KIND KIDS: Abercarn and Newbridge Rotary Club visited primary schools to show pupils the contents of the Rotary Shelter Boxes give aid to people who lose their homes as the result of disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

The boxes contain a tent, sleeping bags, cooker, water purification tablets, and provide shelter for up to ten people.

So moved were the children, parents and staff at Tynewydd Primary School, Newbridge, they collected £490, the cost of a new box.

Brian Evans, club president, deeply appreciates the welcome received at each of the schools and was cheered by the positive response to the visits.

MUSIC FOR SPRING AT THE WINTER GARDENS: On Sunday, May 20, at Weston-Super-Mare Winter Gardens, the Newbridge (Celynen) Band were one of ten bands competing in the championship section.

The band produced a polished rendering of Dances And Hallelujahs composed by Phillip Sparke, and in doing so retained the Town Mayor's Cup for the second year running.

Hyde Band took second place and Chalford Band were third.

In addition, the Bill Buzza Memorial Trophy for the best cornet player of the first section went to Andrew Smith of Newbridge Band.

On Friday, June 15, the band will join forces with Risca Male Choir for an evening of brass and voice at Newbridge Leisure Centre.

Tickets priced £6 (concessions £4) can be obtained from band members or Colin Price on 01495 247105. Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm.

Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment, but it might be possible to pay on the door.

CHARITY SKY DIVE: Barclays Bank, Risca, worker Rhiannon Jones from Pontypool, will tackle a skydive on June 9 to raise money for Guide Dogs For The Blind. All funds raised will be matched by Barclays Bank.To sponsor her, visit www.justgiving.com/rhiannonjones or pop into Risca Barclays.

THE REALLY COOKOO COMPANY: Come and see a Really Cookoo adaptation of some well known West End hits.

The shows, at St Mary's Church Hall, Risca, run from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, June 24.

Friday and Saturday shows start at 7.15pm, the Sunday matinee is at 3.15pm. Tickets cost £5 including a programme. Call 01633 612171.

RUDDOCK SPEAKS: Risca RFC held its annual presentation dinner on Friday, May 18.

The guest speaker was new Worcester Warriors' director of rugby, Mike Ruddock.

He kept the 160 supporters and players spellbound as he talked about winning the Grand Slam and his ideas about coaching, coupled with humorous stories.

Mr Ruddock then presented the players' awards. Clubman of the Year, Owain Cooper; Player of the Year, Ben Savigar-Jones; Most Improved Player, Shane Reece; Players' Player, Steve Barnes; Supporters' Player, Danny Ridley.

First team badges were awarded to Rod Talbot, Nicky Davies, Danny Ridley and Steve Barnes. Next year's captain, Steve Barnes, and vice-captain, Shane Reece, were also announced.

BUGSY'S BACK IN TOWN: Risca Community Comprehensive School presents Bugsy Malone, with words and music by Paul Williams, at the school from June 12 to 14, starting at 7pm.

Tickets are available from the school, prices start £5 for adults and £3 for under-16s.

BARGAIN HUNTING: A tabletop sale is being held at Bethany Baptist Church, Risca, on Friday, June 8, between 1pm-3pm. To book a table call 01633 615848.

RAMBLERS: On Saturday, June 16, the Islwyn Ramblers' walk will be Two Ridges: Mynydd-y-grug and Mynydd Islwyn, leave the Full Moon, Crosskeys, at 9.30am. A moderate to strenuous eight-ten miles. Call Liz Holland on 01495 200673.

CYMANFA GANU: Once again, Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys College Choral Society, Risca Male Choir and Ty Sign Primary School junior choir, combine for Cymanfa Ganu.

Proceeds from the evening at Moriah Baptist Church, Risca - starting at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 16 - will go to the Brawn Girls' Hydrotherapy Pool Fund Appeal, Cancer Research and St John's Ambulance in Wales.

Tickets cost £3 and can be bought from Crosskeys campus 01495 333456, Risca Male Choir or Ty Sign Primary School.

JOINT CONCERT: Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl Society will present the Gwent Police Choir, musical director Roger Appleby, accompanist Nicola Coker, and Rogerstone Silver Band at Risca Primary School, Dan-y-Graig Road, Risca, on Saturday, June 16, starting 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 on the door or from Risca Flora, Tredegar Street, Risca, Chris Humphreys (01633 664163) or Jenny Giles (01633 893861).

All proceeds to the Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl Society. LMBBS Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder affecting one in 100,000 babies.

For more information visit www.lmbbs.org.uk.

CROSSKEYS COMMUNITY GROUP: Tea/coffee on Tuesday, 10.30am-noon, bingo sessions in the afternoon, doors open 2pm for 2.30pm start. Snowball stands at £9.

ALLOTMENTS: The Crime Prevention team visit Crosskeys Allotments on Wednesday, June 6, from 2pm-6pm.

MEMO EVENTS: The Newbridge Memo presents: Summer Ball on Saturday, June 23, dancing from 8pm to the Dave Barry Big Band, tickets £10, bar available, ring 01495 243252.

Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band on Saturday, June 30, from 7.30pm, tickets £11 in advance, £13 on door. Tel: 01495 243252.