WAINFELIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: I have just received an invitation from Councillor Mike Jere-miah, chairman of Wainfelin Neigh-bourhood Watch to a presentation coffee morning on Thursday, March 29 at St John's Church, Wainfelin.

This special event is being held to honour the award of a grant of £2,585 from the Awards for all Wales section of the National Lottery.

Each year the group's officers arrange a number of days out for its members, backed up by these grants.

These excursions are very popular with the members and they are glad that, as a result of the grant they will be able to continue with their trips again this year.

There is no doubt that members feel that these days out together increase the bonding of the their group.

The award of the grant means every-one can take part and no one is excluded because their money won't stretch to affording the cost of the journey.

Torfaen's local Assembly Member, Lynne Neagle, will present the cheque and the George Street School choir will provide the entertainment. Jenson Travel will also be represented. This should prove to be a very enjoyable hour or so.

LYRIC MUSICAL SOCIETY: Jan Lucas, the ticket secretary of the Lyric Musical Society, has written to inform me of their next production, which is to be The Mikado, to take place at the Dolman Theatre from Wednesday, March 21 until Friday 23, starting each evening at 7.30pm.

As Jan says, The Mikado is probably the best loved of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, combining comedy, romance and stunning costumes with wonderful singing of such great songs with their memorable lyrics.

As with all G & S shows, there is the usual amount of misunderstandings and characters at cross-purposes.

For this production, the Lyric has assembled a very impressive cast of principals, most of who have appeared on the professional stage. As usual, they will be supported by a very strong chorus. Tickets £8 from the Ticket Hotline, on 02920 885611, or 07969 608724 or from Newport Library.

I must admit I am a Gilbert and Sul-livan devotee, and shall be enjoying this presentation. When I make one of my frequent visits to the Dolman Theatre, I am always pleased to meet a number of Pontypool people there.

ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION: Some months ago Roger Bryant, a volunteer presenter for the Lifeboat Institution, gave a talk on their workings to the Retired Men's Society.

The main point that came out of that talk, besides the wonderful work that they do in saving lives around our coasts, was the fact that they receive no money from any outside sources and rely totally on gifts from the public.

I was reminded of this fact when I received a letter from him the other day. He said that on most occasions when he gives a talk, he shows a video on a 14inch television. This, of course, is not the ideal equipment, as the picture is quite small for anyone who is sitting any distance from the screen. Ideally, the equipment that he really needs is a laptop computer, a projector and a screen.

He asked me if I knew of any business or organisation which may have any of these items, which they would be prepared to donate to the RNLI or would be prepared to part-sponsor the cost of this equipment.

I must admit that no one springs immediately to my mind, but I wondered if any readers of this column could suggest any group which might have a laptop or projector which they would like to pass on.

Equally, there might be an organisation out there which might be able to help with a donation.

All the monies that the RNLI collect have to go into their seashore activities and nothing can be spared for this type of purchase.

So, if you think you can help in any way, would you please contact Roger Bryant, on 01633-411310, or 07855 949544, or his work address of RNLI 9 Drake Walk, Brigantine Place, Cardiff, CF10 4AN. He can be reached by e-mail roger.bryant@talktalk.net