CANAL CLEAN UP: Youngsters got to work to help clean up a beauty spot and their efforts could help a bid for funding to further restore the area and increase tourism.

Recently pupils of Risca County Primary School carried out work along a privately owned embankment of Brecon Monmouth Canal (Risca Section) sponsored by the Spalding Bulb Company.

On the day their activities included assisting in planting trees, bulbs and shrubs and their help was well-received by the local authority.

Caerphilly County Borough councillor Keith Griffiths thanked the pupils and said their active support and hard work would be shown to the Lottery Commission.

The commission is currently adjudicating on an application for funding to help with the restoration of the canals.

Under the plans, the towpaths will be landscaped to create a colourful scene to attract tourists and locals alike to the area.

ANNUAL CHOIR CONCERT: The 33rd annual concert by Risca Male Choir was held last Saturday, October 27.

It featured Robert Winslade Anderson (bass) and Gia Louise Coppolo as accompanist provided to be a most entertaining evening for the appreciating audience who attended.

The programme opened with the compere and musical director Martin Hodgson leading the choir in the contrasting pieces, firstly With A Voice Of Singing by Martin Shaw and Iuean Rees-Davies' Close Thine Eyes, accompanied by Chris Knott at the piano.

This was followed by two items by the artists of the evening Robert Anderson with Arm, Arm Ye Brave from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, and I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked by Jeffrey O'Hara.

These were much enjoyed by the audience.

The choir then sang two arrangements by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw - The Drunken Sailor and Vive L'Amour, the latest item being given it's first airing by the choir.

Two solos by Robert Anderson - O Isis and Osiris by Mozart with the choir backing and Studia Il Passo (macbeth) by Verdi - followed before the choir closed the first half with Jubilate Amen, kjerule, and Landerkennung by Edvard Greig (soloist was Andrew Jenkins, baritone).

On the resumption Risca Male Choir gave us an arrangement by Martin Hodgson of Waly! Waly! followed by two items by Edvard Elgar from the Greek Anthology op.45, these were - Yea Case Me From Heig of the Mountains and Feasting, I Watch.

Then back came the guest artists with two American songs by Aaron Copland, The Boatman's Dance and The Dodger.

The Voice of the Child and Prayer of the Children were the final items by the choir.

These are the two items on the choir's Children In Need CD this is available for £3 and copies are still available from choir members.

For his final contribution of the evening Robert Anderson then sung the spirituals Deep River, The Gospel Train, I've Got Plenty of Nothing' and Ol' Man River.

Needless to say, these were enthusiastically received by the choir and audience alike.

The choir's traditional finale then followed with the rendering of Deus Sarutis (llef) arranged by Mansel Thomas and the Welsh national anthem by all present to conclude a most enjoyable evening.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ABERCARN BRANCH: On Friday, November 9, branch members are invited to attend Ysgol Cwm Gwyddon to conduct an act of remembrance prior to the dedication of a small plot in the memorial garden at the market square cenotaph.

The same evening, a poppy dance is being held at Abercarn Top Club.

On Saturday, November 10, at 10.50am the branch is conducting a remembrance service at the Cwmcarn Cenotaph in the daisy park, Cwmcarn.

On Sunday, November 11, at 10am members will be attending St Luke's Church prior to proceeding to the Cenotaph where a full remembrance service will be conducted by branch chaplain the Reverend Alice Baker.

The act of remembrance will commence at approximately 10.50am.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION RISCA BRANCH: On Friday, November 9, a remembrance concert will be held at Risca Leisure Centre from 7pm.

Tickets are available from S Jenkins on Risca 614963.

A short service will then be held at the Brooklands Centre, Pontymister, on Saturday, November 10, starting at 10.45am.

The Armistice Parade will then be held on Sunday, November 11.

Assemble in Railway Street at 10.15am.

Move off at 10.30am, for a service at the war memorial led by the band of the Salvation Army.

At the conclusion of the service, the parade will assemble and return to Railway Street, then move on for refreshments at the Risca Workmen's Club.

Wreaths are available from Mrs S Blake, 3 Maryland Road.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ROGERSTONE BRANCH: The branch's details for its remembrance events on Sunday, November 11 are as follows.

At 10.15am anyone wishing to attend should assemble at Rogerstone Library, Tregwilym Road.

There will then be a service at the war memorial at the library starting at 10.35am.

At 10.45am the parade will assemble and leave the library led by the Rogerstone Band, Rogerstone Scouts Band, RBL members, community council members and other representatives A service will then be conducted at 10.55am at the war memorial at St John's Church with laying of the wreaths etc.

This will be followed by a service in St John's Church at 11.05am.

The parade will re-assemble and march back to the RBL headquarters where the salute will at 11.45am.

At 12.15pm there will be the dismissal of the parade at Alcan Club car park.

ISLWYN RAMBLERS NOVEMBER WALKS: The month's programme of walks begin on Saturday, November 10, with a walk to Tintern.

This will leave Blackvein at 9am and is a moderate-difficulty walk of between eight and nine miles.

Contact Anne and Richard Beagie on 01633 768541 for further information.

On Sunday, November 18, there will be a circular walk taking in The Canyons - Hafodrynys, St Illtyd's.

This leaves Blackvein at 9.30am and is a moderate-difficulty walk covering eight miles.

Contact Rob Southall on 01495 270078 for further information.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: The church will host the fair on Saturday, November 17, from 10am to 4pm.

The event will be a good time to buy your Christmas presents.

There will be a variety of stalls including jewellery, Christmas crafts, knitwear, paintings, gift stalls and a children's corner.

Children can also make gifts on the day and refreshments will be served throughout the event.

If you would like to hire a stall to sell your own crafts contact Linda on Risca 01633 615848.

The church's craft class meets every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER: The Pontywaun Christmas Lights fundraising group would like you to note and put the date of the official Christmas tree switch on ceremony in your diary.

This year it will be held on Friday, November 30, at 6.30pm.

CROSSKEYS COMMUNITY GROUP: A reminder the Crosskeys Community Group is holding a remembrance service for the second year running at St Catherine's Church on Saturday, November 10, at 10.45am.

A warm welcome is extended to all, and organisers ask you to bring crosses, wreathes, etc, if possible.

Tina Williams will be holding a talk and slideshow at the church on Tuesday, November 13, from 10.45am about her trip to Kosovo where kind donations of food and blankets, etc, were made by the church.

Bingo sessions every Tuesday with doors opening at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. Snowball stands at £11.

For further information on any of these events, please contact Rebecca on 07900 516381 or Lynne on 01495 271947.

MINI MARKET: St Mary's Church Hall is holding a mini-market on Friday, November 9, from 10am in aid of church funds.

COFFEE MORNING: A Christmas coffee morning will be held at St Margaret's Church Hall, Pontymister, will be held on Friday, November 30.

Tickets are £1.50 with proceeds going to local charities.