NEW BEGINNINGS: Do you live in Abertillery? Are you interested in organising events, publicity or marketing? You may already have these skills, or would like to learn more? Would you like to see more events in the area?

If so, come along to the Communities First office in the Arcade, Abertillery, on Tuesday, September 9, at 3pm, or if you are unable to make the meeting, please ring Rachel Elston, on (01495) 354726.

  PARTNERSHIP AGM: The Six Bells Ward Communities First Part-nership Boards AGM is on August 11 at 6pm at the Six Bells Hotel.  If you have any ideas or time to spare to help with events in Six Bells, then go along and be part of an exciting team of local residents.

  SUMMER TRIP: Blaenau Gwent Senior Citizens have organised a trip to Street, Somerset on 20 August.  For more information, contact Mrs Sue Rocke on (01495) 213477.

  NATIONAL PLAY DAY: This year’s National Play Day is being celebrated at Bryn Bach Park, on August 6.  This is a free event full of family fun.  Pick-ups are being organised in Abertillery and Cwmtillery with bus fares costing £1 for adult and children over 2 years  (Under 2s go free).  All children under 11 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

To book your places, ring Rachel, on (01495) 354727, Chloe, on (01495) 354720, or Amanda, on (01495) 354721.

  OPEN DAY: Candy Stripes Nursery holds an Open Day, Satur-day, August 30 between 10am-4pm.  There will be fun activities for Under 5s and families and the chance to see the nursery’s facilities.

For more info ring (01495) 290316.

  TALENT SHOW: Llanhilleth Youth Committee has organised a mega talent show called Llan’s Got Talent on Friday, August 22 between 6pm-10pm.  If you’d like to take part, please contact Jen at St Illtyd’s Resource Centre, Llanhilleth Institute on (01495) 354669. Judges will be drawn from the local community.  Prizes to be confirmed.

 Tickets cost £3 for adults, £1,50 for OAPs and £2 for under 18s. To book tickets contact Jen on number above.

Buffet, bar and raffle tickets available. Adult tickets must be shown before alcohol will be served and strictly no alcohol to be consumed by under 18s on the premises.

  MUSEUM NEWS: Congratu-lations are in order for Abertillery and District Museum stalwarts Don and Peggy Bearcroft, whose dedication to the museum has been recognised with two awards.  Firstly, both Peggy and Don received a plaque from the Llanhil-leth and Abertillery Community Council in recognition of their work for the Museum Society.  Then, Don has been selected as a regional winner under the Heritage – Individual category of the  Nationwide Community and Heritage Awards Scheme.  His commemorative award will be presented at Glamorgan Cricket Club, in Cardiff.  National finalists will be selected at the event, so perhaps Don will advance further. Don has also been selected as a Heritage Hero for the Wales region.