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Home , Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthen Bay, Cefneithin, Cefn Sidan, Chairing of the Bard

LLANELLI AND CWM GWENDRAETH Local Distinctiveness Toolkit welcome CROESO and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 2

Croeso Main cover image: Quay We hope you will find this Toolkit useful and full of good things AS UPBEAT AS CHARLES WILLIAMS ... You might like to match the EXPERTS AND STORYTELLERS environment or the special places in focus. PAGES TO KEEP, PAGES TO SHARE enthusiasm of the editor Those of us who live and work in Enthusiasm is not costly; it does not involve 20 pages of the toolkit are for you as of WalesView magazine: are familiar with many intrusive signage; it does not lead to fast tourism operators while 4 items at “If you’re coming to Carmarthenshire of its appealing characteristics and are food outlets at every corner. Stories and the back of the toolkit, DIG DEEPER: on holiday, then congratulations. happy to enthuse about our favourite places, local interpretations are powerful players, LOVE CARMARTHENSHIRE, can be printed You have great taste.” the activities we love, the landscapes and and mercifully the only stage they need is as ‘handouts’ to share with visitors, possibly natural habitats that stand out for us as stars the receptive mind of the visitor. Hosts who to have at a reception facility or to equip of the show. Readers who use this toolkit will invest in knowing their area and sharing that people if they are on their way out to an already have information and back stories knowledge are generally very careful to also area where the topic is relevant. galore, all of which have the capacity to safeguard the qualities that make it special – inspire and enthrall visitors. The message that must be sustainable tourism at its best. LET PICTURES TELL YOUR STORY to all you experts out there is: ‘Keep the The majority of the images included in stories flowing!’ LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION the toolkits have been sourced from This document is a pdf which can be Visit and Discover Carmarthenshire PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS on how printed as a booklet for handy reference, image collections. You might like to use to spend the precious days of a holiday, or used on line when some enquiry requires those images in your own publications or where to eat, where to explore or picnic, a spot of checking. You are invited to cut sites. Carmarthenshire Tourist Association how to find some hidden gems: all of this and paste any text which you would find is keen to help you to access an image at local knowledge is invaluable. What their useful in your own brochures or websites. the size and resolution you need, as well hosts know and share with their guests can Words in red are hyperlinks taking you as confirm the credit line required. dramatically enhance a visitor’s experience, to relevant websites for more information Just contact our staff at: and can do so without creating harm to the at a click. [email protected] Images this page and cover: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire; Discover iStockphoto/Thinkstock © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Images this page and cover: INTRODUCTION Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 3

Fine dining at Sosban

Llanelli is one of the most famous rugby towns in the world and home to one of the most passionately harbour supported rugby clubs, the . Llanelli, particularly if they’ve brought their a strong choral tradition and a love of the Contents But sportslovers or not, visitors bikes or have buggies or wheelchairs to . A local paper is a good would find it difficult not to be accommodate. The hard surfaces of the place to gauge the temperature of any area, infected by the enthusiasm and pathway are perfect for family cycling and The Llanelli Star has been delivering and bikes can be hired from the Discovery local news since 1909. Its western version good humour on match days – not 4 Llanelli Centre. The views of the bay and across to is The Gwendraeth Star. In Welsh, the just at the Stadium and in town the Peninsula are spectacular. newspaper Papur y Cwm is a 6 but in the surrounding villages and It’s a view shared by birds from all over great favourite. 8 Burry Port 10 Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-garreg throughout Cwm Gwendraeth. the world who have made the Wetland Centre at Penclacwydd a When you hear Côr Meibion 12 stopping point. Llanelli, the male voice choir, sing 14 and Mynydd The warmth and hospitality are not limited the National Anthem (as you can 16 to match days. There’s humour at the stalls in Inland, the villages in on You Tube), you will really get 17 Carmarthenshire Unmissables Llanelli market; there’s patriotism and a love Cwm Gwendraeth have to the heart of this area and the 18 Fairs and Festivals of culture at concerts and festivals; there’s said goodbye to generous spirit of it people. 19 The Welsh Language good food and drink to enjoy at country pubs production back in – and did you know that the oldest brewery the twentieth century You may wish to start with a Handouts to print for visitors: in Wales is in , just outside Llanelli? but they retain the checklist for your immediate At the Races or on the Green best features of those vicinity, but being knowledgeable Country Park Visitors who are exploring the Wales coalmining communities about places that warrant an Llanelli Wetland Centre Coast Path will not be disappointed by – neighbourliness, social excursion will be invaluable if you Sosban Fach

the stretch of coastline on either side of enterprises of all kinds, want to keep visitors in the area. Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Llanelli Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 4

Llanelli Llanelli is a town built on the metal industries. A port for many hundreds of years, it developed as a centre for copper and iron in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The later growth in tinplate production earned it the nickname Tinopolis, a name still used today by the largest independent TV production company in Wales which has its studios in Llanelli. So synonymous was the town with tinplate that the local rugby club even adopted the sosban (saucepan) as its emblem.

modernised the rules of boxing, athletics and rowing. Yes, it seems the Marquess of HERITAGE TRAIL Queensbury rules of boxing were actually the work of Chambers, but were endorsed is the 21st century home by his university friend after whom they of Llanelli RFC and the regional rugby became known. team, The Scarlets. Group tours behind the scenes can be arranged. The move from Park did not mean abandoning old GRANDEUR RESTORED associations, though, and sosbans crown the tops of the goalposts at the new stadium. House came to national notice The Scarlets Heritage Trail traces the story Modern-day Llanelli has the St Elli shopping when it featured in the BBC programme from 1872, with audio and interactive centre, street markets on Thursdays and Restoration in 2003. It was championed software for fans to enjoy highlights - such Saturdays and a busy indoor market open by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and has since as the day in 1972 when the pubs of the six days a week. Theatr Ffwrnes is a state- undergone an astonishing transformation. town ran dry. Why? Llanelli beat the mighty of-the-art performing arts centre offering As he says, All Blacks 10-3 at . drama, comedy, music and children’s theatre “Llanelly house is Grade I listed as well as The Cwtsh café-bar. for a good reason – it’s the finest Georgian townhouse in Wales.” Llanelli Community Heritage is a fund of Did you know? local knowledge. The society has mounted There are guided tours of the restored and Llanelli takes its name from St Elli ? many blue plaques and panels throughout dressed rooms and an opportunity to take (or Ellyw) but there is argument over the town, giving visitors and residents part in a mock inquest exploring the sad the identity and even the gender invaluable information about the area and circumstances surrounding the death of of the saint – a 6th century abbott its famous sons and daughters including Mira Turner, a 22-year old maid who died at or a daughter of Brychan, the 5th actress Rachel Roberts, artist J D Innes, and the house in 1851. There are plans, too, for a century King of Brycheiniog? John Chambers who, in the 19th century, genealogy centre. Llanelly House Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Llanelli Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 5

