PRAM RACE: The annual pram race went ahead on spring bank holiday. We were very lucky with the weather, and a big thank-you to all the pretty mums and very large babies for taking part.

All this was to raise money for the Pill carnival, which takes place on August bank holiday. Tenders and application forms from Jayne on 01633 263719.

CARNIVAL: The forms are now out for the carnival queen competition. So come on girls aged five-18 who live in Newport! Cash prize of £50 for the winner and other prizes for the runner-up and court ladies. Judging taking place on Sunday, June 24, 4pm, Pill Millennium Centre. Entry forms can be obtained from Ann Barton's flower shop (opposite the Irish Club), telephone: 01633 259249. £1 per entry.

Pill carnival is also looking for majorettes, jazz bands, cheerleaders, and marching bands to take part in the parade. Also any business or group who would like to enter a float. There's £100 cash prize for the best float and prizes for walking entrants. Contact Jayne on 01633 263719.

BOXING/FITNESS TRAINING SESSIONS: Free amateur boxing sessions, aimed at boys and girls aged seven-11, will be held at Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre, starting Wednesday, June 6, for the next 12 weeks from 6pm-7pm.

The coaches will be six local residents who were sponsored by Pill Communities First to attend a boxing coaching course which was delivered by Tony Williams, the Welsh National boxing coach.

The sessions will concentrate on general fitness, pad and bag work, and skipping. It will not contain sparring. Anyone who shows a further interest in or talent for boxing will then be signposted to local boxing gyms i.e. St Joseph's or Wilson ABC.

For further information please contact Norman on 01633 671823.

INTRODUCTION TO IT: Pillgwenlly Communities First is already running an introduction to computers course on Wednesday mornings at Pill Millennium Centre. There will be another course running in about four weeks. If you would like more information, contact Sian Power at Pill Communities First on 01633 671823.

MARINERS' GREEN: Complaints have been made again about the drunks on Gilligan's Island (Mariners' Green). Mothers with young children are being approached on the way to school and at other times in the day for money or cigarettes, and face streams of abuse and threats if they won't give them any. Hopefully this will be sorted out soon. It has also been noticed that once moved on from the island they go down to the bench near Rosemary Butler's office and the Royal Gwent Hospital.

CHARITY SHOP: The ladies of St Anne's charity shop, Commercial Road, closed on Saturday, May 26, after many years of voluntary work. Loads of tears were shed and we will miss them. The shop was open three times a week and the ladies worked really hard for such a good cause. We wish them well and would like to say a big thank you. Well done, ladies.