OPERA IN THE PARK - THE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS: First of all I must apologise for misleading you in my previous article about the arrangements for this spectacular event.

In all good faith, using the information given to me at the time, I reported that the first concert was on the Friday, June 22. Evidently this is incorrect, and it will, in fact, take place on Saturday, June 23, at 7pm.

The main attraction on that evening will be the Risca Male Voice Choir, which I am able to say from my own experience, is one of the most professional of all the Gwent choirs that I have heard. They will be supported by artistes from the St Albans Roman Catholic High School. Also taking part will be trumpeter Derek Williams.

Tickets at £6 each can now be picked up from the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran, or ordered over the phone, on 01633 868239.

On the Sunday, June 24, the main event of the weekend will be staged when singers and musicians from the Welsh National Opera will be performing throughout the day.

Between 2pm and 3.15pm the "Three Other Tenors" from the WNO will be performing in the Italian Gardens.

Last year there was beautiful sunshine and there was a huge crowd listening to the superb renderings of these three talented artistes.

Just a little later, at 3.45pm, the Welsh Brass Consort will be performing in the bandstand until 5pm. Both these open-air events are free to the public.

In the evening, starting at 7.30pm, the grand concert takes place in the marquee. The "Three Other Tenors" will again be in attendance, with a soprano will also be taking part. They will be supported by the full orchestra of the Welsh National Opera. The evening will be conducted by a professional compere.

Ticket prices are £15, £12.50 and £10 from the Congress Theatre, but I would warn you to make your application early as last year's concert was a complete sell-out.

Licensed bars and refreshments are available, but why not bring along a picnic and enjoy a day out in the magnificent surroundings of Pontypool Park.

GWENT CATS' PROTECTION LEAGUE PLANT SALE: I have just been informed by Loretta Kedward, the Publicity Officer of the Gwent Cats' Protection League, that their recent plant sale held at Panteg Hall in New Inn was quite a success, despite being held on Sunday, May 27, when I am told the heavens opened and rain poured down for hours on end.

I say that I was told that fact as I was in Belgium and northern France with a group from the Abersychan and Garndiffaith History Society, on a tour of the First War Battlefields and we were only inconvenienced a little with a slight drizzle.

The group had had enough difficulties with growing their plants this year with a very hot spell followed by a period of cold and wet weather. As Loretta said the poor old plants did not know whether they were coming or going.

However, a number of customers braved the atrocious rain and wind and came to the sale. They picked up a number of bargains to support the branch and the taking into account all the problems the League were delighted to raise £510 on the day.

This will go a long way to help pay some of the constant costs that they incur in looking after the cats and kittens that they have in their care.

The fact that their sale in New Inn was so successful, despite the horrible weather, makes all their efforts worthwhile.

THE LINDEN SINGERS: The choir was in concert at Mount Zion Baptist Church, at Glascoed, on Friday, May 18, helping the church in their efforts to raise funds for the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff.

The Singers were in good voice and the audience were receptive, and their applause showed how much they appreciated the choir coming to Glascoed.

They gave a varied programme of secular and religious music, which served to demonstrate the breadth of their musical repertoire.

On this occasion the choir was joined by a young soloist, James Rhys Lawrence, who, despite a throat problem, won the audience over with his beautiful renditions of songs made famous by performers of a bygone age.

His set included If I Ruled the World, made famous by Harry Secombe, Can't Help Falling in Love with You (Elvis Presley) and Don't Laugh at Me (Norman Wisdom). These songs made for a real evening of nostalgia for both the ladies of the choir and their audience This fundraising evening resulted in the church being able to hand over about £200 for this worthy cause.

The Singers and the soloist were accompanied by their pianist Kirsten Sondergarrd, and the compere was Lyn Weaver the choir's musical director.

The ladies of the church provided a magnificent buffet to round off a very enjoyable evening.

The Linden Singers will be entertaining the Senior Citizens at Llanyravon Social Club, on Wednesday, June 13 starting at 7.30pm. This is one of the ladies' favourite venues, as the audience is so very appreciative of their efforts.

The choir then finish off their summer programme with a wedding at Llantarnam Church.

Their skills are obviously much appreciated wherever they perform, as they have been asked to go back to sing on the Tesco Stage at the Wales Millennium Centre, in Cardiff, with is the the third time in twelve months.

Any ladies who would like to join this go ahead group would be made more than welcome to attend rehearsals on any Monday at the Congregational Church Hall in Kemys Street in Griffithstown, between 7pm to 9pm.

Alternatively, you could give the Singers' secretary, Lydia, a ring, on 01633 422825. If you have any transport difficulties, it may be possible to arrange a lift for you.

THE STAVE ORGAN CLUB: Their next concert that will be staged by the Stave Organ Club will take place on Tuesday, June 5, with the doors opening at 7.15pm and the entertainment starting 8pm.

The Club has really excelled themselves on this occasion in obtaining the services of Tony Stace as their guest artist. He will be playing the Yamaha HX1.

Tony is renowned as one of the best and busiest concert organists in the United Kingdom and has won the acclaimed Trophy for Best Keyboard/Organist.

Their vice-chairman, Nigel Scriven, says that he is confident that his audience will enjoy a splendid evening of varied easy listening music and fun.

He asks that members to turn up in their numbers and to bring along some friends with them.

Entry is free to members of the Stave Organ Club, £2 to RAFA Club members (on production of membership cards), and £4 to visitors.

Nigel also mentions that the evening of music that he is presenting with his new Wersi organ on Wednesday, August 8, will not now be accompanied by a buffet.

It will purely to be an enjoyable evening of music.