Llwynhendy Fun Day

As a taster session for the local Carnival next month, Llwynhendy Communities First organised an exciting fun day for all the local children, parents and residents of Llwynhendy on Saturday.

The day was organised in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council, Back to Basics, Trallwm Forum and Llwynhendy Events Committee.

With lots of familiar faces turning out to show their support the day was a great success and used to pick this years Carnival King and Queens, Prince's and Princesses and of course the glamorous grandma and greatest grandad.

(This years chosen Kings & Queens)

Back to Basics had their chocolate fountain in the hall serving a healthy but chocolaty combination of fresh fruit and melted chocolate which i'm sure everyone would agree was delicious!

(Back 2 Basics chocolate fountains)

A number of community stalls were also on site with jumble sales, cakes stands and the local food-coop helping raise money for this years Carnival.

(Llys Caradog Childrens Centre Stall)

(Artwork and jewellery from Sonia at TwistyPix)

The Llwynhendy Events Committee had their marquee with arts, crafts and pottery lessons from Yoka Kilkelly (http://www.siramik.co.uk/).

(Pottery classes from Yoka)

Children had plenty to do over the course of the afternoon with two bouncy castles, pony rides, the above arts and crafts and not forgetting the ice cream van!

(Guy Smith from Circusdayze)

Circusdayze provided a circus workshops for the afternoon with plenty of activities including, juggling, spinning plates, stilts and much more. Please see http://www.circusdayze.co.uk/ for more information.

And not forgetting the brilliant Llwynhendy Samba Band who provided some of the musical entertainment for the afternoon with a march into the hall grounds.

River Amman Clean Up

The River Amman as it passes through Brynaman suffers from minor fly-tipping and substantial littering, although a lot of this waste is carried downstream from other valleys towns. This stretch of the river is on the county boundary between Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot - it also seems to act as litter net.

This stretch of the river was cleaned about a year ago. To maintain its cleanliness, another clean up was arranged for today by Keep Wales Tidy, as part of Tidy Wales Week 2008. The surrounding area (the rugby field) was also litter picked.

Assisting in the event were local residents, members of BrynAman Street Elite (BASE) and a member of Fiends of Ynys Dawela.

Picking litter out of the river.

Dan Snaith from Keep Wales Tidy wades in deep under Brynaman's bridge.

Angela from Friends of Ynys Dawela.

Dan finds a Polaroid camera inside its case in the river!

Hauling the litter up the bank of the River Amman.

The large pile of litter collected, including some road signs that must have been thrown off the bridge.

After the clean up and just as the rain started coming down, Kathryn from Keep Wales Tidy made everyone a nice cup of tea and passed around the biscuits in the Pensioner's Hall.

Pen-Y-Fan Police Drop-In Morning

(CF admin Assistant Sarah and PCSO Gronfell)

Bigyn 4 Communities First in partnership with the local police held a police drop in morning this morning for the local residents of Pen-y-fan.

Held in the CAVS Minibus at the recently developed Pen-y-fan Quarry Park, the morning gave local residents a chance to talk with their local community officers about any issues or problems affecting them in the area or to just meet the local force.

PCSO J. Gronfell was on hand to answer any question along with Jeremy Dimond (Communities First development officer) and Sarah Williams (Communities First admin assistant).

Valley Teen Club Litter Pick

Valley Teen Club did their annual litter pick of Brynaman's streets and the park on Monday night, as part of Tidy Wales Week 2008. Keep Wales Tidy provided the group with all the equipment necessary.

Some Valley Teen Club members and youth worker Jeff Fish behind the litter that the club collected. Taken by Owain.

The litter loaded up in Keep Wales Tidy's trailer. Taken by Ian.

Ian proves that you can take an arty photo of yourself!

ICT Accessibility Training from RNIB Cymru

RNIB Cymru are delivering the Accessible Technology in Communities (ATIC) Training Programme free of charge to community groups and voluntary organisations across Wales which provide ICT to the community. The training is aimed at organisations providing community ICT learning and facilities to members of their community who also wish to engage and improve access to ICT for blind and partially sighted people.

The training programme consists of 5 training days between 7th July and 15th September 2008 and is being held at the Discovery Centre, Millenium Coastal Park, Llanelli.

