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Cwmcerrig Farmshop is in the running for two UK awards.
The popular Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, is on the shortlist for the prestigious UK Farm Retail Awards run by the National Farmers Retail and Markets Association (FARMA).
The business is in two finals Farm Retailer of the Year and Best on-farm Butchery.

One of the partners in the Watkins family business, Roland Watkins (pictured above), said: We are delighted to be nominated for these two awards.
We won the Best Newcomer title last year, putting Carmarthenshire firmly on the UK food map.
Reaching the finals this year proves both to our customers and to the industry that we are not resting on our laurels.
We are working very hard to make Cwmcerrig the very best farmshop we can.
Being shortlisted for these UK-wide awards is a great honour and a reflection of the hard work everyone puts into the business here at Cwmcerrig.
Our selection in the highest award category for Farm Retailer of the Year puts us right up there among the very best farmshops in the UK.
Butchery is central to the business at Cwmcerrig and the shop has a 10-metre-long counter which features the farms beef, lamb and free range poultry.
Texel lamb and Hereford beef are reared at Cwmcerrig to high standards of animal welfare.
Meat from the farm features extensively in the cafs famous carvery grill.
The philosophy at Cwmcerrig is to keep everything local. What the farm cannot produce comes from other local and Welsh producers.

Cwmcerrig Farmshop first opened in 2009 with the aim of securing a sustainable future for the family farm and providing quality, value-for-money produce to the local community. There are 21 members of the Watkins family involved in the project. The Watkins family (Roland, Reuben, Stuart, Tom and Davina) have been farming at Cwmcerrig since the 1950s.

Weblinks
http://www.cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk
http://www.farma.org.uk/
Facebook: Cwmcerrig Farmshop and Grill (business)
Twitter: @CwmcerrigFarm
Contacts details:
Tel: 01269 844405
E-mail: info@cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk
Address: Cwmcerrig Farm, Gorslas, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 7HU
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Check out the new winter evening menu at The George Hotel, Brecon -

Starters
Homemade Soup of the Day 4.75
Warm Chicken & Mango Salad, with Herb Croutons & Honey Mustard Dressing 5.50
Battered King Prawn Tempura with a Sweet Chilli Dip 5.75
Field Mushrooms Stuffed with Stilton Cheese on Dressed Leaves 5.25
Smoked Haddock & Spring Onion Fishcakes with Lime Mayonnaise 5.95

Main Courses
Free Range Breast of Chicken with sauted Butternut Squash
Potato Gnocchi and Creamy Basil Sauce 11.95
Steak and Cwrw Ale Pie Triple Cooked Chips and Garden Peas 10.95
Honey Glazed Duck Breast with Fondant Potato Braised Red Cabbage and Winter Berry Jus 14.95
Herb Crusted Sea Bream with Rocket Mash and a Rich Tomato Provencal 12.95
Trio of Welsh Lamb Chops with Minted New Potatoes Roasted Vegetables and Rosemary Gravy 13.95
Roasted Fresh Monkfish wrapped in Parma Ham with Sauted Potatoes Wilted Spinach and Sauce Vierge 12.95
Welsh 8oz Sirloin Steak with Grilled Tomato, Sauted Mushrooms
Beer Battered Onion Rings and Triple Cooked Chips 17.50

George Classics
The George Hotel Burger with Welsh Rarebit, Bacon, Salad and Chips 9.95
House Beef Lasagne with Garlic Bread and Chips 9.95
Local Butcher Faggots with Creamed Potatoes, Peas and Red Onion Gravy 9.95
Cwrw Battered Fish with Mushy Peas and Triple Cooked Chips9.95
Welsh Beef Chilli with Rice, Tortillas and Sour Cream 9.95

Vegetarian Dishes
Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagne, Garlic Bread and Chips 9.50
Mushroom, Cranberry and Brie Wellington, Green Beans and New Potatoes 9.50
Leek and Caerphilly Cheese Glamorgan Sausages, Spicy Salsa and Chips 9.50

There are also Daily Special Boards.

