Caerleon International Arts Festival
The hugely popular, and internationally renowned, fifth Caerleon International Arts Festival will be taking place in Caerleon 4-15 July 2007. It is always an amazing and exciting experience so come along and watch sculptors working their magic on wood and metal, see iron casting where molten metal is used for casting artwork in moulds, along with stalls, a military spectacular, live music, drama, literature, poetry and a children’s Art competition.
For further information visit the website on www.caerleon-arts.org or contact Tourist Information on 01633 422656.

Community Songs of Praise, St Cadoc’s Church
The Festival got off to a rousing start on Sunday 1 July with the Community Songs of Praise which brought together churches, community groups, members of the Caerleon Festival, Rosemary Butler AM, Caerleon Councillors and residents from Caerleon. Prayers, readings and hymns were chosen by Canon Rev Edwards, Rev Beatrice Musindi, Rev Elaine Hills, Caerleon ATC, Caerleon Women’s Institute, St Cadoc’s Mother’s Union, Caerleon Christian Aid Committee, Caerleon Senior Citizens, Caerleon Catholic Church, Caerleon Methodist Church and St Cadoc’s Church. Children from Lodge Hill and Caerleon Endowed Junior schools sang beautifully and set a wonderful example with their enthusiasm. Rosemary Butler AM, Assembly Member for Newport West and Patron of Caerleon Festival, praised all those involved in the demanding organisation of the Festival and chose the final hymn for the service. A collection was taken for Christian Aid.

Caerleon in Bloom Competition
Judging for the competition is now underway. Winners will be contacted by the Committee and a presentation evening is to be held in September. Meanwhile, tubs and hanging baskets are being planted by Newport City Council, Newport University’s Caerleon Campus and our dedicated volunteers to provide another beautiful display around Caerleon.
For further information please contact Cllr Cliff Suller on 01633 221922 or CIB Secretary Anne Parker on 01633 422693.

Caerleon’s Young People
Many young people in Caerleon continue to support the Dance club, Youth Clubs, Caerleon football club, Caerleon Rugby Club, Newport HSOB Rugby Club, Cricket Club, as well as scouts, cubs, brownies, golf, tennis, AFC and more. The continued success of all these organisations shows what talent we have in our community.

Jacqueline Dovey’s Gwent School of Dancing, Caerleon produced a truly stunning event at the Dolman Theatre last week. ‘A Touch of Class’ comprised of two Acts; in Act 1 the junior and senior ballet danced their way beautifully through an enchanted forest to classical music, whilst Penny Blood narrated the specially written story; in Act2 there was a feast of tap and modern dancing, accompanied by jazz and popular music. The sell out audience, including Caerleon Councillors, was treated to outstanding dance, costume and stage design and all the 270 young people aged from three years, were an absolute credit. Many congratulations to all those involved, particularly the multi talented, Jacqui Dovey, writer, choreographer and producer. For further information about the Dance School please contact Jacqui on 01633 422643.

Newport High School Old Boys Rugby Club has been very successful since its founding in 1923. It moved to Yew Tree Lane in 1949 and gained full WRU membership in 1957.
There are over 400 players participating every weekend, including many from Caerleon as well as Newport and surrounding areas. The teams include Minis and Juniors, girls, youth, seniors and special teams. The club provides coaching, equipment and player development and has 4 members who are now playing for the Dragons and Wales as well as one who plays for the Scarlets and Wales. It’s an impressive achievement which NHSOB strives to continue whilst looking to increase its facilities for the local community. If you would like further information, please contact Caroline Studley on 01633 253654.

Caerleon Endowed Junior School
It is a busy time of year for all the young people in the school. Yr6 have visited the resting place of founder, Charles Williams, in Westminster Abbey and also had the treat of a trip to see The Lion King. A variety of sports, and sports day, have been organised and 550 shoes have been collected for the Blue Peter Shoe Appeal. Well done to Mr Vittle, all the staff and young people.
Mayor’s Parade – congratulations to all the young people who took part in a very rainy parade for the new Mayor for Newport, Cllr Allan Morris, on Sunday. Everyone looked very smart in their uniforms and behaved immaculately. They are all a real credit to our community.

Newport Kutaisi Association (NKA)
The City of Newport has a twinning arrangement with Kutaisi, Georgia. The Newport Kutaisi NKA recently held its AGM at the Civic Centre and was attended by members from around Newport, (including many from Caerleon) and also visitors from USA & Holland.
Chair Catherine Philpott welcomed everyone, including Mr Chris O’Malley, the new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional & International Development), UWN, Caerleon Campus, replacing Geoff Edge who has retired from the University. Thanks were given for Geoff’s considerable commitment and contribution to NKA.

The NKA has a newly established website www nka.org which covers all the Association’s activities, its history and Georgian culture and also produces a newsletter ArielOnline.
The City of Newport & NKA are partners in the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA), supported by the Council of Europe, which serves to promote human & minority rights.
Photos and reports were presented by Sylvia & Colin Mason, Liz Luck and Derek Butler who have recently spent a remarkable week in Kutaisi meeting members of the Kutaisi Newport Twinning Association, NKA’s sister organisation. NKA has forged many links over the years to a variety of disciplines and professions such as the university, schools, hospitals, banks, museums, transport, tourism, sport and social services.

Derek Butler, who was making a return visit, observed that there had been a remarkable number of changes in Georgia for the better since the Association had come into being eighteen years ago.
If you are interested in knowing more about Newport’s twinning or NKA events, information is available on the website www nka.org or Tel: Catherine Philpott on 01633 421103.

Gail Giles 13 Hazel Walk Caerleon NP18 3SE