The Mayor's Blog
Cllr Charlotte Leadbeater
15/06/09
Poem for our lovely Llandeilo Town
Lollypop houses upon a green hill
Narrow streets winding, ancient and still
Churchyard holding names once known
Now lost, dreaming among the yew trees grown
Chattering friends drink coffee and tea
Baritas is open- its time for a spree!
Glad rags and bikers, Llandeilo greets
all
Spilling out on the streets from our Hotel Cawdor
Llandeilo is ‘posh’ Its shops are desired
They come up from Swansea ready and fired
To parade in the streets and walk in the Park
Habits die hard it’s all a great lark.
Children in pushchairs eating ice creams
Old ladies on pavements expounding Welsh themes
Teenagers in uniform eating their chips
Up from Tregib, shirts hanging out from their hips
Adults with attitude, greet friends and meet
‘Was that Rhys Ifans I saw down the street?’
Its hustle and bustle and get here to there
A concert tonight, a band on the square.
Eat in the Angel or Salvador Deli
Coffee in Ollies, my brain is like jelly.
At last the residents make their way home
The shops are all closed, the visitors gone
Quiet of the evening falls over the town
The traffic has stilled, we’re all winding down.
CL 16/05/09
14/05/09
Tim and I attended the Mayor making in Llandovery –
a truly memorable event with the red - ermined robed Mayor
Helene Lovell and consort Dirk Lovell, two mace bearers
and Town Cryer Joe Beard. A lovely supper at the Castle
Hotel was followed by many speeches and an englyn at the
end. A good time was had by all.
17/05/09
Tim and I attended the Civic Service in Llandingat Church,
Llandovery with buffet lunch afterwards. Very enjoyable
meeting the other Mayors and Councillors and lovely ‘high
tea’. It was very well attended.
27/05/09
I took my first Full Council meeting!! We ended on time.
29/05/09
Our technical Officer, Des Davies and I met with County
Council representatives and Inspector for nomination Green
flag award for Penlan Park. Lots of iniatives going on there.
We live in hope and showed them photos of last year’s
‘Party in the Park’
29/05/09
AGM in Shire hall at 6.45.
Tim and I, Llandeilo Mayor making – a very moving
occasion I found when Edward put the chain round my neck.
I had a hard job getting it from him at first! Photos and
description can be found on the News
page.
We had a lovely evening at the Cawdor Hotel with family,
guests and town dignitaries and organisations. The meal
was superb.
30/05/09
Ros Bellamy and I attended the Mayor making in Cwmaman,
very informal and nice. Lovely pint & chats in the Rugby
Club afterwards. Carl Morgan & I had both had connections
in Kent, school, Maidstone prison and Cranbrook operatic
Society – watch this space.
1/06/09
I attended the opening of CREU at Trinity College, the new
creative Arts Facility co-ordinated by Liane Davies. I met
some old friends there, and met the new Mayors of St Clears
and Pembroke. It was nice meeting up with County Councillor
Tysul Evans and Delyth again. I was given a guided tour
of the facility – fully showered, state of the art
dressing rooms in the round but flying rigs not in place
yet.
We had a lovely evening especially as King Street Gallery
was a partner in the evening
event and Ann Goodfellow co-ordinating had made a huge effort.
Ric Bower the famous Scheppes photographic award winner
(National Portrait Gallery) was the photographer. We wish
them all luck.
2/06/09 am
Councillor Roy Davies and I had a good meeting with County
officer Howel Davies about Tourist Information in LLandeilo.
2/06/09 pm
Meeting in Shire Hall about ‘Revels in the Park’
Final arrangements. Flyers posters etc.
3/06/09
Continuation of AGM. Deputy Mayor Chris Parish sworn in.
5/06/09
I opened the Llandeilo Rotary Club Ploughman’s Lunch
with Chris Parish, my Deputy and had a lovely lunch talking
to the outgoing President Ian Turner. the ladies of Inner
Wheel had done us proud with the food, and it was good to
see such a crowd.
5/06/09
In the evening with Tim I opened the ‘Dreaming Landscapes
of Deheubarth’ for Ken Day the photographer at the
wonderful Abergwili Museum. A marvellous photographic exhibition
with views of Dinefwr, Laugharne estuary and Carreg Cennen
castle.
