Eastgate: Nando's

[Unit 6. Eastgate]

Following the October 2012 launch of Eastgate Odeon and Costa, a second wave of openings in December brought Nando's to West Wales for the first time. The global chain of Mozambican-Portuguese style restaurants, which has its roots in South Africa, signed a lease for an Eastgate branch in July 2012 and opened on 19th December 2012.
It was announced that the new restaurant would create 30 jobs in Llanelli. In order of proximity to Llanelli, other Nando's establishments in Wales include those in Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Nantgarw, three restaurants in Cardiff, and another in Wrexham.


The chain is renowned for its rapid expansion across the UK. By securing the implied celebrity endorsements of prominent figures in their hometowns, Nando's has successfully forged a reputation of being a cut above other casual dining establishments. This strategy, which entails providing free food to VIPs (sometimes by granting a lifetime of free dining with the 'black card'), helped garner attention on opening day at Eastgate, when members from the Scarlets were invited as the first official customers. Support for Nando's has also been expressed by Felinfoel-born athlete Dai Greene around the time of its launch.

Located on the ground floor of the Harmonica building, the restaurant shopfront is only one third the width of the Scarlets' Red Room situated opposite, but the Nando's brand carries sufficient weight to ensure a strong commercial presence in the area. The restaurant can cater for up to 120 customers and, like Hungry Horse, spans the full length of the the building. Facing the Eastgate car park at the front of the building is an unwelcoming rear fire exit/staff entrance squeezed alongside the boarded-up fronts of two unoccupied units (at least there is some kind of signage on this more exposed side of the eatery). A small area for outdoor seating is available around the main entrance which is also wheelchair accessible. As well as easy access from the car park, Nando's is just a few paces away from the bus interchange and taxi drop-off zone.

According to TripAdvisor reviewers, Nando's staff are always helpful, but beyond the provision of menus there is no table service: using a 'help yourself' service, customers must place orders at the till. Service is commended as being quick and polite and the restaurant and kitchen as a whole are considered clean with a pleasant traditional Portuguese-Mozambican atmosphere.

In March 2013, the Eastgate Nando's received a FSA Food Hygiene Rating of '5 (Very Good)'.

The choice and quality of food, notably its famed peri-peri chicken, in the Eastgate branch lives up to its global reputation. But despite catering for families, and regardless of any athletes' endorsements, Nando's isn't the healthiest place to take children to eat (in 2006, an average Nando's meal was found to contain eight teaspoons of added sugar while deficent in calcium, iron, zinc and folate). And although the chain boasts a Red Tractor assurance accreditation, that scheme - which ensures compliance with minimum legislative requirements - does not prevent inadequate welfare for Nando's chickens.

Since its arrival at Eastgate, Nando's has led a sustained local marketing campaign, much of which is exhibited on the Facebook page. And as if the chain needed any help in its promotions, an independent website dedicated to indexing every Nando's in the world encourages people to share their views on the Eastgate Nando's (hats off to Ryan for travelling down to Llanelli in May 2013 as part of his marinated chicken marathon!)

Nando's current opening hours are:

(Monday - Thursday) 10:00 - 22:00

(Friday & Saturday) 10:00 - 22:30

(Sunday) 11:00 - 22:00

A take-away service is also available on 01554 751 818

and bookings can be made via the restaurant's official Facebook page.

Official Nando's website: www.nandos.co.uk/restaurant/llanelli

Nando's Llanelli on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nandosllanelli

TripAdvisor page: tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-...Nando_s-Llanelli....html

Opening day photos from inside Nando's Llanelli.

Been to Nando's lately? Let me know by posting a comment below, or send me your thoughts on:

Twitter (@draigdun) / Facebook / Google+

Eastgate: Travelodge

The Llanelli Central Travelodge commenced business about one month before the grand opening of the Cinema Building . This milestone in the completion of Eastgate apparently went unnoticed (no material on the web confirms whether or not the new hotel met its scheduled opening date of 14th September 2012).

What's more, the publication of annual reports and accounts on Travelodge's own website ceased in 2008. At that time, the budget hotel company was overloaded with around £1 billion of debt, and had rented lodging space when property prices were at their peak. When the crash came and the customers vanished, Travelodge found itself unable to keep up with repayments – including £100 million annually on rent interest alone.

In any case, the company successfully pulled itself back from the precipice and secured a lifeline through a debt-for-equity deal that saw hedge funds, Golden Tree Asset Management and Avenue Capital, and investment bank, Goldman Sachs, become its main shareholders. In addition, Travelodge negotiated an extension to 2017 for repaying £329m of bank debt, at a lower interest rate until the end of 2014. For further deliverance from debt, the company released 49 hotels into new ownership.

By August 2012, business was back on track, jobs had been protected and Travelodge continued to expand, opening 41 new hotels by the end of that year. Naturally, media attention was absorbed by the four new hotels opened in London in time for the Olympics. Unlike the chain's installations in many other towns, however, there would be no "re-badging" or "traded refurbishment" at Eastgate where Travelodge would be the first occupant of a brand new building.

