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Articles by Robert Lloyd
Your chance to remember a loved one at the annual Festival of Light service in Llanelli
The Tŷ Bryngwyn Hospice Trust will be staging this year’s Festival of Light service at the St Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli, on Monday, November 23 at 6.30pm. The congregation will be welcomed by the Salvation Army Band, who will also accompany the community singing. There will be performances by Meibion Elli male voice choir, Cor Merched Lleisiau’r Cwm (Dyffryn Aman) ladies choir and Ysgol Gymraeg Ffwrnes.
The countdown is on to Carmarthen Town Council Sports Awards
The countdown has started to the popular Carmarthen Town Council Sports Awards for 2026. The awards are organised annually by Carmarthen Town Council, with a special presentation evening taking place at the Carmarthen Quins Rugby Club in January. The search is now on for nominations for the 2026 awards. The judging panel for the awards this year includes British Lions, Wales and Llanelli Scarlets rugby heroes Ken Owens and Roy Bergiers.
Digital patient observations rollout continues across Hywel Dda
Hywel Dda University Health Board is continuing the successful rollout of its electronic patient observation system (e-Obs) across acute and community hospitals in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The digital system is helping staff identify changes in a patient’s condition more quickly and support safer care. In Carmarthenshire, e-Obs has already been introduced at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Llandovery Hospital.
How family language use influences children’s Welsh development - new study
Researchers at Aberystwyth University are launching a study to explore how language practices within families influence children’s Welsh language development. Studies suggest that language habits established in early childhood can have a lasting impact on the languages that people decide to use later in life. While schools play a vital role in supporting Welsh language learning, everyday interactions at home are also considered crucial to the long-term future of the language.
Rules of attraction for plants to be explored in new research project
Researchers at Aberystwyth University are exploring why distantly related plants struggle to reproduce with one another, in an attempt to breed more resilient crops. In a major three-year research project, academics will investigate the biological barriers that stop related plants from reproducing and sharing their best characteristics. During reproduction, pairs of chromosomes need to find one another before exchanging chunks of DNA.
FAW launches Llunio Cymru – a 10-year plan for a confident, successful and inclusive Cymru
The Football Association of Wales has launched Llunio Cymru, its strategy for 2026-2036: a 10-year plan to grow football in every community, strengthen the domestic game and help Cymru’s national teams succeed on the world stage. At its heart, Llunio Cymru is about ensuring that more people can enjoy football for life – as players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and club members, while building the pathways and environments needed for Welsh football to thrive.
Parliament is the next stop for John Parr’s film ‘A Pack of Five’
With the world in such turmoil, today’s leaders are to hear a clear call for peace. On the evening of November 10, during Remembrance Week 2026, Liz Saville Roberts, the Leader of Plaid Cymru in the House of Commons, has invited friends and colleagues to view John Parr’s short, moving film called ‘A Pack of Five’. “This moving film is a convincing and persuasive message from the World War One battlefield which advocates the need for peace.
Rodney Parade to host 2027 FAW Welsh Cup and Bute Energy Welsh Cup finals
The Football Association of Wales can confirm that Rodney Parade will host the 2027 FAW Welsh Cup Final and Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final. It will be the fourth consecutive year that Wales’ two most prestigious cup competitions will culminate in Newport. The Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final will take place on Sunday 11 April (KO 17:00), before the FAW Welsh Cup Final on Sunday 18 April (KO 14:35). Both finals will be broadcast live on S4C, while ticket details will be confirmed at a later date.
South Wales Evening Post column, October 23, 2026
JUST occasionally, I might run the risk of being accused of stealing an idea or a theme from a fellow columnist. If that’s the case this week, I plead guilty as charged - and make a generous hat tip to my fellow Evening Post scribbler Mal Pope (he’s here on Saturdays, in case you didn’t know). Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
“On the Go” new transport option connects communities to Canolfan Pentre Awel in Llanelli
Residents across Carmarthenshire can now benefit from improved access to Canolfan Pentre Awel, with the addition of the state-of-the-art facility to Dolen Teifi’s bookable transport locations. “On the Go” is a partnership between Dolen Teifi and Age Cymru Dyfed that provides wheelchair accessible travel options to those with a disability in Carmarthenshire.
Scarlets name side to face DHL Stormers in South Africa
Scarlets have named an exciting blend of youth and experience for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with DHL Stormers in Cape Town (15:00 UK time), with a side showing six personnel changes from their bonus-point victory over Newcastle Red Bulls. The Scarlets head into the contest on the back of successive victories over Benetton and the Red Bulls, determined to build on that momentum against one of the URC’s strongest sides.