9/06/09
A meeting of ‘Revels in the
Park’ Committee in Shire Hall.
10/06/09
Attended Planning and Finance meetings. Chairmen & Deputies
elected.
11/06/09
Tim and I attended The Amman Valley ‘League of Friends’
coffee evening. Very interesting speech about how the first
National Health baby born at Glanamman Hospital had been
called Aneura after Aneurin Bevan.
Also state of the art bath purchased by ‘Friends’
for the patients. They are a hard working lot with the hospital
constantly under threat, and it was nice meeting councillors
& deputy mayors again.
19/6/2009
Cllr Dawn Wallace, my mother and I attended a very enjoyable
Fashion parade in the Rugby Club arranged by Llandovery
Mayor Helene Lovell. The clothes from were varied and attractive
to suit everyone’s purses and the models did well
on the catwalk!
A great surprise was Helene appearing in her amazing medieaval
costume and wimple to help advertise our ‘Revels in
the Park’, enabling us to gather support from the
people attending. Good for her!
20/6/2009
Our big event ‘Revels in the Park’! An excellent
collaboration between us and Huw Parsons in Carmarthenshire
County Council with Sian Evans deserving a medal for her
co-ordination! The sun shone on us too!!
This started with very good story telling by John Bilsborough
to the children in the centre of Llandeilo in Jonathan Garrard’s
beautifully made story telling chair lent by Towy yr Oesoedd.
The children especially enjoyed Edward Lear’s ‘The
Walrus and the Carpenter’
We had a small reception in the Shire Hall with our speaker,
S4C presenter Elinor Jones,and invited officials, including
The Mayors of Llandovery and their consorts, Helene and
Dirk Lovell, and Ammanford, Irena and Tony Hopkins, who
bravely dressed up for the Parade.
The 6th formers from Ysgol Tre - gib kindly turned up to
take round the buckets for the Mayor’s Charities RLNI,
The British Heart Foundation and Diabetes Cymru.
Many children and parents joined in the Parade, the Guides,
Buzzy B’s playgroup, as well as the Burry Port Silver
Band. Guy Smith with Circus skills, and Llandovery’s
town cryer Joe Beard and his wife Sandra, along with Llandeilo
Town Councillors and RLNI’s Captain Pugwash. Very
hot in there!
On the field 12 organisations represented Llandeilo. Tenovus
did delicious teas, Cllr Roy Davies ran DVD’s on the
history of Llandeilo, Country market sold plants,Town Twinning
gave out information, the British legion , ARC, Guides and
the British Heart Foundation all were represented. There
were Circus Skills for the children as well as a climbing
wall, the Funfare rides and lots of face painting and suchlike.
A very safe environment for children to play in, and adults
to enjoy themselves.
Elinor made an interesting and pertinent speech, and judged
the fancy dress competition, 1st Prize Elves & fairies
won by the Buzzy B’s playgroup, 2nd by the Guides
‘Midsummer Nights Dream, 3rd by Three knights on Horseback
(see photo) Morgan Williams, Llywellyn davies and Jack Vaughan
– Davies.The individual prize was won by Fion Davies
in her red Mediaeval dress & wimple.
Cllr Edward Thomas made an excellent compere along with
Peter Emerson who ran a Quiz about Llandeilo. Raffles were
drawn and lots of money made by the various organisations.
The entertainment was excellent, The Burry Port Silver Band
played their hearts out – wonderful music conducted
by Emyr Rhys, the Teilo Singers sang beautiful very appropriate
Madrigals under the conductor Richard Whitehead, and The
Cor Sain Teilo were magnficent in their rendering of Welsh
folk songs under the baton of Menter’s Owain Gruffydd.
The high point came with Llandeilo CP school showing us
their skills with the Samba Band performing in the bandstand.The
children were amazing.
Finally the astonishing performance by the students of The
Moya Vahey school of Classical Ballet from Cowbridge, performing
a ten minute ballet of great diversity.
The St John’s Ambulance were doing stirling service
with a blown up doll! and the Police were out in force directing
the Parade. Many thanks.