For more information, or to book a place, please contact the ATIC team on 0845 602 0893.

The RNIB website has further details about the ATIC programme.

Llanelli Cycle Route Clean Up

It's Tidy Wales Week 2008 this week. Today, a litter pick was organised in Llanelli by Keep Wales Tidy. The litter pick was along National Cycle Route 47 between North Dock and Felinfoel. Two groups set off in the morning - one from The Discovery Centre in North Dock and the other from the Felinfoel Communities First office. Both Felinfoel and Glanymor & Tyisha Communities First assisted Keep Wales Tidy with the event. Many children from Ysgol y Felin were in the Felinfoel group.

Volunteer Phil Snaith, Carmarthenshire Connect Field Officer Ran Foster-Mason and Glanymor & Tyisha Communities First Development Officer Farah Aziz set off from North Dock. Taken by Cherie.

The two groups then met up in the middle at Furnace RFC for a lunch provided by the two Communities First teams and Keep Wales Tidy.

Joanne Williams from Felinfoel Communities First, Dan Snaith from Keep Wales Tidy, Farah Aziz, and Amy Wakefield from Felinfoel Communities First in front of the large pile of litter collected by the two groups.

Communities First Trust Fund Grant for PLTRA

Penyfan and Llwynwhilwg Tenants and Residents' Association (PLTRA) have received a grant of £2000 from the Communities First Trust Fund. PLTRA have used the grant to buy community equipment including tables, chairs and a marquee.

Lisa and Emma of PLTRA try out the new tables and chairs

The equipment will be used to support youth and community activities in the Penyfan Communities First area, including the Penyfan Party in the Park on August 9th.

Morfa Tenants and Residents Association AGM

Last night, Morfa Tenants and Residents Association held their 2008 AGM at Morfa Social Club. The Association has been meeting for 3 years. At this year's AGM and after 3 years in post, Chairman Gerald Hughes, Secretary Ruth Edwards and Treasurer Terry Delaney all stood down.

The outgoing committee, left to right: David Tucker, Executive Member; Ruth Edwards, Secretary; Gerald Hughes, Chairman; Yvonne Jenkins, Executive Member; Terry Delaney, Treasurer; Marie Evans, Executive Member; Jean Page, Executive Member.

Photo taken by Adrian.

The Association was pleased that a new committee was formed to continue the good work of the outgoing committee.

The new committee. Some faces are the same, but roles have changed. Left to right: David Tucker, Chairman; Yvonne Jenkins, Executive Member; Marie Evans, Executive Member; Jean Page, Secretary; Adrian Morgan, Treasurer. Photo taken by Andrew.

The Big Knit

Keeping Older People Warm This Winter

Innocent (the smoothie makers) have partnered with Age Concern since 2004 on an innovative cause related marketing campaign called 'The Big Knit'.

CAN YOU HELP? CAN YOU, A FRIEND OR A GROUP OF FRIENDS KNIT?

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CONTACT AGE CONCERN SIR GAR ON 01554 784080 WHO WILL LET YOU HAVE THE PATTERN - AND AWAY YOU GO.

The project involves people from Age Concern knitting little wooly hats to place on top of Innocent smoothie bottles.

This project won the business in the community national example of excellence for cause related marketing at the BitC Awards.

In 2007, the target was smashed with a total of 400,720 hats being knitted raising a total of £200,360 for Age Concern around the UK. Age Concern Sir Gar would like to be one of the participating Age Concerns.

David James Commemorative Painting and Plaque Unveiling

A commemorative painting and plaque was unveiled last night in recognition of the late David James. The plaque was commissioned by the Morfa Tenants and Residents Association (MTRA) and was unveiled at Morfa Social Club, where it will be sited.

The plaque is in recognition of David James' tireless work for the local community and the people within it. The plaque reads:

David James

From 23/11/1936 to 30/4/2003

Affectionately known as "Dai"

Well loved councillor for the Morfa Ward

He served the Borough Council 1974 - 1995

Mayor of Llanelli 1995 to 1996 and

County Councillor 1996 - 2003

Thanks to his service to the Morfa

and Llanelli

The painting and plaque is held by Llanelli Mayor Hubert Hitchman and David James' widow Audrey James, accompanied by David and Audrey's daughter Laura Boulton.

