LLANDEILO: Carmarthenshire farmer re-elected to lead Farmers’ Union of Wales

A Carmarthenshire farmer has been re-elected to lead the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

Ian Rickman, who farms near Llandeilo, was returned as President at the union’s Grand Council meeting in Aberystwyth on Thursday — with Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Dai Miles re-elected as his deputy.

Mr Rickman and his wife Helen live on a 220-acre upland farm, where they have raised three sons.

He runs a sheep and beef enterprise in partnership with young farmer Sean Jeffreys — rearing Wagyu calves alongside the sheep flock.

First elected President in 2023, he is a past Carmarthenshire county chairman of the union and previously chaired its Hill Farming and Marginal Land Committee, becoming a vice president in 2017 and Deputy President in 2019.

“It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to continue serving as President of the Farmers’ Union of Wales,” he said.

“Welsh agriculture faces significant challenges and opportunities, and I remain committed to ensuring the voices of our members are heard clearly at every level of decision-making.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated officeholders, staff and members to secure a strong future for family farms across Wales.”

Mr Miles, one of the founding directors of organic milk co-operative Calon Wen, took on the tenancy of Barnsley Farm in west Wales with his wife Sharon in 1997 — transforming a stock and arable unit into an organic dairy business that today runs 140 cows across more than 300 acres, with son Llyr managing the herd.

“Farming has given me countless opportunities over the years, and I am proud to be able to give something back by serving the Union and its members,” he said.

“The coming years will be crucial for our industry, and I am eager to continue supporting farmers, celebrating the great work they do and helping ensure Welsh agriculture remains innovative, sustainable and successful.”

The re-elections come at the start of a new Senedd term in which farming budgets are expected to be among the pressure points as the new Welsh Government sets out its spending priorities.

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#FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #IanRickman #Llandeilo

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Sixty years after Beeching axed the trains, the railway line between Carmarthen and Llandeilo is open again — for walkers and cyclists

In 1963, Dr Richard Beeching’s axe fell on the railway line running through the Tywi Valley, and the trains stopped running between Carmarthen and Llandeilo for good. More than 60 years later, the trackbed has been given a new life — and on Friday 15 May, more than 70 people gathered at Bremenda Isaf Farm to celebrate the opening of one of the most significant pieces of active travel infrastructure built in Wales in recent memory.

The Tywi Valley Path is 13 miles long, traffic-free and passes through one of the most beautiful river valleys in south Wales. From Friday, it is fully open to walkers, cyclists and families — and if the first year of operation is anything to go by, they will come.

The journey to this point began in earnest in October 2021, when Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £16.7 million in Levelling Up funding for Carmarthenshire County Council’s vision of a continuous off-road route between the two towns. A public consultation in 2022 asked residents what they thought — and the response was broadly supportive.

The first four-mile section, from Abergwili to Nantgaredig, opened in April 2025 — and immediately proved popular. The final stretch was confirmed for Easter 2026. Now the full route is complete, and the numbers speak for themselves: a Parkrun held on the path recently pulled in more than 200 runners, and a half marathon and walking festival are already planned for the months ahead.

The Tywi Valley Path winds through Carmarthenshire countryside, offering scenic views along the River Tywi
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

The official opening on Friday was not short on star power. Former professional cyclist and double European junior champion Manon Lloyd rode into the celebration alongside children from Nantgaredig Primary School — a fitting image for a path built to show that cycling in Carmarthenshire is not just for lycra-clad club riders but for everyone.

Lloyd, who competed in major international events including the Women’s Tour of Britain and now presents women’s cycling coverage for TNT Sports, gave the occasion an extra dash of inspiration — and her presence sent a clear message about who the path is for.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Anna McMorrin and Huw Bryer, Deputy Director for Constitution, Domestic Affairs and Regional Growth, joined Cllr Linda Evans, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, alongside local representatives and the contractors who built the route.

The project was delivered by a largely local supply chain — T Richard Jones Ltd, Tregaron Trading Services, Walters Group, Evan Pritchard Contractors Ltd and the council’s own Highway Services Operational Team — keeping much of that £16.7 million investment within the communities the path now serves.

