FLOOD INSURANCE: Following complaints from people living in and around the Corporation Road area, the ward councillors are asking questions of the Environment Agency.

It appears that some people are still experiencing difficulties insuring their homes against the risk of flooding.

It was the understanding of the ward councillors that the theoretical risk of flooding was reduced substantially following the construction of the flood defence embankment.

Now completed, the embankment has allowed developers to commence building in areas that were previously considered to be at risk. We are asking the question why the insurance companies have not responded accordingly. We would be pleased to hear from anyone experiencing difficulties. Watch this space for further updates.

CURRY NIGHT: Fancy a hot date? Here's one for you, Sunday, June 29, St Patrick's church hall curry and quiz night. The aim of the night is to raise funds for the 50- year school anniversary celebrations. Tickets cost a bargain £8 each, which includes a curry from the King Balti and entry into the quiz. For the hottest ticket in the city ring Lisa Weaver on 07977 587141.

ORCHIDS AT THE WETLANDS: This year's orchid walk at the Newport Wetland Reserve was another huge success. Led as usual by human encyclopaedia Roger James, the large throng of 60-plus (numbers, not age, thank you!) sensation-seekers saw another side of what the reserve has to offer with its rich diversity of plants. The reserve is home to five known species of orchid, having the perfect habitat where these very beautiful but demanding plants can thrive.

If you want to learn more about the plants and creatures living at the reserve there is one event that simply must not be missed that is the Newport Wetland Reserve open day.

This year it will be held on July 13 between 11am and 4pm. The open day has something for everyone, and is an opportunity for those who have not yet visited the reserve to see for themselves what everyone else is talking about.

Every organisation and many of the experts connected with the reserve will be on hand with displays and tours to give a full flavour of what the reserve is all about. It is a great free family day out with something for everyone to enjoy.

Free buses are available from stand 29 of the bus station at 10.45am and 1.45pm.

If you haven't visited already, come and see what the rest of Europe is talking about. For further information ring the reserve office on Newport 636363.

THANK YOU: Jane and I would like to thank everyone who gave us five pence pieces and other small change to fill our jars and tins for Cardiac Rehabilitation.

When we emptied them at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department we were stunned to find that with the help of St Patrick's Church, Lliswerry Junior and Infants Schools and many other individuals (big thank-you to Tina O'Brian from the Cats Protection League) we had amassed a total of £734.01p.

Despite having arms that now reach to the ground from carrying the jars into the department we were delighted by the support.

We have started to refill the jars so any 5ps are always welcome.

FUN OF THE FETE: Roll up, roll up, don't miss the Lliswerry Infants School fete, starting at 3pm on Friday, June 27. Great fun for all the family and more bargains to buy than you could possibly carry. Books, toys, plants and lots of nice things to eat, so don't miss your share of the fun.

CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Soban Saleean and Kyle Tayler, of Lliswerry High School, whose combined efforts gained Lliswerry High School overall first place in this year's prestigious Rotary Club of Newport inter-schools technology awards.

The points won by their individual entries of a revolving chess table by Saleean and an occasional table by Kyle combined managed to clinch first prize overall in this closely fought contest which demonstrates the high standards being attained in technology at Newport's secondary schools.

Both of the pieces produced by the boys from drawing stage to finished article were worthy of any top-class furniture store. Lliswerry High School head of technology Alan Bootle said that he was very proud of the standard the boys had achieved and praised them for the effort they had made.

The Rotary Club of Newport are to be congratulated for organising and encouraging our youngsters to take part in this fantastic competition which is helping to produce our next generation of entrepreneurs.