
The biggest leatherback turtle ever recorded was
an adult male that washed up dead at Harlech
beach, North Wales in 1988. It weighed 916kg and
sadly had drowned after getting entangled in
fishing gear. All sea turtle species are considered threatened and are
highly protected by various legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK, the
Habitats Directive in Europe, and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES).
Despite all of the risks turtles face, several populations in the Atlantic are increasing thanks to
tterstock.com
shu
conservation efforts.
au©
sse
Stephanie Rou
As part of the University of
Wales Trinity Saint David’s
dedication to sustainability, the
university’s on-site Crèche, Y
Gamfa Wen, plays an active role
in teaching children about
healthy eating and sustainable
food.
Members of staff at Y Gamfa Wen
always ensure that the nursery’s
daily routine is one that benefits
the environment and teaches them
about sustainability in an exciting
and engaging way.
The children are taught the whole
process of growing food from the
on-site allotment.
They plant, grow and water a
range of vegetables and plants
including runner beans, potatoes,
cress and sunflowers. The children
also pick, prepare and eat the
vegetables they have grown.
A greenhouse made out of recycled
plastic bottles, collected by the
children, is in the process of being
built with the aim of demonstrating
the potential of recycling. The
crèche also holds a coveted EcoSchools Flag.
Y Gamfa Wen is a purpose built day
nursery located within UWTSD
and is registered with the Care and
Social Services Inspectorate for
Wales (CSSIW).
For further information on
the nursery and the services
it provides, please contact
Y Gamfa Wen by calling
01267 676645
or by emailing
[email protected]
NRW suppo
rts the Ceta
cean
Strandings
Investigatio
n
Programme
in Wales by
recording tu
rtle sightin
gs and
strandings
on the Wels
h
coast.
This data is
then pulled
to
g
to form the
TURTLE data ether
base
which has o
ver 2600 re
cords
dating back
to the 18th
Century.
If you find a stranded marine
mammal or turtle, please call
0800 6520333 or visit
www.strandings.com for more
information.
For more information on what to
do if you find a stranded turtle,
and how to identify different
species, read 'The United
Kingdom Turtle Code'.
Outdoor
exercise
enhances
mood
Geraint Forster, programme
director of BSc Outdoor Fitness
at the University of Wales
Trinity Saint David, explains
why people crave adventure,
activity and green exercise.
He said: “A number of studies have
found that exercising in natural
environments is more mood
enhancing and stress relieving than
exercising in urban environments
or indoors.
Goran Bogicevic©shutterstock.com
University’s crèche with green credentials
15
“Having to focus on the uneven
terrain of a trail run, or a mountain
bike ride helps us to switch off from
day-to-day life. Even just looking at
images of nature whilst exercising
indoors can enhance our mood and
reduce stress.
“I know that I feel far better
equipped to cope with a busy
week if I have had my couple of
hours to myself out on the coast
path on a Sunday morning.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about
sport related courses at UWTSD, including the
BSc in Outdoor Fitness, please contact Geraint
Forster by emailing [email protected]
16
Summer 2016
Keep food
poisoning
off the menu
Carmarthenshire
County
Council’s environmental health
team is offering people helpful
advice
to
ensure
food
poisoning stays off the menu
during barbecue season.
Simple tips include pre-cooking
food in a conventional oven before
lighting the barbecue. It’s also
important to avoid crosscontamination by storing raw
meat separately before cooking,
using different utensils, plates and
chopping boards for raw and
cooked food, and washing hands
thoroughly before and after
handling raw foods including
meat, fish, eggs and vegetables.
Never wash raw chicken or other
meat, which can cause bacteria to
splash on to other foods or
preparation surfaces.
People are also being reminded to
take care with used barbecues,
particularly disposable ones.
Never take a used barbecue into an
enclosed space, like a tent, as this
may cause fatal carbon monoxide
poisoning.
For further information,
visit
www.food.gov.uk/
news-updates/
campaigns/barbecue
Ambitious plans for park
The Leader of Carmarthenshire
County Council has unveiled a
series of exciting developments
at Llanelli’s Parc Howard.
Underlining the council’s ongoing
commitment to the future of the
park, Cllr Emlyn Dole said the
sensitive development of the play
areas and mansion house will lead
Parc Howard into a new era.
Amongst the plans he has unveiled
are proposals to transform the
historic mansion house, with
potential uses including a wedding
and
banqueting
venue,
conferencing suites and an
outdoor marquee.
The former cafe, which adjoins the
mansion, could also be brought
back to life selling refreshments
and afternoon tea.
There are also plans to utilise
the building as a regional
centre for genealogy – tying in
to Llanelli Town Centre’s
Heritage Six scheme, which
involves the library and
Llanelly House.
Children are also being catered
for, with brand new sections
added to the park’s two existing
play areas – including a giant
four-mast space net with
trampoline that will be the first
in the world and has been
especially commissioned for Parc Howard.
Cllr Dole said: “This is a new era for Parc
Howard. I have always voiced my full
commitment to the future of Parc Howard and
I have worked with my team to secure a range
of investments and improvements that will
encourage more people to use and enjoy this
wonderful park.
