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Jenkins Bakery ready for St David's Day


By Robert Lloyd, 2013-02-28




The Jenkins Bakery has released details of its St Davids Day range of products.
"There's something for everyone to enjoy at on St Davids Day, March 1" said the Jenkins Bakery's operations director Russell Jenkins.
"Our staff always enjoy producing new ideas for our patron saints day and I'm sure our customers will enjoy sampling the products we have on offer."
The range of products includes -
BARA BRITH 2.95
Bara Brith is a traditional fruit loaf made with our own rich dough containing top quality sultanas and currants with mixed peel and mixed spices. This will be packed with a decorated bow.
TEISEN LAP 3.00
Our traditional Welsh farmhouse cake which contains honey, brown sugar, mixed spices, currants and sultanas which is topped with streusel topping.

WELSH CUPCAKE 0.85
Our top quality sponge, individually decorated with fondant icing and daffodil
TEISEN LAP MINI LOAF CAKE 1.25
Made with our Teisen lap cake mix and new for 2013

WELSH PASTIE 1.20
Diced ham, smoked ham, leeks in a creamy cheese sauce encased in our hand crimped flaky pastry.
WHOLEMEAL WELSHCAKES 2.00
4 individual wholemeal Welshcakes packed with gift ribbon.
PLAIN WELSHCAKES 1.80
Four individual plain Welshcakes packed with gift ribbon.
GIFT WELSHCAKES 2.50
These are a popular seller 10 mini individual Welshcakes packed in a gift bag.
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Brynwgyn Comprehensive School pupil Tegan Andrews had her chef's hat on again on Friday to help cook lunch for 40 members of Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel.
Tegan, 13, was the winner of the first ever Young Chef competition to be staged by Llanelli Rotary Club.
Part of her 'prize' included a morning working in the kitchen of the Stradey Park Hotel with Star columnist and TV celebrity chef Anna Brown.
"I was nervous to be cooking for so many people at the Rotary Club lunch, but I was made to feel very welcome and I didn't get any complaints," said Tegan.
Tegan helped supervise a three course menu of Welsh leek and sweet potato soup; sugar crusted lamb; raspberry and Caerphilly chocolate pots.
She is pictured with Anna Brown and Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen.
On Saturday (March 2), Tegan takes part in the Rotary District Final of the Young Chef competition in Builth Wells.
The Young Chef tournament is part of a national competition which offers a host of prizes, including a trip to Tuscany, a days tuition with a Michelin-star chef in the UK and a cash prize.
One of the organisers of the Llanelli heat of the competition was Rotarian Alison Evans.
She said: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, and this includes creativity in the kitchen.
"Cooking among young people is a growing interest and a valuable life skill. Schools seem to agree and hence the RIBI Young Chef competition, in association with Filippo Berio, moves forward from strength to strength each year producing some superb quality cooking from our young people aged from 11 to 17."
Judges of the Llanelli competition were -
Anna Brown, celebrity chef and Llanelli Star columnist; Simon Wright, Welsh food champion, broadcaster, author and food critic; Stewart Williams, executive Head Chef at the Stradey Park Hotel and lecturer.
The competition was open to students aged 11 to 17 years.
The challenge was to prepare a three-course meal for two people in two hours, with a budget of 15.
Rotarian Mark Evans, one of the co-organisers of the event, said: "The standard was quite exceptional and the judges were full of praise for the effort, ambition and creative ingenuity of the young chefs.
"Our grateful thanks got to Bryngwyn School for hosting the event, in particular Sarah Lewis, food technology, and the headteacher Paul Jones."
The runner-up in the competition was Elyse Mowbray, 14, Bryngwyn School, who served up leek and potato soup; rolled chicken with Welsh cheese, spinach and sweet potato; poached pears in Welsh honey.
Other contestants were -
Josh Davies, 13, Bryngwyn School - tomato and basil soup; balsamic lamb with a pea purse; baked raspberry cheesecake.
Maris May Latham, 16, St John Lloyd School - asparagus wrapped in parma ham; vegetable curry; mini pavlovas.
Chloe Pride-Aylott, 12, Bryngwyn School -cheese and tomato bruschetta, salad and balsamic glaze; vegetable pot pies with home-made chips and mayonnaise; raspberry and white chocolate cheescake, fruit and raspberry sauce.
Ewa Topor, 14, Brynwgyn School - potato pancakes with strawberry jam and yoghurt; pierogi, soft dough with white cheese with vegetable salad; strawberries in jelly with cream and chocolate on top.
R.I.B.I.Young Chef is designed to encourage young people to:
Develop cookery skills
Develop food presentation skills
Consider healthy eating options and food hygiene issues
Prove their organisational and planning skills
Prove their ability to cope in a demanding situation.
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Cor Meibion Llanelli is celebrating St Davids Day by releasing a new battle hymn for the British and Irish Lions summer tour of Australia.
The song Lions To A Man, to the tune of Men of Harlech, has been written by former soldier Ollie Ward, of Swansea, and has been described as a stirring rendition of one of Wales iconic songs.
The song is being officially launched at Parc y Scarlets during the Scarlets versus Edinburgh match on St Davids Day and will be available on YouTube on the internet and for downloads on the iTunes and Android platforms on computers and mobile phones.
Men of Harlech is traditionally a popular military march often heard during military parades, especially by regiments historically associated with Wales. It has featured in numerous Hollywood films such as How Green Was My Valley, The Corn Is Green, and the Englishman Who Went Up a Hill And Came Down a Mountain.
But Men of Harlech is best known for the stirring rendition by Ivor Emmanuel in the 1964 classic film Zulu, when his character rallies a handful of men of the South Wales Borderers in their valiant stand against the thousands of Zulu warriors at Rorkes Drift
Now, Llanelli Male Choirs version of Lions To A Man is set to go global and its hoped the Lions squad and the thousands of rugby fans who will be going Down Under with them will adopt it as their official battle hymn......"The Lions Will Not Yield".
The song has already been given backing by Scarlets, Wales, and British Lions legends Phil Bennett and Delme Thomas, who were present when the choir recorded the song.
The words of the song come from a poem written by Mr Ward, who served in the Lifeguards Household Cavalry for 12 years, and has taken part in ceremonial duties for the Queen as well soldiering with tours of duty in Northern Ireland and Cyprus.
I set it out as a poem, basically of me giving a team talk to the Lions before a match. Then I realised the words would fit to the tune of Men of Harlech and its just taken off from there. The choir has done a fantastic job and I think the song is a stirring battle hymn for the Lions Down Under. I would also like to thank Mr Peter Williams and his team at the School of Digital Media at Swansea Metropolitan University for their invaluable help in recording and producing the song said Mr Ward.
The song will be played during half time at the Scarlets Pro12 match with edinburgh and Mr Ward will officially present copies to the Scarlets legends and Cor Meibion Llanellis director of music Mr Eifion Thomas.
All proceeds from the sale of the downloads of the tune will be donated to charity.
Pictures: S4C's Heno programme at a recording session for the new song. Ollie Ward with rugby legends Phil Bennett and Delme Thomas.
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Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Choir) will be performing at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne on Saturday afternoon.