Parc Howard

the Swiss Valley Trail

The Swiss Valley Trail starts in Llanelli and runs along an old railway track taking walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers on a gentle climb to the Lliedi reservoirs, just 4 kilometres away. It’s A GIFT FOR THE TOWN eisteddfodau memorabilia jostles for space attititudes to food – the Llanelli Pottery a well-surfaced trail which originated with souvenirs of local industry. All seem display shows the popularity of cockle more than two centuries ago as a For pottery fans, to be brought together in the wonderful dishes and rice pudding bowls! horse-drawn tramway and is perfect for in the centre of town houses a wonderful tinplate teapot made to commemorate the beginners or families. Coming back is collection of Llanelly Pottery. The museum National held in Llanelli in 1930. even easier! also tells the story of the house and the DON’T FORGET YOUR STEPNEY town to which it was given as a gift, The exhibition tells of ‘almost a pub on by newlyweds Sir Stafford Howard and every corner’ and shows, on a Band of Hope The Stepney Spare Wheel was a huge local Meriel Stepney, who bought the house plate, the reaction of a man faced with the success story in the early 1900s. Invented from the Buckley brewing family with the temptation of the demon drink, ‘Never No by Thomas Morris Davies, and manufactured Did you know? express intention of giving it to the town. Never’. Perhaps there was less division in with his brother Walter, it provided a solution Members of the protest group A prominent couple whose wedding was to the problem of punctures. Motorists the Daughters of Rebecca were ? filmed by the early filmmaker, William were able to clamp the wheel to a damaged highly active in the Llanelli area in Haggar, they bestowed their gift on their 1st Visitors might like to hear some one in order to get them home or to a the mid-19th century and many wedding anniversary in 1912. traditional music as they come into garage. It proved so successful that the of the fifteen tollgates around the breakfast. CDs of Côr Meibion Llanelli/ word ‘stepney’ is still widely used in some town were targeted. At Tŷ’r Frân Set in parkland with a bowling green, tennis Llanelli Male Choir are available to order countries as a generic term for a spare tyre. the gate was removed completely courts, duckpond, bandstand, circle online. They also welcome visitors to Car manufacturers eventually began to and dropped down a nearby pit and children’s playground, the museum rehearsals on Monday and Thursday provide spare wheels as a matter of course, shaft, although it was retrieved houses fascinating items in its displays. evenings at 7 o’clock in the Furnace but for a while the Davies brothers of and fixed back in place a couple Brewery vessels sit cheek by jowl with those Community Hall, Stradey Road. Llanelli kept motorists all over the world on of days later.

from the temperance movement, while the road. Carmarthenshire; Discover Carmarthenshire County Museum Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist The Millennium Coastal Park Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 6

The Millennium Coastal Park The Discovery Centre An almost miraculous transformation has ensured that this corner of Carmarthenshire started the new millennium with a real success story. Creativity and imagination, together with generous funding from a number of bodies, has gone into creating the Millennium Coastal Park which stretches for 22 kilometres along the .

The Discovery Centre lies at the heart of the park. Here visitors can find all the information they need about the park and its surroundings. It is also a place for indulging in coffee and cake or a light meal while taking in the stunning views. For those with no time to dally, an ice cream from the kiosk will see them on their way.

Further along the path is , once known for its weaving mills. Its pop factory, which started life as the the Pool Aerated Water Works in the Fishermen (and fisherwomen!) will find The huge scope of the project meant ten late 19th century, closed in the 1990s, but many facilities in the park. Fishing from years of hard work to create a stunning refreshment can still be found at the newly- the shore is popular at Llanelli Beach while park with tourist facilities and wildlife built Pwll Pavilion café. there is coarse fishing at Sandy Water Park havens from an area scarred by centuries and the woodland lake near Pwll. of industry. The once industrial landscape now stands transformed into a prize-winning DIVERSE WILDLIFE facility offering visitors scope to walk and Did you know? cycle, enjoy the landscape and wildlife or Although within a small area, the contrasting Stradey just inland from Pwll simply relax with a picnic. conditions of the many nature reserves is now open to the public. The home within the park make for very different of the Mansel Lewis family, it is a Running uninterrupted through the park, habitats. Compare the sea holly and grasses Victorian house and garden where the cycle/footpath forms part of the Wales which thrive in the North Dock Dunes just from skylarks (above) and linnets to Tuesday afternoon heritage tours or Coast Path. En route, cyclists and walkers near the Discovery Centre with the southern redshanks and curlews. Insect life is also garden tours are followed by tea in the can enjoy gentle exercise and a huge variety marsh orchid of the fenland at Pwll Lagoon. extremely varied with many species of dining room. (Pre-booking needed.) of sea views and landscapes. Similar diversity is found in the birdlife, bees, beetles and butterflies. Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire; Discover Aleph Studio/Borislav Borisov/Shutterstock.com Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli/ A local’sdont-miss/canoes/ checklist The M http://www.sosbanrestaurant.illennium Coastal Park Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 7 com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/47.jpg

Cefn Sidan National Wetlands Centre and Bwlch-y-gwynt

The area of Machynys, once farmland, was developed in the 19th century first with brickworks and later with steel and tinplate manufacture. This was made possible after enclosure of the land and the building of flood defences to protect it from seawater at high tide. To house workers, terraces of houses were built including those at Bwlch-y-gwynt where a community thrived until the early 1970s. Former residents have fond memories of their lives here and regularly hold reunions at which they FINE DINING reminisce about the good old days when a close and lively community meant street Further industrial reclamation has created parties, annual trips to Blackpool and a restaurant offering fine dining on local GOLDEN SANDS However, at the western end of the nobody locking their front door. Welsh produce in a Grade II listed building Millennium Coastal Park is Cefn Sidan. at Llanelli’s North Dock. It is part-owned Also within the park are many sandy This is a wide sandy beach that comes within Although the council ensured all residents by former Scarlets and Wales rugby players, beaches. Llanelli Beach is a good spot for the Pembrey Country Park (see also handout had moved out by 1971, development of Stephen Jones and . It is not family picnics and donkey rides, while page). Its many miles of sand are patrolled the land did not begin until after the turn of suprising, therefore, that the restaurant is at Burry Port surfers take advantage of by lifeguards who make safe swimming the 21st century. Since then the Machynys called Sosban. conditions which are just right for their possible, while its regular receipt of the Blue Golf Club and Spa has been built on the site, sport. Be aware, however, that the swift Flag over more than twenty years guarantees with a golf course created by the Nicklaus waters of the estuary mean that swimming its water quality. The country park also Design company, taking advantage of the Did you know? is not recommended and there are therefore offers wildlife trails and birdwatching hides, old claypits as well as the wonderful location Machynys is mentioned in one no lifeguards on these beaches. a dry ski slope and the longest toboggan run with its views across the estuary. of Wales’ earliest ecclesiastical ? in Wales. works called ‘The Book of ’, compiled in the 12th century and now held at the National Library in birdwatching, up close . The name Machynys is thought to mean Monk’s Island The eastern end of the coastal park is marked (from Mynach = monk, and ynys = by the National Wetland Centre Wales island). Regular flooding of the land where numerous hides give opportunities at high tide would have created an to get close to many different bird species. island of sorts and it is possible that a Canoe safaris during the summer holidays Burry Port allow an even closer look! monastery once existed here. Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Burry Port and Pembrey Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 8

