A lot has happened since the last newsletter in February.  A huge number of fundraising events have taken place, in particular the sponsored walk and the concert in St Helen's Church.  I am delighted that they raised very large sums of money.  All the monies received by my office have now been forwarded to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

Although Haiti has slipped off the headlines, the need for support is still huge.  Concerted efforts are being made to both rebuild the infrastructure and provide temporary accommodation for people.  At the same time efforts are building up to provide longer term support for the country's rehabilitation.

The number of local initiatives to raise money has obviously reduced but I would hope that Haiti will still remain a concern for people in the Rhymney Valley.

We Made It!!!

On Sunday 21 February, myself, along with many others, successfully walked from Bargoed to Machen on a sponsored walk. 

The walk was led by Mr Geraint Evans - a practised walker who is also the Conductor of Aber Valley Male Voice Choir.  Despite Geraint's enthusiasm in taking us on a detour along the Machen trail, everyone got to the Fwrrwm Ishta Public House in Machen.

We were lucky with the weather and although 15 miles is quite a long walk for inexperienced walkers like myself, we all completed the walk successfully. 

Everyone was in good spirits and we were delighted that so much money was raised.

Walkers raised over £3,000 in sponsorship.

Singing for Haiti

A concert to raise funds for the people of Haiti was held on Friday 5 March at St Helen's Roman Catholic Church, Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly.

The Aber Valley Male Voice Choir combined with the Caerphilly Ladies' Choir in a real extravaganza.  There were also brilliant soloists, the excellent Triawd and a wonderful compere, Amanda Protheroe Thomas.

The Church was packed and everyone agreed that there was a wonderful atmosphere.  The climax of the evening saw the two choirs combine in an exhilarating rendition of 'Rhythm of Life'.  There could not have been a more fitting conclusion for this wonderful concert.

As well as being well supported by hundreds of local people, civic dignitaries were also present along with our Assembly Member, Jeff Cuthbert.

The concert raised over £2,500.

And it keeps on coming...

In March, I met with members of Abertridwr Community Church at the Oasis Coffee Shop, to accept a cheque for £1,212.  This had been raised through a number of initiatives in the Aber Valley.

This donation was given by a craft group in the Oasis Coffee Shop called 'Crafty Christians' and from the sale of cakes and clothes by ladies at Abertridwr Community Church.  A donation basket was also put in the Abertridwr Community Church and Beulah Baptist Chapel.

Other fundraising

Of course many people in the area have contributed directly to the DEC but many have also donated through my Constituency Office.  Here are just a few of the donations that have been received since the last Newsletter.

The Rhymney Valley Music Club donated £20, the Caerphilly Royal British Legion donated £50, Nuaire Ltd raised £133.55 through a 'dress down' day for employees, Caerphilly Elim Church raised £1,460, Ystrad Mynach Old Age Pensioners donated £25, Nelson Community Council donated £100 and Bedwas Rugby Club donated £250.

A big thank you to everyone!!!