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Llanybydder

Llanybydder (Welsh pronunciation: [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 (408 m) and Mynydd Pencarreg (415 m) are mountains to the east/south east of Llanybydder. Llanybydder is a major employer of Polish workers who work at the local meat factory. 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.

Today

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.

Highmead Dairies [1]is a family owned company established over 50 years ago. The dairy has grown over the years and is one of the largest independent dairies in Wales. Milk is collected from local farms, processed, packed into poly bottles and distributed throughout West Wales.

Local Businesses

Highmead Dairies Ltd

an Chinese cuisine restaurant

a Fish and Chips Take Away & Cafe

one hairdresser

two convenience stores (including a Post Office))

a newsagents.

two farmers co-operatives

a pharmacy

an estate agents

a solicitors practice

two bed & breakfasts

a Hotel in the Square (with a function room and 2 bars)

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, after being promoted twice ia a row. They are also in the same league as local rivals Lampeter Town.

Nationalities

About 250 Polish workers also live in Llanybydder as well as Slovaks 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.^{[citation needed]}