A date with the mayor

Taking on the role of councillors, the children took their seats in the chamber as the mayor and mayoress, dressed in mayoral robes and chains, answered their carefully thought-out questions.

Belying their age, the children really got into their stride.

Dressed immaculately as they stood to speak, and using the microphone systems like experts, the children were a credit to themselves and their school.

It was difficult to see who was enjoying themselves the more, the children or the mayor and mayoress,who seemed genuinely taken aback at the standard of questions the children were asking.

Following a unanimously supported vote of thanks, the mayor sprang a surprise on the children by inviting them into his chamber for refreshments.

As they ate their cakes the children asked dozens anddozens of questions, still fired up with enthusiasm. A day they will never forget.

ROCK 'N' ROLL AND RED ROSES: Looking for a great night out or a chance to redeem yourself if you have forgotten the roses or chocolates on Valentine's Day? Either way, don't miss the St Valentine's dance at St Patrick's hall on Febuary 16, hoppin' an' a-boppin'to the sounds of The James Boys.

All proceeds will be donated to St Anne's Hospice.

Tickets cost a bargain £7 and are available from Loretta on 669625.

MINDLESS VANDALISM: Few people who have witnessed the innocent pleasure and enjoyment that the three- and four-year- olds who attend Lliswerry nursery get from using their play equipment in their own enclosed area can fail to be disgusted by the actions of a few mindless vandals who destroyed a large section of their toys and games.

To the toddlers who use the equipment it was their world. An area that they could play in, safe from harm and full of fun.

To the teachers and support staff who raised the money to build it it was devastating.

As one of them put it to me, how do you explain to a happy group of innocent toddlers why someone would want to do this to them?

Personally I would rather explain to the little ones what happens to the people who do things like this. But that is a different story.

Thank you to the good folk at the Chepstow Road Spar for their help in meeting the cost of the damage.

The vandalism that took place was beyond belief.

It was also not the first time it had happened. Large pieces of equipment were smashed into each other for the sake of it. Smaller items were torn up and destroyed.

This was not the work of one individual, it was the work of a group of like-minded thugs.

Someone knows who they are. No doubt they have boasted to their friends about this heroic deed.

I somehow doubt that their parents will have good cause to be proud of their offspring when the culprits are caught.

The police and ward councillors would also like to know who did it to ensure that they don't do it again.

If you let them get away with it your property will be next.

If you have any information do the right thing.

Maindee police 246999, or contact the ward councillors and we will do it for you.

NEWS FROM NASH COLLEGE: On a recent visit to Coleg Gwent Nash campus with other councillors and officers from Newport city council, we were brought up to date on the huge contribution the college is making to ensure that our youngsters will be in a position to reap the rewards of the huge building investment being poured into our city over the next few years.

The educational achievements of Coleg Gwent are often overlooked and understated.

It was reassuring to learn that the college is working hand in hand with local schools to ensure that hundreds of local boys and girls will be trained to the highest levels possible to provide the skills that will be needed to change the face of our city.

Our youngsters can look forward to an era of highly skilled, well-paid jobs.

Something we have not been able to shout about since the building of Llanwern steelworks.