ST JOHN’S CHOIR: The St John the Evangelist Church Choir are a friendly, enthusiastic mixed for part choir of 36, currently made up of 14 girls, aged 7 to 16, 13 adult sopranos/altos and 9 tenors/basses aged 7 to 90. They sing regularly at the 10.45am Sunday morning services and occasionally at special evening services. The girls frequently sing at weddings. Rehearsals are held in the Choir Vestry for girls from 6.30pm to 8pm and adults from 7pm to 8.30pm. For further information contact John Granger on 769684 or john.granger@ntlworld.com.

ST JULIAN’S SENIOR CITIZENS: At tonight’s concert at Orchard Lane Community Centre the soloist is Sam Hickman, a lady harpist and singer. Members £3.50, non-members £4. 50+. Bingo every Thursday evening. Details of the cub’s activities from the Chairman, Joan Pike. Tel: 211687. To hire the centre ring Julia on 670898.

CHOICES: This lively pensioners’ group meets at St Julian’s Baptist Church every other Monday at 7pm. On March 27 Roger Bafico will be presenting “Magic Moments”. For details of the group’s activities ring Joyce on 762063 or Margaret on 258607.

PARK FRIENDS: The Friends of Newport Ornamental Parks have arranged a trip to the Batsford Arboretum (at its best in Spring) and Moreton in Marsh on Tuesday April 11 (Market Day in Moreton). The cost is £20 (£17 for members). For details ring Val Clark on 273735. The friends hold their AGM at Beechwood House at 7pm on Tuesday March 28.

SNOWDROPS: Beechwood Wl have donated a 1000 double snowdrop bulbs to be planted in the park. The Friends of the Park will plant them but need help. E-mail ben.light@newport.gov.uk or Martyn Vaughan at rhysfychan@icloud.com.

THE LIFE OF RUTH: Over the Lent period there are four Bible Studies on the Life of Ruth on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. Refreshments from 7pm. On March 21 at Beechwood Presbyterian Church, led by Glyn Robins, the topic is “The Threshing Floor” and on March 28 at Summerhill Baptist led by Chris Coughlin “The Marriage”. All welcome. For more information ring John on 257158.

BREATHE EASY: The Newport Breathe Easy Group, which provides support and advice to people suffering with lung and chest conditions, meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm at St Julius the Martyr Church on Beaufort Road. All welcome this Tuesday, March 21. For information ring Joanna on 773750.

ST JULIAN’S METHODIST CHURCH: The Monday Club at 2pm Pam Stephenson will be presenting “Some more of Devon”. At the Tuesday Wives’ Group, at 7.30pm, it’s “All Things Irish”. The Women’s Fellowship group welcome Liz Luck, whose topic is “Buttons”. Coffee mornings continue on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.30am to noon.

LENT: Most of the churches in our area are holding Lent Lunches. At the Methodist Church they are at noon on Thursdays and proceeds go to Christian Aid.

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION: meets at St Julian’s Methodist Church on Wednesday mornings. If you could volunteer to help people who have had a stroke to improve their communication skills, please ring Eira Richards on 776384.

SUNBEAMS: The Sunbeams Baby, Mothers and Toddlers group meets on Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am at Summerhill Baptist Church. Ring Shirley on 277093 or Sue on 667384.

ADVANCE NOTICE: Action for Children are holding a concert at 7.30pm on April 1 featuring the New Harmony Singers. Tickets cost £6 on the door or from Alf Waldron. Tel: 272407.

FAIR: Also on April 1 there is a Craft and Collectables Fair from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at Eveswell Community Centre. Free entry. Ring Eileen on 672449.

SMILE LINES: from St John’s, Maindee, parish magazine ~ Adam and Eves’s true nationality ~ A Briton, a Frenchman and a Russian were viewing a painting of Adam and Eve frolicking in the Garden of Eden. “Look at the garden they are maintaining so well” mused the Brit. “They must be British”. “Nonsense” the Frenchman disagreed. “They are naked and so beautiful. Clearly they are French”. “Ah, but no clothes, no shoes, no shelter” the Russian pointed out. “They have only an apple to eat, and they are told they are in Paradise. They are Russian.”

GET IN TOUCH: Let me know of your news and activities by phoning or texting me on 07802487042, or emailing me on david.hando@hotmail.com

Beechwood and St Julian’s

David Hando

07802487042

david.hando@hotmail.com