“The park still is, and always will be, owned by
the people of Llanelli but we want to make the
most of it – there is a lot of value to heritage and
culture.
“We have allocated funding to kick start
development with exciting new playground
Breast Test Wales Screening
Unit visits Cross Hands
The Breast Test Wales mobile screening unit will be situated at
Co-op car park, Cross Hands, until September 2016.
Women aged between 50 and 70 this year, will automatically receive
postal invitations to attend for screening, if they are registered with the
following surgeries: Meddygfa Penygroes, Meddygfa’r Tymbl, Cross
Hands Health Centre, Carmarthen Road Health Centre and Coalbrook
Surgery.
Women who are aged over 70 will not automatically be invited for breast
screening, but can request an appointment by calling Breast Test Wales.
Anyone concerned about a breast change
should visit their GP without delay. For more
information please contact your GP Practice
or call Breast Test Wales on 01792 459988.
equipment to improve the offer for young
children and families, and have committed
further funding to the ongoing maintenance of
the mansion house.
“We are also proposing the sensitive
commercialisation of the mansion house with
potential uses including a wedding, banqueting,
conferencing and private event venue, and
reintroducing the cafe that was once so popular.
“We also plan to house a genealogy centre at the
mansion which will tie in perfectly with
Llanelli’s Heritage Six and our plans to improve
the county’s archive services in Carmarthen.
“We have worked with the Parc Howard
Association and Friends of Parc Howard who
are keen to support our proposals as a way of
benefitting the park going forward with private
investment that will create profits for the
ongoing maintenance and development of the
park.
“Very soon, we will also be speaking to the local
community and sharing more detailed plans as
we move towards securing planning permission
for this exciting scheme.”
Brand new young chefs’ cookery academies
A brand new Young Chefs'
Academy and Young Bakers'
Academy is being run at Coleg Sir
Gâr from September.
The 10-week programmes for 13-15
year olds will both run on a Tuesday
evening from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at
Merlin’s, the college’s training
restaurant in Carmarthen. Each
academy costs £150 and includes full
use of facilities, a chef ’s coat and
cooking ingredients.
Get your children
cooking and baking.
Call 01554 748179 or
email admissions@
colegsirgar.ac.uk
Children’s Page
Free swimming programme
Are you looking for somewhere to
take the children over the summer?
Why not try Actif Sir Gar’s Junior
Free Swimming programme.
It offers two hours of free
swimming per day during all school
holidays throughout the year and a
further 14 hours of free swimming
across Carmarthenshire during all
school holidays throughout the year.
You have a choice of four swimming
pools including Carmarthen
Leisure Centre, Llanelli Leisure
Centre, Amman Valley Leisure
Centre and Llandovery Swimming
Pool. Swimming is free for children
aged three years and under in all
Carmarthenshire council pools.
Fun filled summer activities
A fun-packed programme of
activities has been planned for the
summer
holidays
at
Carmarthenshire’s leisure centres.
Youngsters will be spoilt for choice
during the school break in July and
August with a range of games on offer
at
Ammanford,
Llanelli
and
Carmarthen leisure centres.
Whether it’s multi-skills, Active
storytime, bike tikes, snorkelling or a
disco pool party - there’s something on
offer for all ages!
Football, swimming, waterpolo, trigolf, racket, hockey, rounders, canoe
sessions,
rookies
lifeguarding,
basketball, team building, and arts and
craft sessions are also planned. Limited
spaces available so please book early to
avoid disappointment.
To find out when the Free Swim for under 16's takes place at your local
leisure centre, to book your place or for further details about what other pool
activities are taking place contact the reception of your swimming pool on:
Amman Valley Leisure Centre - 01269 594517
Carmarthen Leisure Centre - 01267 224700
Llanelli Leisure Centre - 01554 774757
Llandovery Swimming Complex - 01267 224733
You can also visit: www.actifsirgar.co.uk/en/children/whats-on
Summer 2016
Competition
Advert / Comp
A FREE bowling lane for one hour up to six
people is on offer to one lucky winner of this
edition’s competition.
Colour in this picture and send it to
Communications, County Hall,
Carmarthen, SA31 1JP
By Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Winner of the competition
in the last edition was:
Bethan Adams
Year 5
Llangennech School
17
18
Summer 2016
RNLI lifeguards return to Cefn Sidan beach
University student
shares her experience
Second Year BA acting student Gemma Grimstead
RNLI lifeguards are back at their posts at
Cefn Sidan beach for the summer season.
Lifeguard safety cover will be available on the
beach every day for the summer holidays
from 10am til 6pm, until September 4.
For tips on how to stay safe on the
coast this summer visit the RNLI
website www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety
or download the charity’s beach
safety mobile app
New Counselling for Parents course
Coleg Sir Gâr is offering a brand new range of
short courses for those with a background or an
interest in counselling.
The new Counselling for Parents course is designed to
directly help parents develop a mindful approach and
professional listening skills in order to build upon
positive long-term family relationships.
Other courses include a two-day introduction to
coaching which is suitable for those in employment
who want to add coaching to their professional toolkit.