The Burry Port Lighthouse is a well-loved blue plaque near Pwll commemorates BRASSY AND BEAUTIFUL local landmark that sits on the outer harbour Earhart landing nearby, while a much older just beyond the new marina. Really a memorial at the Gardens Burry Port has a strong musical tradition harbour light, it is a short, squat building, in Stepney Road states that the plane flew and is rightly proud of its very own painted in red, white and black, and its to Burry Port. It seems both places have a Burry Port Town Band. The traditional brass distinctive design makes it a cheery mascot claim to fame – Pwll as the spot where the band has been highly successful, winning for the town. A walk around the marina, plane touched down and Burry Port as the many awards and appearing with well- with its sailing boats tinkling at anchor and crew’s first landfall after the seaplane was known soloists such as local boy and West stunning views across to Gower, is a very towed to the harbour here. This confusion End star, John Owen Jones. The band has Burry Port pleasurable experience and, if visitors are is nothing compared to that of Earhart and adult, youth and junior sections and hosts tempted to put to sea, fishing and pleasure her companions who thought they were an annual festival, The Solo and trips are available from Burry Port in season. in Ireland! Although Earhart was just a Ensemble Day. Visitors may enjoy listening and Pembrey passenger, the journey made history as the to one of their CDs or even attending a first time for a woman to cross the Atlantic rehearsal. The band meets on Sunday With its older neighbour at FLYING HIGH by air. Four years later she made the flight afternoons and occasional Tuesday evenings Pembrey, Burry Port forms part solo, this time aiming for , but landing at the Old Copperworks School. (Find them of a lively community on the Blue plaques and memorial stones in the in Northern Ireland – where there are on Facebook or Twitter @burryportband for banks of the Loughor estuary. area show a strong local rivalry between presumably more memorials in her honour! more details.) Burry Port and neighbouring Pwll over who Its harbour lies in the Millennium can claim Amelia Earhart, the pioneering Did you Know? Coastal Park and has benefited aviator, for their own. In 1928, Earhart and A pedestrian bridge at the marina is named after Jack Mariti, a steelworker from hugely from rejuvenation under two male pilots crossed the Atlantic and Italy who lived in Burry Port. He was a well-loved character and is credited with set down in the estuary having run short the project. saving over 200 lives along this stretch of coast in his role as a volunteer lifeguard.

of fuel on their flight to Southampton. A Band Carmarthenshire; Discover Burry Town Port Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Burry Port and Pembrey Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 9 Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales;

STORMS AND SHIPWRECKS The inscription records that Adeline was ENJOYING THE WILDLIFE walkers through Pembrey Country Park and a niece of Josephine, “consort of that Pembrey Forest and Nature Reserve Below The coastline here has changed enormously renowned individual Napoleon Bonaparte”. The area offers ramblers a choice of many the actively growing sand dunes is a rich over the centuries and is still subject to inland and coastal footpaths. Pembrey saltmarsh. Together they make up the the power of wind and waves. One 19th- Previously hidden wrecks continue to be Mountain is well worth exploring, with Pen- Pembrey Burrows and Saltings Local Nature century casualty was the old harbour at exposed along the shore and items such y-mynydd picnic site a good starting point Reserve, rich in bird, insect and plant life. Pembrey which became so silted up that as the anchor uncovered at Cefn Sidan for woodland and hillside walks offering all marine traffic moved to Burry Port just a in February 2014, twelve feet in length wonderful views – across three counties on For those who enjoy noisier pursuits short walk away. Pembrey Old Harbour, now and weighing one tonne, can suddenly a clear day. Birdwatchers will be delighted and an adrenaline fest Pembrey Motor listed, has also undergone a transformation find themselves in daylight after centuries by the range of birdlife. Kestrels, buzzards, Racing Circuit might just fit the bill. as part of the Millennium Coastal Park. beneath the sand. greenfinches and long-tailed tits are One option is to test your own car to its commonly sighted, while seasonal visitors limits, to discover its potential. Shifting sands and fast currents have led to Not far from St Illtyd’s church is Y Cwrt include the brambling, redwing, whitethroat hundreds of shipwrecks here, giving rise to (known locally as Court Farm). This an and sedge warbler. Industrial heritage is stories of wreckers who deliberately lured Elizabethan house, the oldest of its kind still also evident in small pit workings, stone ships into danger. Whether or not these surviving in Carmarthenshire. It is said to quarrying and a still visible tramway. tales are to be believed, many drowned have been a landmark for sailors who used seamen and passengers are buried at the its tall chimneys and the church tower as The continues along this Did you know? ancient St Illtyd’s church in Pembrey. navigational aids. For many years the ruin stretch of the estuary, passing through The circular enclosure outside the ? A memorial stone tells of Adeline Coquelin stood neglected, but is now the subject of the marina at Burry Port, the dunes south church of St Illtyd’s in Pembrey was who was just 12 years old when La Jeune an enthusiastic campaign for restoration by of Pembrey and above the long stretch used to house stray livestock. Emma foundered nearby in 1828. The Friends of Court Farm. of golden sand at Cefn Sidan, taking A local’s checklist Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 10

Kidwelly The ancient town of Kidwelly lies on the Gwendraeth estuary above Bay. It is dominated by the magnificent mediaeval which rises above the Gwendraeth Fach. The castle is a superb example of the many built in Wales by the Normans to command the areas they had invaded, but where they still came under attack. It has survived the centuries well, despite many bitter battles and frequent capture and recapture by opposing sides in the long struggle against domination by the English crown.