Cllr Hazel Evans, the council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, described the path as a transformational investment in Carmarthenshire’s future. “It enhances tourism in our beautiful county, creates new opportunities for local businesses, and encourages healthier, more sustainable ways to explore the area,” she said.

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said the route was about more than active travel. “By linking Carmarthen and Llandeilo through a safe and accessible route, we’re creating a lasting asset that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come,” he said.

Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin said the path would be a wonderful resource for residents and visitors alike. “From supporting local businesses through its construction to boosting local tourism, the economic legacy of the route will continue for years to come,” she said.

The Tywi Valley is already one of the most visited landscapes in south-west Wales — home to Dinefwr Castle, the National Botanic Garden of Wales and some of the most photographed countryside in the whole country. The path effectively opens all of that up to people without a car, and to those who simply want to explore it at a slower pace than a car allows.

At 13 miles, the Tywi Valley Path is one of the most significant new walking and cycling routes completed in Wales in recent years. It is also one of the most meaningful outcomes of Levelling Up funding delivered anywhere in south-west Wales — money originally announced under a Conservative government and now celebrated by a Labour one, on a route that has outlasted the political arguments around it.

The path follows a former railway trackbed that has lain largely dormant since the Beeching cuts — decades in which the land sat quietly while the towns it once connected grew further and further apart. That gap is now closed again, not by a train but by a pair of boots or a set of wheels.

For families, commuters, visitors and the communities dotted along the route between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, it is a long time coming — and worth the wait.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

EASTER OPENING: Final stretch of Tywi Valley Path set to welcome walkers and cyclists
Our March 2026 report on the path’s planned Easter opening.

Four mile section of Carmarthen to Llandeilo cycle path opens
The first section of the path opened in April 2025.

Tywi Valley Path project gets £16.7m Levelling Up funding boost
How it all began — the 2021 funding announcement that made the path possible.

#ActiveTravel #Carmarthen #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #cyclePath #Llandeilo #ManonLloyd #TywiValleyPath

LLANDEILO: Green candidate’s bypass backing sparks row with Labour MS — as locals say just build it

A bypass that has been promised, delayed, reviewed and re-promised for more than half a century has found a new use — as ammunition in a Senedd election row between a Green Party candidate and the Labour MS whose seat he is now trying to win.

The flashpoint came when Cllr Rob James, the Green Party’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin — the constituency covering the whole of Carmarthenshire — posted on Facebook backing the long-awaited Llandeilo bypass.

The bypass has been in the pipeline since it was first raised in Parliament in 1970. Feasibility studies were underway by 1973. Construction was supposed to begin in 2019. It didn’t. A new start date of 2025 was set. That didn’t happen either. The current estimate has construction beginning in 2029, with completion targeted for 2031 — and a price tag of £88 million, up from an original budget of £50 million.

Cllr James invoked the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah — the first person in the UK whose death was officially linked to air pollution — to make his case. “Air quality isn’t an abstract issue. It has real consequences,” he wrote, arguing that HGVs thundering through Llandeilo’s narrow streets every day were creating real health risks.

Llandeilo is a designated air quality management area due to historic breaches in nitrogen dioxide levels. “Doing nothing,” Cllr James said, “isn’t a Green option.”

Lee Waters, the outgoing Labour MS for Llanelli — whose constituency has been absorbed into the new county-wide Sir Gaerfyrddin seat at this election — was unimpressed. A champion of sustainable transport who is not seeking re-election in May, his response on Facebook was brief and pointed: “Novel to have a Green candidate who favours building a by-pass on a flood plain.”

Waters then contacted media outlets to pile on further, saying: “See this Facebook comment from the lead Green candidate in Carmarthenshire, doubling down in favour of a by-pass. Needless to say, this is not Green policy.”

Lee WatersGreen Party Senedd Candidate and Carmarthenshire County Councillor, Rob James

There is some irony in Waters taking this particular stand. As transport minister, he oversaw a review that froze most new road-building projects in Wales — but the Llandeilo bypass was one of the few schemes that survived the cull. A consultant, Arcadis, was subsequently appointed to develop the outline design. The bypass remains Welsh Government policy — a point Cllr James was quick to make.