See The George Hotel website -
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Cwmcerrig Farmshop has scooped two National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards.
The business has been rewarded for its Dinefwr Venison and Dinefwr Venison Red Wine and Onion Sausages.
The popular Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, has developed the products in partnership with the National Trusts Dinefwr Estate near Llandeilo.
One of the partners in the Watkins family business, Roland Watkins, said: Its the first time for us to be entered into the awards and we are delighted to receive the prizes.
The judging process for the awards is very strict and that makes it all the more rewarding to be recognised by the National Trust.
We have built up a great reputation for our meat here at Cwmcerrig and we take pride in producing quality, value-for-money products which are appreciated by our customers.
The news of the National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards follows hot on the heels of Cwmcerrig being nominated for two prestigious UK Farm Retail Awards run by the National Farmers Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). Cwmcerrig is also in the running for a Taste of Wales award next week.
The venison is reared on the 800-acre medieval deer park on the Dinefwr Estate and is managed by lead ranger Wyn Davies.
Mr Davies said: I am really proud that the Dinefwr venison has won awards because this is the first time it has been marketed to the public.
People often talk about the importance of knowing where your food comes from. Well, the Dinefwr herd of fallow deer can be traced back through the centuries and graze the only parkland National Nature Reserve in Wales. You cant get much better than that!
The property manager for the National Trust in Carmarthenshire, Jacqui Kedward, said: Carmarthenshire is known for its local produce, but the partnership between producers and the National Trust is less well known. We always knew the quality of the venison was exemplary, but this has now been confirmed.
It has been a privilege to work with our partners at Cwmcerrig to bring this high quality product to market.

The National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards are now in their seventh year. They celebrate the breadth and quality of produce grown, reared or made on land owned or managed by the National Trust.
Entrants must go through an application process demanding all products pass a checklist of environmental standards before they are even considered for a prize. Products that pass the checks go through a blind taste test by a panel of judges.
Ron Macklin, national agriculture and food adviser at the National Trust and chair of the judging panel, said: It is our aim to really connect customers to where their food comes from and these awards are a great way to do this.
The National Trust cares for half a million acres of farmland across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It works closely with its properties and tenants to help them develop high quality products.
Cwmcerrig Farmshop first opened in 2009 with the aim of securing a sustainable future for the family farm and providing quality, value-for-money produce to the local community. There are 21 members of the Watkins family involved in the project. The Watkins family (Roland, Reuben, Stuart, Tom and Davina) have been farming at Cwmcerrig since the 1950s.
Weblinks
http://www.cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/big-issues/food-and-farming/what-were-doing/fine-farm-produce-awards/
Facebook: Cwmcerrig Farmshop and Grill (business)
Twitter: @CwmcerrigFarm
Contacts details:
Tel: 01269 844405
E-mail: info@cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk
Address: Cwmcerrig Farm, Gorslas, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 7HU
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The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper -

Club members are asked to note that there will be a special EGM of Carmarthen Town AFC at the Community Centre and Clubhouse at Richmond Park at 7.30pm on Monday, October 22.
The extraordinary general meeting of members is needed to finalise the revision of the clubs constitution and to fill the remaining directors position at the club.
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Fund-raising events coming up at Richmond Park, include
The band Malfunction performing on November 17 (8pm). Malfunction are a newly formed band fronted by Kenny Arman, with songs from past to present. Tickets - Contact Allan Elias on 01267 238135, Colin Payne on 01267 231118 or Michelle at the clubhouse
Comedian Paul Dazely is to star at Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, on Friday, November 9. Paul describes his act as, Comedy: the point of no return. The evening starts at 7:30pm. Cost 7.50, including sausage and chips and raffle prizes. Tables of 10 are available for this fund-raising event from Peter Fearn 07863 652025 or Michelle at the clubhouse.
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Fixtures (home matches in capitals)
October
20 Sat 3:45pm Newtown AFC (S4C SGORIO) WPL
27 Sat 2:30pm Aberystwyth Town WPL
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Tote: October 2 draw, winning numbers 21 and 37. The winners of the prize of 400 were John Roberts and Huw Williams. October 9 draw, winning numbers 19 and 34. There was no winner of the 200 prize. The draw for a prize of 300 was made on Tuesday night.
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For the latest news on the Carmarthen Town AFC, check out the clubs website - http://www.carmarthentownafc.com
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This week's special offers at Jenkins Bakery shops -

