DANCE CLASSES:

Lauriel is looking to recruit new members to all classes, especially the Youth Street Dance and Boys Breakdancing Groups. Current and old members are also invited to return.

Class details follow Monday: 7pm-8pm - Adults Dancercise (£2.50 adults) Friday: 5pm-5.45pm - Youth Street Dance (£2 - 11 to 16yrs) Saturday: 11.45am-12.30 - Groovy Kidz (£2 - 3 to 6yrs) Saturday: 12.30-1.15 -Funky Grooves (£2 - 7 to 11yrs) Saturday: 1.15 - 2.15 - Breakin' Boyz (£2.50 - 6+ yrs) Please ring Lauriel for more details on 0788626905.

MONMOUTHSHIRE, BRECON AND ABERGERVENNY CANALS TRUST: The recent poor weather has had a major detrimental financial effect on the trust's fundraising capacities; this is when we come to rely on the many grants that have been won over the years, thanks to Phil and Richard.

Both Cwmbran events were a wash out and the previous two at Fourteen Locks were also poorly attended due to the weather.

The committee will be looking carefully at what we can afford to spend on in the next financial year.

There will be no more boat trips at Fourteen Locks this year, and possibly none next year due to works at the site.

Caerphilly Council is trying to bypass the blockage at Manor Road to give us water at Rogerstone, and is awaiting the Lottery application outcome before they commit to major engineering works at the site.

We are also suffering with a lack of volunteers at our events this year. I think a lot of people who have helped constantly for the last eight years are getting tired, I know I am!

Next year will see a very lean events program to allow people a rest, if there is anyone who has any ideas or wants to give a hand please let us know.

I will be looking to resurrect the evening social program of talks, quiz nights etc.

On the brighter side, work at Allt-Yr-Yn has proceeded well with the volunteers of the Waterway Recovery Group, with the top gate of Lock 3 ready now to go in.

Richard, Chris and co seem to keep this project ticking over nicely, with new volunteers appearing all the time - well done chaps!

We recently took part in a two day visit of the Big Lottery' to discuss the Living Links' application.

All the partners thought it went well, it seems that there is to be another whittling down process' in early October.

Those schemes that survive this process will then be invited to present their projects to the Lottery Board in London in early November.

CROSSKEYS SILVER BAND: On Sunday, August 26, the Crosskeys Silver Band led the carnival parade of this year's Risca Carnival.

Unusually for this kind of occasion, the band were on the back of an articulated lorry, which meant that the band could play a mixed selection of music, which was very much appreciated by the crowds who lined Commercial Street, Pontymister, and Tredegar Street, Risca. On reaching Tredegar Park, the band then went on to give two mini concerts during a very warm and enjoyable afternoon.

Members of the band's committee, with the help of some dedicated volunteers, in the personage of Mrs Gwynneth Redman and Mrs Julie Stevens, manned two stalls and helped raise a considerable sum of money, which will go into the band's fundraising pot for its forthcoming trip to the National Brass Band Championships being held in Harrogate on Sunday, September 30.

The band have had to put in a lot of hard work through the summer to raise the required £5,000 to go, and this will culminate with a quiz night on Saturday, September 1, at the Cwmcarn Workingmen's Club, and finally, a concert in Panteg Park, Pontypool, on Sunday 9.

Having nearly reached our target, the band would like to thank the local community for its generosity, also Barclays Bank, Admiral Insurance, Scottish Power and Caerphilly County Borough Council, without whose help, the task of raising such a sum would have been impossible, thank you.

This month the band will be competing at the Wychavon Entertainment Contest, which this year is being held in Evesham, Worcestershire and although competing against some very good bands hope to achieve a decent result before embarking on their trip to Yorkshire.

RISCA CARNIVAL/FETE: People turned out in good number to watch the carnival parade and fete, which was held on Bank Holiday Sunday.