“The Welsh Government has decided to take forward the Llandeilo bypass, so it’s Labour Party policy,” Cllr James hit back. “Obviously there are concerns about its precise routing and there’s a need to make sure that environmental factors are taken into consideration. To be fair, Plaid Cymru, which controls the county council, has taken that view for a long time. Llandeilo deserves its bypass.”

While the two traded blows online, Carl Peters-Bond, an independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the whole row was missing the point. “Having listened to the people of Llandeilo, they’re not interested in political spats — they just want their bypass built,” he said.

Carl Peters-Bond in Llandeilo

Peters-Bond, who has been campaigning in the town, said the reality on the ground was hard to ignore. “Whilst campaigning recently in Llandeilo it was not possible to hold a conversation for more than a few seconds before getting deafened by huge HGVs thundering through the narrow streets. Air pollution, noise and road safety concerns in Llandeilo are a real concern for residents.”

He added: “The bypass has been talked about at length for decades. It’s a trunk-route part of the major A483 that links South West and North Wales. The volume of heavy goods and other vehicle traffic that navigate the narrow roads have far exceeded what is safe. It’s about time the bypass was built.”

Cllr James also used the exchange to make a bold claim about the Greens’ prospects in the constituency. “The Labour vote in Carmarthenshire has collapsed and we believe the Greens are likely to poll higher than Labour. We are definitely in with a chance of winning a seat here,” he said.

The spat is not without its backstory. Cllr James was previously the leader of the opposition Labour group on Carmarthenshire County Council before being suspended by the party in January 2024 and subsequently joining the Greens.

His path out of Labour followed an incident in which he was accused of sending a text message to a Plaid Cymru councillor suggesting they could have some fun by claiming that Waters had two homes in Llanelli and didn’t live in either of them. He said the message was meant facetiously and that he had forgotten sending it. Party officials said allowing him to remain in Labour’s parliamentary candidate selection process would risk reputational damage for the party.

That history between the two makes the Facebook spat feel like rather more than an abstract policy debate — and all the while, in Llandeilo, the lorries keep coming through.

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Consultant appointed to progress Llandeilo bypass scheme
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Freeze on new roads projects to be announced
The road-building review that froze most Welsh Government schemes — but not the Llandeilo bypass.

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Former first minister Mark Drakeford will be in conversation with Edwina Hart about the centenary of the General Strike and the literature it inspired ...

Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy thought-provoking talks, poetry readings, live performances and interactive creative workshops. Subjects range from sport, politics and poetry to the environment and history#Llandeilo #Carmarthenshire
Authors, poets, playwrights, artists and musicians head to Llandeilo Lit Fest

Authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers, artists and musicians head to Llandeilo Lit Fest

Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy thought-provoking talks, poetry readings, live performances and interactive creative workshops. Subjects range from sport, politics and poetry to the environment and history

Wales Online

EASTER OPENING: Final stretch of Tywi Valley Path set to welcome walkers and cyclists

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed the final stretch of the Tywi Valley Path — linking Carmarthen to Llandeilo — will be ready for the public within weeks.

The last section of the 13-mile route, between Abergwili and Ffairfach, marks the completion of the flagship project.

Landmark bridges complete final phase

The final phase includes two major new bridges crossing the River Tywi and River Cothi — described as a key milestone in delivering the scheme.

Once open, the route will provide a continuous, traffic-free path for walkers, cyclists and families travelling through the Tywi Valley.

Scenic route through historic heart of Wales

The path runs through some of Carmarthenshire’s most picturesque countryside, offering views of landmarks including Paxton’s Tower, Dryslwyn Castle and Dinefwr Castle.

Visitors will also be able to explore nearby attractions such as National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens, along with independent food stops and cafés along the route.

Boost for tourism and local economy

Council leaders say the completed path will help bring more visitors to the area while supporting local businesses.

