GREEN GYM TOMATO GROWING CHALLENGE: Clive Ward has sent the following news: The Green Gym has been busy growing and challenging communities to grow tomatoes as part of our "Tomato-growing Challenge", which we hope will culminate in a Tomato Party in the autumn, when we hope to taste the different types of tomato that have been grown alongside other salad items.

It is pleasing to see those who have chosen to grow their plants inside are seeing results, whereas the Green Gym has been fighting a losing battle against slugs, driving June winds and rain in their green-fingered work on the allotment recently.

Last week we turned to using old tyres to protect plants from the unseasonable elements.

Members were pleased to take a rest and visit the Community Canvas, which is currently on display in the Metropole Theatre, in Abertillery.

They, along with winners from local communities of the earlier drawing competition, had painted the canvas in the spring, which reflects aspects of the environment as depicted by the contributing artists.

The Green Gym carried out this project in partnership with Blaenau Gwent Arts Development.

The Green Gym is pleased to have many of the winners join them to take part in a further art project in Cardiff Bay, called "Art in the City". The art work createdon the day will go on display on July 28 till August 10 at Bay Art.

Why not find out more about us - we follow a varied programme of events focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while enjoying the company of others, whilst carrying out environmental projects to both improve and appreciate the local environment.

We will next meet on July 4 at our local base in Coedcae and on July 13 plan to meet at the Railway Tavern in Abertillery, as we go in search of wild fruits in the local area.

To register or to find out more about these and future events either email c.ward@btcv.org.uk or call 07977 103856.

SIX BELLS TENANTS & RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION: Next meeting is being held on July 2, atthe Six BellsHotel. Please come along and support them.

ABERTILLERY COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL - FRIENDS ASSOCIATION: Thursday, July 5 - Latin/American Music Evening in the school courtyard at 5.30pm. Come along and enjoy some Latin American music.

There will also be a BBQ, raffle and refreshments available.

Monday, July 16 at 4.30pm, Duck race at Abertillery Park - Prizes are: 1st prize £25, 2nd prize £15, 3rd prize £10.

Please purchase a duck and help support the comprehensive school.

Ducks are available to purchase from the reception desk at the school, at £1 each.

SIX BELLS HOTEL FUNDRAISING: The Six Bells Hotel has again risen to the challenge of fundraising. The next show is on Friday, July 6, in aid of Daniel Summers' family.

The family want to buy a special cold bed for the hospital, to treat the same type of injury, so it might save other people's lives.

Among the acts appearing will be Mike Love, Dave Monroe and Daniella Love. Other acts are to be confirmed later.

SIX BELLS FETE: Don't forget Six Bells Tenants & Residents Fete on Saturday, July 7, at Windsor Road Field, Six Bells.

The fete will be opened at noon by Blaenau Gwent MP Dai Davies, and promises a host of family entertainment as well as fund-raising stalls by local community groups.

LLANHILLETH FETE: Judging for the Queen and court for Llanhilleth Fete will take place at 7pm on Thursday July 12, in Llanhilleth rugby club. Entry forms will be available on the night.

Would any contestants who received a dress last year return it to St Mark's Church Hall on any Thursday from 10am to 11.30am, or take it back on the night of judging.

ABERFEST SHOW - LIFE ON THE WICKED STAGE: Mike Spencer has sent the following report: Mike and Janice Spencer would like to thank everyone for their support for theconcert Life on the Wicked Stage, which took place at the Met on Thursday, June 21 as part of the Aberfest celebrations.

The show was a sell-out and was a wonderful example of the talent available in Blaenau Gwent, and the generosity once again of Peter Karrie in helping us make it a memorable evening.

Rosie Kane, Janet Matthews, Elizabeth Tiley and young Harriet Whitehead have all come together through the Abertillery and Blaina Rotary Club Talent Competitions of recent years, and showed once again what wonderful talent they have withexceptional performances of their solos, and how well they gelled together in the group songs All That Jazz and Life Upon the Wicked Stage being particularly memorable.

The dancing of the youngsters from Kidz-R-Us of Tredegar was outstanding, and what a credit they are to the hard work of Diane, Gary and Katy Dann.

All in all, it was without doubt a "musical extravaganza" and we hope all who came enjoyed the experience.

Don't forget that Peter Karrie will be bringing his new concert tour, A Man and His Music, to the Met on July 6, which will include the youngsters of Queen Street School - so go along to support those youngsters, and indeed Peter, who has given his time freely on many occasions to support events here in Abertillery.

Tickets for A Man and His Music are from the Met box office, telephone 01495 322510, or Blaenau Gwent Venues box office 01495 355800.

ABERFEST NEWS: The Ladies Orpheus raised £230 on their stall at the Aberfest.

Thanks are sent to the choir members who worked so hard for the choir and the public for supporting them.