The parade assembled at Tan-Y-Bryn, Pontymister and proceeded via Newport Road, Commercial Street and Tradegar led by the Crosskeys Silver Band and the Carnival Queen Float with Queen Esther Strange and her Court Ladies.

Other floats followed. When the parade finished, the fete attracted hundreds of people who visited various stalls in the park, plus the Crosskeys Silver Band and Cwmcarn Boxing Club.

Floats included those from Shane and Gill's Newport Dance Centre, The Really Cuckoo Company of St Mary's Church Hall, Risca, as well as Cheer Leaders from Cwmfelinfach.

Events organiser Clive Malam was delighted with the response of this year's event and was hopeful of more floats in next year's proposed event.

WALKS: Islwyn Ramblers next walk will take place in Dunraven Bay and will leave Blackvein at 9am on Sunday, September 9, with a moderate coastal walk of six miles.

Contacts are Marian Tamplin and/or Marcia Matthews. (01633 614366) Then on Saturday 15 it will be at Black Rock and will leave Blackvein at 9am.

A moderate five to six miles. Contact Doreen Ford on 01633 761840.

RISCA RFC: The Rugby Club is holding a Gentleman's Evening at the clubhouse, Stores Field, on Friday, September 28, when the guest speaker will be David Duckham, ex-England and Lions three-quarter, plus a comedian.

The evening opens at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets are £30 per head or £300 for a table of ten persons. Bookings can be made at the club house 01633 612586.

The 2007/8 season started on Saturday, September 1, with an away fixture at Rhiwbina which is followed on the following Saturday 8th with a home game when the visitors will be Tredegar Ironsides - kick off 2.30pm.

On Saturday 22, Risca visit Nantyglo and on 27th play host to Tonyrefail in the 1st round of the Monica/Milota cup.

This season also sees the return of the Risca athletic 15 fixtures and any would be players are invited to turn up for training evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

MORE OF THE SAME: It was interesting to note that the proposed upgrading of the Palace Cinema Area appeared in the recent CCBC news line.

However it was in essence no more than what has been mooted over the past months and years, with the same artist's impression - except that the decision now is awaited from CADW.

There is still nothing for the younger element to look forward to in the project, however, the question being asked by local people is, "when will work on this project begin, or do we have to put up with the eyesore for a further decade?".

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION: The next meeting of the Risca branch will be held on Wednesday, September 5, at 7.15pm, in the branch club, Pontymister.

Then on Wednesday, September 19, at social evening will take place at the same venue as above featuring Jack Daniels - comedian and singer - and a buffet will also be provided.

Tickets are £3.50 each and can be purchased from Glyn Noble (secretary) or any Legion member.

A note for your diary - the annual Rembrance concert will be held on November 9, at Risca Leisure Centre.

More details on this event when they come to hand - watch this column and/or fly poster.

Please support the poppy appeal by attending this event and the social evening mentioned above.

CROSSKEYS COMMUNITY GROUP: Tea/coffee mornings are held every Tuesday from 10.30am-noon.

Guest speakers are invited, the latest being Carole, a representative from the pensions department informing residents of changes in the pension scheme which proved to be very helpful.

On August 21 we were pleased to welcome Dr Grahame Osborne who gave us an informative talk on our local historic past.

Bingo sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons.

Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. The snowball will stand at £23.

Congratulations to Waunfawr Road/School and to Crosskeys Hotel in this year's Caerphilly in Bloom Competition. Well done!

Many residents have commented on the improvements at St Catherine's Community Garden. We continue to aim to improve the displays and are hopeful that we will encourage more households to participate so that we are eligible to enter the Village in Bloom competition in 2008.

The next table top sale will be held on Saturday 22, at 11am - 1pm. Tables are £3 each. To book a table please call asap Lynne on 01495 271947.

Brownies and mums and toddlers groups will recommence after the school summer holidays.

The community hall is available for hire - for bookings and information. Please telephone Rebecca 07900519381 or Lynne 01495271947. Answerphone available and all calls returned.