I want to thank them and my fellow Councillors, the Clerk,
Roger Philips, Technical Officer Desmond Davies, and Treasurer
Christopher Plummer for all their support, especially my
Deputy Mayor Christopher Parish for dressing up with me
to show the children at Fairfach primary School what could
be done with a few props!!
The window competition was won by Ailsa and Ann of ‘In
Stitches’ with their lovely knitted mediaeval mice
and castle.
The questionaires sent out to our organisations seem to
have come back with nothing but praise, and a commitment
to turn out again next year.
A big thanks to all the performers and everyone who helped
to make this a success.
21/6/2009
Tim and I attended a delightful allotment party with Dan
Morris and all participants – down on the National
Trust allotments, poetry reading and music performances
by the youngsters – delicious food brought by everyone
and more music by the very talented players of fiddles,
barum and didgeridoo by Tim Shaw. Very relaxing for us and
the aged parents after the rigours of the day before!
26/6/2009
Tim and I attended the very good Rotary Club Dinner at the
White Hart as the mantle of President was passing from Ian
Turner to Ken Griffiths, and the same with the Ladies Circle
with Nansi Walford replaced by Janet Williams. Speeches
were made by all raising laughs, and entertainment was from
a comedian from Swansea dressed up in a nappy! A good time
was had by all. Many thanks from us.
27/6/2009
Myself,Councillors Richard and Dawn Wallace attended the
opening of the new garden for the Residents of Arwel Tawe
Nursing Home.
It was a sunny, hot day and a very pleasant place for the
Residents to sit among the potted plants and stalls run
by friends to raise money for the ‘League of Friends
of Arwel Tawe’.
The staff were caring and worked hard to make this a success.
The flower stall was beautiful as was the new garden.
28/07/2009
This has been a very busy time with many new iniatives and
openings. Councillors have been very busy with reports and
have been extremely pro-active with events such as Revels
in the Park, The Green Flag Award (awarded last week) The
Festival of Music and Flowers, the Calor Gas Village of
the Year submission (Highly Commended) and the Llandeilo
North Quarter Plan.
I wish to record my thanks to my fellow Councillors and
staff for all their hard work.
3/7/2009
The Deputy Mayor Chris Parish and Cllr Richard Wallace attended
the lunch at Newton House, Dynevor Park to celebrate the
Wales National Trust’s awards of money for their 12
projects from European funding. The First Minister Rhodri
Thomas attended.
5/7/2009
The Deputy Mayor Chris Parish and Cllr Edward Thomas attended
the Ammanford Town Council Civic Service at All saints Church,
Ammanford hosted by the Mayor and Consort, Irena and Tony
Hopkins.
9/7/2009
Cllr’s Ros Bellamy and Fran Murphy escorted the judges
for the Calor Gas Village of the Year Award, visiting Civic
Organisations and individuals.
We are pleased to report they got a ‘Highly Commended’
for Llandeilo, the first Award of its kind. Many thanks
for their hard work with the entry.
9/7/2009
Cllr Edward Thomas and Cllr Colin Jenkins attended the inaugeration
of the new Vicar Michael Sadler at St Teilo’s Parish
Church, Llandeilo.
11/7/2009
All Councillors and the Deputy Mayor attended the opening
concert of Llandeilo Fawr Fesival of Music and Flowers with
a wonderful concert by the ‘La Serenissima’
ensemble.This was sponsored by Llandeilo Fawr Town Council.
12/7/2009
The Deputy Mayor and Cllr Edward Thomas attended the Civic
Service at Nazereth Chapel, Pontyates, hosted by The Chairman
of Carmarthenshire County Council, Tyssell Evans and his
Consort, Ms Delyth Dunsford with afternoon tea at Baltic
Inn, Ponthenri. Many thanks to all the Councillors who filled
in for me while I was on holiday in the sun.
18/7/2009
Tim and I attended the rousing closing concert Cor Ysgol
Gerdd Ceredigion of the Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music
and Flowers with the Patron the present Lord Dynevor Hugo
Rhys, the sponsors, and Cllr Julia Jones. This concert was
a real tribute to the children taking part and I particularly
liked the Welsh rendering of Gilbert & Sullivan’s
‘With Cat-like Tread’ from the Pirates of Penzance.
