Llanelli Rotary's Youth Speaks event a big success

Political correctness, fears of mass corruption in the Establishment, the gap between rich and poor, sports role models, the Olympic legacy and multiculturalism.
These were among the topics debated in the annual Llanelli Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition held at Llanelli Town Hall.
“The quality of the arguments presented was outstanding and the children taking part reflected great credit on their schools and families,” said the chairman of the judging panel Lt Colonel David Mathias. “All the competitors were a great credit to their families and their schools.”
The competition saw the teams from St John Lloyd and Bryngwyn take the senior and intermediate prizes to progress to the next round of the Rotary competition – a zone area final.
The Youth Speaks competition is organised on a national basis and it is possible for the teams to win through to a UK final.
Lt Col Mathias said: “The standard in the competition was exceptionally high and the competitors made the judging task a very difficult one, so much so that there was a tie for one of the prizes.
Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen explained that the Youth Speaks event offered an opportunity for Llanelli pupils to gain experience of speaking on a public platform.
He said: “It allows young people to form ideas on significant subjects and learn high standards of expression, presentation and appearance. It also gives pupils the experience of accepting impartial assessments and constructive criticism.”
The competition was run to a national Rotary format which included a question from the floor. The main speaker for each team faced the daunting task of fielding an unrehearsed question from Rotarian Past President JC Williams MBE.
Llanelli Rotary President Mr Owen added: “The youngsters coped admirably with the questions, not an easy task in front of a large audience at the Town Hall.”
Results –
Best Intermediate Team – St John Lloyd (who debated The Olympic Legacy. This generation is inspired, so what’s next?)
Best Chair – Bronte Reynolds, Brynwgyn.
Best Speaker – James McMillan, St John Lloyd.
Best Proposer of Vote of Thanks – Stephen Hughes, Bryngwyn.
Best Senior Team – Brynwgyn (who debated The growing gap between rich and poor).
Best Chair – Zoe Bonnell, Bryngwyn.
Best Speaker – Shared by Lucy Havard, Bryngwyn, and Sion Davies, St John Lloyd.
Best Proposer of Vote of Thanks – Ryan Davies, Brynwgyn. 
The judging panel was – Lt Colonel David Mathias DL (chair), Ann Brace, retired teacher from Tregib School, Llandeilo, and retired QE High Carmarthen headmaster Tim Day.
The MC for the evening was Rotarian Past President Robert Lloyd. The event was organised by a team led by Rotarian Mark Evans. Prizes were handed out by Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen.
Picture slideshow below shows winners with Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen.

Tegan is the winner of Llanelli Young Chef competition

Brynwgyn Comprehensive School pupil Tegan Andrews was the winner of the first ever Young Chef competition to be staged by Llanelli Rotary Club.

Tegan Andrews, 13, scooped the prize with her three course menu of Welsh leek and sweet potato soup; sugar crusted lamb; raspberry and Caerphilly chocolate pots.

She is pictured above being presented with her prizes, a shield, certificate and an autographed Simon Wright book, by Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen.

The event was part of a national competition which offers a host of prizes, including a trip to Tuscany, a day’s tuition with a Michelin-star chef in the UK and a cash prize.
One of the organisers of the Llanelli heat of the competition was Rotarian Alison Evans.
She said: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, and this includes creativity in the kitchen.
"Cooking among young people is a growing interest and a valuable life skill. Schools seem to agree and hence the RIBI Young Chef competition, in association with Filippo Berio, moves forward from strength to strength each year producing some superb quality cooking from our young people aged from 11 to 17."

Judges of the Llanelli competition were -

Anna Brown, celebrity chef and Llanelli Star columnist; Simon Wright, Welsh food champion, broadcaster, author and food critic; Stewart Williams, executive Head Chef at the Stradey Park Hotel and lecturer.

The competition was open to students aged 11 to 17 years.

The challenge was to prepare a three-course meal for two people in two hours, with a budget of £15. 

Rotarain Mark Evans, one of the co-organisers of the event, said: "The standard was quite exceptional and the judges were full of praise for the effort, ambition and creative ingenuity of the young chefs.

"Our grateful thanks got to Bryngwyn School for hosting the event, in particular Sarah Lewis, food technology, and the headteacher Paul Jones."

The runner-up in the competition was Elyse Mowbray, 14, Bryngwyn School, who served up leek and potato soup; rolled chicken with Welsh cheese, spinach and sweet potato; poached pears in Welsh honey.

Other contestants were - 

Josh Davies, 13, Bryngwyn School - tomato and basil soup; balsamic lamb with a pea purse; baked raspberry cheesecake.
Maris May Latham, 16, St John Lloyd School - asparagus wrapped in parma ham; vegetable curry; mini pavlovas.
Chloe Pride-Aylott, 12, Bryngwyn School -cheese and tomato bruschetta, salad and balsamic glaze; vegetable pot pies with home-made chips and mayonnaise; raspberry and white chocolate cheescake, fruit and raspberry sauce.
Ewa Topor, 14, Brynwgyn School - potato pancakes with strawberry jam and yoghurt; pierogi, soft dough with white cheese with vegetable salad; strawberries in jelly with cream and chocolate on top.
R.I.B.I.Young Chef is designed to encourage young people to:
· Develop cookery skills
· Develop food presentation skills
· Consider healthy eating options and food hygiene issues
· Prove their organisational and planning skills
· Prove their ability to cope in a demanding situation.

