Save Our Scarlets march set to bring thousands onto Llanelli’s streets today

The Save Our Scarlets march begins at 1pm from Sandy Water Park, with fans walking the historic route past the old Stradey Park rugby posts and through the town centre before finishing at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the club’s opening United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.

The demonstration comes at the end of the WRU’s consultation on the future of the game in Wales, which has sparked widespread fears for the Scarlets’ survival.

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable”

Organiser Andrew Gough, originally from Aberystwyth, said he has “Scarlets fever”:

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable. Being from Aberystwyth originally, I know first hand that the Scarlets are the heartbeat in the communities of the whole of west Wales, a huge part of our region’s identity. For example, we’re the only club where you hear Welsh songs being proudly sung in the stands. The Scarlets is one of the few remaining institutions left in Llanelli, they are the pride of the town. They attract thousands of visitors every year, playing a vital role in supporting the local economy.”

He added that today’s march would be “a massive day for the club”, with Scarlets legend Rupert Moon opening proceedings, choirs leading supporters in song, and former players joining fans along the route.

Supporters are being urged to wear Scarlets colours, bring flags and banners, and join the march at any of the staging points along the way — including Boots in the town centre, Farmfoods on Swansea Road, and the Halfway on Glyncoed Terrace.

Organisers call for unity

Fellow organiser Helen Davies said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scarlets fans to come and show how much the club means to them, and we are expecting a large number of people to attend from across the region as a whole, not just Llanelli.”

Catherine Davies added:

“Rugby means more to the fans than raw data, which is something that I don’t think the WRU have understood in their consultation. After all, what is the point of sport without fans?”

Political backing

The campaign has drawn support across the political spectrum.

Plaid Cymru representatives Cefin Campbell MS, Ann Davies MP and Adam Price MS issued a joint statement declaring their “fundamental opposition” to any plan that risks the dissolution of the Scarlets. They warned that losing professional rugby in west Wales would be “disastrous” for the region’s economy, identity and grassroots pathways.

Meanwhile, Llanelli’s Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has also spoken out, insisting that Parc y Scarlets must remain central to Welsh rugby’s future. She described the stadium as “the best regional rugby stadium in Wales”, highlighting its facilities, transport links and role in developing youth and women’s rugby. Griffith argued that keeping a strong regional presence west of the Loughor bridge is “essential” if the production line of talent and community pathways is to survive.

Together, the interventions underline the breadth of political opposition to any WRU plan that could see the Scarlets disappear.

Matchday build‑up

The march will culminate at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the Scarlets’ first home game of the season against Munster. The club has confirmed a full programme of pre‑match activities, including live music, family entertainment and community events details on the Scarlets website.

Travel advice

Drivers are advised to expect disruption along the march route and to plan journeys accordingly.

Related articles

• Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march
• Save Our Scarlets, urges town council
• ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future
• Llanelli MP: Parc y Scarlets must be central to Welsh rugby’s future

#AdamPriceMS #AnnDaviesMP #CefinCampbell #NiaGriffithMP #ParcYScarlets #protestMarch #Rugby #RupertMoon #SandyWaterPark #SaveOurScarlets #Scarlets #WRU

FUW honours Carmarthenshire’s John Owen for lifetime of agricultural innovation

Carmarthenshire’s own John Owen has been named the winner of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) External Award for Services to Agriculture, recognised for his decades-long contribution to Welsh farming at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

With a career spanning education, research and practical innovation, John has helped shape agricultural policy and practice across Wales. From championing robotic milking at Gelli Aur College Farm to leading environmental pilot projects, his work has supported farmers with tools and insights to meet modern challenges.

Local roots, global impact

John’s journey began at Glynllifon Agricultural College, followed by a diploma at the Welsh Agricultural College, and a Phillip Henman Trust scholarship that took him to New Zealand and Australia to study international farm techniques.

