Islwyn Acoustic Club music and Concerts: A slide guitarist highly-rated by Dire Strait's Mark Knopfler is set to play a concert at Cross Keys Hotel.

On Friday July 20, the club welcomes the excellent singer-songwriter and slide guitarist Kevin Brown to the Cross Keys Hotel for the first time.

Kevin Brown's devotion to music has been lifelong and his passion for slide guitar has resulted in many outstanding recordings and performances throughout the world.

All of Kevin's work is emotionally strong whether it be with a full rhythm section or as a solo artist.

Fans and artists alike, many of who follow his career with great interest, admire his work.

His fresh approach to slide playing and willingness to examine new ideas has resulted in recordings that often seem to have a timeless nature to them as well as perpetually generating interest.

His latest CD, entitled Tin Church, was released last year and contains acoustic slide guitar wrapped around self-penned original songs.

Tramps, mercenaries, gamblers and preachers have all provided inspiration for the songs.

One of the UK's finest all rounders, Kevin has created a lovingly prepared collection of acoustic based material that showcases his renowned slide playing, singing and writing.

Hailed by Mark Knopfler, Albert King and many other musicians as one of the finest slide players ever to come out of the UK, you'll be able to make up your mind when he visits the club.

Doors open at 7pm for a guitar workshop with Kevin followed by a play-around and concert from 8pm.

Tickets cost just £5 (concessions £4). This is inclusive of both the concert and workshop.

Tickets may be reserved by ringing the organiser on 01495 270078.

For further details contact club secretary Rob Southall on 01495 270078 or e-mail islwynacoustic@tiscali.co.uk.

Cross Keys Community Group: Tea/coffee mornings are held every Tuesday from 10.30am-12pm.

New people are invited to come along and have a chat and share happy memories.

Bingo sessions also run every Tuesday afternoon. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. The snowball was claimed last week, so this week it will start at £7.

The group sends thanks to all who have so kindly donated loose piping, compost, etc, and also thanks its supporters for their valued help in preparing the community garden for the Caerphilly in Bloom competition.

All donations will continue to be thankfully accepted.

The hall is available for hire for weddings, parties, dances, etc.

Call Rebecca on 07900 516381 or Lynne on 01495 271947. Answer phones available.

For more details, check the website on www.crosskeys.org.uk.

Crosskeys and Pontywaun Residents' Association: The association recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the Crosskeys Hotel, in Crosskeys.

The association is now looking to expand its efforts by attracting more support from residents.

For more information call Maggie Thomas on 01495 273057.

Cadets show can-do spirit: The cadets and staff of 212 (Risca) squadron are continuing their successful ways with cadets and officers both celebrating awards.

Adult Warrant Officer Helen Fleet has received the Cadet Forces Medal for completing 12 years of service with the corps.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Geraint White and Cadet Corporal Nathan Griffiths both completed a gliding scholarship, cadet Sean White is currently following their lead in taking to the skies.

Cadet Corporal Griffiths was so successful on his course he received a special invitation to become a staff cadet on the gliding squadron.

If he is successful he will be trained as a fully-qualified glider pilot - keep your eyes on the skies for Risca's very own Top Gun.

The cadets are also tackling vocational qualifications.

Cadet Flight Sergeants Geraint White and Rhian Powe and Cadet Corporal James Baker recently completed their BTEC Level Two Intermediate Certificate in Aviation Studies.

This involved them studying subjects such as airmanship, map reading, radio communications, aircraft handling, operational flying and airframes.

Cadet Flight Sergeants White and Powe and Cadet Corporal Nathan Griffiths are also nearing the end of a BTEC First Diploma in Public Services.

The squadron is currently recruiting male and female cadets aged 13 to 16-years-old.

It is the perfect leisure activity for any young person with an interest in aircraft or the Royal Air Force.

Any new faces at meetings will be made more than welcome by the friendly group.

Parade nights for the 212 (Risca) Squadron are Monday and Thursday, from 7pm to 9.30pm, in Thistle Way, Ty Sign, Risca.

New Rotary president: Abercarn and Newbridge Rotary Club recently held its annual president's change over dinner at the Glan-yr-Afon Hotel, Usk, writes former club president Brian Evans.

Past presidents Con Mason and Terry Powell each received Paul Harris fellowships in recognition of their contribution to the Rotary movement and to the work of the Abercarn and Newbridge club in particular.

Installed as president of the coming year is Viv Walters, of Newbridge.

Mr Walters, a former principal of Ebbw Vale College was awarded an MBE for his services to education and industry.

A Justice of the Peace he has also served as chairman of the Gwent Police Authority.

Before the change over ceremony Walter Jones was honoured for bringing local news to local people through his weekly column in the Grassroots section of the South Wales Argus.

Walter was presented with a Rotary Community Service Award to mark his outstanding contribution to community life.