BLAENAVON TWINNING ASSOCIATION: January is such a dreary month, always with dark nights, bad weather and the after Christmas lull in events and activities.

However, if you are feeling like an evening out by now, then Blaenavon Twinning Association are organising a Bodyshop and Cheese an Wine Evening', which promises to be an entertaining night out, and sure to lift your spirits.

The event takes place on Friday, February 22, 7pm, at the Senior Citi-zen's Hall, Park Street, Blaenavon.

Tickets for this fund-raising event are £3, and available from Mrs Blanche Rowles (secretary), or from Twinning Association members.

You can contact Mrs Rowles, on 01495 790501.

The Twinning Association always welcomes new members, and if anyone is interested in joining, please contact the secretary or any member of the Association.

BAPTISM SERVICE: I have received the following report from Mrs Pauline Whitcombe, secretary of Horeb Baptist Church, Blaenavon: Sunday, January 27, was a very eventful and memorable day for our church.

During the morning service, Mrs Deanne Wiseman entered the waters of baptism.

It was a very moving service, and at its close, Deanne was received into the Church.

BLAENAVON COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: Also on Sunday, January 27, the induction service for the chairman of Blaenavon Council of Churches was held at Horeb Baptist Church.

Councillor Brian Whitcombe is the new chairman and Rev Dr Jason Bray is vice-chairman.

Councillor Pauline Whitcombe is secretary of the Council of Churches, the treasurer is Mrs Megan Parsons, and the Christian Aid Secretary is Mrs Lesley Addis.

The induction service was conducted by Pastor David Miller and was attended by the mayor of Blaenavon, Councillor Lewis Evans, and members of the other churches in Blaenavon.

After the service, refreshments were served in the schoolroom by members of Horeb Church.

Chairman, Councillor Brian Whitcombe, would like to thank all who helped, participated and attended for making his induction so memorable.

PUBLIC MEETING: Action group BLAST (Blaenavon Leisure And Swimming Troubleshooters) will be holding a public meeting at St Peter's Church, Church Road, Blaenavon, on Thursday, February 7, at 7.30pm, to discuss their future plans.

BLAST members intend to continue their campaign to provide leisure and swimming facilities in the town, and wish to explain their plans to the public.

BLAST wish to hear the views of the community and also consult with them over the funds that have been raised for the action group so far. Everyone is welcome to attend.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXTRAVAGANZA: A date for your diary - Saturday, February 23.

A Young People's Extravaganza will be held at Blaenavon Workmen's Hall, at 7.30pm.

This is a chance to see local youngster perform before they leave for a concert tour of Europe.

It's a two-hour show, full of music, pop and classical, and dancing.

The proceeds from the concert are in aid of the continuing fight for leisure facilities in north Torfaen.

Tickets are available at the BLAST Shop, Broad Street, Blaenavon, or Davies Newsagents, also in Broad Street.

Price of the tickets is £5 for adults, concessions and children £3.

BARNARDO'S APPEAL: Angela Evans has asked me to correct details given last week: Red Dragon Archery Club collected for Brynmawr School.

Brynmawr School (Year 9) raised £5,000 and bought presents to donate to the appeal.

IT'S OVER TO YOU: If you have any details of events, meetings, outings, stories of interest, photographs, or anything you think Grassroots readers might enjoy, please send them to me.

Contact me by telephone, or drop any written details into our shop, Morris Butchers, at 24 Broad Street, Blaenavon.