Musical matrimony

The popular group were invited to sing at the wedding of Louise Gough and Phillip Forman.

The venue was the nuns' priory at Llantarnam Abbey and it was only the third wedding held there and the first this year.

Come the big day - which did not have the best start with drizzle and rain, but the bride made up for this by looking radiant - the Alcan Singers boosted the congregation while singing the hymns.

Then, while the bride and groom moved off to sign the register, they entertained the congregation with their stunning version of She, then Ave Maria and, to finish, Close To You.

With the ceremony over, everyone moved outside for the photos and it had stopped raining.

If there is anyone interested who would like to become part of the group, come along to the Alcan Club on a Wednesday for rehearsals between 7.30pm-9.30pm.

If you would like to book the group to perform for you call Derek Terry on 01633 615208.

CYMDEITHAS Y CYMER: Coleg Gwent Crosskeys hosted the annual schools' charity concert which this year raised funds for children with learning difficulties at Cwmcarn Primary School and for schools competing at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod.

The show, held on Thursday, April 26, featured pupils from Waunfawr Primary, Ty Sign Primary, Cwmcarn Infants and Ysgol Cymraeg Cwm Gwyddon.

The proceeds of the concert and a raffle amounted to £419.

The first item, by the reception class from Cwmcarn infants, set an excellent standard for the evening.

The audience showed their appreciation for the very small five-year-olds by requesting an encore.

Waunfawr Primary were next to perform, three of their four songs were sung in Welsh, showing the versatility of the children.

The choir has taken part in the Caerphilly annual schools' concert at St David's Hall, in Cardiff.

The choir of Ty Sign lived up to their reputation and delivered their programme of songs from musical shows and folk songs, with those well-loved favourites, enthralling the audience.

The children of Cwm Gwyddon's Can Actol (Action Song), who had won first place at both the local and district Urdd Eisteddfodau, were due to compete at Carmarthen during the Spring Bank Holiday.

The story the children acted, danced and sang, was about Martin who refused to go to sleep and crept downstairs to watch S4C's new programme, which was far more appealing.

The race is on for Glyn, Imogen, Dudley and Connie to be the star of S4C's new programme?

With Connie (How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?) trying to sing her way to success, Glyn (Big Brother) swimming out of Blaenau Ffestiniog towards stardom, Imogen's (Big Brother) flirtatious behaviour, and Dudley (S4C chef) trying to sabotage everyone else.

Who will land the golden opportunity of being the star of this show, or has this all been a dream.

The committee is grateful to the teachers for giving their time to develop a love of music and performing in children.

CROSSKEYS COMMUNITY GROUP: Based at St Catherine's community hall, tea/coffee mornings are held every Tuesday between 10.30am and 12pm.

Bingo sessions run every Tuesday, doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.

The snowball is at £43 and was won last week, so it commences again at £7. Admission £1. The raffle is £1.

Please call Rebecca on 07900516281 or Lynne on 01495 271947, answerphones are available and all calls will be returned.

CROSSKEYS ALLOTMENTS: Overgrown allotment areas will be cleared to provide extra plots.

To have your name included on the waiting list, please telephone Mike Fletcher on 01633 895385 or Lynne Rees on 01495 271947 (plot secretaries). For daily sales please contact Glyn Richards on 07907 696901.

A reminder, members of the Crime Prevention Unit will attend the allotment shed on Wednesday, June 6, from 2pm until 6pm.

Plot holders are welcome to bring their implements to the shed where they can be security coded and sound advice given.

CROSSKEYS CORNER FLOWERBED: On Sunday morning, Natalie, Julie, Sam, Mike and Lynne replanted the flowerbed to brighten up Crosskeys corner.

Passers-by praised the efforts of the girls and said it has become a feature of the village scene.

The plants were donated by the carnival committee.

COMMUNITY AWARDS: Awards were presented earlier this year to Cheryl Robson and Sharon Reader.

They were rewarded with the Mayor's Award for their service to the community in Pontywaun.

The dynamic duo co-ordinated the funding to activities which led to Christmas lights and an annual Christmas tree being erected in the village. Many congratulations to both.