Having signed a lease in spring 2009, the hotel undoubtedly influenced the architecture of the Harmonica ('Landmark building'). Early proposals for developments reveal that the Llanelli area had been a target of Travelodge's expansion program since at least June 2007, specifically for a hotel with a minimum capacity of 45 beds and a maximum of 53 – the eventual development agreed to accommodate the latter figure.

After three years' drumming up support for the project, the company's transition from financial crisis to stability, and a promise that the new hotel would create fifteen jobs and add over £800,000 to the local economy each year, the arrival of Travelodge in Llanelli ought to have been warmly received.

For the majority of visitors to Llanelli, an initial glimpse of the town centre comprises a view of the Travelodge from the A484 when approaching Swansea Castle Roundabout. Likewise, prospective visitors from afar who search the web for a place to stay in Carms are likely to gain their first insights into the region through accommodation booking and travel websites, where the Llanelli Central Travelodge has carved out a strong presence. These first impressions are therefore as significant to the town as they are important to the hotel itself.

Upon arrival, guests will find sufficient space in the large car park immediately outside the hotel (more on parking charges below) with the added convenience of a bus station and taxi rank within 60 metres of the front door. Other visible advantages of the hotel's location include the adjoining eateries and pubs, such as Hungry Horse and Nando's.

On the web, some different, but no less crucial, aspects of the hotel come to light. A quick look at customer reviews reveals that the Travelodge staff at Eastgate have provided outstanding service to their guests since day one.

It's worth browsing the Trip Advisor page, where many customers have been satisfied enough (or not) to log on and leave feedback. In its first year of operation, the Llanelli Central Travelodge accumulated some 38 reviews on TripAdvisor, apparently without any active involvement of its marketing team. I had intended to provide a link to these reviews, the vast majority of which gave positive feedback and some very insightful commentary. However, in summer 2013, TravelodgeUK seemed to manage its web presence more vigilantly and (possibly triggered by a large volume of unfavourable reviews of its other hotels) implemented £57 million in refurbishments to its hotels, including the 10-month old installation at Eastgate. When the company informed TripAdvisor of this 'significant' modification of its services, the website systematically erased all those reviews published before the refurbishment.

For clarification on this, I contacted the Travelodge Customer Services team, who were kind enough to provide the following explanation:

Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to learn of your disappointment regarding the removal of our TripAdvisor reviews.
I can confirm Travelodge have released a 55 million refurbishment programme across the estate in which 80% of our hotel rooms will receive a complete new room design and layout. New pocket sprung
king-sized beds have been placed in our Llanelli hotel. This hotel has also been repainted and have received new bedding, curtains and bed runners.
Travelodge informed TripAdvisor of the refurbishment programme and as a result, TripAdvisor have removed all reviews made before a certain date for the hotels have been refurbished. Reviews
have been removed regardless of their negative or positive sentiment.
I understand there are no plans to have the reviews reinstated.
Thank you again for contacting us.

Travelodge Customer Services

With earlier customers' criticisms (e.g. of the previous generation of beds) supposedly rendered irrelevant by the refurbishment and modernisation programme, 32 reviews of the Llanelli Central hotel vanished, of which, eighteen very satisfied customers had left a 5-star rating and nine gave it 4 stars. Since the mass deletion in August and up to October 2013, the TripAdvisor page accumulated only 6 new reviews and, while the TravelodgeUK Customer Care Team now takes an active approach in responding directly to criticism, one of these is its lowest ever rating, a 2-star review titled "terrible", and only three are 5-star ratings.

Hope is not lost, however. Despite the dismissal of former guests' compliments, the hotel looks set to continue receiving praise in its second year. What's more, I have retrieved copies of the original 32 reviews through Google's cache links. Here are a few samples:

And some of the less favourable reviews:

In sum, basic but adequate, clean and generally comfortable.

Positive aspects include:

Outstanding customer service by all the staff;

Clean rooms and shower/bath facilities;

Generally quiet but central location with good transport links;

Decent wifi;

Close parking;

Cheap when booked in advance, online (from £19/night)

Criticisms.

1) Awkward parking arrangements.

Upon arrival, many guests may be put off by the pay-and-display notices in the Council-owned Eastgate car park. Signs clearly state that Mon-Sat from 8am to 6pm, parking charges and a limit of 4 hours' stay apply. Thankfully, the hotel staff are keen to inform guests that, in addition to the free overnight parking from 18:00 to 08:00, it is possible to buy a ticket during this time which will become valid from 8am. In other words, pay for an hour's parking after 6pm, and don't rush outside to move the car until 9am the following day. All that said, it's probably too late to figure out those arrangements if you arrive at the hotel earlier in the day and took a wild guess at how best to park your car before going to reception. Daytime parking charges/limits are also a problem for guests staying longer than one night – it's a ten-minute walk for long-term parking at Church Street car park.

