Islwyn Acoustic Club concert: Outstanding Cardiff-based singer-songwriter, Christopher Rees makes a rare venture into the Gwent valleys on Friday, January, 25 when he performs songs from his latest album, Cautionary Tales, at the Cross Keys Hotel at Cross Keys.

Heavily influenced by the likes of Son House, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, Christopher Rees not surprisingly started his music career by touring America in 1994 having developed his guitar playing and songwriting talents at Cardiff University.

He gained the confidence to play solo to an anonymous crowd, and soon brought his new found talents back to home.

His first performance in Wales was spotted by a TV producer and he played on BBC arts programme The Slate, alongside the Stereophonics.

As time went on, he played solo gigs around the country and gradually built up a seven piece band including violin, cello, double bass, piano, drum and slide guitar.

In 2002 he set up his own recording studio and Red Ey Music - a film music production company and record label (with Dave Stapleton, a fellow composer, pianist and band member) on which he would later release his own material.

Christopher finally released his debut album The Sweetest Ache in 2004, and his second album Alone on a Mountain Top (the Ty Bach Twt Sessions) the following year.

His second album was recorded in only six days, alone in a 200-year-old cottage in the mountainside outside Aberystwyth.

The sound had changed from the first album - he swapped strings for wailing blues harp, rustic resonator slide guitar and country banjo.

On September 3, last year, Christopher released his third album, Cautionary Tales, preceded by the single Bottom Dollar on August 27, 2007.

This is the first time that Christopher has invited guest singers to perform alongside him on an album, and includes such talent as much-loved American singer Victoria Williams and Belgian siren Charline Rose, Becky Newman (the Hot Puppies) provides a significant female presence.

The evening commences at 7pm sharp with a short informal workshop with Christopher.

The concert commences at 8.45pm and will be preceded from 8pm by the usual open mike session by club members and visitors.

Tickets cost just £6 (£5 for club members and students) and will be available on the night but may be pre-booked by ringing Rob on 01495 270078.

Volunteers Wanted: Volunteers are needed to work on a project at Waunfawr Park, Cross Keys.

Caerphilly County Borough Council's groundwork trust and the national probation service have prepared a site in readiness for community use in Spring 2008.

They are now looking for individuals and groups who can spare a few hours per week and work outside on a gardening project for the local community.

Brooklands Adult Centre, in Risca, and Waunfawr Primary School are currently using the site but organisers now need community individuals and group involvement.

If you are interested or require further information, please contact Natalie Haynes on 01495 235461 or 01495 272257.

Looking for a bargain? A Chinese auction is to be held at the Britannia Close complex on Friday January 25 at 6.30pm. Admission 50p.

Why not go along and support his event?

Newbridge Cancer Research Committee: The highly-talented Graham Watkins trio with vocalist Clare Hingott, following their appearance recently at Cardiff's Millennium Centre are now to appear in Cabaret at Newbridge Memo on Saturday, February 2, 8pm.

The charity performance is in aid of cancer research UK and is a must for all easy jazz fans.

Tickets are £5 and can be obtained from Newbridge Memo, Monday to Friday from 10am-3pm, or Rita Evans on 01495 244320. Please can you give your support to this worthy cause.

Cross Keys Community Group: Tea/coffee, toast and marmalade mornings continue every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12pm.

Bingo sessions are held in the afternoon. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. Admission is £1, raffle is £1.

There is also a bring and buy stall featuring items including clothing, books and videos. Everybody welcome.

Tina Williams, of Cwmfelinfach, will be leading her annual convoy of much-needed aid to the people of Kosovo in March.

The community group's contribution will be comprised of handbags containing new toiletries, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, face cloths, soap, make-up and make-up bags and perfume.

Only dried food like bags of pasta and rice will be collected this time.

Is anyone is brave enough to begin their garden clear-out in this weather?

Before you throw away any plants, please give Lynne a call on 01495 271947.

Islwyn Ramblers Walks: On Saturday, February 2, walkers should meet at The Full Moon at 9.30am.

This will be for a meadowland walk to Wattsville, then following the cycle track to Cwmfelinfach.

On Sunday, February 3, meet at The Canyons - Hafodyrynys, St Illtyd's.

The group leaves Blackvein at 9am for a moderate difficulty walk of eight miles.

Contact Rob Southall on 01495 270078 for further details.

General information: l Blackvein Road is the fire station field, near Waunfawr Park.

l The Full Moon is at the entrance to Sirhowy Valley Country Park, near the Silent Valley Waste Station.

l A little further up the valley along the road is the second car park of the Sirhowy Valley Country Park.

l The Spiritualist Church in Pontywaun is on the canal bank.

Charity Raffle: A raffle in aid if the BrAMS charity - which helps people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis is due to be held at Howard The Butcher, in Pontymister.

Tickets are available now, priced at 50p for a strip of five and various top prizes will be won.

The draw is due to be held on Friday, February 1, when a coffee morning will be held for BrAMS.