WEEK COMMENCING 22/10/12
3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES 1.60
2 SPICY CHICKEN PASTIES 2.00
2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES 1.85
2 TEACAKES 0.90p
2 FRESH CREAM DOUGHNUTS 1.60
SANDWICH OF THE WEEK SALMON & CUCUMBER 2.10
BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK CHICKEN TIKKA 2.30
CAJUN CHICKEN CIABATTA 2.25
ROLLS OF THE WEEK FLOURED BAPS PACK OF 4 0.90p
LOAF OF THE WEEK - SMALL MULTISEED 1.35
Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/
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Jenkins Bakery helps cheer on the Swans


By Robert Lloyd, 2012-10-21


The Jenkins Bakery is doing its bit to cheer on Swansea City in the Premiership.
The South Wales bakery has produced special biscuits in home and away colours to support the Swans.
Russell Jenkins, operations director for the Jenkins Bakery, said: "We are very big on sport at the Jenkins Bakery and like to get behind our local teams.
"The Swans are currently doing well in the Premiership and sitting nicely in mid-table.
"Our Swans biscuits are on sale at all our outlets, but are particularly popular at our Swansea shops at Whitewalls, Sketty Park and Uplands."
The biscuits are hand-made using the family firm's top quality shortbread recipe and skilfully decorated with coloured sugar-paste and icing. The biscuits sell for 75p.

The Jenkins bakery employs 300 people, full and part-time, across 25 different stores in South Wales.
The company has the Gold Standard Welsh Food Hygiene Award and the Investors in People award.
The business employs 70 people at its Trostre HQ, while the Jenkins shop network stretches from Carmarthen to Bridgend. There are 13 shops in Carmarthenshire and even one as far afield as Powys.
Pictures:
Top, Jodie Pratt, assistant manager at the Jenkins Bakery Whitewalls shop in Swansea.
Above, the Swansea biscuits in home and away colours.
Below, Tracy Jones, sales assistant at theJenkins Bakery Whitewalls shop in Swansea.

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It's Opera season at Burry Port again


By Robert Lloyd, 2012-10-21



Burry Port Opera's production this year will be Bellini's Norma.
Performances are Wednesday 31st October, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rdNovember.
All performances start at 7pm at Burry Port Memorial Hall.
Norma was first performed in 1831; it is an opera in two acts.
The production at Burry Port will be the second time the society has performedNorma; the previous production was in 1979.
Story:
A secret love unites Norma, a Druid priestess with Pollione the Roman Proconsul,father of her two children. Pollione has grown tired of the aging Druid and hasfallen in love with Adalgisa a young temple virgin. Despite Adalgisa 's piety andvirtue she agrees to flee to Rome with Pollione. Adalgisa in her innocence tells
Norma of her love. Norma curses Pollione for his deceit and treachery.
In her trauma Norma contemplates killing her two children in preference toabandoning them to Adalgisa, but in her love for them she finally consignsthem to the care of Adalgisa. When Pollioni arrives to take Adalgisa and thetwo children to Rome, Norma denounces him. When he refuses to forsakeAdalgisa he is seized by the Druids to be burnt on a pyre. Norma blamesherself equally as guilty. As Pollione is led to the pyre Norma also ascendsto die with her lover.
Cast:
Norma - Adele O'Neill, local girl from Pontarddulais, a firm favourite with Burry Port.
Adalgisa - Emanuela Barazia, started her career as a soloist singingRosina in the Barber of Seville at the Gran Teatro La Venice.
Pollione - Philip O'Brien, a newcomer to Burry Port. he has performed in many operasincluding Nabucco, Carmen, The Bartered Bride and Tosca.
Orovesa (Priest) - Gavin Davies, no stranger to Burry Port, born in Cardiff, he hasperformed as soloist with many choirs an choral societies throughout the UKand internationally. Also numerous opera roles fromBritten to Verdi.
Pictures of past performances La Traviata and Elisir D'Amore.
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It's probably been more than 18months since I ventured on this site, so I was surprised to view all those birthday wishes. I should do it more often.

Thanks for all the birthday greetings, though it's beginning to become frightening, being reminded that that you are headed for the knacker's yard. Anyway, thank you again, your hearts are in the right place. A piece of good news received on my birthday yesterday, was that during my current role as an Az. Real Estate agent (16 years), after a particularly grueling 4 months of crossing swords with a listing agent, finally it was confirmed that I achieved my highest price home sale of $1,480,000. Yippee! We eat again! Strange it should happen on my birthday.

