Llwyn yr Ynys Cawl Lunch

To celebrate St David's Day, residents of Llwyn yr Ynys Complex enjoyed tasty cawl and Welsh cakes, organised and prepared by Llwynhendy Communities First.

Taken by Tina

Taken by Tina

Taken by Peggy

Taken by Sandra

Taken by Trina

Pushy Prams

A new workout class called Pushy Prams started up last week. The class is a chance for mums to get exercise and tone up while pushing their prams. The group was set up by Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First Sports Development Officer Eryl Daniels.

Instructor Mel Williams, from Pushy Mothers, explains the workout to Field Officer Ran Foster-Mason. Filmed by Aliesha.

Pushy Prams sets off from Bwlch Youth and Community Centre, Morfa, Llanelli every Thursday at 1pm for the next 12 weeks.

Taken by Kathy

Taken by Adam, 3 years old.

For more information, contact Eryl at Communities First on 01554 777850

Local Groups Get Connected at Connect IT Events

Residents of Carmarthenshire's Communities First areas have been learning how to get online and use the internet safely at Carmarthenshire Connect's 'Connect IT' training workshops. Two events have been held so far at Bwlch Youth and Community Centre in Llanelli and Brynaman Community Centre.

World Wide Web, or Big Bad Net? Karlis Ozolins, Field Officer with Carmarthenshire Connect, explains how to stay safe online to an audience at Bwlch Youth and Community Centre

People attending the events have learnt how to set up their own blogs using Blogger - the same system that powers the Carmarthenshire Connect blog - and how to protect themselves and their computers when using the internet. Wales CVC Circuit Riders have also been on hand, distributing CDs of free software and providing advice to community groups on website creation and general IT problems.

Richard Szulik sets up his blog at the Connect IT workshop at Brynaman Community Centre

There's still time to register for the final Connect IT training event which will take place at Felinfoel Community Education Centre on Tuesday 26th February. It's open to individuals and members of community groups from the Communities First areas of Carmarthenshire and there's no charge to attend. You can book a place online from the Carmarthenshire Connect website, or book by phone on 01554 777801.

Scribes R Us Launch Their Latest Book

John S James, Richard Szulik, Penny Sutton, Beryl Henshaw and Jan Slade at the launch of the new anthology from Scribes R Us

Scribes R Us, the Brynaman based writers' group, launched their latest publication, "And Having Writ..." at the Brynaman Community Centre on Saturday 16th February. The book is an anthology of short stories and poems by ten of the group's members.

John S James, Chairman of Scribes R Us launches their latest book, "And Having Writ...", filmed by Richard

The group originated from a creative writing group formed by the Department of Adult and Continuing Education at Swansea University. The members decided to continue working together and publishing their own work. They've been going for four years and in that time have published seven books of their own and other local authors' work.

The group are looking forward to their next project. They intend to collect true stories of the history of the area from local people and fictionalise them with the results being published as a book.

Beryl Henshaw reads her poem, "Global Warming", filmed by Richard

Jan Slade reads a short extract from her short story, "Rose and Carol", filmed by Richard

John S James reads from his short story, "The Night and the Fox", filmed by Richard

Penny Sutton reads her poem, "The Pest", filmed by John

Richard Szulik reads his short story, "Shambo", filmed by John

There'll be another chance to catch up with Scribes R Us and buy a copy of their latest book at the Pensioners' Hall, Ammanford on 14th March 2008 at 11.00 am. All are welcome to attend.

Copies of "And Having Writ..." are also available from the group by post for £6.99 plus postage and packing. The group can be contacted via their website at http://www.scribesrus.co.uk/.

Strangers - Opening Tonight

Strangers, the latest production of Mess Up The Mess Youth Theatre, opens tonight at the Ammanford Miners' Theatre. The project sees the Brynamman based group of young people collaborating with similar groups in Slough and New Zealand to each perform their own production of the play in February.

Performances take place on Friday 15th Febraury and Saturday 16th February at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from the box office (Tel: 0845 226 3510).

Pantyffynnon DJ Workshops

This year the team at Pantyffynnon C F will be organising Dj workshops for the youth of Ammanford.

We asked the youth of Pantyffynnon :


What sort of music would you mix?


Why does Djing interest you?


