THREE quarters of a century of treading the boards is being celebrated by a Gwent operatic group this month.

Blackwood Operatic Society is marking its 75th anniversary with a production of The King and I, which begins on March 19.

The society gave its first production - a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta - in 1927, when it was based at the Capitol cinema where Kwik Save now stands.

Ten years later the society moved to what is now Blackwood Miners' Institute, when they were funded by the miners' welfare.

There were no performances during the war years, but they restarted in 1949, with Belle of New York.

In 1974, funding from the miners' welfare ended, as pits began to close, and the society struck out on its own.

They have won several competitions - including irst prize in the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation for operatic societies on two occasions and the Waterford Festival with The Mikado.

They still attract large audiences to their twice-yearly productions and the last musical Annie, in September, was 93 per cent sold out.

The society now has more than 40 members, several of whom have taken part in every production for 50 years.

May Jones, who has been secretary of the society for two years, said there would be an anniversary concert later this year.

She added the society is always looking for new members, particularly young men. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Mrs Jones on 01495 223614.

*PICTURED: The three senior members of Blackwood Operatic Society who between them have given over 100 years of service, Elvet Morgan and sisters Eluned Davies (left) and Olga Williams.