VOLUNTEER AWARDS: If you know someone who gives a lot of their spare time to volunteering, and who you would like to receive recognition of their dedication, then why not put their name forward for the 2008 GAVO Volunteer Awards?

Nominations have to be received by April 9. All finalists and their nominees will be invited to the final on June 6, at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre.

For more information, or to request a nomination form, please ring (01495) 306602.

SAVE IT UP: If you live or work in Blaenau Gwent, you are eligible to join Credit Union. Dividends are paid on savings, and competitive loan rates are available now.

Credit Union is every Thursday, between 11.30am-1.30pm, at the Communities First Shop in The Arcade.

CAB: Blaenau Gwent Citizens Advice Bureau is open in the Communities First Office, The Arcade between noon-4pm every Thursday - no appointment necessary.

SHELTER: Advice on housing problems is available every Thursday, between 10am-noon, at the Communities First Offices, The Arcade.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL: Peniel Church, Tillery Street, is holding a Fellowship Meal on April 26 at 6pm. Tickets cost £5 and all proceeds will go to Victory Outreach.

FREE ADVICE: Age Concern, together with Communities First, have organised a series of free advice events throughout April and May.

Here are the next few dates: Howell Griffiths Court, starting at 2.30pm - April 3, Aids & Adaptations with the Red Cross; April 17 Benefit Advice with Age Concern; May 1 Healthy Heart, Healthy Bones with BGLHB. Age Concern Office between 10am-noon Then, April 3, Coffee morning/ Tax Advice; April 10 Coffee morning/Alzheimers; April 16 Benefit Check with Age Concern, at Davey Evans Court, at 11am; April 17 Coffee morning/Care & Repair and April 24 Coffee morning/Breast Care Wales.

For enquiries telephone Annette King, on 01495 321780.

ORPHEUS NEWS: Malcolm Willams, the Press Officer of Abertillery Orpheus Male Voice Choir, has sent in the following report: Good Friday saw two coaches leave for Worthing for their Easter tour. The choir arrived late afternoon and had the evening to themselves.

Saturday saw a morning to look around Worthing, followed by a meal at 2pm then the tour started. On to the coaches for the run to Eastbourne and the Winter Gardens for the first concert.

The hall had about 500 in the audience, and the programme was a mix of old and new.

The choir began with Jesus Shall Reign', Fields of Athenry' and Llanfair'.

Jill Padfield sang her selection, then the choir sang When a Foeman Bears His Steel' and Rhythm of Life', two more from Jill then the choir finished the first half with Drunken Sailor', EliJenkins Prayer' and Gwahoddiad'.

The second half began with the choir singing Men of Harlech' and Bring Him Home'.

Jill sang another selection, then it was back to the Orpheus for Jubilate', arranged by Martin Bud, for our centenary, My Life For a Song' came next before our accompanist took to the stage with selected items from Under Milkwood', by Dylan Thomas, Marching' and Myfanwy' before the final selection from Jill.

The Orpheus ended the concert with Sussex By The Sea' twice, and The Battle Hymn of the Republic' and two Anthems to end a very enjoyable concert.

It was not the end of the night by far, as it was off to the RAFA Club where there wasfood laid on for us, more music of the choir's choice from 8 until midnight, then returning to the hotel.

Sunday was a walk around the sea front, dinner, change and onto the coaches for Rottingdean - A contrast from Saturday, as this time it was a small church, but the welcome was just as good.

We had to adjust to the stage before we started with Llanfair', Softly As I Leave You' and Jesus Shall Reign'.

Then Jill Padfield took to the stage with two numbers and the Orpheus continued with Catatshok' and When a Foreman Bears His Steel'. Jill sang two more and then the choir sang Rhythm of Life',' Myfanwy' and Gwahoddiad'.

The second half started with' Men of Harlech' and Bring Him Home'. Jill sang two songs from the shows, then back to Orpheus for Sussex By The Sea' and Fields of Athenry'.

Then a 12-year-old lady bounced up onto the stage. She was Miss Bethan Roles, who has a good voice for one her age and everyone was spellbound.

The choir then sang Jubilate', arranged by Martin Budd, and Marching'. Then it was the final items from Jill and the choir who finished with Eli Jenkins Prayer'.

The encores were Sussex By The Sea' and the anthems.

Another stop for food and more singing up to midnight ,then back to Worthing.

Monday it was back to Wales and home - A good time was had by all.