Siobhan says "i would mix dance and hardcore and im interested in djing because i loves music"

phil says" i would like to mix dance music cause it has good beats in it , djing interested me cause i like loud music"


sorcha says" i would like to mix dance and hardcore music and im intesested in djing because it sounds like a good laugh"

gavin says"i would like 2 mix whatever tickles my fancy and im interested in djing coz u can have slaming music and have a good laugh"

This was posted by the Youth of Ammanford.

Lost Communities Reunion

The Lost Communities of Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys group are holding a reunion on Monday 18 Febraury at the Bwlch Youth and Community Centre in Morfa, Llanelli. The reunion is a chance for those who lived in Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys to share their memories of what life was like in the communities over a cup of coffee.

Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys were areas of Llanelli demolished in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There are many people with fond memories of the areas. The Lost Communities group was formed to keep the history of the Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys alive by, amongst other things, setting up plaques that are part of new developments.

Lost Communities are also making a DVD all about the special memories people have. Sandra and Mavis are leading on this project, with help from Carmarthenshire Connect. A video camera will be set-up on Monday, ready to get people's memories on tape, so it's a great chance to be a part of the DVD. Do bring along any photos that you have of the area, they too can be on the DVD.

Mavis and Sandra explain the reunion.

ABSO Conserve Ynys Dawela

On Wednesday 13 February, the All Skate Boarding Outcasts (ASBO) youth group of Brynaman spent the afternoon doing conservation work at Ynys Dawela Nature Reserve. In conjunction with Keep Wales Tidy's Pride In Our Communities project and The Friends of Ynys Dawela group, ASBO trimmed pathway hedges, removed grass that was growing through the concrete in the car park and gave the area a good tidy up. The weather was fantastic, which made the afternoon even more enjoyable.

Joe and Chris introduce ASBO. Filmed by Will.

Karmen of The Friends of Ynys Dawela. Taken by Zac.

Chris and Will trimming the hedges. Taken by Zac.

Joe removing the grass growing through the concerete of the car park. Taken by Curly.

James making sure Rufus, Karmen's dog, is happy. Taken by Luke.

There were plenty of frogs and frogspawn in the pond. The male frogs were making quite a noise - at first, many people thought a plane was in the air.

Frog photo taken by Carwyn on his mobile phone and sent by Bluetooth to Ran's mobile for uploading onto this blog.

Strangers, One Day To Go

Tomorrow sees the opening of Mess Up The Mess Youth Theatre's production of Strangers at the Ammanford Miners' Theatre. For two nights only, young people from the Amman Valley will perform in this exciting international collaboration.

Performances take place on Friday 15th February and Saturday 16th February at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from the box office (Tel: 0845 226 3510).

Home-Start Carmarthen-Llanelli

Home-Start Carmarthen-Llanelli explain all about what they do for families in the area:

"Home-Start, a national charity established in 1973 works with 24,000 families and 54,000 children each year, is recognised as the UK’s leading family support organisation. This free support extends to more than 320 communities across the UK, and with the British Forces in Germany and Cyprus.

Family Support
Home-Start Carmarthen-Llanelli was established in 2000 and covers the whole of Carmarthenshire except for the Amman Valley, and last year we supported 84 families and 168 children. We currently have 47 home-visiting volunteers who spend a couple of hours a week helping parents who have at least one child under the age of five. Our volunteers support families facing a variety of difficulties including:

• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Postnatal illness
• Disabilities
• Ill health
• Relationship difficulties
• Multiple births
• Bereavement

They do this by maybe spending time with a young parent, helping to build their confidence as they adapt to life with a small baby, sharing an outing with a family who finds getting out of the house difficult. The visits might involve offering an extra pair of hands to a family with several children or providing a listening ear to a mother who is suffering from postnatal illness.

Home-Start support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. If you have a child under the age of five and feel that you could benefit from a little extra help you can either have a chat with your Health Visitor about the support we offer or you can contact us direct on the number below.

Volunteering Opportunities
Our volunteers are just ordinary people who know how tough bringing up children can be. You don’t need to be a super nanny to help parents with young children. If you’ve got through the early days, why not volunteer your experience to help someone else? Real people with real parenting experience can make a real difference to families in need. If you can spare 2 hours or more a week we would love to hear from you. In return you will receive comprehensive training, regular staff support and supervision, reimbursement of travel expenses, the opportunity for self-development and the chance to meet new friends.