[Update]: County Council has proposed to increase parking fees and to introduce evening charges after 6pm. (Blog post coming soon)

2) Distance from train station.

Another problem relating to distance. Not that the town is very large. A taxi ride from Eastgate to the train station takes about 5 minutes. But isn't the whole point of booking into a Travelodge to avoid costly means of travel?

3) Unbearably hot rooms in the summer.

The Eastgate building is undoubtedly well-insulated. Which poses the most urgent problem in the warmer months, especially given the hotel's lack of decent air-conditioning. According to the reviews, staff did their utmost this summer to resolve this well-reported issue (yet, only 12 electric fans were available for visitors).

4) Budget beds and disadvantaged vantage points?

The comfort ratings of things like beds is always subjective. Although some guests complained about them, most appeared satisfied, acknowledging that budget hotels won't suit everybody. The refurbishment programme saw the Llanelli Central Hotel fitted with new pocket-sprung king-sized 'Dreamer beds' by Sleepeeze, along with new bedding and bed runners. These have been described as a "a huge and improvement over the old ones" by one guest. In twin occupancy rooms/family rooms, however, some guests are provided with bedding for a pull out sofa bed.

Tastes also vary when it comes to appreciating the views from a Travelodge window. All 53 rooms occupy the top floor of Eastgate Harmonica building, most of which are wrapped around the building's exterior whereas others are tucked within its internal structure. Those outward-looking rooms have wide windows that peak out from above the eaves of the middle floor, offering views over the cinema and other parts of the town. The other, inward-facing rooms have a more limited view over the rooftop – which is presumably the source of fan noises and the seagull dawn chorus that one customer complained about. Guests occasionally comment on noise from the nightlife at Eastgate, but others describe quiet stays at the hotel, in spite of the pubs and restaurants and the traffic circulating around the complex.

Room specifications (as of October 2013. Always check with Travelodge to verify these details when booking).

Family Room (up to 3 adults / 2 adults, 2 children):

King-size Travelodge 'Dreamer Bed';

one or two pull-out sofa beds;

showers in all rooms, baths in most;

Twin Occupancy room: same as above, with sofa bed for one person.

Double Room (up to 2 adults):

King-size Travelodge 'Dreamer Bed';

showers in all rooms, baths in most.

Double Twin Accessible Room (up to 2 guests)

Zip & Link bed (detachable to make twin single or double bed)

Choice of bathroom facilities (wet room or bathroom);

All rooms are equipped with:

good heaters;

18-channel Freeview TV;

tea and coffee facilities;

large lit desk area;

plastic chair;

rail with hangers for clothes;

2 large mirrors;

electric sockets next to bed (one for kettle);

curtains (rather than blinds);

Reception is open 24 hours, where the following are available on request:

WiFi (a week's package cost £20 in early 2013);

hair dryers and irons;

cots;

electric fans;

extra tea/coffee/milk supplies';

extra pillows.

Why is the success of Travelodge so significant?

Because those people who stay there are unlikely to live five minutes away. It is this part of Eastgate that draws in people on business trips, families and other sorts of visitors from other parts of the UK and from across the world. It has been claimed that rugby fans alone account for some 15,000 hotel bookings made annually in Swansea and Carmarthenshire. By successfully accommodating such visitors, the Travelodge at Eastgate plays a crucial role in encouraging tourism in South West Wales.

I end this long post with an anecdote about the older Travelodge in Cross Hands, something of an example in how to attract visitors from all over the world to local events such as stamp exhibitions. It was during one such event that the hotel hosted a collector from the US whose stamp album was valued at a quarter of a million pounds. After the event, this particular guest checked out of the hotel having left the personal stamp collection in the budget hotel room. One frantic phone call from the airport later, the fortunate visitor returned to Cross Hands and, thanks to the attentiveness of the hotel's cleaners, was able to reclaim the stamps.

Official Travelodge website:

www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/563/Llanelli-Central-hotel

TripAdvisor page:

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review...Travelodge_Llanelli_Central....html

Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/pages/Travelodge-Hotel-Llanelli-Central/615880828428672

Google+:

plus.google.com/116627343479836435602

The Sessile Oak

This month, on Monday 23rd September, the Marston's chain opens a new carvery restaurant and pub, The Sessile Oak.

It's good to see that the company has already established itself on the web. Find all the info, contact details, and menus on the official Marston's website:

marstonstaverns.co.uk/llanelli/sessile-oak

Further updates can be found via Facebook and on Twitter (@sessile_oak)


So far, it all sounds very promising. If you attend the restaurant's opening, leave a comment below.

Psst- they'll have free wifi!

Eastgate: Scarlets, The Red Room Bar & Kitchen

[Unit 9. Eastgate, Llanelli]

In April 2012, another local brand signed up to lease a unit in the Eastgate cinema building. Yet, over the subsequent 15 months that unit remained under construction. Duraseal, a team of roofing, construction and maintenance specialists from near Aberdare, were contracted to prepare the site for refurbishment, and it remained unclear when the Scarlets would start to benefit from their 15-year lease on the unit.

