Remembrance events

The year's participants included Crosskeys Silver Band under the direction of Kerry Bowden, Risca Male Voice Choir under musical director Martin Hodson, Ty Sign Primary School Choir led by Meryl Gittins and Kay Jones with guest soprano Jessica Allen.

The compere for the evening was Don Touhig MP.

Following the fanfare and national anthem, the muster of standards and bearers took place with the band playing the Royal British Legion March, followed by Men of Harlech and Zulu to set the scene for the evening.

This was followed by items by the children's choir from Ty Sign who delighted the gathered company with their singing of some fiver pieces of music together with actions.

Next on stage was the male choir with two numbers With A Voice of Singing and Prayer of the Children before it was the turn of the guest soloist Jessica Allen.

She performed Una Donna a Quindici Auni' from Cosi Fan Tutte The Laughing Song from Die Fleder Maus. The interval then began.

The second half of the evening took the form of the Drum Head Service of Remembrance conducted by the Venerable Reverend John Blackburn, the branch Legion chaplain.

Firstly the hymn Abide With Me was sung then, the Bidding Prayer, lesson and address.

The act of remembrance, Last Post, two minutes silence and reveille took place and the legion exhortation was pronounced by branch president Tom Cowlin followed by the blessing.

Risca Male Choir then sang Deus Salutis (Llef) and Jessica Allen sung the popular O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini.

To close, Don Touhig expressed thanks of the branch to all who had participated and attended and the Welsh national anthem was sung after which the standards left the arena to the Farewell March by McColl.

Standards of the Risca branch, BNTV, Royal Marines (Glamorgan Branch), Gwent County Branch, RBL, Risca 212 Squadron ATC, Machen 1223/BT and St John Ambulance were those paraded.

Among the guests were Jennifer Touhig, Irene James AM, as well as councillors from Caerphilly County Borough Council Flight Lieutenant Keith Sutcliffe (branch chairman) and his wife as well as officers from Risca 212 Squadron and Machen 1223 BT ATC.

Grateful thanks are expressed to everyone who supported the branch by being present and to the sponsors of the event by adverts in the programme.

The parade and service of remembrance was held on Sunday, November 11, when the parade assembled at Riflemen's Lane prior to leaving for the service at the war memorial headed by the Risca Salvation Army Band.

They were joined by Ian Browning and parade marshal Ian Powe, followed by British Legion branch members, army cadet force, Risca ATC cadets, St John Ambulance, scouts guides, brownies and representatives of various groups from the area.

Members of the Gwent constabulary controlled the parade.

The service at the memorial was conducted by John Harris and the service opened with the singing of O God Our Help in Ages Past, followed by a prayer and the Lord's Prayer.

The lesson was read by Mrs R Carenell (chairman of Risca and District Churches Together) and hymn Fight the Good Fight.

The Last Post and reveille was sounded by Iestyn Davies of the Salvation Army band and the exhortation was delivered by Tom Cowlan.

A prayer of dedication followed by the chaplain, which was followed by the laying of the wreaths etc.

The national anthem concluded proceedings, after which the parade re-assembled to march back to the muster point prior to refreshments at the Risca Top Club.

The Risca Branch wishes to express their most heartfelt thanks to all who attended the parade and service particularly the excellent number of young people who formed a great part of the procession.

Details of the total cash raised will be given in this column at a future date. Standards paraded included Risca Branch RBL. BNTV ATC, ambulance, scouts, guides and brownies.

Christmas Choir Evening: On Saturday, December 1, an evening entitled Christmas is to be held featuring the New Harmony Choir with musical director Pamela Guy, accompanist Heather Longdon and Risca Primary School Choir, directed by Debbie James, in the congress theatre, Cwmbran starting at 7pm prompt.

Tickets, priced at £6.50 and £5 (concessions), are available from the Congress Theatre on 01633 868239.

Tickets can be booked using credit card via the telephone or contact new harmony singers on 01633 897274.

I can also reveal a CD with the same title will be released on the date mentioned above.

It features both choirs and will be on sale at the concert priced at £7.99. To avoid disappointment and snap up an excellent Christmas present, get yours early.