Left to right: Artist David Griffiths, who created the painting and plaque; Hubert Hitchman; Ken Harries, who has been leading on this plaque; Audrey James; Laura Boulton; Councillor Linda Steadman.

Left to right: Jean Page, MTRA Excecutive Member; Laura Boulton; Ruth Edwards, Secretary of MTRA; Hubert Hitchman; Gerald Hughes, Chairman of MTRA; Terry Delaney, Treasurer of MTRA; Audrey James.

New Fishing Club Video

Llanelli Carp & Coarse Fishing Club has made a new short video about their Junior Competitions, which are held throughout the summer months. Both Carmarthenshire Connect and Wales CVC Circuit Riders have been supporting club Chairman Peter Thorne to capture footage of May's Junior Competition and to edit the footage using Microsoft Movie Maker.

Circuit Rider Rae Coope, who works in Communities First areas of Carmarthenshire, shows Peter some of Microsoft Movie Maker's features.

Carmarthenshire Connect Field Officer Ran Foster-Mason reviews the video progress with Peter.

Rae also showed Peter how to upload his video onto his website, that was built as part of the Circuit Rider project.

See the video on Llanelli Carp & Coarse Fishing Club's homepage at www.llanellicoarsefishingclub.org.uk

Find out more about the Wales CVC Circuit Rider project and find out useful ICT information on their Voluntary sector Information & Communication Technology Online Resource (VICTOR) at http://www.circuitriderswales.org.uk/.

If you're in a community group or voluntary organisation in a Communities First area of Carmarthenshire and would like to make your own short video for your website or this blog, get in touch with us at Carmarthenshire Connect and we'll show you how it all works.

Brewery Fair with Ffrindiau Felinfoel

With the sun shining and smiles all round, residents of Felinfoel were encourage to attend the annual Brewery fair on Saturday just gone. Organised by Ffrindiau Felinfoel, the day event was a huge success with many local residents turning out to enjoy a number of attractions including multicultural dancers, singers and musicians from Korea, Nepal, Africa, India and Poland along with various stalls from local shops and community groups.

(Photo taken by Reg)

The event also gave plenty of exciting opportunities for children to have some FUN, from the number of bouncy castle to football, arts & craft and face painting.

(Llanelli Model Flying Club where on hand to demonstrate their flying machines. For more info on the this group, please go to http://www.llanellimfc.org)

(Local members May and Jean with their plant and flower stall)

This would approximately been the 8th year of the fair (some say tenth year) with all proceeds going to local charities. The fair began as a fundraiser for the Urdd Eisteddfod held between 8-10 years ago and has bloomed ever since.

Local member, Reverend David Paine commented - "The weather has been kind and the event has given opportunities for people to experience the cultural diversity of different nationalities and makes a positive impact on integration in the community"

(photos above of Lost Skills, Found Friends with their village display)

Since the fair has began, Ffrindiau Felinfoel has raised more than £45,000 for local charities including Carmarthenshire diabetes clinic, Wales air ambulance, local hospice, local breast cancer charity, prostate cancer charity, Felinfoel cricket club, Llanelli first response and many more....

As i walked around throughout the afternoon, one child came up to me with a great smile and said "I tell you what........this is the best fair ever!" showing that people of all ages were enjoying the days attractions, entertainment and sunshine and will do for many years to come.

Reg Soady, Chairperson for Ffrindiau Felinfoel commented - "The day has gone very well and the weather has been fine."

(Susan Thomas - Secretary for Ffrindiau Felinfoel serving tea and biscuits)

Also at the fair was local artist Peter Burt, who brought along his display of fantastic local area paintings from all over Llanelli and Kidwelly to help raise further money for local charities. His artwork is pictured below and if you would a painting by him or a special commission the please contact him on 01554 890257.

With such a fun filled day along with lots of community spirit i am sure we all look forward to next years BREWERY FAIR WITH FFRINDIAU FELINFOEL!

Lost Communities DVD Public Screening

The Lost Communities of Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys group will be screening their new DVD on Monday 16 June. The screening will be held at Morfa Social Club, Llanelli at 7pm.

Lost Communities group members Sandra Jenkins and Mavis Smith have been working hard on this new DVD over the last couple of months. Carmarthenshire Connect has been helping them to capture and edit footage for their DVD. Glanymor & Tyisha Communities First have been helping to organise and book venues.