The eventual opening of the 'Red Room Bar & Kitchen' came on 10th August 2013, marking the start of the Scarlets' 2013-14 season: as part of the rugby club's 'Super Season-Starter' week, the official opening (which granted exclusive access to season ticket holders) was followed by the unveiling of the squad's new kit on August 13th at the Delme Thomas Centre, and the first pre-season friendly at Parc y Scarlets (where victory went to Exeter). A VIP launch evening was also held on August 9th, featuring a performance by local artist, Catherine Elms, who also provided live music at the Scarlets' kit launch – for more on that, click here.

Branded variously as "The Red Room" / "Red Room" / "Redroom" / "Red Room Bar & Kitchen" / "The Red Room Bar & Kitchen and Scarlets store", the new bar-restaurant-shop proudly associates itself with the Llanelli's industrial heritage (and some 140 years of rugby). And although it has nothing to do with H. G. Wells, the brand could easily team-up with the soon-to-open Llanelly House and stir up interest in the town's haunted side.

With its central location, adjoining the Odeon and alongside the taxi area, the Scarlets store and cafe should enhance competition with restaurants such as Nando's (located directly opposite).

At Parc y Scarlets, the club has already established itself in the retail and dining sectors with an official club shop and the Heart and Soul Bar & Kitchen. At Eastgate, the new 3,200 square foot outlet places the club that bit closer to fans around the town centre. The new Bar is furnished with leather sofas that add to its relaxed atmosphere, and the Kitchen, backed by Carmarthenshire suppliers, Castell Howell Foods, houses a 64-seat dining area as well as external terrace seating.

The new Scarlets playing kit and other official clothing, club merchandise and match tickets will be sold at the new store, as well as tickets for a growing number of non-rugby events held at the stadium. Additionally, the new venue has proven ideal for hosting events such as a press conference on August 22nd during which the Scarlets captaincy was announced.

According to the club's official website, the Red Room Kitchen serves "traditional and rustic" dishes, adopting "a progressive approach to gourmet burgers and a commitment to sourcing seasonal and local produce". Also found on the menu are "appetizers, light snacks, pizza and salads".

See the full menu here.

It seems the Scarlets have put a lot of thought into their new venture and really want to reach out to their fans. Check their main website for any updates to the following information.

Shop opening times.
Mon - Sat: 10:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00

Food is served from 12pm until 9pm everyday (until 8pm on Sundays).
Bar is open until 11pm Monday–Saturday, and 12pm - 9pm on Sunday.

Reservations: 01554 753317
More info: redroom@scarlets.co.uk

So, it gives Tin Dragon much pleasure to share links to The Red Room's official Twitter and Facebook pages!

twitter.com/ scarletsredroom

facebook.com/ ScarletsRedRoom

Summer Geocache Challenge

On the official re-opening day of the town centre in June, the outdoor market garnered a good amount of attention. Far fewer people came to see what events were held at Llanelli Library. In a small room at the end of Vaughan Street, an intriguing project of the Council's Regeneration and Leisure department was quietly unveiled. Throughout the day, those curious enough to enter the Library were greeted by Carmarthenshire's select team of geocaching experts.

Geo-wha?

A Geocache is a kind of treasure. All over the world, every day, individuals set out to search for and plant new geocaches. These 'treasures' could be anything, usually concealed in water-tight containers, and their locations are indexed through numerous apps and websites using GPS data. Geocaching enthusiasts depend on mobile technologies to locate them and, once successful in their quest, may be encouraged to sign a log book, contribute to the online indexes with personal testimonies and difficulty ratings, or to notify other 'cachers of changes in the geocache's location/condition/contents, etc.

Yes, things can, and do, change frequently in the world of geocaching. In some cases, instructions found inside will ask people to swap items or transfer the contents to a fresh location. Many geocache items have travelled the entire planet. There's even one hidden on board the international space station.

Returning to the land of the Tin Dragon, we can expect to see increasing opportunities for outdoor pursuits around Carmarthenshire this summer. One Council-backed initiative, the Carmarthenshire Summer Geocache Challenge, is part of a wider effort to encourage people to get outdoors, to enjoy better fitness and to become better acquainted with their surroundings.

Starting on July 20th, participants have until midnight on August 31st to find FIVE geocaches spread across Llanelli. General locations have already been given:

1. Discovery Centre, North Dock
2. Llanelli Leisure Centre
3. Llanelli Library
4. Parc Howard
5. Y Ffwrness


To find the geocaches, you'll need a smartphone, tablet or other device equipped with GPS. Exact coordinates will be listed here at the starting date.

Inside each of the five geocaches you will find a small number of questions. Send your answers to the event's organisers geocaching@carmarthenshire.gov.uk, and all correct submissions will be entered into a draw to win an iPad Mini and other prizes.