Latest On Song column – October 21
THERE’S a big night coming up at Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli next month as the Royal British Legion’s Llanelli branch stage a Festival of Remembrance. It promises to be an emotional occasion as the community gathers to honour those who sacrificed so much for their country. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
More families to consider adoption in Carmarthenshire and mid and west Wales
Parents in Adoption Mid and West Wales who have built their families through adoption are encouraging others to consider providing a stable, safe adoptive home for a child in care in Wales. This National Adoption Week (19-25 October 2026), the National Adoption Service for Wales is asking more people across Wales to consider adoption when planning their families.
Plenty of half-term fun across Carmarthenshire
Families across Carmarthenshire can enjoy a packed October half term, with family-friendly events and activities taking place across the county. From spooky adventures to outdoor exploration, We Know a Place to make lasting memories this autumn. Something spooky is coming to Carmarthen Market! Get ready for a Halloween event filled with spooky fun, family entertainment and plenty of Halloween magic. Visit Carmarthen Market on 31 October at 6pm.
Review: Meibion Elli Male Voice Choir annual concert at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli
Review: Meibion Elli Male Voice Choir annual concert at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli DOWN the years, there has been no bigger promoter of male voice singing in Wales than D Eifion Thomas. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. His sterling work for the old Côr Meibion Llanelli will be admired for years to come.
A digital step forward for patient care at Hywel Dda
Hywel Dda University Health Board has successfully introduced a new electronic patient observation system (e-Obs) across inpatient wards at Glangwili Hospital. This marks an important step forward in the use of digital technology to support patient care. Work to introduce the system across Withybush Hospital and a number of community sites is also nearing completion.
Spotlight on the Whinyard Rocks vineyard on the Wales-England border
IT’S a place-name that deserves an exclamation mark! Whinyard Rocks sits close to the Wales-England border on a farm where vines now rule the roost on land where sheep were once the prime source of revenue. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Languages of Roman Britain explored at Aberystwyth conference
Researchers from across Europe will gather in Aberystwyth tomorrow (Saturday) to explore how Celtic languages and Latin were used in Roman Britain. Hosted by Aberystwyth University’s Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, the conference on 17 October will discuss the languages spoken in Britain during the Roman period and the influence they had on each other. Latin was the most widely visible language of Roman Britain, but Celtic languages continued to be spoken across the country.
South Wales Evening Post column, October 16, 2026
IN my other life (I don’t spend all week scribbling this column!), the issues faced by the hospitality industry tend to occupy some of my thinking time. With clients in the pub and restaurant sector, I’ve subscribed to a ‘trade paper’ called The Morning Advertiser for a number of years. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Latest On Song column – October 14
LLANELLI’S popular Meibion Elli male voice choir will be staging their annual concert at Greenfield Chapel on Saturday, October 17 (7pm). The special guests will be soloists Osian Wyn Bowen and Lauren Elizabeth Williams. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The choir will be under the musical direction of D Eifion Thomas, with Aled Maddock as accompanist.
Senior Welsh Gorsedd Officer to visit Trawsfynydd in north Wales
Trawsfynydd will be welcoming the well-known Reverend Beti-Wyn James on Sunday and Monday, 25th and 26th October. Swansea Valley born Beti-Wyn will be leading the worship of the congregation at Moriah Chapel in the heart of Trawsfynydd in north Wales at 2pm on Sunday, 25th October. The deacons and members of the chapel are looking forward to hearing her words.
Have your say on Welsh language education proposals at four Carmarthenshire primary schools
Press Carmarthenshire County Council press release Carmarthenshire County Council has commenced a consultation period to amend the Welsh language provision across four primary schools in the county, changing them from dual-language to Welsh language schools. If approved, the changes would allow children attending Ysgol Bro Banw, Ysgol Griffith Jones, Ysgol Llandybie and Ysgol Llangynnwr to access mainly Welsh language education, rather than a mixture of both English and Welsh language education.
Classic Ealing comedy takes to the stage in Llanelli
Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre will welcome a brand-new adaptation of Kind Hearts and Coronets to their Stiwdio Stepni on Thursday 29th October at 7:30pm. The famous Ealing comedy, Kind Hearts and Coronets was voted No6 in the British Film Institute’s list of ‘Best British Films of the 20th Century’. Now, Ignition Theatre’s new production, written by Derek Webb and directed by Peter Richards, is set to bring the classic comedy to audiences once again.
Empty property owners encouraged to explore new funding and support opportunities in Carmarthenshire
Owners of empty properties across Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to explore the range of funding, advice and practical support available to help bring vacant homes back into use. The Council’s Empty Property Team has launched a new newsletter highlighting the assistance available to owners who are considering renovating, renting, selling or returning to their property.
Health Board to seek community views on future arrangements for Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates
Press Hywel Dda University Health Board press release Hywel Dda University Health Board will engage with patients and local residents on proposed future arrangements for services currently provided by Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates. The four-week engagement period will open on Monday 2 November 2026 and close on Sunday 29 November 2026.
