PARK FRIENDS: The Friends of Newport Ornamental Parks held their eleventh annual general meeting at Beechwood House. 

Chairman Kerry Battrick thanked the officers and committee for another successful year. It has been dominated by preparations for replacing the derelict paddling pool by an entertainment space. It will be suitable for music, dance and picnics etc. A brief was devised for a secure, vandal proof, low maintenance area. 

A well attended consultation event was held and consultants appointed. 
£100,000 grant was secured from the landfill fund but clearly further funding will be required. 

A legal agreement with the council has been achieved and planning permission applied for. 

Tenders for ground work works have been issued and it is hoped work will start soon, allowing for a launch in the Autumn. 

A Green Flag has been awarded to Belle Vue Park and a tennis court has been restored at Beechwood. 

The Friends have promoted voluntary work such as pruning and planting etc. 

Several garden trips have been arranged and there are still a few place available on 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. 

Officers re-elected include Chairman: Kerry Battrick, Vice-Chairman and Membership Secretary: Martyn Vaughan, Treasurer: Brian Ingleson, Minute Sectary and Communications Officer: Joshua Gardner and committee members re-elected. 

ST JULIAN’S SENIOR CITIZENS: At tonight’s concert at Orchard Lane Community Centre the guest performer is the popular soloist Laurance. 
Members £3.50, non-members £4.50. + Bingo every Thursday evening. 

Details of the club’s activities from the Chairman, Joan Pike. Call 211687. 
To hire the centre ring Julia on 670898. 

ST JULIAN’S METHODIST CHURCH: At the Monday Club today at 2pm there is a members’ afternoon devoted to “Holiday Souvenirs”. 
At the Tuesday Wives’ Group, at 7.30pm, they are holding their annual general meeting. 

The Women’s Fellowship group welcome Rev Gordon Gresswell for a “Devotional Afternoon”.

 Coffee mornings continue on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.30am to noon. 

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 GROUP MEETINGS: The Sunbeams Baby, Mothers and Toddlers group meets on Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am at Summerhill Baptist Church. 

For further information ring Shirley on 277093 or Sue on 667384. 

CHURCH LENT LUNCHES: Churches in our area are holding Lent Lunches.

At the Methodist Church they are at noon on Thursdays and proceeds go to Christian Aid. 

HOT CROSS BUNS: You are cordially invited to Penylan Baptist Church on Saturday April 8 from 10.30am till noon, for tea or coffee and hot cross buns. £2.50. All welcome. 

CHOICES: This lively pensioners’ group meets at St Julian’s Baptist Church every other Monday at 7pm. 

Next fleeting April 10 - An Evening of Entertainment with Nigel Elmore.

For details of the group’s activities ring Joyce on 762063 or Margaret on 258607. 

SMILE LINES: from St John’s, Maindee, parish magazine - Witty Weather - What did the North Wind say to the East Wind? - Let’s play draughts. 

How easy is it for wind gusts to talk to each other? - It’s a breeze. What does a clud where under her raincoat? – Thunderwear.

GET IN TOUCH: Grassroots is your column. 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