For full details, visit www.discoverllanelli.co.uk/geocache-challenge


Good luck and, more importantly, have fun!

What's On Llanelli Weekendly [13-14.7.2013]

This scorcher of a week won't fizzle out until sometime next week, so fill your weekend with a good variety of events around the County.

Full list of events in Carmarthenshire here: www.visit.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/whats-on/july.html

Find out what's on this weekend at Ffwrnes: ffwrnes.ticketsolve.com

And at the Odeon cinema in Eastgate: www.odeon.co.uk

To keep up-to-date with all live music in town, visit  Llanelli Music Scene Stay:

www.llanellitown.com/music-scene/

If you know of any upcoming weekend events or one-time special offers at local places, please leave a comment below!

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Saturday 13th July
Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music, Llandeilo

The 2013 Festival begins at 1:30pm at St. Teilo's Church with a flower-arranging exhibition set to music by Gloria Davies (admission: £5)

At 7.30pm, world renowned singer, Sir Willard White, accompanied by Eugene Asti, brings the Festival's opening concert to St. Teilo's. Performances will include Lieder by Robert Schumann, the Four Serious Songs of Johannes Brahms and songs by Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Roger Quilter, together with some of Benjamin Britten's Folksong arrangements and a selection of Spirituals (admission: £20.00)

Sunday 14th July

On the second day of the Festival, at 11.00am in St. Teilo's Church, Archdeacon of Cardigan, the Venerable Dr. William Strange will address the congregation.

At 7.30pm, Laura Wright and Noah Stewart will perform for the evening concert at the church (admission: £20.00)

For more information, visit: www.llandeilomusicfestival.org.uk

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Saturday 13th July
International Dance Day, National Botanic Garden of Wales
10:30am – 

Dancers from Russia and Ireland will join teams from all over Wales at the National Botanic Garden for a day of dance on Saturday July 13. The first step in this colourful, international dance day is taken at 10.30am when all participants form a Big Parade from the Garden’s entrance up the Broadwalk. And then, the dancing begins. Groups taking part include: Skylark and Artforge, from Karelia, Russia; Siobhan & Friends, Ireland; And groups from Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Penyfai, Penybont, Talog, Tawerin, Llangadfan and Llanarthne.

For more info: gardenofwales.org.uk/news/international-dance-day-2/ 01558 667149

Admission to the garden: gardenofwales.org.uk/visitors-info/opening-times/

Plan your journey to the National Botanic Garden here: traveline-cymru.info

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Saturday 13th July
Cerddwn Ymlaen / 'Walk On' for Air Ambulance, Swansea-Caernarfon


Walk On’ is a celebrity sponsored walk from Swansea to Caernarfon to support the Wales Air Ambulance.

The 200 mile walk will be completed over eight days, launched on Friday 12th July with a gala dinner at the Dragon Hotel in Swansea. The walk will commence at Swansea Town centre at 9.30am on Saturday July the 13th, and the route will take participants along the coast to Mumbles, across the Gower to Llanelli, Carmarthen, Lampeter, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau, Porthmadog, Criccieth and finishing in Caernarfon

For more info: cerddwnymlaen.com

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Saturday 13th July
Noson Lawen, Parc y Scarlets

Admission, including buffet: £25

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Saturday 13th July
Big Day Out, Ammanford.

The Big Day Out returns with Pant Glas World of Nature bird of Prey display, fun fair, children’s entertainment, climbing wall, gigantic five-a-side football competition, stalls, Scarlets rugby inflatable’s, refreshments & loads more.

Contact: 01554 744370

www.ammanford.com

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Saturday 13th July
Sustainable Buildings Fair, Llandeilo
10:30am – 4:30pm

Energy saving solutions for your home. Spend a day at the Tywi Centre finding out about energy efficiency in old buildings, natural building products, insulation and energy conservation and renewable energy.

Features:

Demonstrations of traditional building skills such as lime plastering, stonemasonry and carpentry, as well as renewable energy systems.

Workshops on topics such as The Green Deal, Natural Building Materials, External Wall Insulation and Hydro Electricity Generation.

Informative walks with the National Trust to look at the Dinefwr Home Farm Biomass Boiler and Photovoltaic Panels

Exhibits and information from local suppliers of renewable energy technologies

Information on appropriate maintenance and repair of Old Buildings

Free Entry.

Tywi Centre, Dinefwr Farm, Llandeilo SA19 6RT.

Contact: www.tywicentre.org.uk 01558 824271

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Saturday 13th July
Kaffe Fassett Knitwear Exhibition, National Wool Museum Wales
10am – 5pm

An exhibition of exquisite knitwear by the internationally renowned textile designer, Kaffe Fassett, who is best known for his colourful designs in the decorative arts.

This exhibition will run alongside an exhibition of his patchwork quilts at The Welsh Quilt Centre, Lampeter (www.welshquilts.com).

