CHOIR NEWS: This report has been sent in by Malcolm Williams, Press Officer of Abertillery Orpheus Male Voice Choir: " On December 14, we sang in Mardy, and the hall was full.

The first half we performed numbers from our concert programme and in second half we sang Christmas carols, which were well received.

Then on December 23, we played a carol concert with the Abertillery Ladies Orpheus Choir and Abertillery Town Band.

The next day the venue was the Celtic Manor, our first concert there.

The choir was well received and we had a young lady Elizabeth Tiley with us, to show what talent there is in Abertillery, and she had to sing without a microphone.

Elizabeth will go far, as she's already been on a number of concert stages all around the UK.

This brought to an end a very good year for us, with a number of firsts and now on to 2008.

This is a big year for the Orpheus. The choir has been established for 100 years, none of us, by the way, are founder members.

We have coming up our learning time, which is when the new music comes out and we will bring back some old numbers, and once that is done, we start our concerts on St David's day at St Michael's Church.

We then go away for the Easter weekend and will perform two concerts, one at Eastbourne and the other at Rohingdean.

Our big one for Abertillery will be on May 3, when the Band of the Royal Marines will be on stage with the Orpheus.

And on the night there will be a prize of a dinner for two at the Celtic Manor, plus a room for the night.

All the takings will go to The Royal British Legion at Abertillery.

So, fill in May 3 on your calendar, so that you don't forget.

Finally, on behalf of the Orpheus, we wish you a belated Happy New Year."

SIX BELLS NEWS: Six Bells Regeneration Team and Communi-ties First have been working with Blaenau Gwent Council to make improvements on the former colliery site.

Part of this work has been accessing funding to support projects, such as improving and increasing the existing pathway, developing seating, rest and BBQ areas and planting.

We are displaying the plans for the improvements and would very much welcome your thoughts and ideas.

This is the first stage of further improvements which we would like to propose for the former colliery site, as we continue to work in partnership with Blaenau Gwent Council.

The plans of the first stage of the works are being displayed at: * Six Bells Workmen's Club from Wednesday 16-Sunday 20 January throughout the opening times of the club.

* Six Bells Hotel from Wednesday 16-Sunday 20 January throughout the opening times of the hotel. We hope that you can come along and see the plans.

Comments can be made on feedback sheets at each venue.

Alternatively, if you cannot make it to any of the venues, you can call in to the Community Office in 106 Arrail Street, Six Bells, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

If you would like to be involved in any of the projects being developed by Six Bells Regeneration Team or Communities First, including the on going plans for the former colliery site, please contact Bethan Trapnell, on (01495) 354757.

BRYNITHEL NEWS: Youth Club Building - The lease for the building has to be valued and sold before any further developments can be made.

NCH at Brynithel: Every Wednes-day between 10am and noon at the community centre, your NCH Children's & Families Development Officer is holding drop-in surgeries where YOU, the community, are invited to see what's available within the Borough and to bring suggestions and ideas to enhance and make better the community of Brynithel.

Young People of Brynithel: Every Monday between 4.30pm-5.30pm there are youth workers based at the muga' facility, (top pitch courts). Join them and engage in active sports activities.

For further information contact either: Leila, on 07894 885615 NCH Children & Families Development Officer, or Gregg Morgan, on 07970 208727 BGCBC Sports Development Officer.

NEW WELSH COURSES 2008: Ten-week Taster Course for Beginners. Based at Llanhilleth Institute, this course starts on Wednesday, January 23 between 1.00pm-3.00pm.

To book your place, please ring (01495) 354674.

Cyrsiau Blasu (6 Wythnos),Taster Courses 6 weeks. Cyflwyniad I laith a Diwylliant/Introduction to Language and Culture, Learn simple greetings and responses in Welsh, recognize Welsh places of interest, understand the history of Wales and learn all about Welsh traditions and customs.

Courses will begin week commencing May 19, 2008.

To book your place and for more information, please contact Abertillery LAC, by telephoning (01495) 355895.