ABERTILLERY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM NEWS: The next lecture will be held on Wednesday, May 2, at The Met, starting at 7pm, with tea and coffee and a chance to chat downstairs in the museum after each lecture.

Entry is £2, and the public are most welcome. The subject will be The Crawshays of Cyfarthfa Castle', by Scott Reid.

This year's spring trip is to Warwick Castle, on Saturday, May 26. It costs £16.50 including entry and bus fare. Please contact Roy Pickford, on 01495 213377 for details and to book your place. Booking closes, April 30.

Tools for Self Reliance - This charity collects and refurbishes unwanted tools and prepares packs for people in African countries to set up their own small businesses as mechanics, bicycle repairers, seamstresses, etc.

The charity is looking for anvils to put together blacksmith kits. If you can help, contact them on 023 8086 9697. The museum fundraising in March raised £154.

BEETLE DRIVE: St Michael's Church holds a Beetle Drive at the Corner Club, Wednesday, April 25, 7pm. Tickets cost £3 including refreshments, and are available either at the Thursday coffee mornings or from a church member.

LAP THE LAKE: This year's Hospice of the Valleys Family Fun Run takes place on Sunday, May 6, at Bryn Bach Park.Walk, run or jog the three miles in your own time - why not wear fancy dress? There will be a bouncy castle, stalls and other attractions for all the family.

IT'S A KNOCKOUT: Make a date for Sunday, June 10, at Bryn Bach Park. Recruiting is now taking place for the borough's biggest event in aid of Hospice of the Valleys.

You need to get organised soon, as there is a maximum number of teams which can participate.

For more information call: (01495) 717277.

ABERTILLERY ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR: On April 24, the choir will perform at Salem Chapel in Blaina. This chapel is becoming a centre for concerts and exhibitions in the town. It is organised by the Chartist Group, who put on a lot of things at the Salem.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE: The Wyndham Vowles Community Centre (which is situated just off Crown Street in the Blaenau Gwent area), is hosting a digital photography course which will start on Thursday, April 26, at 7.30pm.

This course is free, and further information can be obtained from Norman, on 212754, or you can just turn up on the night.

CLEAN MACHINE: The next meeting of C.L.E.A.N will take place at the Jim Owen Hall on April 23, at 6.30.

If you care about the lakes and the surrounding areas, then please do your best to attend.

HEALTHY LIVING PROJECT FOR CARERS: Don't forget the next event programmed for this project is on Thursday, April 26 - a cookery demonstration in Ebenezer Chapel run by Alex Slingsby of Blaenau Gwent Public Health Team, 1pm-3pm.

TEA DANCE: Brynithel Community Centre is hosting a tea dance in aid of the Hospice of the Valleys, on Wednesday, April 25, between 3pm-6pm.

The music will be provided by Mr Brian Parker. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available.

Tickets cost £3 and are available from either Mrs Tanner, on (01495) 214489, or Mrs Roberts, on (01495) 214723.

FESTIVAL TIME!: Aberfest will run from June 17-24, with lots of event planned. If you haven't done so as yet, book your stall for the Craft Event, in Ebenezer Chapel, on Saturday, June 23.

The Craft Fair, which is organized by Communities First, will run between 10am and 3pm and there is no charge for the stalls. We are looking for local craftspeople to exhibit and sell their crafts.

So, whether you're an experienced crafter orthis will be your first venture, or if you belong to a community group and would like to raise funds, now is the ideal opportunity.

If you are interested in contributing to this event, please contact Rachel Elston, Abertillery Communities First Development Officer, on (01495) 354726 or email rachel.elston@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Easter Treats at Bryn Bach: Young and old joined forces at Bryn Bach Park over Easter, as Green Gym members and families came to feast their eyes on the newly completed Community Canvas, which had seen its first display at the country park.

The six canvases were painted by different communities in the borough with the help of the BG Arts Development artist, Nyree Davis. The work produced a blaze of colour, reflecting what the 30 or so contributors felt the environment meant to them.

Those attending the Green Gym activity were able to go on to try canoeing, archery and orienteering under the guidance of the instructors at the country park, and a nature walk by local environmentalist, Rodney Morris.

The splendid Easter weather helped to ensure this was a very enjoyable day for all who attended.

The Green Gym will be doing some willow weaving up at the Owl Sanctuary at Festival Park on Saturday,t April 21.

So, why not join the winning team who promote and work with communities across the borough, lookingafter their health while enjoying each other's company completing small environmental tasks.

The project has been so successful that judges have decided it is one of the best of its kind, and, as a result, a number of volunteers will be going to London to meet the Duke of Edinburgh, next month.

For more info call 07977 103856, or c.ward@btcv.org.uk