Entry: free

Contact: www.museumwales.ac.uk  02920 573070

National Wool Museum Wales, Drefach Felindre, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire SA44 5UP.

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Saturday 13th July
'Fy Milltir Sqwâr', Oriel King Street Gallery
10am – 5pm

A joint exhibition by five artists from Tywi Printmakers, Fy Milltir Sqwâr / My Square Mile Exhibition, is now held at the gallery (ends 31st July).

Their collection of etchings, collagraphs, monotypes, linocuts and cuts evoke, celebrate and reflect the artists' relationship with their own patch of Carmarthenshire. Images range from intimate details known only to local people to broader representations of recognisable landmarks.

Behind each original artwork is a story, sometimes personal, sometimes the shared memories of friends and neighbours. This collection of work is a unique moment to discover new things about this beautiful county.

Contact: tywiprintmakers.wordpress.com  01550 750303

or contact Oriel King Street Gallery on 01267 220121 www.kingstreetgallery.co.uk

More info/directions: https://plus.google.com/115068683434562728154/about?gl=uk&hl=en

To go direct from Llanelli to Carmarthen, take the following buses from the bus station at Eastgate (bus bay, journey duration):

195, 196, 197 (bay 2, 50-60mins)

198 (bay 3, 1 hour 10 mins)

X12 (bay 4, 55 mins)

Bus timetables here: traveline-cymru.info

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Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July
Classic Motorcycle Road Racing, Pembrey Motor Racing Circuit.

Contact: barc.net  01554 891042

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Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July
'Sand Sea Soul', The Burry Port Saith Gallery
(Sat) 11am-6pm; (Sun) 1pm-5pm

The Burry Port Saith Gallery represents artists, craft makers, photographers from the local surrounding area, South Wales and anyone inspired by living and working in Wales.

Dorothy Morris' collection of paintings, ceramics, batik and mixed media work are the focus of a new show at the gallery.

Incorporating a range of materials and processes into her work, Dorothy draws inspiration from her local surroundings – namely her home village of Ferryside.

As part of this latest exhibition, the theme of Chapels is introduced into her collection. This is the final showing of this exhibition.

Saith Gallery, 7 Station Road, Burry Port Carmarthenshire SA16 0LR

Contact: 01554 834 921

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Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre11am - 5pm

Minibeast hunt, dragonfly and butterfly walk, pond dipping, and insect-themed craft workshops will be held at the centre throughout the day.

For the full schedule and more information, visit: wwt.org.uk

Cost is included in admission to centre (free for members).

Contact: pamela.styles@wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
Creative Fusion Crafts, Aberglasney Gardens
10am – 6pm

The Creative Fusion crafts exhibition brings a relaxed and friendly exhibition of original work by Pembrokeshire-based artists and craft makers to the gardens.

Items on sale include jewellery, paintings, woodwork, stained glass, willow sculpture, patchwork quilts, ceramics, organic soaps, decorative accessories and more.

To preview the group's work, visit facebook.com/CreativeFusionCrafts

Admission: see aberglasney.org/index.php?page=times_and_prices

Plan your journey to Aberglasney Gardens here: traveline-cymru.info

More info: aberglasney.org

Phone: 01558 668998

Aberglasney Gardens

Llangathen

Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH

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Sunday 14th July
Festival Fields Classic Car & Vehicle Show, Llanelli

Pontarddulais Classic Motor Club will gather at Festival Fields, Pwll, to display a range of classic vehicles. A 'dog show' is also to take place.

Admission: £4 plus concessions.

More information: pontardulaisclassicmotorclub.webs.com

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Sunday 14th July
Wales Wildflower Day, National Botanic Garden of Wales

Artists, scientists and meadows full of wildflowers are the stars of the first Wales Wildflower Day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

In fields full of wild orchids, knapweeds and eyebrights, visitors will see painters, wood turners, stained-glass artists, decorative wire makers and embroiderers, all busy creating art and craft inspired by the wildflowers around them.

There will be experts on hand to point out pollinating insects and all the floral highlights, and to give handy tips on how to identify wildflowers, and the Garden’s Volunteer Library Group will be showing off some beautiful and informative books about Welsh wildflowers.

Visitors have a chance to be artistic themselves: artist Martin Reed will be encouraging passers-by to daub their creative contributions on to his new abstract painting, and the Garden’s Rebecca Thomas will be inviting children to make something lovely with flowers.

Wales Wildflower Day will also see the launch of a new display of Welsh arctic-alpine wild plants. This focuses on plants from Snowdonia’s Cwm Idwal, a mountain valley with some of the rarest plants in the country.

For more info: gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 667149

Admission to the garden: gardenofwales.org.uk/visitors-info/

Plan your journey to the National Botanic Garden here: traveline-cymru.info

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Sunday 14th July
Vintage Motorcycle Club exhibition, National Botanic Garden of Wales
1.30pm – 4pm

Members of the Vintage Motorcycle Club – the largest motorcycle club in the world – will be dropping in at the Garden in the afternoon and will be showing off their bikes to visitors in Millennium Square.

