LOCAL HERO: The Beaufort Centre was delighted that Kristopher Marshall was the November winner of the South Wales Argus Young Heroes Award, sponsored by SWALEC.

Community worker Gareth Cooke nominated Kristopher for his dedicated work at Beaufort Community Centre.

The centre praised his efforts in cleaning, litter clearance and helping other youngsters.Kristopher, 15, of Beaufort Road, is in Year 11 at St Julian's School where he is studying for GCSEs. He won a £25 book or CD token, while £100 was donated to his nominated charity - the Beaufort Centre.

THANKS: The Newport Fundraising Committee for the National Children's Home wishes to thank everyone for their marvellous support of the Christmas charity concert at St Julian's Methodist Church.

The sum of £1,150 was raised for NCH. Thanks are also due to the Newport Philharmonic Choir for their usual high standard of performance, with a varied and quality programme, and to the church for providing a perfect venue.

FAMILY HISTORY:The increasing interest in family history prompted Newport Probus to invite me to talk about my family background.

As a result of the painstaking research of my brother, Kenwyn, now an exile in Herne Bay, I was able to take the group back 17 generations to a 15-century ancestor, John Handole.

One branch of the family tried to escape rural poverty in Somerset by sailing to the other side of the world. Sadly, tragedy struck on their fever ship before the family's fortunes finally improved.

Another branch of the family made the shorter trip to South Wales. I am happy to repeat my talk to any interested group particularly as I am anxious to meet people with personal recollections of my famous relative, Fred Hando, the well-loved teacher, writer and artist, who did so much to encourage people to appreciate our beautiful and fascinating county.

I am gathering memories for a possible publication about Fred and would be glad to hear from anyone willing to contribute.

CORRECTION: NOAH'S ARK APPEAL: The Gwent Foresters' donation of the cost of a laser gun for the digital paediatric eye scanner was for the University Hospital of Wales at the Heath, Cardiff.

Last week's report incorrectly said it was for Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, to which the Foresters have previously donated.

Roger and Andrea Slade and Pam Lewis, of the Foresters, visited the paediatric unit to see the equipment in the company of Lyn Jones (chairman of trustees), Patrick Watts (consultant paediatric ophthalmologist) and Sally Howells (director manager).

CORRECTION: NOAH'S ARK APPEAL The Gwent Foresters' donation of the cost of a laser gun for the digital paediatric eye scanner was for the University of Wales Hospital at the Heath, Cardiff.

Last week's report incorrectly said it was for Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, to which the Foresters have previously donated.

Roger and Andrea Slade and Pam Lewis of the Foresters visited the Paediatric unit to see the equipment in the company of Lyn Jones (Chairman of Trustees), Patrick Watts (Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist) and Sally Howells (Director Manager).