Latest news with #HazelEvans
South Wales Guardian
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Packed programme of summer activities across Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire County Council is supporting families with a wide range of events, entertainment and days out as schools prepare to break up. Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: "The county council is proud to lead and support a full and diverse programme of events this summer to help families make the most of the school holidays. "Through the council's own efforts, alongside the dedication of local organisations, venues and community groups, there truly is something for everyone, whether it's affordable days out, outdoor adventures, creative workshops or cultural experiences. "Carmarthenshire is bursting with activities, events and places to explore." The Discover Carmarthenshire website is the main hub for up-to-date listings, covering everything from community festivals to family-friendly attractions. Many events are centred around county council venues and country parks. Pembrey Country Park will host a Junior Ski Camp from July 18 to 23, ranger-led cycle tours on July 21 and August 29, a Junior Summer Camp from August 4 to 9, and the EPIC Family Funday on July 26. A new addition this year is the Cwtchalla Festival on August 16, a family-friendly music event featuring tribute acts, street food, rides and entertainment by the sea. Llyn Llech Owain will offer pond dipping on July 22, survival skills on August 28, and an evening bat and nature walk on August 22. In Pendine, families can visit the Museum of Land Speed and try the nearby Caban Crazy Golf, a new 12-hole adventure course. Actif Leisure Centres will offer pool inflatables, Aqua Boards, Nerf battles, themed activity days and creative sessions throughout the holidays. The popular Actif Club holiday club returns, with half-day and full-day options for working parents. Free swimming sessions for under-16s will be available on selected weekends at Llanelli, Amman Valley and Llandovery Leisure Centres. Libraries across Carmarthenshire will run free, hands-on activities including storytime, LEGO play, crafts and coding clubs. Families can enjoy cycling along Sustrans Routes 4, 437 and 47, or explore historic sites like Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Kidwelly Castles.
South Wales Guardian
19-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli town centre events
In Carmarthenshire, a packed programme of festivals and celebrations is helping to support businesses and bring communities together, including the popular Carmarthen Merlin Festival, Llanelli 80s Festival, and the Ammanford Summer Food Festival. There are more to come including Ammanford Pride. The events are part of Carmarthenshire County Council's strategy to revitalise its town centres by attracting footfall, supporting independent traders, and creating welcoming public spaces. Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: "These events play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to bring vibrancy back to our town centres. "Made possible by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), which provides targeted funding to town councils and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across Carmarthenshire, and with the ongoing support of Carmarthenshire County Council, these events offer a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, enjoy our towns, and support local businesses. "This approach is helping to encourage community spirit and create welcoming, thriving town centres for all to enjoy." With more events still to come, residents and visitors are encouraged to get involved and enjoy what Carmarthenshire has to offer. Upcoming highlights include Carmarthen River Fest on July 19, featuring water-themed activities, food, and entertainment for all ages. On August 2, Ammanford will host its Pride event, organised by Ammanford Town Council, in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Llanelli's AugustFest, taking place on August 10, promises a full day of live music, street entertainment, family activities, and more. Organised by Ymlaen Llanelli, it is expected to be one of the summer's biggest attractions. The council said that these events are designed to draw people back into town centres, boost trade, and create a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Full event listings and updates can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
South Wales Guardian
12-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Exhibition celebrates Carmarthenshire women in sport
Smashing Boundaries: Celebrating Carmarthenshire's Women in Sports opened at Parc Howard Museum back on International Women's Day, March 8, and will run until October 19. The display honours the contributions of female athletes from across Carmarthenshire—many of whom have not previously received wide recognition, organisers say. Councillor Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "Smashing Boundaries gives long-overdue recognition to the achievements of women in Carmarthenshire's sporting history. "It's vital that we continue to uncover and share these stories, so they become a visible part of our collective heritage. "Projects like this are crucial for promoting equality in sport and encouraging young people, particularly girls, to see what's possible." Developed by CofGâr with funding from the Sporting Heritage Network, the exhibition was inspired by research from volunteer Hannah Jones, whose family history helped shape the project. CofGâr worked with local sports clubs, colleges, and Actif Sport and Leisure to gather stories and highlight the growing opportunities in women's sport. A team of young curators from across Carmarthenshire helped shape the exhibition, taking part in workshops on interviewing and filmmaking and gaining hands-on experience in research and exhibition development. The curators interviewed sportswomen from around the county and helped create the exhibition displays and written materials. On show are donated and loaned items such as jerseys, medals, and trophies, each accompanied by personal stories and interpretation. The exhibition features athletes from the past—including Margaret Jennings and Molly Phillips—as well as more recent figures like Lisa Pudner and Lynne Thomas. Up-and-coming talents are also represented, including Maygan Fox, a rising star in jujitsu. One of the latest additions is a Welsh football jersey worn by Llandeilo-born Ffion Morgan during the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Ms Morgan is currently representing Wales in the championships in Switzerland. Following its run at Parc Howard Museum, Smashing Boundaries is expected to tour other venues across the county. The exhibition aims to inspire the next generation of athletes by making these stories a visible part of Carmarthenshire's sporting heritage.