HEROIC PRINCESS

The castle holds an important place in Welsh history as the target of Princess Gwenllian’s ill-fated attack in the 12th century. Near the gatehouse is a memorial to Gwenllian, the warrior princess. At a time when succession to the English throne was being hotly disputed, Welshmen saw their chance to regain some of their lost lands from the Norman invaders. , Prince of , went north to seek help in this struggle from the family Did you know? of his wife, Gwenllian. One of Gwenllian’s sons, who became known as The Lord Rhys, ? During her husband’s absence, Gwenllian Did you know? Hen fenyw fach Cydweli yn gwerthu losin du, is credited with the establishment of took the initiative against a new Norman The ‘dear old lady of Yn rhifo deg am ddime, ond unarddeg i mi. the eisteddfod at the cultural heart threat. She led a courageous attack against Cydweli’ who features in ? Wel dyna’r newydd gore ddaeth i mi, i mi of Wales. He held a great gathering Kidwelly Castle, but was not successful and a well-known nursery rhyme Oedd rhifo deg am ddime, ond unarddeg i mi. of poets and musicians in 1176 and one of her sons was killed in the battle. could have been Lady offered a chair at his table for the best Norman revenge was swift and brutal. Hawise de Londres who Little old lady of Kidwelly selling treacle toffee Gwenllian was beheaded for treason. Counting ten a halfpenny, but eleven for me. poet. This tradition continues today lived in Kidwelly Castle in Legend has it that a spring flows from the Well that’s the best news that ever came to me, with the annual chairing of the bard the 13th century: spot where she died at Maes Gwenllian Counting ten a halfpenny, but eleven for me. at the National Eisteddfod. (Gwenllian’s Field). Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 11

Birdwatching at Kidwelly Quay Mynydd-y-garreg Just above Kidwelly is the village of Mynydd-y-garreg, meaning Mountain of the Stone, where an upland walk rewards visitors with stunning views across hillside and coast. Old quarries, now flooded, create a haven for wildlife, from gentle butterflies and dragonflies to more dramatic birds of prey. More evidence of past industry can be seen in old tramways and limekilns. The particular geology which lent itself to the creation of such industry has now given Mynydd-y-garreg its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The oldest canal in Wales can also be found Man of the Mountain re-named in his honour during his lifetime at Kidwelly. It is the Kymer canal, just three making him of Heol Ray Gravell, miles long and opened in 1768. It has now Ray Gravell, born in Kidwelly, was brought Mynydd-y-garreg. been partially restored together with a up in Mynydd-y-garreg and was its greatest section of the old quay and has become a ambassador, spreading his message “West His huge presence in both body and spirit haven for birdlife, recognised by the RSPB. is Best” throughout Wales. A giant of a man, made him an unforgettable character. he played rugby for Llanelli, Wales and the On his sudden death in 2007, there was a Did you know? For those interested in industrial heritage, British Lions in the 1970s and great outpouring of grief and the Kidwelly Industrial Museum tells the 80s and was one of those his funeral service was held at A sword is used in gorsedd story of the tinplate works, second oldest who took part in Llanelli’s Stradey Park in order to house ceremonies, but – in order to in the UK and with remains still evident historic defeat of the All the many thousands of mourners, demonstrate that bards meet in today. Opening times vary, so it’s essential Blacks in 1972. In later among them sportsmen, peace - the whole blade is never to check the website before visiting. years, he became known as politicians, poets and musicians. exposed . During the crowning and a broadcaster and actor in A memorial stone can be seen on chairing of the bard ceremonies both Welsh and English. He the mountainside at Mynydd-y- at the National Eisteddfod, the was one of few to be equally garreg with lines composed by sword is held partially unsheathed well-known to audiences in the poet Tudur . The verse over the head of the victorious both languages, identified throughout the describes him as ‘enaid mawr y mynydd’, poet while the cries, “A prinicipality and across both cultures simply ‘great soul of the mountain’. oes heddwch?” (Is there peace?) as ‘Grav’. In 1997 he was appointed to the to which the assembled company role of sword bearer, a ceremonial position Another memorial to Ray Gravell was replies: “Heddwch!” (Peace!) When in the Gorsedd that he held with great erected at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli. In not in use, the sword is displayed at pride, later taking the bardic name of Ray acknowledgement of his great love for his the National History Museum in o’r Mynydd (Ray of the Mountain). He was home, the plinth was quarried from stone at St Fagans near . Kidwelly Industrial Museum also privileged to live in a street that was Mynydd-y-garreg. Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Calin Tatu/Shutterstock.com Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; A local’s checklist Pontyberem Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 12

Pontyberem Is this the Cwm? The longstanding soap opera Visitors who explore the which runs on the Welsh-language Gwendraeth valley may be television channel, , is entitled surprised to see in Pontyberem Pobl y Cwm, the people of the and Bancffosfelen such large valley. And yes, Ioan Gruffydd really did star in it for several villages of terraced housing. The years before he was exported to fact that this was an important Hollywood! The exact location coalmining area is often of the drama’s fictional village, overlooked in the general story of Boxing Night at the hall Cwmderi, is not specified, but it has to be Pontyberem, doesn’t it? the coal industry in , paypackets, ensured the building of The but the hard anthracite coal mined Memorial Hall and institute, opened in Watch the opening film sequence, here was of very high quality. In 1934. It comprised a large reading room, look at the architecture, listen to the accents in the café. The 1913, the mines at Pontyberem lecture hall, library, ladies’ room, billiard room and games room, and a refreshment real café in Pontyberem is called, Carmarthenshire County Museum employed some 1,300 colliers. room. It also contained the Pontyberem appropriately, Caffi Cynnes (cynnes Roll of Honour marking the deaths of the meaning ‘warm’ and relating to Did you Know? The names of the collieries remind us that 43 servicemen lost in the First World War. the welcome). It is owned by the The renowned Pontyberem this happened in the The Art Deco influence on the building is community and its profits support safety lamps were made by John heart of the countryside – Glynhebog, still to be seen today in the symmetry and community ventures – worth Jones (1879–1976) who worked the valley of the falcon; Pentremawr – clean lines. paying for a cuppa here, therefore. as Colliery Chief Mechanic at large village, its size creating quite a stir; Pentremawr Colliery. They were Pontyberem – the bridge where the stream, made from thin brass, stood at Nant Beran, meets the Gwendraeth river, Performing at Pontyberem just over 20cm high and bore the the frothy current resembling a yeasty brew today… maker’s name in raised brass foil: (berem is yeast). JOHN JONES MAKER PONTYBEREM. The hall is a popular venue for concerts and eisteddfodau. Visitors might well catch The examples that have been Memorial Hall and Institute an event where internationally renowned recorded were made between 1900 musicians star – harpist Catrin Finch, and 1923, when the Pontyberem As in other mining communities, the tenor Rhys Meirion and Simfonia Cymru, a collieries were thriving. After the working families of Pontyberem felt progressive chamber orchestra, are among Coal Mines Act was passed in 1911, a responsibility to provide amenities those who have performed in recent times. regulations regarding safety lamps for recreation and self-improvement. But keep an eye on their programmes for became stricter and that may be the Contributions of a penny a week, quite a more unusual events, such as the Boxing reason why production stopped. sacrifice from miners bringing home small Night or Country Music. A local’s checklist Pontyberem Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 13