More information: westsouthwalesvmcc.co.uk

Contact: 01558 667149

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Sunday 14th July
All Wales Truck & Transport Show, United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.

Contact: unitedcounties.org  01267 232141

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Sunday 14th July
Ammanford 10km Road Race, Ammanford Recreation Ground

START: 11.00am

Entries on Day from 9.30am

Sponsored by Ammanford Lions Club.

Free T-shirt to 1st 100 finishers. Trophies to be awarded in all Categories.

Entry: £6.00 WA Affiliated / £8.00 Unaffiliated.

Contact: Rose Fitzgerald on 01792 543563 or Rob Fowler on 01269 595116

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What's On Llanelli Weekendly [6-7.7.2013]

We're in for another great weekend, with the Lions' wrapping up their Australia Tour in Sydney and the F1 championship heading back to the Nurburgring circuit in Germany for the first time since 2011. This is also the last weekend before the long daylight hours of fasting for Ramadan begins. So take a look at what's happening in your local community and do something other than sitting in front of the TV all weekend!

Llanelli weather forecast generated by the Met Office Weather Widget

Full list of events in Carmarthenshire here: visit.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/whats-on/

Find out what's on this weekend at Ffwrnes: ffwrnes.ticketsolve.com

And at the Odeon cinema in Eastgate: odeon.co.uk

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Saturday 6th July
Gilded Lili Craft Fair, The Elli Shopping Centre Llanelli.
8.30am to 4.30pm.

Held Thurs–Sat weekly in St Elli Shopping Centre, the Gilded Lili Fairs provides a showcasing platform for local craft producers and small businesses in South Wales.

Products on display include contemporary gifts, unique hand-made items, and holistic therapies.

For more information, visit facebook.com/GildedLiliEvents

Contact: guildedlilifairs@hotmail.com  01554 750432

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Saturday 6th July
Town Criers’ Championship, Llandovery.
10am - 

At this year's Town Crier Festival in Llandovery, 14 Town Criers from across England and Wales will parade through the town at 10.15am.

1st Cry 'A Home Town Cry' will start at 10.45 approx. At 2pm, 'The Junior Competition' will take place, followed by the second Cry at 2.45pm.

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Saturday 6th July
Park History Walk and Talk, Carmarthen Town Park.
1pm – 1.30pm

Come along for a cup of tea/coffee half price. Art/Quiz in the park free from the tea shop.

Carmarthen Park, Morfa Lane

07794 042186

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Saturday 6th July
'Art of Sensual' exhibition, The Gate Art Gallery, St. Clears.
9am – 4:30pm

This month's main exhibition at The Gate is 'Art of Sensual', a collection of "passionate, erotic and sensual art" oil paintings by Gayle Plummer.

To find out more about Gayle's work, visit her website

This exhibition ends July 27th. Admission is free.

The Gate is open 9am–4.30pm Monday – Friday, and 9am–3pm on Saturdays.

For more information, visit facebook.com/pages/Art-Of-Sensual/497369010302218

the-gate.org/art-gallery/

facebook.com/YGatTheGate

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Saturday 6th July
'Fy Milltir Sqwâr', Oriel King Street Gallery
10am – 5pm

A joint exhibition by five artists from Tywi Printmakers, Fy Milltir Sqwâr / My Square Mile Exhibition, is now held at the gallery (ends 31st July).

Their collection of etchings, collagraphs, monotypes, linocuts and cuts evoke, celebrate and reflect the artists' relationship with their own patch of Carmarthenshire. Images range from intimate details known only to local people to broader representations of recognisable landmarks.

Behind each original artwork is a story, sometimes personal, sometimes the shared memories of friends and neighbours. This collection of work is a unique moment to discover new things about this beautiful county.

Everyone is invited to a special viewing at the official opening on Friday 5th July 6-8.30pm.

Contact: tywiprintmakers.wordpress.com  01550 750303

or contact Oriel King Street Gallery on 01267 220121 kingstreetgallery.co.uk

More info/directions: plus.google.com/115068683434562728154

To go direct from Llanelli to Carmarthen, take the following buses from the bus station at Eastgate (bus bay, journey duration):

195, 196, 197 (bay 2, 50-60mins)

198 (bay 3, 1 hour 10 mins)

X12 (bay 4, 55 mins)

Bus timetables here.

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
'Sand Sea Soul', The Burry Port Saith Gallery
(Sat) 11am-6pm; (Sun) 1pm-5pm

The Burry Port Saith Gallery represents artists, craft makers, photographers from the local surrounding area, South Wales and anyone inspired by living and working in Wales.

Dorothy Morris' collection of paintings, ceramics, batik and mixed media work are the focus of a new show at the gallery.