Winter Walks: Islwyn Ramblers' next walk is on Sunday, November 25.

It leaves Blackvein at 9.30am and is an easy/moderate difficulty eight-mile walk. Contact Doreen Ford on 01633 761849.

Members are reminded the annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2at Risca Rugby Club from 7.15pm.

The first walk in December will be held on Sunday, December 2, around Blaenafon punch bowl.

It leaves Blackvein at 9am and is a moderate eight-mile walk.

Contact Keith Livings on 01495 762193.

Then on Saturday, December 8, a walk around Hafod Tudor Valley leaves Full Moon at 9am. It is a moderate difficulty, nine mile walk.

Contact Maggie Thomas on 01495 273057.

Magical music: Crosskeys College Choral Society presents for your entertainment. Emma Hughes (soprano), Toby Hunt (baritone) and Martin Hodson at the piano in Tears, Triumphs and Top CDs - arias and duets - at Crosskeys Tertiary College on Tuesday, November 27, commencing at 7pm.

Tickets are £3.00 each or pay at the door on the night. Contact 07988 895428 for details.

Proceeds for society funds - please give your support.

Rugby Club Entertainment: Crosskeys RFC entertainment committee announce the following shows at the clubhouse: On Sunday, November 26, at 7pm, Cai and Jemma Honey - fresh from the West End - will be performing. Tickets are £3 each Then, on Sunday, December 23, Stars In Your Eyes winner Christopher Nott takes to the stage at 7pm. Tickets are £3 The club also announce the following rooms are available for hire, free-of-charge for parties, meetings, etc, to accommodate up to 50 to 150 people. Contact the club house, Pandy Park on 01495 270289.

Newbridge Memo: Newbridge Memo presents Sounds of Christmas on Wednesday, November 21, at 7.15pm.

Newbridge Ladies Choir, Yuletide Brass and Godzone puppets will be the stars of the show.

The tickets are £3, inclusive of refreshments. Proceeds are in aid of Newbridge Memo.

Tickets are available from the Memo on 01495 243252 or by contacting the choir members, or call 01495 243153.

Crosskeys Community Group: The group, based at St Catherine's Community Church Hall, in Crosskeys, hold tea/coffee mornings every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12pm.

Throughout the winter months the group will be serving tea/toast and marmalade.

The group sends many thanks to Dr Grahame Osborne who gave a witty talk on the history of the Devil's Apron Strings and the Risca Cuckoo.

Dr Osborne will return in the New Year with the third episode.

Bingo sessions begin at 2.30pm every Tuesday afternoon. Doors open at 2pm.

The snowball prize stands at £15. The group wishes to encourage new punters.

Recently the group was introduced to Michael Johnson, who is engaged in the design of Waunfawr Park's gateway feature.

Supporters of the group, joined by Dr Grahame Osborne, related stories and loads of historic and amusing facts arose.

One huge request - does anyone own a miners helmet and a miner's lamp and would they be prepared to allow a photograph of same to be taken.

Many thanks are extended to Barbara Dixon and Grassroots correspondent Walter Jones for their kind donations towards the gardening project.

On Saturday, November 10, the second service of remembrance was held in the community/church garden.

Attendances doubled this year and a cross covered in poppies was the focal point at which the gathered placed their own crosses in memory of all loved ones who lost their lives in the war.

The Reverend Dylan Bate officiated at the service after which hot tea and toast was enjoyed in the community hall.

Sadly we learn of the passing away of Christine, of Woodward Road Crosskeys.

She was ever praising of our efforts to entrance the garden and renovate St Catherine's Church. She always had a smile and was so very brave.

Our sympathies to her family in their sad loss.

New Business Opens: Glitzy Glamour opened its doors on Saturday, November 10, in Prices Square, Bridge Street, Abercarn.

On Saturday, November 24, it is having a special event, with face painting, nail art, tattoos, balloons and prize draws.

Glitzy Glamour parties can be arranged, plus coffee mornings and lunchtime specials at the premises.

The store opening times are Thursday and Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.30pm.

For details visit ww.glitzyglamourparties.co.uk or ring 01495 249953. Mobile 07747 047621.