After returning to Wales, he managed pedigree breeding projects for Welsh Black and Llyn sheep, before taking on the role of Farm Manager at Gelli Aur in 1993. Over the next 30 years, he helped establish the Farm Diversification and Technology Centre, and positioned Gelli Aur as a national testbed for innovation — working with the Dairy Development Centre, Hybu Cig Cymru, and farming research groups across Wales.

In 2004, John’s Nuffield Scholarship saw him revisit New Zealand to study development farms, contributing global expertise to local systems.

Champion of sustainable farming

His leadership extended to projects like Prosiect Slyri, aimed at reducing farm waste through slurry dewatering and purification, and the Tywydd Tywi weather network, which equipped farms with real-time soil and moisture data via mobile app.

Since retiring from Coleg Sir Gâr in 2023, John has continued his work as Lead Consultant for Agriculture and Environment with the LAFAN Consultancy Group, supporting rural capacity-building across South Wales.

Industry recognition

Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman praised John’s “pioneering work” and “commitment to sustainable farming,” calling him a key figure whose legacy continues to benefit farmers across the country.

FUW Carmarthenshire County Chair Ann Davies MP added, “John is a true champion of Carmarthenshire agriculture. His work at Gelli Aur empowered farmers locally and nationally with the tools to thrive.”

John is a Treharne Nuffield Scholar, Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and a trustee of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. He previously received the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award in 2023.

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#AnnDaviesMP #Carmarthenshire #DairyDevelopmentCentre #DairyFarming #FarmDiversificationAndTechnologyCentre #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #GelliAur #GelliAurCollegeFarm #GlynllifonAgriculturalCollege #HybuCigCymru #RoyalWelshShow #sustainableFarming #WelshAgriculturalCollege

West Wales’ produce showcased in the heart of Westminster for ‘Carmarthenshire Day’

‘Carmarthenshire Day’ was held at the historic Westminster Hall, bringing together a wealth of parliamentarians, peers and producers in a vibrant showcase of rural Welsh excellence. 

As part of the celebrations, nine celebrated producers from across the length and breadth of Carmarthenshire were present including Bremenda Isaf, Tregroes Waffles, Brecon Carreg, Castell Howell, Coaltown Coffee, Mêl Gwenyn Gruffydd, Caws Cenarth, Carmarthen Ham and The Welsh Wool Shop. Each had the opportunity to engage with MPs, Lords and guests, offering a powerful insight into the diversity and quality of Carmarthenshire’s food, drink and craft sectors.

The event was officially opened by Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the UK Government’s Wales Office, herself the Member of Parliament for the Llanelli constituency in Carmarthenshire. 

The event drew a wide range of cross-party politicians and peers from across the UK, including Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of Westminster’s Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee and DEFRA Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins MP. The politicians were also joined by over 35 Farmers’ Union of Wales members and supporters from Carmarthenshire, who made the journey along the M4 to celebrate the special day.  

Commenting following the successful event, Ann Davies MP, who has served as Chair of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Carmarthenshire branch since 2023 said: “Carmarthenshire is a county built on hard work, innovation and community, it was a huge privilege to bring our producers to Westminster and to showcase what makes our part of Wales so special. This event was about more than products – it was about giving rural voices the platform they deserve and reminding Westminster of the value of regions like ours both economically and culturally.”

The celebration follows similar events previously hosted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales in Westminster, including Montgomeryshire Day in 2023. 

The Carmarthenshire Day celebrations were particularly timely for the Farmers’ Union of Wales too, as they celebrate seventy years since the agricultural union was founded in Carmarthenshire in December 1955.

Commenting, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “2025 marks an important year for the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as we celebrate seventy years since the Union was founded in Carmarthenshire.

“Working alongside Ann Davies MP, we were therefore delighted to support this successful event, bringing a taste of West Wales to the heart of Westminster.

