News
Village of the Year Competition
Llandeilo is through to the final round of the Calor Village
of the Year competition for the Mid and West Wales region.
Judges will be visiting Llandeilo in early July to see for
themselves why this is a special place to live and work. Town
Councillors Ros Bellamy and Fran Murphy are looking forward
to the chance to show off their community. “We are thrilled
to get this far,” they said, “as this is the first
time Llandeilo has entered the competition. It’s a wonderful
place with a marvellous community spirit and excellent quality
of life, so it will be great for Llandeilo to gain national
recognition.” The judges are looking at four categories
– community, business, sustainability and communications,
and they want to see how Llandeilo has met any challenges
through the community working together. Llandeilo is competing
against Llanwrtyd Wells and Knighton for the regional prize
of £2000 and the chance to get through to the all-Wales
final. Sponsored by Calor, the competition is also supported
by many organisations including the Campaign for the Protection
of Rural Wales and One Voice Wales.
Revels in the Park - Penlan Park
20th June 2009
Quote from County Councillor Ieuan Jones from a song
which the schoolchildren used to sing:
‘Slowly the evening sun is setting
O'er the banks of Penlan Park
Showing all the land with beauty
O'er Llandeilo and Ffairfach’
This was a great day-out in Llandeilo, enjoying
the flags, sampling the goods and shop fronts and taking part
in our ‘Revels in the Park’ on Midsummer Eve Saturday
June 20th and the weather held!!
This magical, free event started with storytelling
for children in the centre of Llandeilo by John Bilsborough
in the special story-telling chair made by Jonathan Garrard.
This was followed by a Grand Parade from King Street, led
by Llandovery’s Town Cryer Joe Beard and wife Sandra,
brave civic dignatories and children in amazing medieval costumes
with Guy Smith juggling skillfully for us prior to his circus
skills workshop.

Storyteller
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Parade Start
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Burry Port Silver Band were blowing well
and giving wonderful substance to the event. All the town
shop keepers that came out to cheer and lend their support.
‘Revels’ was opened by Elinor
Jones, the well known S4C presenter, who came up with some
hilarious quotes about the first party in the park from the
late Lord Dynevor.
She awarded the prizes for the best medieval
costumes – 1st prize, Elves & Fairies, Bizzy Bees;
2nd prize, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guides and Brownies;
3rd prize, Horses and Riders, Morgan Williams and Llewellyn
Davies.
Individual prize - Fion Davies looking lovely
in crimson wimple and red dress.
The window competition was won by ‘In
Stitches’ run by Ann Loynton and Ailsa Proctor who had
wrought their usual magic by knitting a mouse army, complete
with castle. Reepicheep rides again!

The Parade
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Fancy Dress Prize
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In Penlan Park there was a free climbing
wall and circus skills workshop; Llandeilo Town Council put
on a display of 150 years of town history; the St Teilo Singers
and Cor Sain Teilo choirs performed beautifully in English
and Welsh, led by Richard Whitehead and Owain Gruffydd; the
Llandeilo CP School Samba Band electrified the audience; and
there was a ballet performance, sublimely danced by the Moya
Vahey School of Classical Ballet from Cowbridge. This is the
first time that ballet has been performed here in the Park.
There were fairground rides and inflatables
for all ages; the fortune-teller, telling runes (momentous
happenings for the deputy mayor!) as well as delicious Tenovus
cream teas, ice creams and stalls for Civic Organisations
to raise their profiles.
The bucket collection by Tre-gib School pupils
for the Mayor’s Charities raised over £130.
Other stalls were raising between £60
and £70 for charities.

Samba Band
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Cor Saint Teilo
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This park event was supported and sponsored
by Carmarthenshire County Council and Llandeilo Town Council
and the Mayor of Llandeilo, Charlotte Leadbeater wishes to
thank Huw Parsons, Sian Evans and their staff, and Town Councillors
and staff for a most memorable collaboration, especially Edward
Thomas and Peter Emms for MC-ing and Elinor for opening it!
Thanks also go to St John’s Ambulance
and the inflatable doll!, Nigel Williams for the printing
of posters and flyers, the Civic Hall for chairs and tables
and Fortune Teller; Captain Pugwash of RLNI! and Andrew Evans
for the generator.
Thanks to G Hughes for these photographs,
and you can see more on the website http://www.photoboxgallery.com/3003036
where you can order copies.