The DVD features interviews with people who lived in Bwlch-y-gwynt and Machynys and photos of people and the area before it was demolished in the early 70s.

The evening will be a good chance to catch up with friends and enjoy the special memories people have of this part of Llanelli. All are welcome.

PACT Workshop Presentations

Carmarthenshire County Council's Partnership for Community Action has held a series of Capacity Building Workshops over the last year. Every person who successfully completed a workshop was invited to a presentation day to be presented with a Certificate of Attendance. The event was held in the Marquee at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Several community group members from Communities First areas of Carmarthenshire attended the workshops and then attended the presentation.

Community group members from Felinfoel Communities First wards.

The knowledge gained on these workshops will benefit the groups that these members represent: Felinfoel Senior Citizens; Frindiau Felinfoel/Friends of Felinfoel; Felinfoel Events Committee; Felinfoel Luncheon Club.

Eiriol, Marianne, Elizabeth and Susan from Felinfoel with their certificates.

Members of Llanelli Tenants Network.

The network is made up of variety of tenants/residents association representatives. Pictured are representatives of: PLTRA; 5 Tys Tenants & Residents Association; Tir Capel; Penygraig Residents Association.

For more information on the Llanelli Tenants Network, please contact Carmarthenshire County Council Tenant Participation Officer Pat Evans on 01554 742216.

David Skivington, Chairman of PLTRA, is presented with his certificates.

ZooLab Visit Llwynhendy

The Back to Basics group in Llwynhendy arranged a hands-on exotic animal workshop for children in the area. The workshop, delivered by ZooLab, featured a variety of animals - some were furry, some were scaly and some were scary! See some of them in the photos below -they were taken by the Llwynhendy Communities First Team using their digital camera.

Bryanaman Swimming Pool Clean Up

Brynaman Swimming Pool Association (BSPA) held this year's first big clean up of Brynaman open air swimming pool in preparation for opening this summer. The swimming pool will be open for the six weeks during the school summer holiday. It takes two weeks to fill the pool and condition the water.

The voluntary clean up team includes members of local groups ASBO, BASE and Mess Up The Mess. Many of the team are dedicated pool users in the summer.

The clean up team inside the pool.

Watch the video below to hear Bronwen Price explain more about the pool and what it means to the local community. Filmed by Pauline Thomas, Vice Chair of BSPA.

Bronwen's dad diving into the pool in 1948.

Bronwen discusses the day's plan with the team.

Clearing the weeds that had grown through the paving slabs...

...and bagging them up.

Time for lunch.

Football Skills

Starting Wednesday 11 June

Every Wednesday throughout June

5.30-6pm for under 7s

6-6.30pm for over 7s

At Bwlch Youth and Community Centre Games Area, Morfa, Llanelli.

Football skills sessions coached by qualified football coaches for both lasses and lads.

For more information, please contact Eryl at Glanymor & Tyisha Communities First on 01554 777850.

Friends of Ynys Dawela

Members of Friends of Ynys Dawela

The Ynys Dawela nature park in Brynaman has been open for 15 years and for the past six years Friends of Ynys Dawela have been promoting the park to local residents and volunteering time to carry out conservation work in the park. Members of Friends of Ynys Dawela also keep a general eye on the park - ensuring the park is used as it should be and also monitoring the wildlife.

This year Friends of Ynys Dawela have been concentrating on encouraging young people in the area to enjoy Ynys Dawela and to take ownership of the park. The group has sucessfully worked with ASBO who, with support from Keep Wales Tidy's Pride In Our Communities project, have adopted the park. ASBO has carried out conservation work and litter picks.

A number of orienteering sessions have also been held for young people in the Brynaman area, provided by Swansea Bay Orienteering Club.

One of ASBO's conservation afternoons and two orienteering sessions are featured on this blog -click on the 'Friends of Ynys Dawela' category link to see the posts.

CAVS Volunteer Centre Thank You Day

To celebrate national Volunteers' Week and the hard work of volunteers from across Carmarthenshire, CAVS Volunteer Centre held a Volunteer Thank You Day at The Botanic Garden of Wales on Monday 2 June.

CAVS' Director Ieuan Williams tell us about the Thank You Day. Filmed by Adrianna, Manager of Oxfam Carmarthen.