“It was so heartening to see the event so well-attended by politicians and peers providing them not only with an opportunity to sample outstanding produce we boast in Wales, but also a valuable lobbying opportunity for FUW to highlight the range of challenges and changes facing Welsh farmers.” 

#AnnDaviesMP #Carmarthenshire #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #NiaGriffithMP #Westminster

Carmarthen MP shortlisted for agriculture award

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women making a significant impact in the agricultural industry, with this year’s final set to be held in London in May.

Born and raised in rural Carmarthenshire, Ann’s agricultural journey began in 1992, with her and her husband starting as tenant farmers on a dairy farm near Llanarthne. Alongside her work on the farm, she went on to work as a peripatetic music teacher, and  lecturer in early years learning at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, before becoming the joint owner of a local children’s nursery alongside one of her three daughters.

Ann was elected as a County Councillor on Carmarthenshire County Council in 2017, and was appointed as a cabinet member of the Council in 2021 originally under the portfolio of Communities and Rural Affairs. 

As County Councillor, she became a prominent voice in local campaigns against the development of pylons routes in rural Carmarthenshire. In 2023, she was also appointed Chair of the Carmarthenshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

She was elected Member of Parliament for the new Caerfyrddin constituency in 2024, and as one of four Plaid Cymru MPs in Westminster, has adopted a wide portfolio including; work and pensions, education, transport, and crucially, environment and rural affairs.

As Member of Parliament, Ann has spoken on a vast number of occasions at Westminster regarding the pressing issues facing the agricultural sector and rural communities, including the UK Government’s controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), the future of farming, and food security. 

Despite her Parliamentary duties, Ann continues to work on the farm – often out milking in her wellies – whilst her Sunday mornings are spent in chapel, before a Sunday lunch on the farm providing an opportunity to catch-up with her three daughters and many grandchildren.

Commenting on Ann Davies’ nomination, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “Everyone at the FUW is absolutely delighted with Ann Bremenda’s nomination for this prestigious award.

“For decades, as a farmer, County Councillor and hardworking FUW County Chair, Ann has been an unwavering champion for rural Wales. Since being elected Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin last year, she has taken this understanding, enthusiasm and dedication towards our rural communities to the heart of Westminster, promoting a range of issues championing our countryside and the agricultural sector. 

“At a challenging time for Welsh farming, having a friend like Ann fighting our corner is invaluable, and we wish her well for the award ceremony.”

#AnnDaviesMP #Carmarthen #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW

Carmarthenshire MP steps down from County Council

First elected as a councillor for the Llanddarog constituency on Carmarthenshire County Council in 2017 representing Plaid Cymru, Ann was later appointed as the Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs for the county council in 2021.

Following her re-election for a second term in 2022, the Executive Board was revamped, with Ann becoming the Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy.

Serving in this role for a further 2 years, Ann stepped down from Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet in August 2024, following her election to the House of Commons as the MP for the newly created constituency of Caerfyrddin.

Ann Davies MP said: “It has been an absolute privilege to have had the opportunity to represent the villages and communities of the Llanddarog Ward as their County Councillor for the past 8 years and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over this time. However now is the time for me to step down so that I can dedicate all my energy to representing communities across the Caerfyrddin constituency in Westminster as their MP.”

Ann added: ““I am offering my full support and endorsement to Shone Hughes, who has lived in Llanarthney for a number of years and is active in the local community. I know that Shone would make an excellent County Councillor and would be a passionate representative for the Llanddarog Ward.”

Cllr. Alun Lenny, Chair of Plaid Cymru Caerfyrddin added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Ann both as a fellow Councillor and member of the Cabinet. I know first-hand the excellent work she has accomplished in both roles. On behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group on Carmarthenshire County Council, I wish her the very best as she continues her superb efforts in fighting for Caerfyrddin in Parliament.”

(Lead image: Plaid Cymru)

#AnnDaviesMP #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrAnnDavies #Llanddarog #PlaidCymru