FUN DAY: A week today, Monday May 29 is the Spring bank holiday. As usual, there will be a Fun Day at the Transporter Bridge. We were lucky with the weather last time until late afternoon when rain, thunder and lightening prevented people going over the top! Up until then 180 people of all ages had climbed the 180 steps to enjoy the spectacular views, while many more rode on the gondola.

We are always looking for volunteers to help in the Visitor Centre. No special knowledge is required; just a friendly disposition. If you might be interested, please give me a ring.

PLANT AND CAKE SALE: in aid of Breast Cancer Wales at at Duckpool Baptist Church on Saturday May 27 at 10.30am to noon. 

CHOICES: This lively pensioners’ group meets at St Julian’s Baptist Church every other Monday at 7pm. Today, May 22, they welcome Malcolm Meadows who will talk about “The Life and Music of William Walton”. They next meet on June 12. For details of the group’s activities ring Joyce on 762063 or Margaret on 258607.

ST JULIAN’S SENIOR CITIZENS: Monday evenings we hold live music concerts. Tonight we welcome the Jay and Katie. No concert next week as it’s Bank Holiday. 50+ Bingo every Thursday evening. Details of the club’s activities from the Chairman, Joan Pike on 211687. To hire the centre ring Julia on 670898.

ST JULIAN’S METHODIST CHURCH: We are sorry to report the passing of long time member, Trevor Baker, of Ronald Road. His funeral is today at 1.30pm. 
The Monday Club meets today at 2pm when Alison Kenny’s topic is “Sainsbury’s”. No meeting next week as it’s Bank Holiday. 
The Tuesday Wives’ Group at 7.30pm welcomes Esther, who will talk about “Police Support”. 
The Women’s Fellowship group meets at 2.30pm for another delightful musical afternoon with Stephen Berry. 
Coffee Mornings continue on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.30am to noon. 
On Sunday June 4 at 4pm, the church hosts a Pentecost Tea, followed by a Service at 5.30pm. We will be joined by the Baptists from St Julian’s, Duckpool Road and Summerhill. All welcome.

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, your help would be very welcome. 

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

ADVANCE NOTICE (1): There will be a Family Fun Day at the Glebelands from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, June 17. There will be dog shows, including puppy classes and various stalls. 

ADVANCE NOTICE (2): The Friends of Newport’s Ornamental Parks’ next trip is to Taunton and the magnificent Hestercombe Gardens, on Tuesday July 4. The cost is £20 for members or £23 for non members. For full details visit the website fonop.org.uk

SMILE LINES: from St John’s, Maindee, parish magazine ~ Bank Holiday ~ I was queueing in the bank when there was a commotion at the counter. A lady was very distressed, exclaiming “Where will I put my money? I have all my money and my mortgage here. What will happen to my mortgage? You can’t do this to us!” It turned out that she had misunderstood the notice on the counter, which read “We will be closed for the Bank Holiday”.

GET IN TOUCH: Grassroots is your column. Let me know of your news and activities by phoning or texting me on 07 802 487 042, or emailing me on david.hando@hotmail.com 

Beechwood and St Julian’s
David Hando
07802487042
david.hando@hotmail.com