For alternative details of above please check online at www.crosskeys.org.uk.

NEWBRIDGE AND DISTRICT CANCER RESEARCH COMMITTEE: Despite the fact that due to circumstances beyond their control, the Pentwynmawr Ladies' Choir was unable to perform the musical afternoon was enjoyed by all who attended.

Grateful thanks are expressed to Doris Swithenbank on the keyboard, John and David Gregory for their singing, and Betty Williams for her poems, who all stepped in at the last minute to keep the show on the road.

A special mention also to Barbara Bevan for facilitating this event.

Also thanks to the supporters, old and new, who helped raise the total of £230 for the charity. Organisers hope to see you all at future events.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT: Barbara Griffiths of the St Mary's Church Fundraising Group wishes to thank everyone who attended the bric-a-brac and jumble sale at St Mary's Church Hall on Friday, May 18.

As a result, a total of £154 was raised in aid of church funds.

CWMCARN PENSIONERS' HALL: The armchair aerobics taster session, postponed from April 30, will now take place on Monday, June 4, at 11am.

So, don't be shy - it is good fun and further sessions will be arranged.

Singing For Fun takes place every Monday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm (term time) and bingo every Thursday, starting at 2pm. Everyone is welcome.

The hall is available for bookings - ring 01495 270167 for further details.

OXFORD HOUSE MUSEUM: The Oxford House Museum in the old Miners' Institute, Grove Road, Risca, will open this summer every Saturday morning from 10am to 12.30pm, through to September.

There are many exhibits of local and regional interest and entry is free of charge.

Free car parking is available in Grove Road, next to the museum building.

More information is at www.riscamuseum.org.uk.

THE BEACONS BUS SERVICE: The Beacons bus network runs every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until September 23.

Full details are in leaflets available at Risca Library, Lyne Road, or Risca Post Office, Tredegar Street. However, route B4 has changed from previous years and there is the new route B12.

B4 covers Gaer, Risca, Crosskeys, Newbridge, Crumlin, Ebbw Vale, Brecon.

This year the route will operate from Gaer Estate, Newport, and travel north via Ebbw Vale and over Llangyndir mountain on to Brecon.

Please note the change in route means the bus will stop on the opposite of the road this year than previously between High Cross and Newbridge.

B12 takes in Caerphilly, Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen, Newport, Abergavenny, Brecon.

This new route will leave Caerphilly interchange (Stand 10) and operate a similar route to Service 50.

In Brecon there are services operating to various parts of the Beacons National Park.

All-day Beacons bus tickets can be purchased from the driver for £6.50 (adult), £4 (child), and £13 (family of up to two adults and three children).

Passengers with a concessionary bus pass can travel free on the entire network.

CROSSKEYS METHODIST CHURCH: A celebration of the 300th anniversary of Charles Wesley's birth will be held at Crosskeys Methodist Church on Friday, June 8, at 7pm, with the singing of some of his great hymns.

WHEELED CUSTOM SHOW: The Grinning Idiots presents the second Two, Three, Four Wheeled Custom Show on Saturday, June 2, at the Risca Rugby Club with six bands, kids' entertainment - it's sure to be a great day out.

Gates open at 12pm, admission costs £5 (under-16s free if accompanied by an adult - no concessions).

This year's charity is Cancer Research Relay for Life.

GUIDED WALKS: Islwyn Ramblers' walk on Saturday, June 2, will be on Medart - leaving Blackvein at 8.30am, moderate six miles. Contact Cath Cheshire on 01633 614487.

Then, on Sunday, June 10, Mynydd Llangorse - leave Blackvein at 9am, moderate walk, nine miles. Contact Keith Livings 01495 762193.

CANALS' TRUST: On Sunday, June 10, from 11am-5pm, boat trips at Fourteen Locks, High Cross, Newport. Heritage Day, stalls, heritage trail for kids (£1 each with prizes for all), roses and castles painting, and live jazz band at 2pm.

WHOSE SIGNS ARE THEY? A number of signs used by various utilities seem to have been left behind in various parts of the area.

Invariably following the completion of works these signs are just left lying against walls by the works people.

How about a campaign by utilities to remove them and return to their works depot?