Community Work
Our Organisers work hard in the community to raise the profile of Home-Start and the support that we offer. If you arrange group meetings within your community and would like one of our Organisers to come and give a short presentation, then please contact us.

For further information on any of the above please contact us by
Phone : 01554 770808
E-mail : homestartcarmsllanelli@cccpartners.org.uk
Or call into our office at 44 Station Road, Llanelli"

(Posted on behalf of Home-Start Carmarthen-Llanelli)

Strangers, Two Days To Go

In just two days time, Strangers opens at the Ammanford Miners' Theatre. Strangers is the latest production of Mess Up The Mess Youth Theatre and is an international collaboration between groups of young people based in the Amman Valley, Slough and New Zealand.

Performances take place on Friday 15th February and Saturday 16th February at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from the box office (Tel: 0845 226 3510).

Organised Kaos

The Carmarthenshire Connect Team returned to Brynaman on Friday for more Organised Kaos. The youth circus group meet every week to learn new skills in a safe environment, aided by Nicola Hemsley and her team of dedicated volunteers.

Nicola talks to Martyn and Caz about why they volunteer for Organised Kaos

The circus members make it all look so easy. But it's not, as Chris from the Carmarthenshire Connect Team found out when he tried plate spinning for himself.

Jordan instructs Chris in the art of spinning a plate, filmed by DJ

You can find out more about Organised Kaos at their blog: http://organisedkaosbrynaman.blogspot.com/. For more information about volunteering with Organised Kaos, contact Nicola Hemsley on 01269 823400 or 07810 021421.

Strangers, Three Days To Go

There are just 3 days to go to Mess Up The Mess Youth Theatre's production of Strangers at the Ammanfrod Miners' Theatre. Curtain up is at 7.30 pm on Friday 15th February and Saturday 16th February. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from the box office (Tel: 0845 226 3510).

Strangers, Four Days To Go

Mess Up The Mess Youth Theatre's production of Strangers opens this Friday at the Ammanford Miners' Theatre. Performances will take place at 7.30 pm on Friday 15th February and Saturday 16th February. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from the box office (Tel: 0845 226 3510).

New Sports Opportunities For Glanymor & Tyisha

Residents of Glanymor and Tyisha can enjoy new sports, health and fitness opportunities thanks to the efforts of Eryl Daniels, Sports Development Officer for Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First.

Dates for your diary:

MONDAY
Keep fit, Yoga, Healthy eating and alternative therapies
Morfa Social Club @ 12-3pm
Starts 14/01/08 Ends 18th or 25th FEB
FREE

TUESDAY
Women only/exercise to music with Tara
Starts Tuesday 12th Feb @ Emmanuel @ 11-12pm
FREE for 6 weeks

Netball
Bwlch Community Centre @ 5-6pm
Starts 12th Feb
FREE fun session
NO previous play/experience

WEDNESDAY
Walking
Meet at Bwlch Community Centre @ 11am
Starts March 2008
FREE

DANCE Your Way to Fitness with Lisa
Starts 20th Feb @ 6.30 – 7.30pm
Salsa, Ballroom, Tap, Jazz and more
Morfa Social Club
FREE

THURSDAY
Cycle your way to fitness
Have use of a new bike free
Starts Feb 2008
FREE and free use of bicycles

Dancercise with Tara
Morfa Social Club
Starts 21st Feb
FREE 6 week course

"PUSHY PRAMS"
Starts 21st Feb @1pm
From Bwlch Community Centre, Morfa
FREE 8 week course to get fit and toned
Bring your pram, get fit and have great fun

TRAINING COURSES

First Aid Certificate
FREE Heartstart Qualification
Wed 05/03/08 6-8pm @ Bwlch

Walk leaders training day
Become qualified – FREE
Sat 1st March @ Bwlch 10 – 3pm

For more information, please contact Eryl (Ez) on 01554 777850

Home Safety and Security Event

A Home Safety and Security Event was held at Lakefield Hall in Llanelli between 10am and 2pm. It was organised by Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First.

There were many organisations at the event to help people make their community a safer place in which to live.

