- Llanybydder
infobox UK place
country = Wales
welsh_name=
constituency_welsh_assembly=
map_type=
official_name= Llanybydder
unitary_wales= Carmarthenshire
lieutenancy_wales= Carmarthenshire
constituency_westminster= Carmarthenshire
post_town= LLANYBYDDER
postcode_district = SA40
postcode_area= SA
dial_code= +44 (0) 1570
os_grid_reference= SN523438
population= 1,423
Llanybydder within Carmarthenshire UA
Geography
Llanybydder (also Llanybyther), pronounced|ˌɬanəˈbəðɛr, is a market town straddling the River Teifi in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, West Wales, with a population of 1,423, almost three quarters of whom are Welsh-speaking according to the United Kingdom Census 2001. The nearest University is the University of Wales, Lampeter (Llanbedr Pont Steffan), the nearest town is Lampeter. Mynydd Llanllwni (408m) and Mynydd Pencarreg (415m) are mountains to the east/south east of Llanybydder. Llanybydder is a major employer of Polish workers who work at the local meat factory. There are more Polish shops in the village than welsh as many of the polish workers have brought family with them. The Poles have integrated very well and take part in all aspects of village life.
History
There is evidence of an iron age settlement on the hill that overlooks the town. Highmead, once a country house, is now a centre of religious studies for the Muslim faith.
Llanybydder gained a connection to the national rail network on the Carmarthen Aberystwyth Line in 1867, which was originally part of an ill-fated scheme to link Manchester to the deepwater port at Milford Haven. However, financial pressures led the route to be diverted, and it remained a cross country route, with passenger services running until flooding abruptly, and permanently, shut the line in 1965.
Modern Day
Llanybydder is famed for the horse fairs held there on the last Thursday of every month. These attract dealers and buyers from all parts of the UK and Ireland. The biggest is held in September & October. Of particular interest are the sales of local Welsh Cobs.
Dunbia (Dungannon Meats) is the largest business in Llanybydder, an abbatoir, providing around 400 jobs. Over 300 migrant workers, mainly Poles are employed there, and the presence of such a large Polish community has had a significant impact on the rural community. They specialise in Welsh lamb; the business was formerly known as "Oriel Jones" - a family run business owned by a farmer, who still lives locally.
Local Businesses
At one point there were seven bakeries in the village, and at least ten pubs. Now only one bakery remains, and five pubs.
Llanybydder also has other businesses:
* an Chinese cuisine restaurant
* a Fish & Chips Take a Way & Cafe
* one hairdressers
* two convenience stores (including a Post Office))
* a newsagents.
* two farmers co-operatives
* a pharmacy
* an estate agents
* a solicitors practice
* two bed & breakfasts
The National Farmers Union also has a small office in the village.
Sport
Llanybydder Rugby Club
Llanybydder has an improving rugby union team and are currently in top place in the Asda Division 3 (West) having been promoted to the division this season.
Nationalities
About 250 Polish workers also live in Llanybydder as well as Slovakians and Czechs, most of whom work for Dunbia. As well as the influx of migrants, there are several families from the rest of the UK, mostly English, but with several Scottish and Irish households. Fact|date=April 2007
References
British Indie rock band Babyshambles make reference to one of the town's pubs, The Albion arms, throughout their debut album, Down In Albion. The band's singer and songwriter, Pete Doherty has confirmed this in an interview with British music magazine, NME.
External links
* [http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/index.asp?locID=4010&docID=-1 Llanybydder demographics]
* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=2737983 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Llanybydder and surrounding area]
urrounding towns
Canadian City Geographic Location (8-way)
Northwest =
North = Aberaeron (18 miles), Aberystwyth (30 miles) A485,A482
Northeast = Lampeter(6 miles) A485
West = Cardigan (20 miles) A484
Centre = Llanybydder
East =
Southwest =
South = Carmarthen (20 miles) A485
Southeast =
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