HISTORIC GATHERING On August 25th, 1843, as many as three Pontyberem Boy thousand people came to the Great Meeting Country Music Favourites There are two reasons for taking a walk on Sylen Mountain to hear speeches from is one of the best referees Gwenda Owen and her daughter on Sylen mountain, just four miles from the best orators among them. A reporter in , respected and applauded Gaynor are much in demand at Pontyberem. Visitors can enjoy fine from The Times, Thomas Campbell Foster, throughout the world, and closely watched gigs and concerts throughout views of Cwm Gwendraeth, and out over attended, as well as a lithographer from The by his Pontyberem friends. In his popular Wales, often collaborating with , which are uplifting all year Illustrated News. The coverage they autobiography, he writes of the personal choirs and other singers at round. What was once a coalfield has been gave to the protestors’ cause finally led to a crisis he faced before he “came out” as gay – Welsh-language events which reclaimed by nature, so the spoil heaps of massive petition to be presented to Queen among the first to do so Cynheidre colliery are now green hillocks. Victoria and ultimately to changes in the in the macho world of can nevertheless offer visitors the law. A blue plaque on Sylen Mountain is in professional rugby. He international language of music. The other reason, which will appeal honour of those who fought injustice and also has a great store particularly to historians, is that Sylen succeeded. of rugby anecdotes mountain was where the Great Meeting and is a favourite on was held in 1843, one of the concluding television chatshows. events in the ‘Riots’ organized by protestors who called themselves Rebecca’s Daughters. The previous action had consisted of attacks on tollgates, the very tangible symbol of how country folk were being oppressed. But by 1843 Did you Know? their approach had changed and open Pontyberem has a glamorous air meetings were held, calling for Welsh Through and Through 007 connection – tenuous, but political action. interesting! In 1915 Dorothy In Pontyberem and the surrounding Squires was born in a showman’s valley, visitors will come across the Welsh language at every turn, because these caravan at a camp just outside are the heartlands of the language. A Pontyberem. Apparently she community enterprise initiative, Menter yearned for a piano when she was Cwm Gwendraeth, is devoted to furthering a child but had to make do with the use of the language and the vigour of an ukulele, which she put to good the communities. Posters advertising all use at her first gigs at the Working kinds of activities demonstrate how central Men’s Club in Pontyberem. Dorothy the Welsh language is to everyday life. The lived a colourful life, with many mascot created way back in 1991 when court appearances, several of them the organisation was formed is a figure arising from her marriage and made, appropriately, of coal – glo – and is subsequent divorce from Roger called Glöyn. The book shop in the village is Moore, saint and spy. named after him! A local’s checklist Cefneithin and Mynydd Mawr Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 14

Cefneithin and Mynydd Mawr Locally produced food Just a mile from Cefneithin is This was the coalmining area of the very best out of his players. When Barry Cwm Cerrig Farm Shop, where Carmarthenshire, the western John was a youngster, he idolised Carwyn visitors can stock up on food James, who was a student at that time, and drink products to take end of the home, or just enjoy them on where hard anthracite was mined playing fly-half for Llanelli and for Wales. Carwyn spent hours on Cefneithin rugby the spot in the large grill area. for over a hundred years. Today, pitch practising moves, and Barry was like Welsh lamb, beef, chutneys it is hard to imagine the intensive an apprentice to him, running for the ball and pickles, hampers, industry but the very existence of and kicking it back to his master. Just over a local beers, Welsh vodka … villages such as and decade later, the two of them would travel something for every palate. together to the Southern Hemisphere and Tumble remind us of the working come back victorious. communities that grew up here. At one time, so prevalent were the coal tips that the area was known as ‘the land of the pyramids’. Now Nature has reclaimed its territory.

For many Welsh rugby fans, Cefneithin is a place of pilgrimage. Two of the greatest figures in the history of the game came from this small rugby club, where the pride and Going to the Pictures enthusiasm can still be felt. For families who have never had experience of a traditional picture- It was in 1971 that the British Lions won house, they should check what’s the series against the All Blacks, an amazing showing at Cross Hands Public Hall. feat, and their only triumph against the How different from a multiplex home team out of all their tours. Locals will cinema this Art Deco building is. proudly tell you that the achievement was They won’t forget the old-fashioned down to two men from the Gwendraeth style, no matter what film they see. Fawr, and they were both from the little industrial village of Cefneithin. was the genius fly-half – hellbent on Far left: , inspirational coach, broadcaster winning. Carwyn James was the experienced, and columnist for The Guardian. Left: Barry John, knowledgeable coach who knew how to get winner of 25 Welsh caps between 1966 and 1972 A local’s checklist Cefneithin and Mynydd Mawr Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 15

In days gone by, waggons full of anthracite – 585 men on the books in 1923 – worked coal would be pulled by steam trains from on six separate seams, including yr Wythïen the villages of Pen-y-groes, Cross Hands, Fawr, the Big Vein. Cefneithin and Tumble to the docks in Llanelli. The activity was relentless. In the The Great Mountain Colliery, Tumble and Gwendraeth valley, like in so many others, the sidings where coal used to be loaded people were totally dependent on coal onto the wagons is now rich meadow land, for their livelihood. When the coalmines part of Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park. There closed, one by one, the railway they had are several entrances to the park for vehicles used to take coal to the docks was no longer and for pedestrians who come to enjoy the needed, but the route of the old Mynydd natural world and the peaceful environment. Mawr railway was a good one. The village of Tumble is, as the name suggests, on a steep hill. Cyclists will find refreshments there before continuing Route 47 towards Cynheidre and, if they’re still full of stamina, onwards to the picturesque Lliedi The track has a new life these days – it was reservoirs above Llanelli. used as a foundation for a new cycleway, developed by Sustrans, a group devoted to The battle with the grime and blackness be surprised if a jay screeches as sustainable transport. So now Route 47 of of coal dust is over now and it races past. Strange to think the National Cycle Network runs from the wildlife is flourishing. The surveys that this unbroken countryside opening next to the cinema in Cross Hands undertaken show a huge diversity was once the site of major over to Tumble, where it emerges near the of nesting birds, small mammals collieries. At Blaenhirwaun, Great Mountain Working Men’s Club. It’s an and flowering plants. Because there one shaft was 200 metres deep

Targn Pleiades/Shutterstock.com Targn easy and pleasant ride, suitable for families. are plenty of trees, cyclist should not and the men who worked there