South Wales Guardian
19-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Ynysdawela Nature Park declared local nature reserve
Ynysdawela Nature Park, in Upper Brynamman, has been made the seventh local nature reserve in Carmarthenshire. This decision was approved by the council's cabinet on June 16, 2025, based on the park's biodiversity and environmental significance. It now means that Ynysdawela Nature Park is recognised as a Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Ecological surveys and investment from the Welsh Government's Woodland Investment Grant have shown that the 16.5-hectare site is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes the protected species Hazel Dormouse and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. The two species are protected under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. There are also nine species of bats, 64 invertebrate species of conservation importance, and two invertebrate species never before recorded in Wales. Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "Ynysdawela is a valuable example of how we can protect and celebrate our natural heritage while providing meaningful spaces for people to connect with nature. "Declaring it as a Local Nature Reserve will strengthen our commitment to biodiversity, climate action and community wellbeing across Carmarthenshire." The nature park, which is part of the National Forest for Wales, is a mix of ancient semi-natural woodland, coal spoil regeneration, and former farmland. It is used by schools and the local community in the Amman Valley for educational, recreational, and conservation purposes. The declaration aligns with Carmarthenshire's Tree and Woodland Strategy (2025), which promotes responsible access while protecting ecosystems. The other local nature reserves in Carmarthenshire are Pembrey Burrows and Saltings, Ashpits Pond and Pwll Lagoon, North Dock Dunes, Carreg Cennen, Glan-yr-Afon, Kidwelly, and Morfa Berwig, Bynea. More information about Carmarthenshire's green spaces and gardens can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
South Wales Guardian
17-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Carmarthenshire beach among world's best in awards
Cefn Sidan, near Burry Port, was one of 49 beaches across Wales to receive the globally recognised Blue Flag Award. The award, given by Wales' leading environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, is a symbol of quality and plays a vital role in protecting the marine environment. Cefn Sidan, an eight-mile sandy beach within Pembrey Country Park, was the first Welsh beach to receive the Blue Flag Award when it was introduced in 1988. The beach has now won the accolade 38 times, more than any other Welsh beach. Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: "I am delighted that Cefn Sidan beach has retained its Blue Flag status. "This recognition not only reinforces our commitment to protecting Carmarthenshire's coastal environment but also ensures that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a world-class, picturesque, and unique beach experience. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking team at Pembrey County Park for working hard to preserve one of Carmarthenshire's greatest beaches." The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, recognising high standards of water quality, amenities, sustainable tourism development, information provision, environmental education, safety, access, and site management. Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, congratulated Carmarthenshire on continuing to ensure Cefn Sidan is one of Wales' best coastal locations. He said: "Congratulations once again to Cefn Sidan on retaining its Blue Flag Award status. "It's great to see that Wales' very first Blue Flag Award winner continues to be not only a beautiful place to visit, but one that visitors know is clean, safe, and well-managed with excellent facilities too."
