JUNIOR YOUTH AWARDS EVENING: At a fun-filled evening in the Gaer Community Centre, some of the young people of the Gaer received their awards for excellence in gardening, dance and DJ skills.

Present at the event were the mayor of Newport, together with the mayoress and Councillors Debbie Wilcox and Mark Whitcutt. The evening opened with the arrival of the mayoral party to the centre and Mark Whitcutt, acting as master of ceremonies, gave a short but succinct speech of welcome.

The first item on the agenda was a visit to the small but splendid garden, a very peaceful plot indeed, where the mayoress formally opened the garden by unveiling, not without some difficulty and laughter, the plaque giving the details and date.

The evening, organised by the youth leader, Heath van Staden, with his usual humorous efficiency, then continued with the presentation of the awards to the young people who had worked with great dedication to achieve them. In addition to the young people was the, dare I say, not- quite-so-young volunteer gardener Mr Glyn Osmond, who has worked together with his workforce to produce a little gem.

Heath was not alone in the help and assistance given to the young people of the Gaer. Paint-ball expert Angharad Griffiths, the sport leader, has been a strong influence in keeping the lads and lasses on their toes with various activities.

After the award ceremony we were treated to dance and break- dancing, together with a young but very proficient DJ.

The evening then concluded with a buffet and general get-together. During this, the mayor and mayoress chatted with the parents and other visitors. It was an altogether enjoyable evening and I hope that there are many more.

BINGO: The bingo club is looking for more members for their afternoon and evening sessions. These sessions are held on Monday at 1pm in the Gaer Community Centre, and 6.15pm at Hillview. I believe a good bingo caller would be welcome.

ANZAC DAY DANCE: The dance on Friday was a complete success and I believe that the organisers were very pleased with the result. I wish that I could have been there to enjoy the event but other commitments intervened.

While I am doing my utmost to write about events on the Gaer and sometimes succeeding, I cannot write without some feedback. Therefore, if anyone has some news of events anywhere on the Gaer then please let me know.