The young soloists were amazing and all credit to their
conductor.
I presented the ’Shield’ to the winners of the
best window display, Craig and Huw of ‘Steil’
hairdressing salon in Rhosmaen Street. It was the first
time they had been in Llandeilo Parish Church and they loved
all the ‘Gothic’ angles to it!
28/7/2009
Myself, Deputy Mayor Chris Parish, and County Councillor
Ieuan Jones attended the Green Flag Award photo session
in Penlan Park with other County Coucillors and Executives.
This was the first for Wales and we are very proud to have
come together with the County for this Award.
Don’t forget the free concert in the park to celebrate
this on 12th September at 5.30 – 8.00pm with jazz
& Blues by the Memphis Seven. Bring chair/food/&
wellies. Pray for good weather.
29/7/2009
Myself and Llandeilo Town Council attended a special meeting
of the Town Council in the Shire Hall to consider Plans
put forward by Carmarthen County Council and Evans Richards
for the strategy of the Northern Quarter in Llandeilo.
Cllr Roy Davies (Chair of Planning) gave a good report to
lead the discussion and all Councillors had read the 52
pages and gave good comeback and questions for the relevent
bodies.
1/08/2009
MP Adam Price and I attended the send off to Florence from
Newton House, of the Alexander Talbot-Rice scholarship children
from eight secondary schools in Carmarthenshire. Adam Price
gave a very good speech about the importance of culture
and the long tradition of Art in Llandeilo starting with
the Teilo Gospels!
This is an amazing trip for these students, some as young
as fourteen, who stayed in the Corsini Palace as guests
of the Princess and who were chosen out of hundreds of children
by their artistic talents to go. I fully support this venture
and gather the visit went very well, the work is to be exhibited
in Newton House, the National Trust in February 2010, a
real honour for them and Llandeilo.
Two of the students have got into Art schools so one must
admire Alexander’s vision and perseverance. Next summer
these children go to St Petersburg in Russia – what
an opportunity!! He has been very ably helped by many influential
people, Esme Mitchell and Philip James among them.
Charlotte, the Florence Group, Adam Price MP and
Alexander Talbot-Rice
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Charlotte, Adam Price MP and Alexander Talbot-Rice
|
6/08/2009
Tim and I attended the Gardening Club open evening, where
the winners of the gardens competition judged by Ivor Stokes
were pinned up. The Town Council did well with Cllr Edward
Thomas coming second, Cllr Richard Wallace and Tim coming
third in their section.
Everyone had worked hard and it was good to see Thirza Swindells
back on her usual form. The chairman Roy Kinnear gave us
a warm welcome and I had a beautiful bunch of flowers –
thank you Betty. The stalls raised over £700, apparently
the best ever, so well done to everyone.
15/08/2009
Tim and I attended the Llandeilo Agricultural Show and I
was so impressed with all the hard work I have sent the
following to the papers:-
I attended the Llandeilo show on 15th August, having not
been since my children grew up and what a delight it was.
On behalf of Llandeilo Town Council I want to congratulate
the Chairman, Committee and Secretary Rachel Hughes for
a well organised day with something for everyone!A lot of
hard work had gone into making it the success it was.
The silky coated dogs and their proud owners, the sleek
well looked after cattle, the sheep and pigs so lovingly
looked after, the picturesque bowler hatted judges looking
at the beautiful horses in the peak of condition, which
I had great pleasure in giving some of the trophies to.
The large marquee had’ spot the Queen Bee’bees;
Country Market produce; Charity organisations events; Young
farmers; jewellry and wonderful hats good enough for Ascot!
The paintings tent with artist Andrew Davies showing off
his skilled work of landscape and wildlife. The recycled
materials competition with ten year old Siriol Haf Richards
winning with her handmade Craft handbag. Ysgol Teilo Sant
did well with their entries and it’s good to see so
many children taking part, enjoying the blown up Batteling
Cumberland Giants bouncing across the field.
The Allotment Project showing off its paces with its fruit,
vegetables, barley and flax grown by its members. The gardening
club with their hard working members and their Plants and
Vegetables and prizes for the best gardens judged by Ivor
Stokes of the National Botanic Gardens which helps keep
Llandeilo & Fairfach well kept and beautiful.