The introduction to cognitive behavioural therapy
course is suitable for those working in a mental health
environment.
Gemma Grimstead, a second
year BA Acting student
originally from Surrey, looks
back at her time with the School
of Performing Arts at the
University of Wales Trinity
Saint David.
“Having now finished for the
summer, I can confidently say that
the last two years have been the
best years of my education,” said
Gemma.
“I’ve grown so much as an actor
and within myself thanks to my
wonderful lecturers and friends. I
have been taught by such a range of
lecturers, most of whom are
currently working in the industry.
“The BA Acting course has a wide
variety of modules, such as
Performing
Shakespeare,
Symbolism and Absurd and
Popular Song and Dance, all of
which help prepare you for the
industry.
“Students and lecturers have such a
close relationship, I know that if I
ever needed anything they would
do their best to help me.
“I feel I wouldn’t necessarily get the
level of support and love that I
receive at UWTSD anywhere else.
My time at UWTSD has been a life
changing experience and I can’t
wait to start again in September.”
College’s new School of Art
opens its doors in September
For advice and information,
please contact
[email protected]
or 01554 748179
Special NHS careers event in Newcastle Emlyn
Budding
young
healthcare
professionals
from
Carmarthenshire are invited to come along to a special
NHS careers event in Newcastle Emlyn this autumn.
Youngsters from schools and colleges across the county will be
able to access careers information and tap into the experience of
a range of staff from Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The event, which will be held at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre on
Thursday, 3 November, is also open to members of the public who want a
change of career or back-to-work advice.
Tina Williams, the health board’s Work Experience and Staff Benefits
officer, said: “We look forward to welcoming anyone interested in finding
For further
out more about the vast array of professions within the health service,
information
email
offering guidance on career pathways, academic subjects required,
[email protected]
volunteering and work experience opportunities within the Health Board,
and also advice on application process and interview techniques.”
New in September: Coleg Sir Gar’s Carmarthen School of Art is opening
a second site at Pibwrlwyd campus to accommodate demand from young
creatives in the county.
BTEC diplomas in art, design and fashion, up to level three, will soon be
running, preparing students for progression into work, apprenticeships
and higher education.
For further information
please contact 01554 748179
Summer 2016
19
20
Summer 2016
Get involved
in your
community
Become a special constable with
Dyfed Powys Police
Special Constables are voluntary
police officers who have full
constabulary powers to support
Police Officers. They create a link
between the police and local
communities.
Email [email protected] or call
Force Volunteers Co-ordinator on
01267 222020 extension 23920
Register with Volunteering Wales
Let them know what your interests
and experience are, and the types
of volunteering work you would
like to take part in.
The volunteering officers can then
match you with the opportunities
that would best suit you.
Visit www.volunteering-wales.net
or contact CAVS on 01267 245555
or email [email protected]
or [email protected]
Volunteering for health
There are numerous opportunities
for you to make a difference to
a patient’s stay in hospital, for
example you could become a
befriending volunteer to help
people feel less lonely while in
hospital, volunteer as a gardener,
or in the pharmacy.
Email: HDd.VolunteerForHealth@
wales.nhs.uk, visit
www.hywelddalhb.wales.nhs.uk/v
olunteering or call 01267 244344
A-Level student wins prestigious award
A Coleg Sir Gâr A-level student who has his
hopes set on studying at Oxbridge has won a
prestigious environmental award.
Stephen Hughes, 17, who is studying four Alevels, is one of three young people presented
with the Morgan Parry Foundation Award
following an essay he submitted about securing
Wales for future generations, in the year 2050.
Morgan Parry was a leading figure in the
environmental movement in Wales for more
than 30 years. He campaigned for CND and
Friends of the Earth, was director of the North
Wales Wildlife Trust, set up WWF Cymru, and
chaired the Countryside Council for Wales and
Cynnal Cymru.
Stephen Hughes, former head boy at Brwyngyn,
is also a college ambassador and a member of
Coleg Sir Gâr’s Academic Editorial Excellence
(ACE) programme.
Helping you
apply for
university
If your son or daughter is in Year 12
and is interested in applying for a
place at university, then the summer
is a great time for them to start
drafting their personal statement.
Parents could offer to help by
highlighting their areas of strength, and
helping with ideas of how they can fill
any gaps in their experience.
Writing a personal statement can be
challenging so staff and students at the
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
have created their top ten tips for
writing your personal statement to help
you get started:
1.
2.
10
Stephen Hughes, A-level student at Coleg Sir Gâr wins
environmental award. Credit: Aled Llywelyn Photography
Top Ten tips for writing your
personal statement
Write about your interest in the course and where this has stemmed from
Go into detail – what have you enjoyed about the subject during your current
studies?
3.
Do you read about the subject in your spare time? If yes, what and why was it
interesting?
5.
What skills have you gained from your part-time job/work experience/current
studies/hobbies?
4.
Write about any relevant work experience
6.
Don’t just list your skills – give examples of how you’ve gained them and use
them daily
8.
Don’t talk about things that aren’t relevant
7.
9.
Keep linking back to the course/subject area
Use spell check!
10. Be positive and sell yourself – tell us why you’d be perfect for the course