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED At Cynheidre, railway historians and volunteers are hard at work on a 2000 tons of coal a week was heritage venture. They are developing produced at Great Mountain Colliery part of the former colliery site in in 1892 and by 1918 it was decided order to have a working railway to open another drift. For about and tourist attraction. Visitors who twenty years there were almost a have expertise or knowledge of thousand miners working on the site. comparable ventures elsewhere The colliery was closed in 1962, with would be made most welcome at the most of the miners being taken on Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway. at Cynheidre Colliery. A local’s checklist Llangennech Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 16

There are certainly atmospheric buildings. Photographer Paul White captured the LLANGENNECH TALENT ruined Tŷ Parc, Llangennech (left) perfectly in his book with poet Damian Walford How does the anchorman at BBC news Davies, Ancestral Houses: Lost Mansions introduce himself on Twitter? First of Wales. and foremost as a Welshman who lives in London – ‘Cymro yn Llundain’ and ‘BBC presenter’. Then come the IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS… really important items: ‘Llanelli boy and Scarlets fan’. Yes, Actually, it’s up to the woods. To the north attended Llanelli Grammar School from of the link road, the A4138, Trosserch the age of eleven but he grew up in the

© Paul White © Paul Road leads eventually to a path (that is not village of Llangennech and his career is currently signposted, unfortunately) into closely followed by friends and family Troserch Woods. This is such a good place in the area. He returns to Wales to Llangennech for wildlife it’s a great pity that it is not support numerous organizations, better known. On the flickr website, not least Shelter Cymru, for whom he The sprawling village of The Troserch Woodlands Society has is a president. Llangennech looks out over the assembled excellent pictures of the Loughor estuary as it begins to butterflies and fungi that can be found “No-one should have to face the widen and resemble a proper sea. there, which should be more than enough threat of homelessness alone to tempt lovers of wildlife to track down It was essentially a coalmining and that’s why I am honoured to this lovely place. Picnic tables and benches support this charity.” settlement, with the Morlais are provided. Be sure to tell visitors to wear Colliery as its centerpiece, though wellingtons, unless a spell of dry weather has many of its inhabitants would surprised us. have found work in the tinplate Hywel Teifi Edwards, Huw’s father, industry in Llanelli itself. Though was an eminent professor who the recent link road from the M4 delighted in the history and has caused a parting down its , and he loved middle, Llangennech is still a good the village of Llangennech. People place to explore. Down by the invariably queued to hear his , anglers try their luck lectures, to smile at the insults and exclamations he hurled, and to at sea fishing, while further up the witness the absence of any paper village, there are good walks along or script. The man was a genius. the river Morlais. A local’s checklist Carmarthenshire Unmissables Carmarthenshire Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 17

From left to right: National Botanic Garden of Wales; As soon as you begin to choose highlights, there’s so much scope to offend. But as well as The Boathouse, ; Castle Woods and Dinefwr your own particular favourites, be sure to know about events at these great attractions. Castle. Below: ; red kite

National Botanic Garden and drinking opportunities in the town. ‘Capablility’ Brown. There is an admission centre of the thriving woollen industry of Wales, Llanarthne The castle overlooking the estuary is charge for the house and a parking fee if you in Wales. Shirts and shawls, blankets and The Great Glasshouse and the central splendid. The Laugharne Weekend every come by car. bedcovers, woollen stockings and socks gardens area are full of beautiful plants all April and other festivities attract visitors were all made here, and sold not only year round. Less well known are Waun Las from near and far. National Wool Museum, in Wales but to the rest of the world. National Nature Reserve and the magical Dre-fach Felindre Machines in the building that was the wooded valley of Pont Felin Gât – perfect for Castle Woods and Dinefwr Set in the village of Dre-fach Felindre in the former Cambrian Mill are still working! roaming, picnics and birdwatching. Park, beautiful Teifi valley, which was once the Visitors can watch a demonstration and A ‘return free within 7 days’ policy operates Visitors can walk up to experienced staff are happy to answer from Easter right through the summer, through the woodland nature reserve questions. After tracing the process from because it really is impossible to see called Castle Woods, free of charge. fleece to fabric, visitors are usually keen on absolutely everything in a day. Motor Entrance to Dinefwr Castle is also free. the café … powered and manual wheelchairs are In the broadleaved woodlands, oak, ash, available. Visitors to the Botanic Garden beech and sycamore are the commonest RED KITE FEEDING on Fridays can take advantage of the free trees, and other wildlife such as lichens and CENTRE guided tours of the Great Glasshouse. ferns abound. Birds such as nuthatches, What a display of woodpeckers and treecreepers are aerobatics visitors get Laugharne common. In winter, woodcock use at the Red Kite Feeding As well as enjoying The Boathouse, visitors the woodlands. Wild fallow deer roam Centre at Llanddeusant. can visit the writing shed or walk the through the wooded ridges and in the Every day, at 2.00pm (in winter) Birthday Walk, based on the poet’s fine parkland there are white park cattle. The or 3.00pm (in summer), visitors can watch ‘Poem on His Birthday’. Dylan’s haunts National Trust owns Newton House and them swoop and dive, and appreciate the include Browns Hotel, recently refurbished, the beautiful parkland in which it stands, fact that the kite population has recovered.

Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; Discover Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; and there are plenty of other eating which was designed in part by Lancelot This beautiful bird has been saved. A local’s checklist Fairs and Festivals Carmarthenshire Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 18

Fairs and Festivals It’s great to have somewhere to go where there’s a party atmosphere, a sense of occasion, celebration and fun. Fairs and festivals are just what people need to confirm that they really are on holiday. Some extra festivals will no doubt come and go, but the following seem to be annual events which are evolving into traditions. Discover Carmarthenshire keeps the listings page up-to-date so it’s worth checking it often. Agricultural Shows can be a delight for city dwellers, so information April The Laugharne Weekend – musicians, poets, writers, all mingling about which ones visitors might aim for would be good to keep. May Geopark Festival – talks, walks and explorations in the area There’s plenty of choice, from Cothi June Carmarthen Riverside Festival – coracles and other craft on the Tywi Bridge Show (above) and Welsh Game Fair, Carmarthen – falconry, wildfowling, stunts and entertainment YFC Show held in May (the latter at Carmarthen showground) to July Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music and Jazz Festival – recitals by acclaimed classical Show in September. performers, and all that jazz ... July shows include Bancffosfelen, National Archaeology Day celebrations, Carmarthen Museum Cwmdu and Trap, while August is August Merlin Festival, Carmarthen – fancy dress, storytelling and circus tricks show time for , and . September Sheep Festival, – expert shearing, vintage machinery, with castle as centre stage

November Llandeilo Christmas Festival of Senses – shops and societies getting very Christmassy The United Counties Showground at Nantyci is home to all kinds of fairs and special events throughout the year, so it is worth keeping an Events which can capture the imagination eye on the website to know when are held at various venues throughout the And of course, there’s always a the Antiques and Fleamarket or the year so keep their programmes for reference Day at the Races to consider. Caravan and Motorhomes Show and check their websites: The National Ffos-las Racecourse host events come round on the rota. Good Botanic Garden of Wales, the Lyric Theatre, several times a month: afternoon to know also which Sundays are Carmarthen, House and Garden racing; evening racing; family fun reserved for the straightforward – (right), Newton House and Dinefwr Park, days. Their fixtures list is always but very popular – carboot sales.

