Big junior cycle race hits town

The event is sponsored by the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and race headquarters for Saturday and Monday is at Nantyglo Leisure Centre, and On Sunday the headquarters will be at Bryn Bach Park and the Prince of Wales Inn.

The race travels through the counties of Gwent, Dyfed and Powys - through the spectacular scenery of the Brecon Beacons.

Traditionally, the race starts with a prologued time trial, with three road race stages and a circuit race. The final stage takes place in the breathtaking climb of Tumble Mountain - a 5-mile climb of a 10 percent gradient.

Messages of support from the quartet of British riders in the Tour de France, who have all featured in the Junior Tour of Wales at some time, have arrived at the event's HQ at Nantyglo Leisure Centre.

David Millar, Charly Wegelius, Mark Cavendish and the current number one Welsh sportsman, Geraint Thomas, all spoke glowingly of the event's importance in launching their professional careers and of the "affection" they hold for its challenging terrain.

Geraint Thomas said, "It's pretty cool, because I've raced the Junior Tour of Wales and remember the mountain top finishes in the Brecon Beacons. And now I've just finished the Tour de France, and managed to get through stages that finished at the summit of mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees.

"I'm really proud to have taken part in both these challenging races. I've no doubt that the Junior Tour of Wales will continue to help young riders develop their racing careers. It was certainly a great stepping stone for me. I wish the riders and the race all the success now, and in the future."

The new British Road Race champion, David Millar said this about the race: "The Junior Tour of Wales, that was agood race, one of the first I rode in this country. I'm glad it is still going so well.

"It really did test me to my limit, I can still remember that last hill, even after all the tours I've done on the Continent.

"Whoever finishes well up in that race has the ability to go forward with their career. The organisation too, it was so well run.

"I wish the R.I.S Junior Tour of Wales massive success with this year's race".

The race benefits this year from the full technical support of the Wales National Escort Group, whose motorcycles will escort the 100 riders and motorised convoy throughout the three days of action.

They were also involved duringthe T de F's memorable London opening and are another element of the Junior Tour which is of total top-class.

After a very domestic edition last year, with arguably the highest overall standard of its entire 27 year history, the Junior Tour now has a more international aspect this time around with squads from Scotland, Ulster, Isle of Man, Holland and England all lined up against the Welsh.

For more information on this year's race please visit www.juniortourofwales.com FACT FINDING TRIPS: Six Bells Communities First and The Six Bells Regeneration Team are about to embark on some exciting fact finding trips to a number of former colliery sites throughout South Wales.

The trips will be an exciting opportunity to see how other former colliery sites have been redeveloped and will provide an ideal opportunity to gather ideas to support proposals for the redevelopment of the former Six Bells Colliery site.

We want YOU to join us on the trips and welcome your thoughts or ideas on the redevelopment of the former Six Bells Colliery site.

The dates of the trips will be confirmed shortly, so watch this space.

If you are interested in joining us on the forthcoming trips, or if you just want to pass on some of your ideas please contact Mair, Amy, Tina or Bethan, on 01495 354757.

STREET DANCE TEACHER WANTED: SCARF, a newly-formed community group, have got funding to put on a street dance class. Unfortunately the teacher they found is moving from the area, so they are looking for a replacement.

The kids are really keen and are enjoying the classes. If you can help this class to continue, please contact Rachel on (01495) 354726 or email me at rachel.elston@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk NEW PROJECT FOR CARERS: Keeping Carers Healthy' is a new project aimed at people who provide care for a relative or friend with a mental health problem.

A carer's lifestyle is frequently restricted and many become mentally and physically exhausted by their caring role. The project provides carers with advice, information and activity sessions designed to promote their health and well-being.

KCH provides informal and relaxed sessions at venues throughout Blaenau Gwent, to which all carers are welcome.

All services are free of charge and you're welcome to bring along a companion.

To date sessions have included: * Complementary Therapies * Financial Information * Practical and emotional support * Arts and Crafts * Exercise * Health and well-being opportunities.

If none of the sessions appeals to you, please feel free to come along and suggest alternatives which you feel would be of particular benefit.

Remember - if you are a carer * You need to be mentally and physically fit * You deserve time to yourself * You need to think about yourself * You need to think about your physical, emotional and social needs.

Value yourself and help yourself by contacting Jill or Annette, on 01495 321780.

SIX BELLS FETE: Don't forget to go along to the fete on August 18. Events this years fete include the wacky obstacle course for the adults and welly throwing competition, both with cash prizes of £25, £15 and £10 for both male and female winners.

The children's sports will once again be run by Mr Price, head teacher at Bryngwyn Primary School, and pupils from the school will be on hand throughout the afternoon to entertain us with their singing.

Blaenau Gwent Council's Active Living team will also be on hand to offer bleep' tests. There will be two tests the first at 1pm and the second at 2pm.

There will be prizes for the top three male and female results. Health checks will also be carried out such as body fat, blood pressure, lung function tests and information will also be available on nutrition and active living.

Circuit training taster sessions will also be held every hour at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. So come along, and not only enjoy a family day out, but get fit and health in the process.

There will be a large number of stalls offering a variety of attractions, including the Guide Dogs for the Blind who will be bringing along some puppies for you to see and some fully trained guide dogs.

The fire brigade will also be on hand to demonstrate how to handle a chip pan fire and will also be bringing their engine to entertain the children.

HOLIDAY CLUB: Local children are set for a week of fun and games with the Ebenezer Baptist Church holiday club.

Based on Scripture Union's Wastewatchers holiday club material, the week will be full of games, crafts, drama, music, video presentations and Bible stories as children learn about looking after the environment.

The holiday club runs from August 20-24, 10am-noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Abertillery, and is open to all aged 5-11.

Leader of the holiday club, Jan Ladhams, is excited about the event, she said, "I think this year's holiday club is going to be great! It will be lots of fun, we'll learn a lot and it would be fantastic if lots of local children came along".

For more information, contact Jan Ladhams, 1A Granville Street, or telephone 01495 213284.