Cllr Hazel Evans said the scheme was a “once in a generation project” that connects communities while showcasing the valley’s natural beauty and heritage.

Cllr Edward Thomas added that completing the bridges provides “a stunning new way to experience the county” while supporting active travel and tourism.

Years in the making

The full opening follows years of development, including major funding backing and the phased rollout of different sections of the route.

When complete, the Tywi Valley Path will stretch from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, offering a safe and accessible route for residents and visitors alike.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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#ActiveTravel #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #cyclePath #cycling #Easter #Infrastructure #Llandeilo #tourism #TywiValley #TywiValleyPath #WalesNews #walking

New £15m eco‑business hubs filling up fast, says Welsh Government as demand surges in Carmarthenshire

Ministers say the £15m investment — jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council — has delivered new sustainable business units at Parc Gelli Werdd in Cross Hands and a second scheme now under construction at Beechwood Industrial Estate in Llandeilo.

According to the Welsh Government, Parc Gelli Werdd’s 26 “state‑of‑the‑art” workshops and offices are already demonstrating “strong market demand” for low‑carbon premises. The Government says the site includes an energy‑management system allowing tenants to control electricity use for cost efficiencies, alongside high‑performance insulation and solar panels designed to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Officials say the development is around 70% let, with further enquiries being considered for the remaining units.

The Welsh Government also says five new energy‑efficient industrial units are being built at Beechwood Industrial Estate. The scheme, due for completion in June, is described by ministers as being designed to meet a “Net Zero carbon in‑operation target” and will include electric vehicle charging points.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said businesses consistently highlight the need for modern, flexible space.

“Businesses tell us how access to modern business spaces is crucial to helping them expand and grow,” she said. “Both of these developments in Carmarthenshire deliver to exceptional environmental standards and will reduce operational costs for occupying businesses whilst minimising environmental impact.”

Carmarthenshire County Council says the partnership is helping create high‑quality space for local firms. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism Cllr Hazel Evans said the new units will support business growth in the county.

“Through collaborative working with Welsh Government, these energy‑efficient commercial units will provide fantastic, flexible spaces for businesses in Carmarthenshire to thrive,” she said.

#Business #businessHub #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrHazelEvans #CrossHands #energyEfficientIndustrialUnits #Llandeilo #newOffices #RebeccaEvansMS #WelshGovernment #workshop

Fifth daily train to run on Heart of Wales line from December

From 14 December, passengers travelling between Swansea and Shrewsbury via the Heart of Wales line will have access to a fifth daily train.

Transport for Wales is adding a new midday service in both directions, increasing the number of trains from four to five per day. The Heart of Wales line runs through Llanelli, Llandeilo, Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, connecting rural towns with Swansea and Shrewsbury.

The change is part of the UK-wide December rail timetable update. Journey planners have already been updated, and passengers can now check times for travel after 14 December.

Passengers at a busy station on the Wales and Borders network. The new timetable will add flexibility for travellers across the region.
(Image: TfW)

Funding and political agreement

The extra service is being funded through the Welsh Government’s 2025–26 Budget deal with Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds.

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:

“The Heart of Wales line provides a spectacular and scenic journey for tourists but is also a vital link for rural communities in Mid Wales, so this will be welcome news for residents and visitors alike.”

“Railway connections are vital in driving prosperity. These changes will make a real difference to customers, who will benefit from more services across Wales and the Borders.”

“This has been made possible by our £800m investment in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network.”

Transport for Wales said the new service would give passengers more flexibility for day trips and essential journeys, and help support the local tourism economy.

What it means for passengers

The new train will run midday every day, giving people more choice when planning journeys.

Passengers are being advised to check journey planners for travel after 14 December to see the updated timetable.

#additionalTrains #heartOfWales #janeDoddsMs #kenSkatesMs #llandeilo #llanelli #swansea #trains #transportForWales #welshGovernment

Haunted South West Wales: The spookiest spots to visit this Halloween

From ghostly gamekeepers to spectral actresses, South West Wales has no shortage of spine-tingling tales. A new study by Verdant Leisure ranks Carmarthenshire and Swansea among the most haunted counties in Wales — but Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend have their own chilling legends to share.