The MC for the evening was Llanelli Rotary Club past president Robert Lloyd.
Winner Tegan Andrews now goes forward to a Rotary District final to be staged in Builth Wells in March.

Competitors pictured with Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen - (left to right) Tegan Andrews, Josh Davies, Ewa Topor, Chloe Pride-Aylott, Maris May Latham and Elyse Mowbray.

Runner-up: Elyse Mowbray pictured with Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen.

Weblinks -
www.llanellirotary.com
http://www.ribi.org/youth/competitions/ribi-young-chef

More photos -

Multi-millionaire Kevin Green speaks to Llanelli Rotary Club

Multi-millionaire Kevin Green was the guest of honour and main keynote speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club's annual President's Dinner staged at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.
Mr Green is pictured with Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen.
About Kevin Green . . .
Multi-millionaire Kevin Green is fast developing a reputation with television producers as a consummate professional.
The South Wales businessman is happy to take a 'you throw it and I'll catch it' attitude to the challenges provided by TV companies.
Equally at home on reality TV shows, documentaries, news programmes and magazine shows, Green specialises in being his usual relaxed and confident self in front of the camera.
He was featured on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire show, filmed a Devil's Dinner Party for ITV/Sky and recently completed The Secret Interview for Channel 5. In between, he finds time to respond to requests from the major broadcasters for opinions on news stories.
An additional string to his bow is the ability to perform bilingually. He speaks Welsh and is in regular demand for S4C (the Welsh Channel 4).
Recent shows for the Welsh channel include Prynhawn Da, Ffermio and Sam ar y Sgrin. He is currently filming 'Y ci neu fi' - a dating themed show for S4C.
Green happily mixes light-hearted TV projects with more serious items and is happy to act as a 'talking head' on a variety of subjects linked to his successful business interests.
You can catch his appearance on the BBC’s Show Me The Money programme with Declan Curry on the following link - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2262952367090
Green has also appeared on Sky News as a business commentator.
Green is equally at home doing live broadcasts and pre-recorded material. He loves a challenge.
You can check out his business profile videos on his website –
http://www.kevingreen.co.uk/kgw-tv
Green is a self-made multi-millionaire and social entrepreneur. He is one of the UK’s largest residential property landlords and a multi-business owner.
The 48-year-old dyslexic was homeless in 1984. He attended Gelli Aur Agricultural College in 1982 and 1983. Sister Julie died as a result of lupus when she was 20 and Kevin was 22. He bought his first house in late 2000.
Today, his property portfolio runs into the hundreds and he is the UK's largest private sector landlord. He has a wealth of experience in the property investment world and heads a number of successful companies and other non-property related businesses.
He is also involved in coaching under his own brand of Kevin Green Wealth (KGW) and is a ‘Dynamo’ role model for the Welsh Government, inspiring young people in schools and universities to set up businesses.
Before making his fortune in business, he was a successful dairy farmer.
In 1999 he won a Nuffield Scholarship in agriculture and studied the attitudes and personalities of high achievers. He interviewed Bill Gates and Sir Richard Branson.
The wealth guru loves to educate, motivate and inspire others and his passion and enthusiasm is quite infectious. His down to earth approach is often referred to by those who know him as ‘exactly what it says on the tin’. These qualities have catapulted him into worldwide demand as a speaker at conferences, dinners and seminars.
He has helped launched the new Entrepreneurship Academy Wales for the business leaders of the future. His current net worth is £38m. Green has more than 88,000 followers on Twitter.
Website –
http://www.kevingreen.co.uk/

Llanelli Rotary to stage Young Chef competition

Llanelli Rotary Club are staging a Young Chef competition for Llanelli school pupils.
The competition is being staged at Bryngwyn Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 6.
The event is part of a national competition which offers a host of prizes, including a trip to Tuscany, a day’s tuition with a Michelin-star chef in the UK and a cash prize.
One of the organisers of the Llanelli heat of the competition is Rotarian Alison Evans.
She said: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, and this includes creativity in the kitchen.
"Cooking among young people is a growing interest and a valuable life skill. Schools seem to agree and hence the RIBI Young Chef competition, in association with Filippo Berio, moves forward from strength to strength each year producing some superb quality cooking from our young people aged from 11 to 17."The Llanelli competition judges include Welsh food champion, broadcaster and writer Simon Wright and celebrity chef Anna Brown, pictured above.
The competition will require competitors to cook three courses for two people on a budget of £15.
Mrs Evans added: "They can spend their £15 on whatever they chose, but they will have to list how they have spent their money at the recipe stage.
"They then have 30 minutes to prepare and set a table for two and two hours cooking time.
"So far, we have had entries from Bryngwyn, St John Lloyd and St Michael's schools.
"The judges will be giving competitors tips and encouragement on how to improve their cooking skills.
"The cooking will be behind closed doors, but with the judges and helpers present. There will be a public session starting at 8pm when the judges will give their verdict.
"There will be a trophy for the winner and other prizes - and, of course, the winner goes through to the next round of the competition."
Thousands of youngsters entered in the 2012 competition and were shortlisted down to eight after competing in local and regional competitions.
The contestants prepared and presented their three course meals for judging by an expert panel including Danilo Trozzi, Fellippo Berio's Head Chef, Lizzie Kamenetzky, the Food Editor from Delicious Magazine and Olly McGeorge, the 2011 winner.
In 2012, 15-year-old Isabelle Chavez from Fleet took the top chef title and is looking forward to a trip to Tuscany for the live harvesting and cookery experience, courtesy of generous sponsors Filippo Berio. Isabelle is also being treated to a one-day cookery experience at Auberge Du Lac. Her three course menu excited the judges with a rich blend of flavours and excellent use of ingredients.