Hywel Dda residents encouraged to use NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ for mental health support
Press Hywel Dda University Health Board press release People across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire who need to talk to someone urgently about their mental health, or are concerned about family or friends, are being reminded they can call 111 and press 2. When accessing the NHS 111 Wales Press 2 service, callers will speak to a dedicated member of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s mental health team who will listen, assess their needs and arrange further support if needed.
Aberystwyth scientists welcome European Solar Telescope milestone
Press Aberystwyth University press release Scientists at Aberystwyth University have welcomed the news that the European Solar Telescope (EST), a major international project to study the Sun, has been granted Landmark status by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The new designation recognises the scientific importance of the EST project, the progress made towards its construction, and the key role it is expected to play in Europe’s research infrastructure landscape.
South Wales Evening Post column, October 09, 2026
Robert Lloyd's weekly column REGULAR readers will appreciate that I enjoy a good bargain. And, let’s face it, most of us pensioners are of the same mind. Last January, I was singing the praises of the Asda meal deal. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. At Asda cafes (our nearest is Parc Trostre in Llanelli) the winter warmer deal ran from November until the end of February last winter.
Llanelli Scarlets name side to face Benetton
Press Llanelli Scarlets press release Scarlets make three personnel changes to their starting XV, while Fletcher Anderson returns to the bench for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton Rugby at Parc y Scarlets (17:30; Premier Sports). Joe Hawkins is handed his first start of the campaign, while Henry Thomas and Will Evans return to the pack as Scarlets strive for their first win of the URC Championship season.
Latest On Song column – October 07
Spotlight on concerts and music from the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star THERE’S good news for the army of loyal fans of Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans. Wynne is bringing his Beyond Compare show to his home town and his ‘home theatre’, The Lyric in Carmarthen, on Wednesday, November 18 (7.45pm). Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Pain relief first for Hywel Dda University Health Board
Press Hywel Dda University Health Board press release Hywel Dda University Health Board has become the first in Wales to use a special pain relief inhaler, usually used in emergency care situations for gynaecology outpatients. From Monday 5 October, the Gynaecology Team will begin a three-month pilot using Penthrox®, a fast-acting, patient-controlled pain relief inhaler, to support patients undergoing outpatient gynaecology procedures.
Ysgol Parc Y Tywyn (Burry Port) wins Carmarthenshire Libraries Schools Shield
Press Carmarthenshire County Council press release Ysgol Parc Y Tywyn has been named the Llanelli area winner of the Carmarthenshire Libraries Schools Shield after recording the highest percentage of pupils signed up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. To recognise the school’s achievement, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, recently presented the shield to two Ysgol Parc Y Tywyn pupils who took part in the challenge.
Spotlight on Monmouth’s world famous Rockfield Studios
IT’S not often you get to meet a walking-talking encyclopaedia of musical history - and a man who set a very high bar for making diversification work in farming. Kingsley Ward is all those things . . . and still working to make sure innovation plays a key role in his business as he treads gently through his 80s. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Parents and carers of children in Reception-Year 11 urged to complete flu vaccine consent form
Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging parents and carers to complete their child’s online flu vaccine consent form ahead of school vaccination sessions taking place this autumn term. The School Nursing Service will visit primary and secondary schools across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire to deliver the nasal flu spray vaccine to children in reception to year 11.
A day to remember the wonderful actress Glynis Johns
Republishing an old South Wales Evening Post column from May 10, 2024 IT’S a day to remember the wonderful British actress Glynis Johns, who was born on this day in 1923. She died on 2024. She’s known for the films Miranda, Mary Poppins, ALittleNightMusic, Under MilkWood, TheCourtJester, The Halfway House, 49th Parallel, TheSundowners, The Beachcomer, The Searchers and Vault Of Horror. Here’s my South Wales Evening Post column from May 10, 2024 . . .
South Wales Evening Post column, October 02, 2026
Robert Lloyd's weekly column IT wasn’t a dramatic Jekyll and Hyde transformation, but I quietly morphed into a Petrolhead this week. The change was brought about after I suggested ‘a spin out’ to Mrs L, to take advantage of the stunning weather at the start of the week. Robert Lloyd’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
REVIEW: Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) - A Night With The Stars
Concert at Ffwrnes Theatre, featuring young singers from across south Wales, the Pendyrus Male Choir and Côr Ysgol Gymraeg Llangennech junior school choir. REVIEW: Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) - A Night With The Stars at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. Concert featuring young singers from across south Wales, the Pendyrus Male Choir and Côr Ysgol Gymraeg Llangennech junior school choir.
Cider, farm sitting, and music festival business win big at Enterprise Awards
Press Aberystwyth University press release A cider-making entrepreneur, the founder of a nationwide farm-sitting business and the organisers of a growing programme of music festivals are among the winners of Aberystwyth University’s Enterprise Awards. The awards, which are in their 12th year and supported by donations from alumni and the Research Wales Innovation Fund, celebrate the creativity and innovation of Aberystwyth University students and recent graduates.