As Halloween approaches, here’s your guide to the most haunted places in our patch — and the stories that still echo through them.

👻 Top 5 Haunted Spots in South West Wales

  • Newton House, Carmarthenshire – National Trust mansion with multiple spirits, featured on Most Haunted
  • Margam Castle, Neath Port Talbot – Haunted by a white lady, ghostly children and a furious gamekeeper
  • Swansea Grand Theatre – Home to “Jenny,” a ghostly actress linked to the Titanic
  • Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire – Haunted by Princess Nest, with sightings of a woman in white
  • Ogmore Castle, Bridgend – Linked to ghostly knights and riverside apparitions

Carmarthenshire: Newton House and the Ghosts of Pembrey

Newton House in Llandeilo — one of Wales’ most haunted properties, featured on TV’s Most Haunted. (Image: National Trust / Adobe Stock)

Carmarthenshire ranks second in Wales for paranormal activity — and it’s easy to see why. At the heart of its haunted reputation is Newton House, a grand National Trust property in Llandeilo. Twice featured on Most Haunted, it’s said to host multiple spirits, including a woman seen drifting through corridors and a man whose footsteps echo in empty rooms. The house’s long history and isolated setting make it a magnet for ghost hunters.

But the real chills lie deeper in the woods. Pembrey Forest, near Llanelli, has terrified locals for generations. Tales speak of the “little hatchet men of Pembrey” — lantern-carrying figures who lured ships onto the rocks before slaughtering survivors and stealing their cargo. During the 19th century, gunpowder and dynamite were produced here, and in WWII, damaged planes often crashed nearby trying to reach the RAF airfield. Today, ghostly figures are said to roam the dunes and shoreline — from cursed pilots to phantom sailors aboard ghost ships.

Whether you’re chasing folklore or just looking for seasonal fun, Carmarthenshire delivers. Paranormal investigations run year-round in Pembrey Forest, but for something gentler, Pembrey Country Park’s Pumpkin Trail offers a family-friendly way to explore the area’s darker side.

🎃 Halloween Event – Carmarthenshire

Pumpkin Trail at Pembrey Country Park
A gentle walk through the woods with spooky surprises for all ages.
Event details

Swansea: Jenny of the Grand and Castle Shadows

Oxwich Castle on the Gower Peninsula — a Tudor-era ruin steeped in legend and shadow.
(Image: Visit Swansea Bay)

Swansea ranks fourth in Wales for paranormal activity — and its ghost stories are as theatrical as they are chilling. The most famous is “Jenny,” said to haunt the Swansea Grand Theatre. Legend has it she was an actress who performed there shortly before boarding the Titanic. Her presence is still felt backstage, with unexplained footsteps and flickering lights reported by staff. Actor Owen Straton retells her story in a haunting reading available on YouTube.

Beyond the stage, Swansea’s castles offer plenty for horror fans. Oystermouth Castle leans into its haunted past with ghost tours and tales of medieval spirits, while Swansea Castle, tucked into the city centre, is part of the “Legendary Castles Trail.” Further west, Oxwich Castle sits above the bay on the Gower Peninsula — a crumbling Tudor ruin steeped in shadow and folklore, perfect for windswept Halloween walks.

Whether you’re chasing ghosts or just dressing up, Swansea’s Halloween calendar delivers. The city’s annual Spooks in the City event returns with a new monster mash-up of street theatre, parades and family fun.

🎃 Halloween Event – Swansea

Spooks in the City
A monster mash-up of street theatre, parades and family fun across the city centre.
Event details

Neath Port Talbot: Margam’s Ghostly Gamekeeper and Abbey Shadows

Margam Castle bathed in eerie red light for Fright Night — one of Wales’ most haunted buildings, now centre stage for Halloween chills.
(Image: Margam Country Park)

Neath Port Talbot may not be ranked in the study, but its haunted history runs deep. Margam Castle is widely considered one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. Visitors have reported sightings of a white lady, ghostly children, and the angry spirit of a gamekeeper who once worked on the estate. Paranormal investigators have captured unexplained sounds and shadows in the castle’s grand halls.