Anyone interested in entering the competition should email one of the following Llanelli Rotarians -
Alison Evans - alisonevans@cilfig.freeserve.co.uk
Mark Evans - markevans482@talktalk.com
Anthony Jones - anthony@tadbuilders.co.uk
Weblinks -
www.llanellirotary.com
http://www.ribi.org/youth/competitions/ribi-young-chef

Eight teams enter Llanelli Youth Speaks competition

A total of eight teams have entered this year's Llanelli Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition.
The popular public speaking competition is one of the highlights of the school calendar in Llanelli.
Llanelli Rotary Club member and schools coordinator Mark Evans said: "Rotary encourages speaking and presentation skills in young people and we are pleased that schools seem to agree with our philosophy.
"The Rotary Youth Speaks competition, as a result, continues to go from strength to strength each year, producing some superb quality speakers in our young people aged from 11 to 18.
"The Llanelli event is a local heat and it is possible for the winners to go all the way to a national UK final."
The Youth Speaks competition is being held at 5.45pm on Tuesday, January 29, in the prestigious surroundings of the council chamber at Llanelli Town Hall.
Parents and members of the public are welcome to attend.
The entry list for senior and intermediate age groups includes teams from Coedcae, Brynwgyn, St John Lloyd and Ysgol y Strade.
The judging panel will be – Lt Colonel David Mathias DL (chair), Ann Brace, of Tregib School, Llandeilo, and retired QE High Carmarthen headmaster Tim Day.
Civic dignitaries will also be in attendance.
Last year, the teams from St John Lloyd scooped the main prizes.
Llanelli Rotary schools coordinator Mr Evans said: "This is the biggest field of entries we have had for many years and we are all looking forward to a great competition."
Weblinks -
www.llanellirotary.com
http://www.ribi.org/youth/competitions/ribi-youth-speaks

Llanelli Rotary Club welcomes Cerith Owens as a new member

Llanelli Rotary Club welcomed a new member at the weekly meeting held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.
Cerith Owens was welcomed into membership by Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen.
Mr Owens was proposed into membership by Rotarian Monro Walters.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Owens said that it was a privilege and an honour to be invited to join Llanelli Rotary Club.
Married to Alison with three sons, Cerith lives in Bynea, Llanelli, but his roots are in the Swansea Valley, in Cwmtwrch.
He has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Geology and an MSc in Applied Environmental Geology.
He has worked as a Geotechnical Engineer for more than 25 years and has been involved in major projects throughout South Wales.
Mr Owens currently works for Jacobs Consultancy (American Co) in Llandarcy.
His charity work spans 25 years and his concert themes are mainly classical or choral. He is keen for his concerts not only to raise funds but also awareness.
In 25 years, he has organised 35 charity concerts in theatres,chapels, concert halls and cathedrals.
He has also held concerts in Theatr Elli, Llanelli, and the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.
Mr Owens has used his concert promotion work to supported many charities, including Tourette's Action and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
He was heavily involved in fund-raising for the 2000 Llanelli National Eisteddfod and also organised the 1911 Llanelli Railway Strike Gala concert at Theatr Elli.
Last year, he started his own production company called Loud Applause Productions and this company is also focussed on helping charities.
Loud Applause has a few concerts coming up, including a Poppy Appeal fund-raiser for the Royal British Legion in October and, in the new year, concerts for Ty Bryngwyn Hospice and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice.
Weblink to post about Cerith's next promotion -
http://sirgarblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/countdown-on-to-concert-to-help-royal.html

Theatre boss Carwyn the guest speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club

The guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club was Carwyn Matera-Rogers, the manager of Theatrau Sir Gâr Carmarthenshire Theatres.
Mr Matera-Rogers gave a hugely entertaining and informative talk on the new Ffwrnes theatre complex currently being constructed in Llanelli town centre.
He was welcomed to the meeting by Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen, see picture below.

The vote of thanks for the talk was given by Rotarian Alison Evans.
Weblink -
http://www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&lang=en