The choir will be performing from 2pm inside the Great Glasshouse. The concert is free.
On St David's Day, Friday, the choir will be giving a concert at the Coleg Sir Gar Graig campus in Llanelli at 12noon.
Cor Meibion Llanelli secretary Fred Elias said: "We thought we'd try something different to a normal St David's Day concert this year. The choir is keen to get involved in all sections of the community, young and old. We are looking forward to performing before the students of Coleg Sir Gar and the visitors to the Botanic Gardens. Performing in the Great Glasshouse at the Botanic is going to be a first for the choir."
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Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are staging an unique opportunity to sing, dance and act with Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlakes choreographer
The summer workshop day is a one-off opportunity to learn from Tim Noble, a former mentor and choreographer on the Pop Idol and X-Factor TV series.
Theres something of a Wow factor; about this workshop as Tim Noble has a brilliant reputation working with superstars like Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake, said Liane Davies, principal of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools in Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.
Its a very special workshop and will be the highlight of the summer holidays for many of our pupils. It promises to be the experience of a lifetime for many.
Young performers aged between seven and 16 are invited to join the Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest West Wales workshop on Tuesday, August 13.
With no previous experience necessary, children and teenagers of all abilities will get the chance to perform with Choreographer for the Stars Tim Noble.
Tim will be joined by a specialist team, including top musical director Daniel Thomas, who has a wealth of experience working with Westlife, Leona Lewis, Elton John, Puff Daddy, Will Young and Cheryl Cole.
Casting Director Leoni Kibbey will also be part of the team which will create a one day extravaganza of singing, dancing and acting on camera. The day will culminate in a fun performance to family and friends.
The exclusive event is one of a series of workshops created and presented by Tim Noble and his acclaimed company Pure Star Productions, which is now touring the UK.
All workshops are being hosted by Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Britains largest part-time performing arts schools network, responsible for nurturing and spring boarding young talent such as Jamie Bell, Emma Watson and Cher Lloyd.
Participating students will experience MTV style music video dance classes, X-Factor style pop choir sessions and scripted television casting session with advice and feedback from casting director all in one day.
Places are strictly limited. To book, call Liane on 0845 604 1422.