Ballet
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Teilo Singers
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Game
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Rainbows Fancy Dress
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Mayor's Blog - Cllr Charlotte Leadbeater
14th May to 11 June
2009
The Mayoral Dinner
The Mayoral Dinner at the Cawdor Hotel was attended
by 115 people comprising distinguished guests, speaker William
Wilkins CBE, and his wife Lynne, County Coucillor Tysul Evans
and his Consort Delyth Dunsford, the Mayor Charlotte Leadbeater
and Consort Tim ap Hywel, fellow Councillor, outgoing Mayor
Edward Thomas, Town Clerk Roger Phillips and wife Miriam,
family, Demian, Lucy, Emily, Rhiwallon, and Thomas, friends,
Grand Theatre manager Gary Iles and wife Mary, Nigel Lowson,
Deputy Head of Worcester Grammar School and his wife Gilly,
the mayors of Llandovery,Ammanford and Glanaman town organisations.
Mary Evans our harpist from the choir, The
St Teilo Singers played beautifully while we had our sparkling
wine before the meal. Pinc and Susan Morgan-Jones had done
the flowers, Nigel Thomas printers, the lovely pink menus
– filled in most ably by outgoing Mayor Cllr Edward
Thomas and Deputy Mayor Cllr Chris Parish.
There was a lovely atmosphere and photos
had been taken of the previous Mayors and family and friends
of the incoming Mayor Cllr Charlotte Leadbeater and her husband
Tim ap Hywel.
Toasts were given to the town, guests, fellow
councillors, and her Majesty the Queen, by Roger Phillips,
our Town Clerk, Councillors Ieuan Gwyn and Colin Jenkins.
William Wilkins CBE made a marvellous speech
saying he had ‘come home’ to his home town, and
was delighted to have a mayor as an artist. He spoke about
the regeneration of Llandeilo, the Civic Hall, the culture
in Llandeilo, of the Eisteddfod, of ‘Swansea’s
Ballet Russe’, taking ballet nationwide, the festivals
of Music and Flowers, and the Senses. He praised the Town
for having raised so much money for Charity - £23,700
this year for Tenovus, and the Town Council for their hard
work and the new noticeboards on Llandeilo’s history.
The mayor thanked him warmly and gave her
speech, congratulating him on his latest global arts project,
now in it’s fourth year Artes Mundi, in Cardiff and
gave her speech.
Also she gave the details of our next big
event – the ‘Revels
in the Park’ on Saturday June 20th.
The staff and cooks at the Cawdor Hotel
provided a lovely meal for everyone, brought swiftly and with
efficient service. The mayor is enjoying her duties and hopes
to serve the Town and Fellow Councillors to the best of her
ability. She thanks everyone for all the lovely cards and
messages.
Cllr Charlotte Leadbeater
Mayor's Blog - Cllr Edward Thomas
Dec 2008 to May 2009
November 2009
Diabetic Walk and Tea

We all had a lovely day, and raised £3,019
in the process. Many, many thanks to all the walkers who came
from as far as Swansea, including Julie Oaten, our own diabetic
nurse from Llandeilo, and to Llandeilo Town Council and the
Civic Hall for sponsoring this walk. Our wonderful committee
walked too, as well as doing months of work.
Prayers for a rain free walk had been answered!
Geoff Williams from the Ramblers had done stirling work putting
up signs, doing risk assessments and getting the walkers organised
with his stewards both from the Ramblers, Rotary and Round
Table, so many thanks to all of them and their organisations.
Cllr Roy Davies entertained us with pithy and interesting
talks on the making of Dinefwr Park. Jones International bus
very kindly took the less able walkers to the Civic Hall to
do the table flowers with Susan Morgan Jones who had done
a massive amount of work on the committee with Popty Bach
y Wlad, CK & Co-op for sponsorship, food and water.
Many thanks to Alan Stevenson and Bethan
Williams from St Johns Ambulance who were actively on hand
to see there were no accidents. The rest of us enjoyed our
walk through the beautiful Dinefwr Park with its ‘keyhole
views’ and thence past ancient Llandyfeisant church
and through castle woods with Ken Day wonderfully photographing
the occasion. Thank you to the Woodland Trust and the National
Trust for their co-operation.
Community policeman Rob Smith, on hand entering
Bridge Street enjoyed his ‘operatic’ experience
in the Civic Hall, Puccini arias beautifully sung by world
famous tenor and artist Andrew Douglas Forbes and well accompanied
by Gerald Jones on the keyboard kindly lent by St Teilo’s
Church.
Julia Jones and Liz Godber had publicised
the event well and we had 55 walkers and 48 people for a very
substantial tea by Enfys of Popty Bach, including fruit and
low fat cakes and a variety of sandwiches, pancakes. Low sugar
jam was supplied by Barita’s. Raffle prizes had been
kindly donated by Peppercorn, Heel Appeal, and members of
the comittee. Janet Thomas the senior NHS diabetic nurse from
Glangwili gave us a very good presentation on the dangers
of diabetes, and some excellent advice. Wales has the highest
rate of diabetes in Britain which is a bit worrying!