Best wishes to all.

Byron, or my real name Raymond William Godfrey

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The Secret is out: BBC 2 choose Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Pavilion stage to hold the Grand Final of Gareth Malones BBC 2s The Choir - Sing While you Work.

DelicaTon (Germany) winners of the 2012 Choir of the World competition

BBC 2s The Choir - Sing While you Work chose the home of World renowned Choir of the World competition as its stage for Gareth Malones Grand Final, televised October 25 th BBC 2 9pm. Choral animateur, singer and presenter Gareth Malone was guest of honour at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2012, but organisers had to keep the Grand Final filming top secret.

Best known for his success with BBC Twos popular television series The Choir (produced by Twenty Twenty), Gareth Malone who was honored by the Queen in the Diamond Jubilee Birthday celebrations, addressed the audience before the Grand Finale Concert on the Sunday evening, which featured performances from John Owen Jones, Wynne Evans, Mark Llewellyn Evans, Fflur Wyn, Cr CF1 and many more.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths, says: Part of my responsibility as Musical Director of LLangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to attract new choirs from all over the World to come and compete at the festival, continuing the 65 year old tradition. The fact that the BBC and Gareth Malone have chosen the Llangollen Pavilion stage, made famous for staging Choir Of The World competition to be the platform for the grand final is a fantastic seal of approval for Llangollen Eisteddfod. I am delighted to be able to say that THE final of THE Choir was on THE World Stage known as the LLangollen Eisteddfod Stage.

Gareth Malone says, The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has such a rich tradition of choral music and the prestigious Choir of The World Competition and the Pavarotti Trophy has elevated its status to a global recognition. Its a great privilege to be Guest of Honour at a festival which has such a rich choral tradition and is so well supported by locals and visitors from four corners of the world.

Eilir Owen Grifiths added: In light of Gareth Malones contribution in recent years to Choral Music we felt that it was a fitting tribute to invite him to be our Guest of Honour. He has elevated and popularized this choral tradition through his dedication and hard work.

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2012 Holiday Card Request!


By mona everett, 2012-10-19

Appearing simultaneously in Ninnau & Y Drych

by Mona Everett

It is hard to believe, but it's that time of year again! Once again, the Briceville, TN, Public Library is asking people to send holiday cards to the children of Briceville. Lynette Seeber, the librarian, puts them all in a basket and the children can each open one. If there is a little gift inside, the child keeps it, if there is money inside, it goes in the summer reading program fund. (You don't need to put anything in the card, though.) Lynette has all the cards they have received from all over, including Wales, in notebooks that she happily shows visitors. If you have a Welsh or coal mining connection and can include a short note to the children, that is really great, but all cards are gratefully received and mean a lot to the children.

Briceville was settled by Welsh coal miners and was a real boom town in its day. Regular readers of Ninnau & Y Drych will have seen several articles about the Welsh coal-mining heritage of this area. There is also a wonderful website that showcases the many preservation activities regularly undertaken by the community. The Coal Creek Watershed Foundation http://www.coalcreekaml.com/ continues to work with school children to reclaim the creek for fish and also planted chestnut trees again. They have sponsored an Eisteddfod at the school for a couple years, too, and have preserved the Welsh church and much of the mining history of the area.

Here's the address:

Briceville Public Library

Children's Christmas Card

Lynette Seeber, Library Director

P.O. Box 361

Briceville, TN 37710

USA

Be sure to put 'Children's Christmas Card' on the envelope so Lynette doesn't open it.

The need is especially great this year. On a recent visit to Briceville, I was thrilled to hear that the funding for the new library had been approved and they hope to move in by next summer. Lynette graciously had asked all her 'regular donors' to direct their money to the building fund, but that has left her without funds to support her extra programs for the children, so she has been bearing most of those costs herself. She works very hard to help the children keep reading all year long and provides school supplies that they can just come in and take when they need them.

For anyone traveling in the vicinity of Knoxville, I highly recommend stopping in Bricevilleyou will find a very gracious welcome and history lesson at the library, and I guarantee you will come away with a warm feeling for the dedication of people like Lynette!

Thanks!!

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