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre up-to-date on line. CarmarthenshireImages: Discover A local’s checklist THE WELSH LANGUAGE: CYMRAEG Carmarthenshire Local Distinctiveness Toolkit 19

SOUNDS OF CONSONANTS

Most consonants are as in English, so it’s: b,d, ff, h, l, m, n, p, s, t

The others follow these rules:

c k sound ch ch as in ‘loch’ dd th as in ‘the’ f v sound g as in ‘got’, not ‘general’ Welsh place-names are easy to understand ng ng as in ‘sing’ when you know how. They are descriptive, put your tongue ready for ‘l’ and echo a past when topography and but blow (‘Llanelli’) landscape features were vitally important in ph ph as in ‘phone’ navigation across land. th th as in ‘thin’ BRYN – hill (brynne) Did you know? Here are some words you can share with AFON – river (ahv-on) Have a go! ? visitors on a daily basis without causing FAN – beacon / peak (van) Welsh is the ancient language of Britain. any confusion. MYNYDD – mountain (mun-eeth) In the seventh century you could have CWM – valley (cwmb – the ‘b’ is silent) • Carmarthenshire is one of Wales’s travelled (on horseback) from SHWMAE – How are you – this is a – church or settlement (Llahn) Welsh-language strongholds. Visitors all the way to Cornwall, and spoken local colloquial way of saying it CAER – fort (kyre) will encounter the language on signs, in nothing but Welsh the whole way. Places (shoo-ma-ee) CASTELL – castle (cas-tell) place-names, and in the communities along the route still show their Welsh BORE DA – Good morning (boreh dah) GARDD – garden (garth – but ‘th’ as in ‘the’) and places they visit. origins: Melrose, Moelrhos, the bare PRYNHAWN DA – Good afternoon Tŷ – house (tee) headland; Ecclefechan, Eglwys Fechan, (prun ha-oon dah) MAWR – large (mah-oor) • The 2011 Census revealed that over the little church. NOS DA – Goodnight (nohs dah) BACH – small (as in J. S. Bach) 78,000 people in Carmarthenshire speak DIOLCH – Thank you (dee-olch) ABER - mouth or confluence (abber) Welsh. So visitors will have no trouble HWYL – Bye (Hoo-eel) PONT - bridge (pont) hearing the language Welsh is spoken today in Patagonia, South America. The Welsh emigrated in • Give your visitors confidence – once large numbers in the nineteenth century Pehaps you should warn guests they know the sounds all the consonants and established a community in Chubut. that ‘the little house’, tŷ bach, make, they’ll be fine! Welsh is consistent, The Welsh-Argentine community is still is our polite way of referring and every consonant you come to is flourishing and has many of Wales’s to the toilet. Don’t want them pronounced. There are no silent letters. passions: rugby, the eisteddfod, music. heading to the wrong place … So ‘Have a go’, say something in Welsh! ! Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; DIG DEEPER Love Carmarthenshire

At the Races or on the Green

Set in the rolling countryside of private box with waiter service and a private The 18-hole Abbey Course is of Carmarthenshire, at balcony? And no worries about transport – championship standard and designed to This is the first National Hunt and Flat landing your helicopter can be arranged! challenge and stimulate even the most north of Llanelli, is the UK’s Turf racecourse to be built in the United experienced golfer. Greens are well youngest racecourse. Ffos Las tells Kingdom for 80 years and is suitable for The racecourse is also home to a widely- maintained and visitors have commented a hugely successful tale of 21st- all kinds of events. Jockey used conference centre, so if horseracing on a great day’s golf and a warm welcome century rejuvenation of land once Willie Carson loved the place and was full is not your thing, look out for one of their received. To ensure there is something to of praise for the track, which is attracting many concerts, exhibitions, fayres or suit players at all levels, the club also has a scarred by industry. It was created race-goers from far and wide – including Saturday car boot sales instead. driving range, chipping and putting greens on the site of an opencast coal many who cross from Ireland to enjoy and the nine-hole Mission Course for mine and opened in June 2009, a day in the Welsh countryside. The beginners. the beauty of its setting belying racecourse offers events all year round GLYN ABBEY GOLF CLUB with many feature races, family fun Their Capers Restaurant offers light snacks, its industrial past. Surrounded racedays and a range of daytime and Trimsaran, not content with a spanking a children’s menu, a range of reasonably- by green fields and with views evening meetings. new racecourse, also offers superb golfing priced dishes and a Sunday carvery, all of the Gwendraeth Valley and facilities at the Glyn Abbey Golf Club. amid the lovely setting of the Gwendraeth Carmarthen Bay, it must be one Ffos Las prides itself on its amenities and Not far from Ffos Las, it shares the same valley, so even if your view of golf is that offers a variety of restaurant facilities wonderful views. Why not look into one of ‘it’s a good walk spoiled’, you will still find of the prettiest places to watch and hospitality packages. If you’re really their Birdies and Bets offers, combining a Glyn Abbey worth a visit!

horseracing. celebrating, why not splash out on a round of golf with a visit to the races? Images © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales DIG DEEPER Love Carmarthenshire

patrolled by lifeguards who ensure this is a safe place for swimming.

• Ski Pembrey is a dry ski slope with separate ski and snowboarding facilities open to all-comers, while the more experienced can take advantage of slalom runs and jumps. Thrillseekers will also delight in the Cobra, the longest toboggan ride in Wales.

