ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR NEWS: Malcolm Williams, Press Officer, has sent in the following report: "On Tuesday of last week, the ladies of the Eurydice came in to the practice room with a big cake, decorated with the choir's badge and a hundred years of Orpheus.

That was a nice surprise, but what happened next was even better - they handed our vice-chairman a cheque for £4,000 for the choir fund, to help us with the things we are doing this year.

So may I, on behalf of all the choir, say a very big thank you to all the ladies of the Eurydice. It's your help that makes a difference. Thank you once again.

Saturday, March 1, the Orpheus started their new year with the St David's Day Concert, in St Michael's Church.

This year was a little different, in that we were on our own to celebrate our centenary; we had two artistes, Miss Kate Harris and Patrick Coleman - it was nice to see him with the choir after a long time away.

The evening started with the choir singing three numbers, Men of Harlech, Softly As I Leave You and The Rhythm of Life.

Everyone joined in Love Divine All Love Excelling, and then the choir sang Jesus Shall Reign. Everyone joined in again with Round the Lord in Glory Seated.

Patrick Coleman performed two numbers and the choir finished the first half with Jubilate, arranged for us by Mr Martin Budd and then came Eli Jenkins's Prayer.

The second half saw the choir sing three numbers, Anthem, from Chess, Casatshok and Marching.

Miss Harris sang two numbers, then it was the turn of everyone again, this time it was In Heavenly Love Abiding. The choir then sang Llef, then all sang Cwm Rhondda.

Patrick gave us his final two songs and the choir finished with When a Foeman Bears His Steel, Myfanwy and the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The evening ended with Mae Hen Wlad Fyn Hadau, and after the concert there were Welsh cakes and refreshments.

CRAZY FOR YOU: Abertillery Amateur Dramatic and Musical Society presents their March Show, Crazy For You, from March 10-15, at the Metropole Cultural and Conference Centre.

Doors open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm.Tickets cost £7.50 and are available from The Metropole, on (01495) 322510.

After the enormous success of their Christmas show, the society are expecting a sell out for this week's show.

This very lively show was written by George and Ira Gershwin, and contains songs including I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You, Biding My Time,Nice Work If You Can Get It, They Can't Take That Away From Me, and many more. A real song and dance show for the family.

It's the story of Bobby Child, a well to do 1930s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. Despite the serious efforts of his mother, and soon to be ex-fiancee, Bobby is determined to achieve his dream.

NO SMOKING DAY: March 12 is the national No Smoking Day. This year's theme is: The Great No Smoking Day Challenge'.

Quitting smoking can be a really tough challenge, so this year's campaign will encourage smokers to just stay focused on a more manageable target - the first week.

The week-long challenge will help quitters develop the confidence they need to succeed, urge them to take advantage of the help available and provide well-deserved recognition for their commitment.

Research shows that smokers are more likely to succeed in quitting if they receive the support of their friends, families and colleagues.

This year's challenge will encourage peer support by giving quitters the chance to be sponsored for their efforts and raise money for their favourite charity.

Some ideas for No Smoking Day activities using the Challenge theme are: l Pledge to quit groups - friends, colleagues, families - any group of smokers can get together and challenge each other with rewards and penalties.

l Sweepstake - organise a workplace Stop Smoking Challenge Sweepstake' - all quitters put in £10, everyone who stays stopped' for a week shares the money (or decides on a charity to benefit).

l Borrow a carbon monoxide monitor (a limited number are available from the Public Health team, on 01495 356718, and have a breathe-in' at the start and the end of the week to see the instant health benefits.

l Fun Run - Run, walk or toddle for quitters and their supporters.

For more information, check out the No Smoking Day website at www.nosmokingday.org.uk for lots more info, ideas and free downloadable resources to help you fund an event.