LENT LUNCHES: Celia Price of Churches Together, Pontypool, has reported that their Lent Lunches of soup and a roll were held each week during Lent and were well supported. 
The host churches were Crane Street, The Salvation Army and Pontypool Methodist Church, with the final one held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on April 6. 
Suggested donations of £2.50 were used to support the work of Christian Aid. 
Well done everyone! 

CHOIR: Pontypool Male Choir are seeking a Musical Director to conduct an expanding modernistic male choir. Rehearsals are Tuesdays 7pm-9pm at Panteg House Sports and Social Club, Greenhill Road, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Torfaen. Email your details to the Chairman Mr Ian Burgess on jacknian@gmail.com or telephone 01633 482058.
 
CWMBRAN WOODLAND PLAYERS: “Spideriffic is the newest award winning production by Cwmbran Woodland Players and will be performed at Cwmbran Congress Theatre on May 12. Tickets are £12 each/£10 concessions. Book at Congress Theatre on 01633 868239. (Mo Hughes, Cwmbran Woodland Players).

REGIONAL MUSIC FOR YOUTH FESTIVAL: Congratulations to all Torfaen Music for Youth Groups and Gwent Music for delivering another superb Musical Festival at the Newport Centre on March 24-25. This was an amazing two days showcasing our hugely talented young musicians from South East Wales. 

During this festival the music mentors who offered constructive advice were Trevor Lines, David Beer, Matt Harrison, Adey Grummett and Katie Chatburn; each with an international reputation as musicians and for their enthusiastic involvement with Musical Education. There are approximately 50 Music for Youth Festivals being held this year, involving over 50 thousand young musicians.  The Newport Regional festival is probably the largest one. 

It was gratifying to hear one of the Musical Mentors inform the audience and players: “This is a wonderful festival; be proud of being in a part of the UK which provides such wonderful music.” 
There were youth music ensembles from throughout Gwent and also from other SE Wales areas such as Cardiff, Porthcawl  and Bridgend.

Congratulations to the thousands of young musicians who took part; to Music for Youth and to all the staff and music centres involved,  as well as to Ev-Entz; Newport Centre and local authorities. Good to hear that 50p from the sale of each programme was to be sent to Comic Relief. 
For details on tuition, instruments, events and more, offered by Cerdd Gwent Music call 01633 210800, email gwent.music@newport.gov.uk or look on Facebook and Twitter.

Torfaen
Mary Barnett
marybarnett.uppercwmbran@gmail.com