• Llanelli Fire and Rescue Service
  
• Neighbourhood Police Scheme
  
• Trading Standards
  
• Carmarthenshire Care & Repair
  
• Age Concern
  
• Glanmor Neighbourhood Watch
  
• Community Safety Partnership
  
• Safer Communities Action Group
  
• Youth Action Group
  
• Sports, Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Action Group
  
• Carmarthenshire Home Energy Service
  
• Gateway Gardens Trust

Visit the Glanmor Neighbourhood Watch website at

www.glanmor-neighbourhoodwatch.org.uk

Taken by John Jones, Chairman of Glanmor Neighbourhood Watch

John with the Trading Standards Team

Taken by Julie, of Carmarthenshire Care & Repair

Constable Libby Evans with Dylan of Mid & West Wales Fire & Resucue Service -Carmarthenshire Community Safety Department. Ran on the right. Taken by John.

Taken by John. Well done PCSO John Hill for actually looking at the camera!

Connect IT Events

As part of the Carmarthenshire Connect project, we're holding free community ICT events during February 2008. The events are called Connect IT and consist of two workshops and a chance to talk to Wales CVC Circuit Riders. The first workshop is called How To Set Up a Blog Using Blogger and the second is called World Wide Web or Big Bad Net? Staying Safe Online.

The events are at

• Bwlch Youth and Community Centre, Morfa, Llanelli on Tuesday 19 Febraury
• Brynamman Community Centre on Thursday 21 February
• Felinfoel Community Education Centre on Tuesday 26 February

All run from 2.30 to 5.30pm

We hope you enjoy visiting the Carmarthenshire Connect blog - did you know just how easy it is to set up a blog just like this one? In the blogging workshop you'll be up and running with your own one in less than an hour. We think blogging is a great way of keeping in touch with your community and your friends. Using the 'Blogger' system is also free.

You may be conecrned about using the internet though - we've all heard about how dangerous the internet can be. But what exactly are the real threats? What should we look out for? And how can we protect ourselves and our children? The internet safety workshop explores the risks associated with being online and offers practical suggestions for ensuring the online experience is a safe one.

Wales CVC Circuit Riders will be on hand during the refreshment break to provide advice on Information Technology for community groups, demonstrating the latest technology and giving out their free software toolkit. See their website at http://www.walescvccircuitriders.org.uk/.

Book your place on the workshops by completing the online booking form. Alternatively, give the team a call on 01554 777801.

We look forward to seeing you!

More From Organised Kaos

Organised Kaos, the youth circus group based in Brynaman, don't just meet up to practise circus skills - they also perform to the public as a fire circus. On Friday, Martyn, Josh and Lewis showed Carmarthenshire Connect what they could do with fire diablo, clubs, poi and staff.

Fire circus practice, filmed by Jordan

Nicola interviews Ellie and Jordan, filmed by Josh

You can find out more about Organised Kaos at their blog: http://organisedkaosbrynaman.blogspot.com/. For more information about volunteering with Organised Kaos, contact Nicola Hemsley on 01269 823400 or 07810 021421.

Felinfoel Tortoises Walk to Parc Howard

The Felinfoel Walking Group is made up of two sub-groups - the Hares (a more brisk hour's walk) and the Tortoises (a relaxed half hour). The group meets every Tuesday at the bus stop next to Felinfoel Brewery - the Hares set off at 10.30 and the Tortoises at 11. Both then meet at the Tirynys Complex for coffee at 11.30.

Carmarthenshire Connect had previously been out with the Hares back in December. See the post that some of the walkers published as part of their Silver Surfers class by clicking on the Felinfoel Walking Group tag under Categories.

This week was the turn of the Tortoises to use Carmarthenshire Connect's mobile phones to take some pictures of their walk. The Tortoises are a smaller group than the Hares, with two members enjoying a walk this week. June and Sheila chose Parc Howard as the loaction to take the photos below. With those impressive trees and the rolling grass, you can see why!

June and Sheila

Ran and Shelia, taken by June

Ran and June, taken by Sheila

Enjoying a coffee at Tirynys with the Hares.

Both taken by John.

More Kaos

Organised Kaos, the Brynaman based youth circus, meet up every week to practise circus skills including poi, diablo and stilt walking. Carmarthenshire Connect has been helping them record their activities.

Chris, from Carmarthenshire Connect, shows Jordan the camera whilst Josh spins a plate

Jordan demonstrates the diablo