DRATA: The Duffryn Residents' and Tenants' Association is there for all residents of Manor Park, Sir Charles Crescent, Buccaneer and Brigantine, as well as the Duffryn estate, which includes all the new estates within the Duffryn Tredegar Park ward.

Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings and hear what is happening, and to bring their problems and we will try to help. The meeting on Monday, March 19, was again very well attended and the police report was very helpful.

Many items were discussed and a lot of information was given regarding different issues that are ongoing on the estate i.e. stock transfer, fun day, and special events. The next meeting will be Monday, April 23, at Duffryn Community Centre, 7pm. Please come and give your views and ideas as we are all working together for the benefit of the estate. Also, all residents of Tredegar Park ward are able to attend the Tredegar Park ward neighbourhood meeting where council staff will be in attendance.

KESTREL WAY RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION: We have been working together for many years and have our own weekly raffle and different functions for the neighbours of this area.

We approached the local councillor for funding to purchase trees to enhance the area. We would like to thank Councillor Watkins for his donation and we have now purchased trees from Newport City Council and had them planted in different areas of Kestrel Way. We have planted four trees in memory of our neighbours who are no longer with us - George Thompson, Christopher Beresford, Mrs Pewtner and Mrs Whitcombe. These are people who worked hard and helped and left their mark here with us.

MAYOR'S GALA: On Thursday, March 22, at the Riverfront Theatre, there was a showcase of the talents from schools in Newport. These young performers were a delight to watch. We have such talent with the young people of Newport and they should be encouraged when these events take place.

The Vanessa School Of Dancing was as usual a credit to the performers and their costumes were very eye-catching, and so was the quality of the dancing. Congratulations to Duffryn High School on their performance in Ernie's Incredible Illucinations. There were six schools taking park in total and each one was a delight to watch. A big thank you to Councillor Debbie Wilcox for her hard work and all the effort she puts into these programmes.

Proceeds from this evening will go to the mayor's charities which are St Woolos Cathedral Restoration Fund and Growing Space based at Tredegar House.

DUFFRYN FUN DAY: We still need residents and tenants to get involved in this event. It will be held at the infants' school in July so we need people to be involved now to get things going.

Information can be obtained from Mrs Sian Jones, headteacher, infants, Mrs Jean Watkins, DRATA, and Mr Tim Atkinson, Duffryn Community Link. Other estates can get together so, come on Duffryn, don't be left behind.

DUFFRYN COMMUNITY CENTRE: Please note that all bookings must go through Mrs Sheila Lloyd, telephone 01633 817743, and the centre cannot be used by people just popping in. There are groups paying to use the centre and they do not wish to be disturbed by people just walking in and out. Please respect these people with their time paid for using the centre when they are allocated.

Jean Watkins