Volunteers could enjoy free entry to the garden. The day started with a welcome by Ieuan Williams, a few words by Peter Hamilton, Development Manager at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, and a performance by Tumble Primary School Choir.

Then attendees had some time to explore the gardens, meet Volunteer Centre staff and enjoy a massage, reflexology or salsa dancing workshop. The British Red Cross were also holding First Aid workshops.

Volunteering Officer Bill Martin with the Mobile Volunteer Centre.

Volunteers from Tyisha Tenants & Residents Association, Parents In Action Group and Women Only Group (all from the Glanymor & Tyisha Communities First ward) and also WRVS.

Members of Felinfoel Senior Citizens who volunteer for Felinfoel Luncheon Club. Taken by Margaret.

The second party from Felinfoel Senior Citizen Group. Taken by Kevin from Glanymor and Tyisha.

Ty Ni (Carmarthen Family Centre) volunteer Linda (left) and Julie, Centre Co-ordinator.

Raine, Centre Officer for Carmarthen Learning Centre, with valued volunteer Dave, who has been volunteering with Carmarthenshire Basic Skills Service for 6 years. Taken by Eve.

Mary from WRVS. Taken by Meryl.

Llanelli Carp & Coarse Fishing Club's May Junior Competition

Llanelli Carp & Coarse Fishing Club held its May Junior Competition on Saturday 31 May. Carmarthenshire Connect was with the group to help them capture footage of the day on camcorder to feature on their website at www.llanellicoarsefishingclub.org.uk. Below are photos taken on Carmarthenshire Connect's mobile phone.

Fishing on Furnace Pond, Llanelli.

A net of catches.

The biggest catch of the day.

Weighing the catches.

After the competition, the club's members go to The Bay pub in Seaside, where the winner is announced. The Bay supports Llanelli Carp & Coarse Fishing Club by providing a meeting place, a barbecue and sponsoring the medals.

Enjoying the barbecue.

Ashley, May's Junior Competition winner with a total catch weighing in at 1lb 14oz, alongside Ferdy, Landlord of The Bay.

The runners up - in second place Liam (second from right) with a total catch weighing in at 1lb 11oz and in third place Kurtice (right), who's total catch weighed 1lb 10oz.

PLTRA Events Committee

Some of the PLTRA Events Committee with their new branded tops. Taken by Celyn.

Penyfan & Llwynwhilwg Tenants and Residents Association (PLTRA) is one of the leading community groups in the new Bigyn 4 Communities First area in Llanelli. Alongside the core PLTRA committee runs the PLTRA Events Committee.

The Events Committee has been established for over a year and has been very successful in organising community events in the Bigyn 4 area. To date, the group has organised bulb planting, litter picks, a Christmas lights switch on and Party in The Park which was particularly popular. The group is currently planning Party in The Park 2008, to be held in Penyfan Park.

The group recently held a litter pick, which is featured on this blog - click on the PLTRA category label to see photos from the event.

Music Video Makers Visit Tinopolis

A new music video competition has been launched in the Amman Valley. Local bands will be invited to pitch for the prize of having a music video made for them. The video will be made by young people from the Amman Valley. This project builds on the success of the BASE 'Choices' DVD.

The competition is a collaborative project between Upper Amman Valley Communities First, Mess Up The Mess, BASE, Amman Youth Forum, Menter Bro Dinefwr and Carmarthenshire Youth Service.

To kick off the project, a visit to Tinopolis' studios in Llanelli was organised. Tinopolis produce many programmes, including Wedi 3 and Wedi 7 on S4C. Tinopolis kindly agreed to show a group around the studios in order to give those who may go on to make the music video a behind the scenes insight into television production.

The tour started with an introduction by Production Manager Huw Williams. Then the group went on to meet the make up artist before getting the Director's perspective in the Gallery. Then everyone had a chance to view some sets and watch Wedi 7 rehersals.

The group of 8 were the first group to try out Carmarthenshire Connect's newly acquired digital camera set. We now have 10 cameras for community groups to use - below are some of the 200 photos taken.

In make-up

Looking at the wigs...

...and trying them on

New eyebrows

Oh no, Martyn's hand fell off!

On some sets

Time for a break

On the Wedi 7 set