Sardis Christmas Fair:

It was truly amazing to see the hall, full to overflowing, with people.

Grateful thanks to the people who donated the wonderful raffle prizes; who bought and made things to sell on their stalls; and to the ladies who made the delicious cakes and pies - not forgetting the man who made the tea!

All the hard work was very worthwhile as an unbelievable £1362.70 was raised! Wendy Roberts says a big THANK-YOU to all the happy band of workers who gave their time and energy to help make the day a success.

Mothers' Union: St Theodore's Mothers' Union enjoyed a fascinating presentation recently on Aromatherapy Through the Ages from Early Bible Days.

The ladies from the Maindee Road Community Church joined them and everyone was fascinated to learn how the infused herbs and spices were used for medicinal purposes from before the days of Christ until the present day.

Another date to look forward to is their Christmas Party this Tuesday, at 2pm, in St Theodore's.

Everyone is welcome. Just give Sue Logan a ring on 01495 200742.

Nursing Home: Residents of Ynysddu Nursing Home were treated to an afternoon concert recently when singer Rik James entertained them with an afternoon of old time singing.

Everyone joined in and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Everyone is now looking forward to two Christmas shopping trips to Cwmbran, which are planned over the festive season.

Social Evening: Cwmfelinfach Residents Association will be holding its monthly social evening in the Community Centre on Friday at 7pm.

Guest speaker is Steve Phillips who will be giving an illustrated talk on his work as a newspaper photographer.

Birds: An Ynysddu resident has brought it to my attention that a disease caused by a trichomonad parasite has been affecting some wild birds locally.

Greenfinches have been most affected and she has seen signs of this in her garden.

Birds with the illness show signs of lethargy and fluffed up plumage. Fortunately, this illness does not affect humans, cats or dogs.

If you suspect affected birds it is recommended to temporarily stop putting out bird food and water for around two weeks.

This is in order to discourage birds from congregating together and passing on the illness between individuals. Good hygiene practice, specifically the regular cleaning of all feeders, bird baths and feeding surfaces, is an essential part of looking after garden birds and will help to lower the risk of all diseases.

If you wish to have some more information or if you do find any sick and dead birds in your garden, please help monitor the situation by calling the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds on 01767 693690 or e-mail the wildlife enquiries team at wildlife@rspb.org.uk or log on to www.rspb.org.uk/advice/ helpingbirds/health/sickbirds/ greenfinches.asp Councillor's Surgeries: Cllr Jan Jones will be holding her monthly surgeries on Saturday, December 1, as usual starting at 12 noon at the Progressive Club, 1pm at the Haven on the Hill and finishing up at 2pm at the Jubilee Club.

Panto: Christmas just would not be Christmas without a pantomime.

Cwmfelinfach Residents Association is running its annual panto trip to see Stan Stennett in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods at the Paget Rooms, Penarth.

The bus will be leaving on January 12, at 5.30pm, from Cwmfelinfach, in time for the evening performance. Tickets are £14 each.

To book contact Shelagh Williams on 01495 200509. Hurry, tickets are going fast.

What's On: Monday Bingo at the Black Prince 9.00pm start Tuesday Bingo at the Forestier-Walker Conservative Club (Blue Club) Cwmfelinfach starting at 9.30pm Wednesday General Knowledge Quiz at the Blue Club, Cwmfelinfach starting at 9pm Bingo at the Jubilee Club, Wattsville. Eyes down at 9.00pm.

Thursday Free pool all evening at the Ynysddu Hotel Friday Karaoke evening at the Black Prince, Ynysddu Free Juke Box all night at the Ynysddu Hotel.

Saturday Progressive Club Live Entertainment Sunday Black Prince Ynysddu Karaoke at 7pm Bingo at the Blue Club Cwmfelifnach at 9pm.

Rock and Roll: It was a lively night in the Jubilee Club, Wattsville recently when local band Shifting Gear performed in aid of cancer charity.

Shifting Gear describe their music as Rock/Blues and write a lot of their own songs.

The line up is Adrian (from Wattsville), songwriter, vocals and guitar; Jay, vocals, harmonica; Mick lead guitar and vocals; Neil bass guitar and Barry drums.

They treated the audience to their own music together with covers of Jimmy Hendrix, The Who, Bob Dylan and lots, lots more. They had the whole audience rocking! (see photo) For those who want to hear more, go along to Diverse Music, in Charles Street, Newport where their latest CD called Shimmer' is on sale.