Nearby, Neath Abbey is said to be haunted by monks and a Victorian policeman who patrols Old Market Street. The Castle Hotel in Neath has its own cast of ghosts — including an Edwardian boy, a headless cavalier, and a festive spirit who appears only at Christmas. And then there’s the Cursed Wall of Port Talbot, a local legend claiming that if the wall falls, so does the town.

For those who want to experience the chills firsthand, Fright Nights at Margam Castle offer after-dark ghost hunts in one of Wales’ most storied buildings.

🎃 Halloween Event – Neath Port Talbot

Fright Nights at Margam Castle
Paranormal investigations and ghost hunts in one of Britain’s most haunted buildings.
Event details

Pembrokeshire: Princess Nest and the Creepy Mill

Carew Castle’s Tidal Mill bathed in eerie light — a haunting landmark on Pembrokeshire’s ghost trail. (Image: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park)

Pembrokeshire may not have made the top five, but its haunted history runs deep. Carew Castle is said to be haunted by Princess Nest, a noblewoman whose tragic story has echoed through the centuries. Visitors have reported cold spots, strange noises, and sightings of a woman in white near the battlements.

The county’s coastal paths and ancient churches also carry whispers of ghostly monks, shipwrecked sailors, and long-lost lovers. The windswept ruins and remote beaches make Pembrokeshire a perfect setting for eerie tales and Halloween walks.

This year, Carew Castle is hosting Creepy Mill, a haunted house experience that transforms part of the castle into a terrifying attraction for brave visitors.

🎃 Halloween Event – Pembrokeshire

Creepy Mill at Carew Castle
A haunted house experience inside one of Pembrokeshire’s most storied ruins.
Event details

Bridgend: Ogmore Castle and Creepy Cocktails

Maesteg Town Hall reimagined for Halloween — gothic towers, eerie decorations and a looming full moon set the scene for spooky storytelling.
(Image: Awen Cultural Trust)

Bridgend’s ghost stories are quieter but no less eerie. Ogmore Castle, with its crumbling walls and riverside setting, has long been linked to spectral sightings. Locals speak of a ghostly knight who guards the ruins, and visitors have reported strange sounds after dark.

The county’s folklore also includes tales of haunted inns, shadowy figures in the woods, and mysterious lights near the coast. It’s a place where myths linger — and Halloween brings them to life.

For a grown-up twist, Maesteg Town Hall is hosting Monstrous Myths & Creepy Cocktails — an evening of storytelling, spirits (of both kinds), and seasonal surprises.

🎃 Halloween Event – Bridgend

Monstrous Myths & Creepy Cocktails
A grown-up evening of storytelling and seasonal spirits at Maesteg Town Hall.
Event details

🎃 Halloween Ideas Across the Region

  • Book a ghost tour in Carmarthen or Neath
  • Visit Newton House or Margam Castle for a haunted day out
  • Explore Swansea’s haunted theatre or castle trails
  • Share your own spooky sightings — South West Wales has plenty of stories still untold

#Bridgend #CarewCastle #CarewTidalMill #CastleHotelNeath #creepyCocktailsMaesteg #CreepyMillAtCarewCastle #FrightNightsAtMargamCastle #ghostHuntsMargamCastle #ghostStoriesFromWales #ghostToursSwansea #Gower #Halloween #HalloweenActivitiesForFamiliesWales #HalloweenEventsInWales2025 #HalloweenTrailsCarmarthenshire #hauntedCastlesPembrokeshire #hauntedForestsInWales #hauntedPlacesInSouthWestWales #hauntedRuinsWales #hauntedTheatreStoriesWales #Llandeilo #Llanelli #Maesteg #MaestegTownHall #MargamCastle #MonstrousMythsAndCreepyCocktails #Neath #NeathAbbey #NewtonHouse #OgmoreCastle #OxwichCastle #OystermouthCastle #paranormalInvestigationsWales #PembreyForest #Pembrokeshire #PortTalbot #PumpkinTrailAtPembreyCountryPark #scaryPlacesToVisitInWales #SpooksInTheCity #spookyCastlesInWales #Swansea #SwanseaCastle #SwanseaGrandTheatre

Carmarthenshire neighbours celebrate £1 million Postcode Lottery win

A promise kept, a bridge built

Four neighbours in Cwrt Henri, Carmarthenshire are celebrating a shared windfall after their postcode landed the £1 million Millionaire Street prize in the People’s Postcode Lottery draw on Saturday 13 September.