Incorporating a range of materials and processes into her work, Dorothy draws inspiration from her local surroundings – namely her home village of Ferryside.

As part of this latest exhibition, the theme of Chapels is introduced into her collection. The show runs until July 14th.

SaithGallery.com

Contact: 01554 834 921

Saith Gallery, 7 Station Road, Burry Port Carmarthenshire SA16 0LR

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
Creative Fusion Crafts, Aberglasney Gardens
10am – 6pm

The Creative Fusion crafts exhibition brings a relaxed and friendly exhibition of original work by Pembrokeshire-based artists and craft makers to the gardens.

Items on sale include jewellery, paintings, woodwork, stained glass, willow sculpture, patchwork quilts, ceramics, organic soaps, decorative accessories and more. Exhibiton runs from July 5th-18th.

To preview the group's work, visit facebook.com/CreativeFusionCrafts

Admission: see full pricing list.
Contact: aberglasney.org  01558 668998

Aberglasney Gardens

Llangathen

Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH

Plan your journey to Aberglasney Gardens at traveline-cymru.info

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
Creepy Carmarthen, Aberglasney Gardens
7.30pm – 9pm

Every Wednesday night, the 'Spooky Town Tour' begins outside Guildhall, stepping back into Carmarthen’s past to learn about the town's proud history of.. murders.

"Visit the sites of bygone executions. Discover the dark secret of the town’s greatest hero and find out where the ghosts walk! All tours are given a unique magical twist and include experiments in mind-reading which you may be invited to take part in! We will not be walking all the time but stopping off to hear spooky stories from days gone by, and visiting the town’s Victorian Police Station within the walls of the ancient castle and prison. Suitable for wheelchair users and for older children – but not for the faint-hearted!"

The tour takes approximately 90 minutes.

Admission: £7 per adult; £5 for children and OAPs

Contact: thespookymagiccompany.co.uk  01267 231557

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
Area 18 Pony Club Tetrathlon, Pembrey Country Park

Spectator only event.

Contact: sirgaerfyrddin.gov.uk  01554 742424

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Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
11am - 5pm

Minibeast hunt, dragonfly and butterfly walk, pond dipping, and insect-themed craft workshops will be held at the centre throughout the day.

For the full schedule and more information, visit wwt.org.uk

Cost is included in admission to centre (free for members).

Contact: pamela.styles@wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July
Black Mountain Falconry, National Botanic Garden of Wales
12pm; 2pm

Black Mountains Falconry are back at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in this weekend. Visitors can expect to see stunning flying displays featuring Harris hawks, red-tailed buzzards and an eagle owl, as part of two daily set-piece shows, at 12 noon and 2pm. There will also be a chance for visitors to take up the gauntlet and try their hand at falconry themselves.

Contact: gardenofwales.org.uk  01558 667149

Admission to the garden: http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/visitors-info/opening-times/

Plan your journey to the National Botanic Garden at traveline-cymru.info

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Sunday 7th July

Super Sing!, Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli

3pm

In aid of BBC Children in Need 2013, Llanelli Choral Society hosts a community singing experience for people who love to sing!

Lead by the musical expertise of John Hywel Williams MBE and Huw Tregelles Williams OBE, performers include Llanelli Choral Society, Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers. 

Singing Highlights: Les Miserables - Singing in the Rain - You’ll Never Walk Alone - Hallelujah Chorus - Zadok The Priest - Aida’s Grand March - O Fortuna - Edelweiss - Tydi a Rhoddaist - Climb Ev’ry Mountain - Cwm Rhondda... and many more

Admission is Free.

To reserve tickets call 07767 644733 or email info@LlanelliChoralSociety.com

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Sunday 7th July

Ladies Day 2013, Llety Cynin Leisure Club

This year's event will be in aid of Cancer Research Wales. Come and enjoy an afternoon of Pimms, Music, Cake Competition, Afternoon Tea and More, all in aid of Charity.

Tickets: £10 each

Venue: Lolfa Cynin, Llety Cynin Leisure Club, Llangynin Road, St. Clears SA33 4JR.

For more information: lolfa-cynin.co.uk/ladies-day/

Contact: 01994 232773

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Sunday 7th July

Open Air Church Service, Carmarthen Park,

2 – 4pm

'The Night Before Group'.

Presbyterian Church’s Open air service starts at 4.30pm – all welcome, seating available.

Art/Quiz in the park free from the tea shop.

Contact: 07794 042186

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Sunday 7th July

Pedal for Parkinson’s, The Discovery Centre

9am.

Start/Finish line at The Discovery Centre, Llanelli.

Cycle through beautiful Welsh countryside and raise funds for Specialist nurses.

Entry fee for 7 miles: £8 (under 16s free).

Entry fee 28/55 miles: £20, 12-15 year olds £8.

Venue: The Discovery Centre, N Dock, Llanelli, SA15 2LF

Contact: parkinsons.org.uk  02079 639305

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Always make sure to check with event organisers to confirm details.