Although the weather was as usual wet, ‘Am yr Tywydd
gorau Tewi!’ everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves
and one could always head off to the reasonably priced food
tent with it’s delicious buffet, and cookery demonstrations
by Valans.
It was a good day to show off imaginative wellies too.
Apparently lamb prices are up too and the milk situation
looks better.
I missed the evening but this apparently pays for the event.
Next year I urge everyone to get involved and turn out for
this special family event which draws the communities of
Llandeilo and Fairfach together and helps the poor beleagured
farmers survive in the present climate.
23/08/2009
Lunch for all the councillors and staff and wives at home
with myself and Tim, we enjoyed it very much, and it was
a thank you for all the hard work my Fellow Councillors
and staff put into Council work. It was good to see Cllr
Ieuan Gwyn out of his hospital bed with gruesome tales of
what had been done to him!! Thank you everyone for the wine
& chocs. Watch out for next instalments!
31/08/09
The Mayor attended the Llandeilo Fire Station’s open
day and enjoyed very much the chip pan going up in flames.
There was a very fine new fire engine there too, with lots
of children enjoying the fun and fireman Cllr Colin Jenkins
in attendence.
11/09/09
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Chris Parish attended the Green
Flag Eco-Award won at CP Primary School for their marvellous
allotment gardens, and quiet garden spaces to read, and
their apple trees and chicken coop.
This was a unique event and just showed what Primary school
children can achieve with inspired leadership from affiliated
groups, teachers, parents and Governers in a green project
which will become a front runner as climate change gathers
pace.
Chris and I really enjoyed the cakes too!!
12/09/09
The Mayor met Esme Mitchell for a meeting to discuss the
Talbot Rice Academy Scholarship students from six secondary
schools in Carmarthenshire on their next leg to St Petersburg
in Russia next July. The students had had a wonderful time
working in Florence and their drawings will be on show in
Newton House, Dinevor Park during February 2010.
14/09/09
The Mayor and Consort attended the Prize Giving and presented
the Shield for Community Service from llandeilo Town Council
at Tre Gib secondary school with an interesting talk by
Keith Towler, Director of Child Poverty in Wales.
Mrs Julie Griffiths made a very favourable comment about
the Academy Scholarships and how well the trip had gone
with Elizabeth Hughes, the Art teacher being heavily involved.
It is so good to see this happening. The space mission to
Houston, America by two pupils had gone well and the interview
sessions with Llandeilo Rotary Club had helped students
a lot. Again it is good to see the breadth of subject areas
being tackled.
16/09/09
The Mayor and former Consort Doreen Jenkins attended the
Scouts AGM. This was very well attended and organised and
amazing what these people in voluntary service achieve.
A talk was given about the next Jubilee in Sweden with slides
from the last one – a truly amazing event involving
a million people!
I also met the two young teenage friends, one who had saved
his friend from serious burns by his quick action. It’s
great to see this sort of bravery in the young.
18/08/09
Tim and I attended Cllr Roy Davies very interesting talk
on his Chapel Project ‘Calvary is Closed’ in
Abergwili Museum. There was a packed audience and fine photographs
of old Chapels and the new usages of them in the present
day. The text of his Open University booklet was fascinating
and used as a basis for his talk.
19/09/09
Crowds at the Event
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Boys playing rugby at the Green Flag Award
|
The Mayor and Consort, aided by Desmond Davies our technical
officer and later by Cllr Roy and Sue Davies, & Cllr
Hugh Towns helped put on this concert by the Memphis Seven
in Penlan Park to celebrate the Green Flag Award. a Town
Council Event in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County
Council.
This was wonderful with the dying rays of the sun across
the Park and 200+ people enjoying their picnics and the
music. The children playing rugby at the back. Many thanks
to Gerwyn Thomas for putting up the Green Flag and coming
to support us.
20/09/09
The Mayor and Tim attended the allotment party with food
and music round the fire. The weather was kind again.
23/09/09
The Mayor attended a NHS Health panel meeting, and felt
we were very lucky in having such a pro-active body. Carmarthenshire
Health Authority have won a number of awards in their strategy
particularly with the elderly and chronic illness –
treating people in their own homes. There will be series
of stress relieving workshops throughout the County in due
course.