Workshop information:
When: Tuesday 13th August 2013
Where: Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthen Time: 10am till 6pm
Cost: 40 per student


About Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest has its base at the Queen Elizabeth High School, Johnstown, Carmarthen. It is soon to open in Haverfordwest.
The school opened in May 2009 and became an instant success. The school now attracts students from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
In recent years, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has staged the musicals Billy Elliot, Oliver and Annie.
Liane added: Our aim is always to nurture and develop four to 18-year-olds to fulfil their potential through dance, drama and singing.
Its not all about treading the boards on stage. Early stages classes focus on allowing the children to express themselves, while at the same time building up confidence, poise and self-esteem. Above all, we make sure the experience is fun! The children love it.
To find out more about Stagecoach Carmarthen, contact Principal Liane Davies, phone: 0845 604 1422. Email - carmarthen@stagecoach.co.uk .
Weblinks:
Website - http://www.stagecoach.co.uk/carmarthen
On Facebook search for Liane Stagecoach or Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest
On Twitter, find us @StagecoachCarms

Pictures attached: Tim Noble with Kylie Minogue and the poster for the event.
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The Burry Port Town Band held their second youth music event at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port.
The West Wales Brass Festival saw an encouraging field of entries, which doubled from last year's event.
There was an exceptional group of adjudicators lined up for the day - Mr Alan Bourne, Mr Matthew Jenkins to adjudicate the solo, duet and trio classes; Mr Tom Davoren and Mr Nigel Seaman to adjudicate the Ensembles and Youth Band sections.
It meant that all the entrants received two sets of encouraging and supportive feedback on their performances.
Tom said: "It was a real pleasure coming back to Burry Port to adjudicate this event again this year and it is totally heartening to see Burry Port Town Band looking outside the tempting boundaries of self-preservation to benefit brass playing of all levels throughout West Wales. The day was both fun-filled and musically exciting and I cant wait to come back next year!
Graham Howe, the band's chairman commented; "We were very lucky with support from the Burry Port and Pembrey Town Council, Ty Cerdd, Treveda Music and parents of the performers all supporting the event. Thanks also to Jenkins Photography who captured many memories for the young players involved. It was especially pleasing to see not only the young players performing, but all young conductors being given opportunities too - something we will try to encourage more of for future events."
Geraint Thomas, the festival coordinator, added: "Preparations for next years event have already started, with a provisional date either at the end of January or the beginning of February being proposed and will also include percussion sections in addition to this years classes. We look forward to sending out invitations towards the end of the summer for this event."
Full results
Solo 10 and under
Carys Lewis - Gold
Dino Callegari - Gold
Emily Lewis - Gold
Alice Tracey - Silver
Amy Tomkins - Silver
Ellie Carlsen - Silver
Eloise Denny - Silver
Emma Evans - Silver
Iestyn Allen - Silver
Cari Jones - Bronze
Gruff Weston - Bronze
Iwan Hill - Bronze
Jessica Lewis - Bronze
Solo 12 and under
Peredur Morgan - Gold
Harry McBryde - Silver
Katie Hill - Silver
Ieuan Duck - Bronze
Solo 14 and under
Charlotte Lewis - Gold
Jessica Berry - Silver
Kate Phillips - Bronze
Solo 16 and under
Meleri Mai Pryse - Gold
Omri Tau - Silver
Owen Harries - Silver
Solo 18 and under
Emily Humphreys - Gold
Solo Open
Andrea Lewis - Gold
Emily Humphreys - Gold
Pete Greenwood - Silver
Ceri Parry Morgan - Bronze
Youth Band 19 and under
Aberystwyth Youth Band - Gold
Youth Band 21 and under
Goodwick Brass - Gold
Duet & Trio 14 & Under
Aberystwyth Trio - Gold
Penclawdd Euph & Horn Duet - Silver
Emma Evans & Gruff Weston - Silver
Penclawdd Cornet Duet - Bronze
Penclawdd Tuba Duet - Highly Commended
Duet & Trio Open
Charlotte & Andrea Lewis - Gold
Small Ensemble 14 and under
Aberystwyth Tots - Gold
Aberystwyth Saturn - Silver
Aberystwyth Jupiter - Bronze
Penclawdd Quartet - Highly Commended
Small Ensemble 19 and under
Aberystwyth Venus - Gold
Small Ensemble Open
Quadruple Brass - Gold
Burry Port IV - Gold
Large Ensemble 14 and under
Burry Port Youth Band - Gold
Aberystwyth Tots Large Ensemble - Silver
Rhondda Cynon Taf Junior Brass Ensemble - Bronze
Penclawdd Youth Band - Highly Commended