Cwrt Henri sits on the A40 corridor between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, and the postcode win has brought joy to several households in the village.

Among the winners is Isara Panicker, 38, who plans to use part of her £250,000 prize to build a long-promised bridge on her father’s farm.

Isara Panicker said: “We need to build a bridge at the farm. When the river rises, it’s not easy to cross. I promised dad we’d get it done one day — and now we finally can.”

The new bridge will help prevent the farm from being cut off during periods of high water, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to her father Simon.

Neighbours win together

Three of Ms Panicker’s neighbours also won £250,000 each, with the postcode draw bringing joy to multiple households.

Susan Childs, 56, said:

“My mother-in-law has won, my tenant and my neighbour too. So, to win with them — there’s something special about it.”

She and her husband Colin plan to use part of their winnings to travel to New Zealand for a family friend’s wedding.

Their tenant, Julie Carter, 66, a retired nurse, described the win as the start of her dream retirement.

Julie Carter said: “We never thought we would ever win big on Postcode Lottery. But now, this is the retirement we dreamt of.”

Julie and her husband Steve, who married in Key West, Florida without a honeymoon, have already booked a trip to Spain and plan to visit the Maldives after Christmas.

Charities benefit from postcode prize

The ripple effect of the win extends beyond the village, with several Welsh charities receiving significant funding.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales received £80,000 to support its Every Child in Wales initiative.

Dr Lucy A. Sutherland, director of the Garden, said: “We are deeply grateful. This generous funding will support our educators to take their expertise beyond the Garden walls, working with young people and teachers across Wales.”

Two other organisations — Carmarthen Youth Project and St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility — each received £50,000 to support their work with young people and communities.

#A40 #Carmarthen #CarmarthenYouthProject #Carmarthenshire #CwrtHenri #EveryChildInWales #Farming #Llandeilo #LotteryWinner #NationalBotanicGardenOfWales #PeopleSPostcodeLottery #PostcodeLotteryWinners #StDavidsDiocesanCouncilForSocialResponsibility #WelshLotteryWinners

Family pays tribute to 18-year-old Sally Allen following fatal A40 collision

The family of Sally Allen, an 18-year-old from Cresswell Quay, Kilgetty, have paid heartfelt tribute following her death in a collision on the A40 at Broadoak, between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, on Wednesday morning, July 23.

Sally died after a crash involving a red Renault Clio and a blue Audi Q5. In a statement released by Dyfed Powys Police, her family described her as “endlessly caring, unintentionally hilarious and the most amazing supportive and joyful person.”

They added:

“Sally was a much-loved sister to William and Issie, and a treasured daughter of Richard and Kate. She was a beloved granddaughter to Nanna, Bamps, Nanny and Pops and was loved by all her aunties, uncles and cousins. She had a large number of friends and was very popular with everyone who knew her.

In only 18 years of her life, she touched the hearts of so many people within her community, her school, her work and social life. She was a girl who found happiness in attending Young Farmers Club, including Martletwy YFC. She enjoyed horse riding and her day-to-day life at home in Cresswell Quay.

Sally lit up any room she entered with her smile and personality. Since her death it has become apparent how much Sally was loved and cherished. Her sudden absence leaves an unfillable space in the lives so many people that knew and loved her.

The Allen family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends.”

Police appeal for witnesses

Dyfed Powys Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses. Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along the A40 at Broadoak around 8am on Wednesday, July 23, and may have dash camera footage.

Information can be submitted:

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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