23/09/09
Full council – see minutes.
26/09/09
The Mayor gave the vote of thanks to David Townsley Hughes
and Cllr Roy Davies for arranging a well co-ordinated day,
The Open Doors Project, starting with slides of old chapels
by the Royal Commission from Aberystwyth.This was a European
iniative.
The oldest chapel in Pen y cae was the one Tim and I were
married in!
It was all fascinating stuff and the Tours of the Chapels
– Ebenezer, Capel Newydd and Horeb went very well
with many people attending, and Gwillym, Roy and Davydd
spoke very well. Cllr Fran Murphy manned Horeb with me and
it was interesting seeing the inside and the ongoing alterations,
easel, paints etc.
27/09/09
Tim and I attended Chairman Cllr Tyssul Evans and Consort,
Delyth Dunsmore’s charity lunch for equipment for
Glangwili Hospital. Nigel Owens,the speaker, was the Rugby
referee for the Scarlets etc. He said Twickenham and Cardiff
were two of the best venues he knew.
He missed the smaller more intimate stadiums as they had
a better atmosphere in his opinion.
It was well attended and there was a raffle and an auction.
29/09/09
The Mayor had a delightful day making boxes for the Town
Council Xmas Tree with Year two from both Llandeilo CP school,
and Ysgol Teilo Sant. Some of the teachers helped and provided
some materials and much glitter fell in many places!
We managed to get 16 done with 10 more promised. They were
lovely with children’s ideas and a few templates.Thanks
go to all the children who took part, Mrs Karen Johns and
Mr Roy James for making this possible, and to all the staff
who helped.
These will go up on 20th November
30/09/09
The Mayor and Consort attended the very good AGM dinner
in the Angel Hotel for Llandeilo Town Twinning with Cllr
Edward Thomas, Cllr Ieuan Gwyn, and Cllr Ros Bellamy.
There will be a trip by the Twinning Association to’
Le Conquet’ in April.
5/10/09
The Mayor, who gave the vote of thanks, and Consort attended
an ‘Tea for Heros' arranged by Janet Williams and
The Ladies Circle of the Inner Wheel. The speaker was Colonel
Kevin Davies an inspiration to both men and officers in
the Afghanistan conflict, with the field hospital 203 in
Helmend Province and in Britain.
His slides were self explanatory - how brave those men are
with their terrible injuries.
The young Carmarthenshire Cadets marched wonderfully in
uniform playing their drums under the auspices of Peter
Pilkins.
The tea was delicious, attended by about 200 people and
what a lovely surprise for Tim to have a birthday cake made
for him especially. Many thanks to all who arranged this
marvellous afternoon.
9/10/09
The Mayor and Cllr Dawn Wallace attended the coffee morning
for the British Heart Foundation in Capel Newydd, three
children from Llandeilo CP school played some instruments
for us and as usual the Committee worked very hard with
raffle tickets and stalls.
9/10/09
The Mayor and Consort attended the Bowls Dinner in The White
Hart, with outgoing President Brian Johns and the new President
Mrs Jean Stancer. I was amazed at how much they do for Charity.
It constantly humbles me to see how much individuals put
themselves out for the Community, even with severe health
problems. Lots of good wishes for this organisation.
14/10/09
The Mayor and Cllr Fran Murphy attended a meeting of the
Chamber of Trade at the Angel Hotel. All plans for ‘The
Festival of the Senses’ are going well and this
in conjunction with the Christmas lights will take place
on November 20th at 6.00 – 6.30pm. There will also
be fireworks in Penlan Park at 7.00pm at the same time.
16/10/09
The Mayor and Consort, Cllr Julia Jones and Gerald Jones
attended a wonderful evening in Newton House of the launch
of Richard Bebb and Sioned Williams ’s new book The
Bardic Chair and an exhibition of fine carved Chairs for
the Eisteddfod through the ages. These were fascinating
and included a talk by the author. This was very well attended,
with lovely refreshments.
22/10/09
The Mayor, as Guest speaker, and Consort attended the AGM
of the Cymdeithas y Dalar.