Finally many many thanks to Lee Calladine
of the Diabetic Research and Wellness Foundation, without
whose leaflets, calendars, advice and encouragement this would
not have happened, also to Diabetes Cymru for sending encouragement,
forms and waterproof ponchos.
Anyone wanting to support this cause can
do so on line at www.justgiving.com/charlotteleadbeater
or ring Cllr. Charlotte Leadbeater on 01558 822045.
September 2008
World Sheepdog Trials at Dinefwr
Park
The World Sheepdog Trials (www.worldsheepdogtrials.org/new/index.php)
held at Dinefwr Park were very successful, with the weather
improving daily and thousands of people enjoying the event.
On a very wet Wednesday evening a large crowd turned out to
greet the Welcome Parade with the band of the Royal Welsh
Fusiliers (www.royalwelshband.com),
Siencyn the goat, and lancers on horseback leading the competitors
with their sheepdogs.
Flags of all nations were put up on Rhosmaen Street and children
from the local schools were encouraged to make small flags
to wave at the parade.
Llandeilo Town Council provided a Buffet Reception for competitors
in the Civic Hall. The Mayor welcomed the guests and presented
commemorative Town plates to a representative of every country.
All the competitors and organisers were delighted with the
warmth of their welcome to Llandeilo. Many visitors enjoyed
the Food and Country Fair, with plenty of good food and high
quality articles on sale from local businesses.
The crowning achievement was that the Welsh team won overall
and Aled Owen became the World Champion for the next 3 years.
August 2008
Llandeilo Show
This year for the first time the Mayor was invited to present
some prizes at the Show, but unfortunately it was cancelled
due to the terrible weather. Everyone hopes that 2009 will
bring a better summer.
July 2008
Llandeilo
Festival of Music and Flowers

The Kings Singers
The Mayor and other Councillors were delighted
to attend the opening concert with the Kings Singers. Llandeilo
Town Council sponsor this event, and this was a marvellous
performance by the world famous group.
June 2008
Penlan Park Centenary
The Centenary of Penlan Park was celebrated in fine style
on Saturday 14 June, one of the sunniest days of the summer.
A working group of councillors, staff and others had worked
hard to organise the day’s events.
A booklet giving details, and a facsimile of the original
1908 programme, was delivered to every house in Llandeilo
as a historic souvenir, and was very well received.
A parade led by Burry Port Town Band, and including many people
in Victorian or Edwardian clothing, marched up to the Park
to be met by Lord Dynevor. He officially let the Mayor and
townspeople into the Park, which was originally given to Llandeilo
by his grandfather. The High Sheriff Claire Mansel Lewiswas
present representing the Queen.
The Park was filled with activities, games and stalls run
by many local charities. Circus La Fong entertained the children
with a circus skills workshop, while the crowds heard performances
from the Teilo Singers and choirs from Llandeilo County Primary
School and Ysgol Teilo Sant. It was wonderful to hear an excellent
band play in the bandstand again. Peter Emerson Thomas acted
as a very jovial Master of Ceremonies.
The Town Council displayed a selection of D C Harries photographs
of Llandeilo, and knowledgeable councillors were on hand to
discuss planning and other issues concerning the future of
our town.
Jones International provided their old bus to shuttle people
up and down during the day, making the event accessible for
all.
Lorna Rideout from the Tenovus stall won the Best Dressed
Competition, and the day was rounded off well with a Jazz
Evening in the Civic Hall, organised by Tenovus.
May 2008
Town and Community Council Elections
Out of the 12 seats in Llandeilo’s Tywi and Castle Wards,
eleven councillors were returned unopposed. Due to an error
on her nomination papers, Julia Jones missed out on the election
but her fellow councillors unanimously voted to co-opt her
back on to the council. The council term of office will last
for 4 years to May 2012.
Mayor Making
Councillors elected Edward Thomas to serve as Mayor for 2008-9,
with Charlotte Leadbeater as Deputy Mayor.
The Annual Dinner was held at the Cawdor Hotel and was much
enjoyed by a large number of guests from a range of local
organisations, other councils, family and friends. A charity
raffle and auction raised over £700 for Arthritis Research
and Tenovus.
Town Twinning Trip
At May Bank Holiday weekend the Llandeilo Town Twinning made
their biennial trip to Le Conquet in Brittany. Mayor Edward
Thomas and Councillor Ros Bellamy went along for the first
time, and thoroughly enjoyed a delightful visit, in spite
of rather poor weather. The hosts gave a very warm welcome,
and appreciated the Mayor’s best efforts including a
memorable speech at the formal dinner. Four languages were
heard at the dinner - Welsh, English, Breton and French –
and it was lovely to sing the Welsh and Breton anthems which
share the same melody.
