Kind cubs: An unusual silence settled across a cub scout meeting when the youngsters took part in a sponsored silence.

First Abercarn cub pack held the event to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

They sealed their lips for charity because the first grandchild of their cub pack leader Linda Terrell spent 18 days in the SCBU when he was born six weeks early with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephaly.

Owain Terrell is now five months old and making excellent progress.

The cubs brought board games and books to keep themselves occupied while they were silent for 45 minutes and managed to raise a grand total of £400 for the neonatal unit.

They handed over their donation to two nurses from the unit, who gratefully accepted the cheque.

The money is being put towards a Neopuff.

This is a vital piece of equipment which is used for infant resuscitation.

Owain's parents, Richard and Natalie said that the care that Owain received in the SCBU was wonderful and cannot thank the staff enough for all of their efforts looking after Owain.

TLC shop, Ty Sign: The TLC shop, in Elm Drive, Ty Sign has got numerous events taking place and would like to welcome everyone to come and take part.

Every Wednesday afternoon there is an over 50s bingo club. Come along - it may be your lucky day.

Various day trips are also advertised in the TLC cafe and on the notice board outside. Take a look - there is something for everyone.

There has been a very successful learnabout course running in the computer room, which has been very successful.

The 16-year-old participants have been guided through the course and are now aware of what their future careers will be.

They were also involved in helping with the leaflet drops for the highly successful Summer Sounds event which took place on Saturday, July 21.

Coming into the cafe and getting involved has introduced them to a variety of people and has made them a little more confident.

If anyone is interested in Learnabout courses for the 16 to 17-year-olds, please contact Lindsay Evans on 01495 270777.

Every Friday the Tenants and Residents Association (TYTRA) meets to deal with any housing issues people from the area might have regarding re-housing, repairs or advocacy for complaints, please come and make your views known.

If anyone is interested in anything that is going on at TLC cafe or would like to make any suggestions please call Emma O'Connor - TLC Press Officer on 01633 601199.

Cwmcarn Pensioners: The Cwmcarn Pensioners' Hall has a variety of events and class taking place.

Armchair Aerobics will be starting again on Tuesday, July 31, at 4.30pm.

These are fortnightly sessions with a fully-trained teacher - £2 per session to include tea/coffee.

Everyone is welcome, no age barrier - keep young at heart while doing gentle exercise.

Singing for Fun and Bingo has finished for the holidays but will resume again in September.

Thursday coffee mornings continue to flourish.

However, it would be good to see more people come along to the Friday Lunch Club.

Come along and enjoy a meal in convivial company - ring Janet on 271320 for more details.

Everyone welcome - you don't need to be a club member - lunch is open to all.

Members meet on Friday afternoon for their chocolate bingo, tea and chat.

September sees the start of a new Rainbow Pack in the village. Parents of girls between the ages of five and seven-years-old are invited to ring Sue on 01495 243330 or Frin on 01495 248433 for details.

Brownies and Guides to meet Wednesdays during school term time.

There will be a few spaces for Brownies (ages seven to ten-years-old) after the holiday.

Contact 01495 270373 or 270167 for more details.

Headlines: The July/August edition of the above parish magazine is now available, price 50p and copies can be purchased from Howard's the Butcher in Pontymister or from church members.

As ever there is the vicar's letter, news from St Mary's and St Margaret's, the gardening news corner by John Herbert as well as other news items.

So why not pick up a copy today - remember there will be no headlines now until the September issue.

St Catherines' Community Association: As ever the Tuesday coffee morning and bingo session in the afternoon will continue to take place from 10.30am-12pm, including bring-and-buy sale, and 2.30pm-4pm (doors open at 2pm). Snowball stands at £11 this week.

Organisations are reminded that the community hall is available for bookings of parties, meetings, wedding receptions etc, and can be booked by calling Rebecca on 07900 516381 or Lynne on 01495 271947.

Risca Carnival 2007: The carnival, to be held on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 26, is open to everyone who is interested in entering a float or walking entries as well as running a stall.

Application forms are available by calling into Risca Tredegar Street Post Office or ringing Clive Malam on 01633 612277.

So come on the people of this area - support the carnival committee in their effort to make the day just as successful, if not better than that of last year.

Entries from clubs, pubs, street parties etc, will be welcome.

Watch this column for further details in the coming weeks.

Green Park Festival is Charming for Worms: Green Park Festival is due to take place on Saturday, August 4, at Waunfawr Park, Cross Keys.

Taking centre-stage will be the the all-Wales 2007 Worm Charming Championships as well as music, crafts, poetry, storytelling, hot air balloon rides, welly wanging (throwing) and much more.

There will also be a bat, moth and owl evening until late. This is organised by Groundwork, Caerphilly with support from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Make a date - and be there.

Children's Play Area: Work is in progress at Tredegar Park, Risca, to provide new facilities for young children in the area, despite the poor weather conditions which have prevailed during recent weeks.

When completed, it is hoped that the general public will ensure the area is kept clean and tidy and all rubbish is placed in the bins provided.

The facilities are provided for children up to 11-years-old, and it is hoped anyone causing damage will be made an example of by the authorities.

New Judo Classes Launched: Classes of gentle family exercise start from Monday, August 6, at St Margaret's church hall, in Pontymister.

Sessions for children aged five-years-old and more run from 6pm until 7.30pm. Classes for 16-year-olds and above begin at 7.30pm and end at 9pm.

For more information ring 01633 613753 or 01633 601256.

Thank you: Your correspondent wishes to express his thanks to everyone who offered congratulations to him for receiving the Community Service Award from the Abercarn and Newbridge Rotary Club, in recognition of special service within the community.