Allotment movement in conjunction with the National Trust
at Llandeilo Civic Hall.
Paul Faulkner also spoke on their partmership on behalf
of Dinevor Park..
This had been a year of very hard work by all the Committee
and they should congratulate themselves on their progress,
even to the extent that His Highness the Prince of Wales
was coming to see them the next day, to view the produce.
This was the first iniative of this kind in Wales by the
National Trust, and the local planning authority with the
allotment movement. The Committee are to be congratulated.
23/10/09
His Royal Highness, Prince Charles’ Visit to Llandeilo
Civic Hall
It was a lovely sunny day and all was
in readiness for His Royal Highness, Prince Charles to visit
the Civic Hall. Bay trees from the nurseries at ‘The
Works’ framed the entrance with the plants and flowers
arrayed outside from the Country Market, and the place sparkled
with all the cleaning and polishing by our caretakers Eirwyn
and Billie. In spite of an incident of a trap door coming
down throught the ceiling while being security checked,
the Country Market waited in great anticipation for his
visit.
The Gallery had been hired for the Transition Town, Heart
of Wales and the co-operative shop in Dryslwn exhibitions
and Susan Morgan Jones’ welcoming flowers.
Myself, Tim Leadbeater, Cllr Ieuan Jones and Eira, Deputy
Mayor Christopher Parish, and Cllr Fran Murphy attended
from Llandeilo Town Council, and Cllr Tysul Evans, Chairman
of Carmarthenshire County Council and Consort Delyth Dunsmore.
The stallholders waited expectantly with stalls full with
mouth watering homemade cakes, artwork, cards, knitwear,
jewellery, market and allotment produce and the hall looked
lovely with all its banners up. Pam Steane Price was at
the tea hatch hoping the Prince would visit it.
Out in the foyer Denise Ratcliffe from Llandeilo CP School
had mounted an exhibition of the children’s work,
a silk screen exhibition of the buildings of Llandeilo led
by Nina Morgan. The school had made a box of cards of these
to give to Prince Charles. My school Ysgol Abergwili had
written a letter asking for his favourite recipe, and I
had given him one of my watercolours to say thank you for
coming to the Civic Hall.
At last a wave of anticipation ran round the room, the security
guards looking like something out of Mad Max with spaniels
had done the final ‘sweep’ and we were told
to line up outside the main doors.
The Lord Leutenant, The Honorable Robin Lewis and his wife
Judith were the first to arrive he looking splendid in his
red costume, sabre and spurs. I had met him previously at
the Scouts AGM. We chatted about Art, teaching, alpaca wool
and wild strawberries until this Jaguar glided past with
the iconic profile of the Prince - a surreal moment indeed.
The Prince of Wales got out, paparazzi knee deep and security
tight. He shook our hands and I welcomed him to the Town
and the Civic Hall. He apologised for being late and asked
me was I having a good year? I said ‘Brilliant’
and he went in. I thought he was a lovely man – so
relaxed, a kind and relevant word for for everyone.
Rhiannon Rowley – Transition Town, took him round
and he spent a lot of time with Marlene’s old ladies
from the Care Centre, and with Katka and the Allotment movement.
He also asked pertinent questions of the knitting stall,
cards and jewellry and spoke to some of the Councillors
too.
When on the cake stall he asked if it was my favourite and
I said they were all homemade and delicious. He picked up
a Bara Brith for his tea, spoke with Ann of Country Market
and then progressed upstairs to visit the Transition Town
exhibitions.
I had been detailed to take Cllr Tysul Evans and Delyth
Dunsmore round the Civic Hall and kitchen and we talked
about our need for Trustees to help run the Hall, since
we had taken it over from the County Council 27,000 people
had gone through it’s doors yearly.
We only have two caretakers and no Manager. It is a huge
undertaking and although we have gained grants this year
it will be quite a job of administration.
The day had been very successful with Prince Charles security,
PR and Police people all being so nice, Llandeilo Town had
been brought together in a communal and lovely way, aided
by the Transition Town’s remarkable iniative for which
we thank them.
Prince Charles’ visit was a great honour for the Town
and for the Civic Hall too. We hope he comes again soon.
28/10/09
Full Council Meeting.