Mayor's News
23rd May - 27May 2008
My first official function was to travel with members of the
Town Twinning Group on their Bi-Annual Visit to Le Conquet
in Brittany. I attended the Annual Joint Committee Meeting
prior to a very enjoyable welcome party. This was my first
official speech and seemed to go down well. The next few days
the rest of the party and I were well and truly royally entertained
and we left Le Conquet on Tuesday morning with many fond memories
and new friendships. I am sure the people of Le Conquet are
still talking about my attempts to give a speech in French!
30 May 2008
The Official Handover Dinner was attended by 120 people including
various Civic Dignitaries. A most enjoyable evening and a
credit to the Cawdor Arms Hotel.
1st June 2008
I attended, with Mrs Clare Mansel Lewis High Sheriff of Dyfed,
a graduation ceremony at Llandeilo Fire station for the Dinefwr
Firefighters. A great bunch of youngsters who are a credit
to their parents.
13 June 2008
Prize Giving for Talbot Rice Academy at Newton House. Local
pupils from Tregib School did very well. Well done pupils
and staff.
14 June 2008
The Penlan Park Centenary Celebrations 1908-2008. After a
great deal of organisation and co-operation from a number
of organisations, a tremendous day for the town occurred.
On a beautiful sunny day, one of the best of the summer, the
Burry Port Silver Band led the procession to the park. From
the band to the singers, school pupils, and all the Edwardian
styled stalls it was a marvellous occasion.
The park and the renovated bandstand looked
splendid and everyone of the hundreds who attended, many in
period costume, thoroughly enjoyed the day. To top it all,
a great deal of money was raised for charity. I returned home
that evening "A Very Happy Town Mayor".
14 June 2008
Tenovus Fund Raising Event at Civic Hall - a fun night which
celebrated 25 years of Tenovus.
19 June 2008
I was honored to represent the town at the High Sheriff Garden
party – a very special event in magnificent grounds.
21 June 2008
Aweltwyi Fete followed by Macmillan Cancer Relief Barbeque
– both events very enjoyable. The later event held in
High Sheriff Ground.
22 June 2008
Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Civic service held
at Felinfoel. I was accompanied by Councillor Colin Jenkins.
25 June 2008
Council Meeting (The previous night Penlan Park Debrief Meeting)
27 June 2008
Rotary Club Handover Dinner – Accompanied by Cllr Chris
Parish - an enjoyable night held at White Hart .
12th July 2008
Llandeilo Music Festival Opening Night sponsored by Llandeilo
Town Council. A packed church were entertained by the famous
King Singers.
13 July 2008
Ammanford Town Civic Service.
15 July 2008
Attended Sheep Dog Sub Committee and Llandeilo Town Twinning
Meeting.
17th, 18th and 19th June 2008
I attended in a personal capacity 3 concerts and on the final
night presented the prize for the best dressed window.
23rd July 2008
Full Council Meeting.
7th August 2008
Opened Llandeilo Gardening Club Members' Night – very
enjoyable.
16 August 2008
Regrettably Llandeilo Show was cancelled due to the bad weather
– let’s hope next year we will have a better summer.
3rd and 4th September 2008
We entertained Visitors from Llandilo New South Wales - Grant
and Collen Bellamy. A charming couple who visited the local
schools and presented gifts. They were looked after by the
Councillors and myself and given a tour of the area by Des
Davies Technical Officer.
10th September 2008
A tremendous crowd of people gathered to watch the procession
of competitors and dogs on a very wet night. The Council had
organised for the town to be decorated with the flags of the
nations (22) and the procession was led by the Fife and Drums
of the Royal Welsh Fusilliers with Siencyn the Goat, the regimental
mascot, the Welsh Yeomenry and all the Town Counci. We were
honoured that The Chair of Carmarthenshire Council and his
Deputy was present. Also marching with us and once again giving
support to Llandeilo was Mrs C Mansel Lewis, High Sheriff.
The competitors were given a Welsh High Tea, there were some
short speeches and each team Capitan was given a Llandeilo
Town Council Plate.
11th -14th September 2008
Four days of the world Sheepdog Trials. The organisers believe
over 50,000 visited the competition and I am sure they were
impressed with Llandeilo and area.
19 September 2008
I attended Dyffryn Cennen Council Annual Dinner at the Torbay
Inn, Ffairfach. Good meal and good company.
24 September 2008
Full Council Meeting
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