• Other outlets for the energetic include pony trekking through the forest (courtesy of the park’s equestrian centre), cycling (bikes available for hire), a giant adventure playground and plenty of scope for ball games in the many acres of parkland. beautiful , can • For a more leisurely make even a rug on the beach and approach, there are the simplest of sandwiches seem woodland trails and a like fine dining. Corsican pine forest to explore and, for even quieter • During the summer months you contemplation of the natural may also come across a clown or a Pembrey Country Park surroundings, the conservation pond and magician on your way through the park, bird hides are ideal. so keep your eyes peeled. While you are Pembrey Country Park guarantees a wonderful day out for all the about it, be on the lookout for birds of family. Whether your taste is for wildlife or sport, woodland or seaside, • If even this sounds too energetic, take prey such as goshawks and sparrowhawks exercise or relaxation, the park has something for you. advantage of the miniature railway which are attracted to the forest area, a which runs at weekends from Easter to nature reserve forming part of a Site of September and daily throughout the Special Scientific Interest. Covering an area which stretches from • Cefn Sidan is a truly magnificent eight- summer holidays. Hop on for a tour! the Pembrey Saltings to Pembrey Forest, mile long stretch of sandy beach, a huge • For dog owners, the park is a treat. extending north to the Celtic Trail cycle open space that guarantees you will never • The park has other facilities, too, notably Although only allowed on the sands route and south to the sea at Cefn Sidan, be crowded and making kiteflying here cafes and a beach kiosk and of course during the winter months, dogs are the park takes in a wide area of countryside a joy. You may recognise it as a location plenty of space to settle down with a welcomed in the rest of the park all year and it is hard to know where to begin in for the BBC’s Atlantis series. A consistent picnic. In fact all those miles of golden round – “but only when accompanied by

describing all it has to offer. holder of the Blue Flag, its clear waters are sand, and the accompanying view of the well-behaved owners”! Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; DIG DEEPER Love Carmarthenshire

On your bike

Cycling is not generally allowed at the centre, but in the summer holidays a fleet of 25 bikes is available for visitors, offering gentle exercise as you explore the wetland trail.

The centre also offers great facilities in its superb Estuary Café, shop and art gallery. The highly-rated café offers views of the beautiful Gower and allows you to indulge in home-cooked food while knowing that all profits help to fund the centre and, although you may not be able to take flight with the birds, a climb to the top of the tower will reward you with an all-round bird’s eye view of this stunning place.

National Wetland Centre Wales Guide in the Hide

At the eastern gateway to the Millennium Coastal Park lies real treasure For those of us with little knowledge of – a wildlife haven at the National Wetland Centre Wales. birdlife, an expert at hand is just what’s needed. At different times of the year, a Part of the Wildfowl and Wetlands round access to nature with many guide is available in one of the hides to Trust, and spread over 450 acres, additional events planned help you spot and identify birds. Check the freshwater lagoons and for visitors. These vary with the display at the information desk to find saltwater marshes are home or the seasons but can include Paddle your own canoe out in which hide a guide may be working. temporary lodging to hundreds minibeast hunts, birdbox During the school summer holidays, of different species of birds and workshops, den building, pond a fantastic experience is open to Please note: in order not to distress the wetland animals. With easy access dipping and duckling nursery visitors. Two-person Canadian wildlife, only assistant dogs are permitted via a network of paths, a series of tours. canoes are available to explore the on the site. hides allows you to get really close to narrow channels of the waterways. nature – and in the summer months a The Swan’s Nest Maze and Water Vole City Imagine yourself as a pioneer, hearing Keep an eye out for details canoe safari can take you even closer! are just two of the additional facilities for of occasional out-of-hours children. Here they can explore to their only the call of the birds and the soft activities such as a bat walk or Closed only on Christmas Eve and hearts’ content, crawling through tunnels lapping of water as you gently paddle dawn chorus event. Christmas Day, the centre offers all-year- and indulging their imaginations. among the tall reedbeds. ! Carmarthenshire Discover Images: © Crown Copyright (2013) Visit Wales; DIG DEEPER Love Carmarthenshire

Saucepans and chaos seem to go together - it hanging out). Different theories have Sosban Fach was Alice and a large saucepan been put forward to explain these lines that inspired – perhaps from the name of a local farm, Long associated with Llanelli and Arthur Rackham or a corruption of ‘Dai bach y soldrwr’ in this famous (the solderer) continuing the tinplate its rugby teams, this little song is illustration. said to have originated in the spa connection? But another theory has a town of in the rather more serious meaning. It relates to a national railway strike in 1911 when troops late 19th century. brought into Llanelli were ordered to fire on the crowd, killing two men – the shirt-tail reference a gibe at the soldiers taken by Mae bys Meri Ann wedi brifo surprise by the demonstrators and without A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach. enough time to dress properly before Mae’r baban yn y crud yn crio being deployed. A’r gath wedi scrapo Joni bach. Whatever the truth behind the words, Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân, Sosban Fach now inspires a whole new generation. The popular male choir Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr, Only Boys Aloud took the National A’r gath wedi scrapo Joni bach Eisteddfod by storm in 2010 when they ran on to the stage, in shirtsleeves with ties loosened, and gave a fantastically energetic Mary Ann has hurt her finger and youthful performance of the song, And Dafydd the lad isn’t well complete with a punchy “Oy, Oy, Oy” at the The baby in the crib is crying end of each verse. And for quite another And the cat has scratched little Johnny. performance, go to You Tube to see the tribute band – called, yes, Little saucepan boiling on the fire Boycezone – performing on matchday in Big saucepan boiling on the floor Cardiff city centre. And the cat has scratched little Johnny

Did you know? The song found its way to Llanelli and struck matches with as much passion and fervour – including Llanelli RFC’s very own modest The poet Richard Davies (bardic a chord with a population strongly linked to as the traditional hymn tunes of Calon Lân verses “Who beat the All Blacks?” and “Who name Mynyddog), who is credited the tinplate works and the making of sosbans and Cwm Rhondda. beat the Walla-Wallabies?” with the original lines on which the (saucepans), becoming a firm favourite first verse of Sosban Fach is based, with Llanelli rugby fans. Although just a There seem to be as many versions as there One commonly sung verse refers to ‘Dai also wrote the lyrics to Wales’s most nonsense song, it is still heard today, roared are claims to authorship and additions bach y sowldiwr’ (Little Dai the soldier) famous lovesong, Myfanwy. by thousands at local and international rugby continue to this day – in Welsh or English ‘a chwt ei grys e mas’ (and his shirt tail Visitors to Wales love to discover what it is to be Welsh, and what makes each region of Wales so distinctive and special. They will appreciate hosts who are willing to share the inside stories and show a true Sense of Place.

This pack was created by Carmarthenshire Tourist Association to provide tourism businesses within the Llanelli and Cwm Gwendraeth areas with guidance on the distinctive features of this region.

• The Carmarthenshire Tourist Association offers the county’s tourism and hospitality business operators a wide variety of support, advice, benefits and services to help run a successful and profitable business. The team welcomes enquiries from the trade.

• The Tourism Department of Carmarthenshire promotes the county as a visitor destination in a range of ways, and invites traders to participate in these and also to use text and images that they have already created.

• Visit Wales is also an important resource, their image bank being called Wales on View.

• Contact Carmarthenshire Tourist Association about accessing any of the images in this pack which you would like to use in your business. Most of them will be available to tourism businesses. On line, make use of Tywi Valley Trails to suggest inland excursions, keeping visitors in Carmarthenshire for longer, and enticing them to return. As with the pages of this booklet, trails can be printed to give to visitors.

Words: Mairwen Jones, Mentora a Mwy Design: Ingleby Davies Design