Cast Announced for Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre Pantomime Dick Whittington
Press Theatrau Sir Gar (Carmarthenshire Theatres) press release Pantomime season is fast approaching, and the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen is preparing to welcome audiences on a magical adventure this Christmas with Dick Whittington. Packed with family fun, spectacular costumes, dazzling musical numbers and featuring one of the country’s finest pantomime dames, this year’s production promises to be an unforgettable festive treat.
Harmony rules at Festival of Song at St Mary’s Church in Kidwelly
IF harmony floats your boat, then your ship came into harbour in some style at St Mary’s Church, Kidwelly, last night. What was billed as a Festival of Song didn’t disappoint as Echoes in Harmony (Lena Izzat and Ceri Jones) took centre stage alongside Morriston Ladies Choir. It was an evening full of musical treats, blending well-known hits from the musicals, with traditional Welsh hymns and other Welsh favourites performed with a twist.
Aberystwyth veterinary scientist elected to national veterinary leadership role
A lecturer from Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Sciences has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Dr Gwenllian Rees is one of the founding academics at Wales’ only School of Veterinary Sciences, where she helps train the next generation of veterinary professionals. The British Veterinary Association is the professional membership organisation representing 19,000 vets across the UK.
Clinics temporarily relocating from Pembroke Dock Health Centre
Health clinics currently held at Pembroke Dock Health Centre will temporarily move to South Pembrokeshire Hospital from Monday 28 September 2026. The move is expected to last for around six months while the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST) uses part of Pembroke Dock Health Centre during refurbishment work at Pembroke Dock Ambulance Station.
Festival of Song in Kidwelly tonight
Tonight, Friday, September 25, there will be a Festival of Song at St Mary’s Church, Kidwelly (7pm). Echoes in Harmony (Lena Izzat and Ceri Jones) will take centre stage alongside Morriston Ladies Choir. Tickets are £10 and can be obtained from Brenda on 07796 430991. Proceeds will go to St Mary’s Church.
South Wales Evening Post column, September 25, 2026
IN my Little Black Book (confession here; it’s not that little), I have a special section where I jot down my Likes. There is a bigger section for Hates! My therapist (aka Mrs Lloyd) suggested it might be a useful (and cathartic) exercise for me to reveal some of my Hates to a wider audience. So, here, in no particular order of merit, is a numbered list of my current Pet Hates - • People who start sentences with ‘So’ (yes, I plead guilty for an early own goal).
Theatrau Sir Gâr marks 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster with two powerful theatre productions
Press Theatrau Sir Gar (Carmarthenshire Theatres) press release This October, Theatrau Sir Gâr will mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster by hosting two powerful productions: The Revlon Girl at The Ffwrnes, Llanelli on Wednesday 14th October at 7:30pm and Thursday 15th October at 2:30pm, and The Silent Volunteer at The Glowyr, Ammanford on Friday 9th October at 7:30pm.
Public Health report set outs pathway to a healthy rural future for mid and west Wales
Shared action across the NHS, local authorities, communities and national partners is needed to improve health across Mid and West Wales, according to the latest annual report by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Public Health. The report, Building a healthy rural future in Mid and West Wales, sets out the actions required from partners to reduce health inequalities so that everyone can live well and age in good health.
Make money this winter and attend Carmarthenshire Markets trading seminars
Businesses and aspiring traders of all sizes are being invited to discover the opportunities available at Carmarthenshire’s markets this Christmas, with free Carmarthenshire Markets trading seminars.
Côr Curiad raise the roof at St Mary’s Church in Burry Port
IT’S an accepted fact that you are guaranteed a splendid evening’s entertainment when the ladies of Côr Curiad stage a concert. The standing ovation at the close of the choir’s ‘Together In Harmony’ charity concert at St Mary’s Church, Burry Port, on Saturday night was further evidence of the choir’s continued success. Under the leadership of musical director Alex Esney, the choir continues to go from strength to strength - the roll call of choristers is now at a record-breaking high.
South Wales Evening Post column, September 18, 2026
THE best things in life are free, according to the old proverb. All of us bargain-seeking pensioners will attest to the truth of the saying. This week, I set out to give Mrs L an anniversary treat (we celebrate 41 years of marriage on Monday). Mrs L is familiar with my thrifty attitude to date nights (or date days, for that matter). On our very first date, I took her (well, not strictly true as ‘she’ drove) to the old George pub in Mumbles, then a popular Beefeater Steakhouse.
Hywel Dda remembrance events support families affected by baby loss
Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place annually (9-15 October) to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, remember much-loved babies, and support those whose lives have been touched by loss. The week concludes with the international Wave of Light, when people across the world light candles in memory of babies who died too soon.
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