Large Ensemble 19 and under
Aberystwyth Mercury Large Ensemble - Gold
Trevada Music Cup for the most Promising Youth Band
Goodwick Brass
Ted Mayb Memorial Cup for the most Promising Youth Ensemble
Burry Port Youth Band
Trevada Music Award for the most promising Youth Player (12 and Under)
Certificate and 25 Voucher to spend at Trevada Music
Charlotte Lewis
Tim Bourne Memorial Award for the most promising Youth Player (16 and Under)
Certificate and a lesson organised with an imminent player of the award winners instrument.
Meleri Mai Pryse
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A ground-breaking theatre performance group will be opening its doors in Llanelli on Tuesday, March 12.
Called InterAct, the group will give disadvantaged youngsters and children with learning difficulties the chance to enjoy drama, dance and singing workshops.
It really is an innovative venture designed to help children into theatre-based activities, said Liane Davies (pictured above), one of the co-founders of the Llanelli venture.
InterAct is gradually developing in other parts of the UK, but this will be the very first InterAct group in Wales, right here in Llanelli.
And its going to be based at the brand new state-of-the-art Y Ffwrnes theatre in Llanelli.
The foundation stones for InterAct have been laid by the Stagecoach Charitable Trust, a wing of the hugely-successful Stagecoach theatre arts group.
Liane runs Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest and will be the managing teacher of InterAct Llanelli after establishing the group with a colleague from Pontypridd.
Liane added: I cannot wait to be the managing teacher of InterAct Llanelli.
But I have to keep myself in check. For example, lets ban the word cant, and explore the word can because that is what InterAct is going to be about. We will provide disadvantaged children and young people with skills for life through drama, music and movement workshops.
Anyone aged between 10 and 18 is welcome to explore acting, singing and dancing. InterAct includes young people with special physical, educational and financial needs.
Recently in Stagecoach Carmarthen and Haverfordwest we held a fund-raising Parents Do Stagecoach event, during which parents raised 650 towards the opening of the new school.
My grateful thanks go to everyone who took part and helped. The money raised will make a big difference to a childs life.
Liane went on: Our InterAct Mission Statement reads -
We believe that every child and young person has their own potential that, if they can realise it, will improve the quality of their lives and the lives of those around them. We believe that in order to unlock this potential, children and young people need to develop key life skills of confidence, self esteem, self-expression and shared experience.
We believe that the most powerful way to do this is through the life enhancing skills of performing arts. We recognise that there are many barriers that prevent people from achieving their full potential in life; in particular the lack of access to opportunities for learning and personal development whether caused by poverty, ethnicity, fear, adverse circumstances, prejudice, poor health, disability and personal circumstances. We call this group of children and young people disadvantaged.
We aim to involve as many disadvantaged children and young people between 10 and 18 in our performing arts workshops. We aim to have a workshop in every region of the UK, over time.
The Stagecoach Charitable Trust is a nationwide charity (Registered Charity number 1081561). The trust was created to advance the benefit of acting, singing and dancing for all.
Often children and parents can be dissuaded from joining a mainstream group because they cannot afford the fees, because the group doesn't cater for special needs or because they fear being different from the majority of people within the group.
The most significant difference in the InterAct programme from the point of view of the students is its total inclusivity. Not only do the students work together, in one area, for the whole time, so too all teachers and helpers, including the nurse, are encouraged to join in. So the company of actors consists of teachers, helpers, mainstream students and students with a variety of special educational, social and economic needs.
At InterAct, young people are offered the chance to experience the three disciplines of acting, singing and dancing not only from a technique point of view, but from the socialising point of view as well. One of the most crucial aspects of InterAct is the aim to bring together groups of people from all backgrounds, to have fun.
You can find out more about InterAct Llanelli by contacting Liane Davies, phone: 0845 604 1422.

About Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest has its base at the Queen Elizabeth High School, Johnstown, Carmarthen. It is soon to open in Haverfordwest.
The school opened in May 2009 and became an instant success. The school now attracts students from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
In recent years, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has staged the musicals Billy Elliot, Oliver and Annie.
Liane added: Our aim is always to nurture and develop four to 18-year-olds to fulfil their potential through dance, drama and singing.
Its not all about treading the boards on stage. Early stages classes focus on allowing the children to express themselves, while at the same time building up confidence, poise and self-esteem. Above all, we make sure the experience is fun! The children love it.
To find out more about Stagecoach Carmarthen, contact Principal Liane Davies, phone: 0845 604 1422. Email - carmarthen@stagecoach.co.uk .


Weblinks:
Website - http://www.stagecoach.co.uk/carmarthen
On Facebook search for Liane Stagecoach or Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest
On Twitter, find us @StagecoachCarms
To find out more about how InterAct works, take a look at this video clip - http://www.stagecoach.tv/video/interact-full-version/
There is a JustGiving page for those who want to support the InterAct project - http://www.justgiving.com/interact/Raisemoney
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Good news for historic Welsh steam locomotive


By Robert Lloyd, 2013-02-28




Valley Veteran TVR 28 needs your help!
The cosmetic restoration of Taff Vale Railway O1 class 0-6-2T No. 28, the last surviving Welsh-built standard gauge steam locomotive, is set to go ahead thanks to a unique three-way partnership between the National Railway Museum, and two of Waless leading standard gauge preserved railways.
The Gwili Railway-based Gwili Vintage Carriage Group (GVCG), and the Llangollen Railway have agreed to work together to cosmetically restore the locomotive to showroom condition and display it with the only Welsh-built standard gauge railway carriage to survive into preservation, Taff Vale Railway Brake Third No. 220.
James Buckley, of the GVCG, explained: As custodians of No. 220, this project reflects a long-held aspiration to display the carriage within an appropriate context, and uniting it with the sole-surviving Welsh-built standard gauge steam locomotive in South Wales is a fantastic proposition.
This project has three major benefits in that we will move a step closer to creating a train that consists solely of Welsh rolling stock; the Llangollen Railway will get to re-assemble No. 28, and the locomotive will be out on public display for the first time in over two decades. We look forward to working closely with both the Llangollen Railway and the National Railway Museum to achieve this aim.
An appeal for 10,000 to complete the cosmetic restoration and transport the locomotive to the Gwili Railway is launched today by the GVCG on behalf of the other two partners.
Neil Evans, from Llangollen Railway, said: It will be great to get this loco back to showroom condition. Llangollen Railways workshop is the largest standard gauge steam loco workshop in Wales, so were very happy to be involved with the project. Since No. 28 arrived at Llangollen we have already worked on some parts of the locomotive, and a successful fundraising exercise will help us to complete the job.
Anthony Coulls, of the National Railway Museum, said: It has long been our ambition at the National Railway Museum to get No. 28 looking in tip-top condition and its great to have such enthusiastic partners in Wales to help us achieve this aim. Although Wales is well-known for its narrow-gauge lines, perhaps No. 28 will help remind everyone of Wales standard gauge railway heritage; the coal hauled by this engine helped to develop Britain.

Cheques in support of the restoration fund should be sent with a covering letter to:
Gwili Vintage Carriage Group c/o
Gwili Steam Railway
Bronwydd Arms Station
Carmarthen
SA33 6HT
Or online via:
http://gvcg.co.uk/donations/
Gift Aid forms will be sent to everyone who donates.


TVR No.28 Historical note
Taff Vale Railway O1 class 0-6-2 No. 28 was built in 1897 at West Yard Works, Cardiff to a design by Tom Hurry Riches. It was designed to pull passengers and freight on lines in the South Wales valleys and Cardiff docks, and represents one of a series of similar locomotive types that would influence the development of the GWRs 56xx class 0-6-2T.
No. 28 was withdrawn from mainline service by the GWR in 1926. The locomotive saw further use with the Army and the National Coal Board, which enabled it to survive into preservation, becoming a part of the National Collection in 1960.
Briefly returned to working order in Caerphilly in the 1980s, No. 28 was moved to the Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire after the group looking after it disbanded. It is currently stored at the Llangollen Railway in a dismantled state awaiting restoration, initially to non-operational condition.


Photos:
No. 28 at Llangollen with 'Gordon' nameplate from its days on the Longmoor Military Railway. The Gwili Vintage Carriage Group (GVCG) and Llangollen Railway representatives involved in the project are from L-R:Dewi Jones (GVCG); Neil Evans (Llangollen Railway); James Buckley (GVCG) and Chris Beet (National Railway Museum). Photograph attributable to National Railway Museum.
No. 28 during its last period of operation in Taff Vale Railway Company livery. National Railway Museum.
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