A FOND FAREWELL: Next Saturday, March 10, there will be a special social evening at St Julian's Methodist Church to celebrate Michael and Anita Payne's ministry prior to their departure after 12 happy years at St Julian's.

They came from Pontypool in September 1994 and now are moving to Thornton Cleveleys, Fleetwood, in Lancashire.

The appointment starts in September following a 12-week sabbatical/holiday in New Zealand, doing some research and visiting relatives.

Apart from his duties at St Julian's Michael took on responsibility for Caerleon and Gwehelog in 2000, and three years later he became circuit superintendent. He has been actively involved with the community, particularly the local schools and the university chaplaincy.

He has officiated at 210 weddings, 180 baptisms and over 400 funerals. He has participated in four St David's Foundation Hospice Care walks in China, Kenya, Peru and Hadrian's Wall.

Michael's sponsored walks, his famous Jelly Babies talks and the sale of Anita's cakes have raised £25,000.

Anita and Michael go to Fleetwood with St Julian's love and prayers to begin the next phase of their ministry, leaving behind them many happy memories.

There will be a special circuit service on Sunday evening conducted by Rev Joe Rooney to celebrate Michael and Anita's ministry.

ST VALENTINE'S DINNER:Among the mayor's and mayoress' guests at the Mansion House were a couple from Avalon Drive, nominated by the Beechwood councillors.

Ellen and Fred Atwell say that it truly was a memorable evening, very relaxed and friendly. The mayor and mayoress and the Mansion House staff were most welcoming and made them feel at home.

The younger Valentine couples were a joy to talk to and were very interested in their lives and pastimes. The musical entertainment provided by local youngsters was well worth listening to and contributed to a most enjoyable evening.