Envy of the World A film created by a group of Blaenau Gwent learners from the Tredegar Development Trust's Catapult resource centre has swept the boards at an awards ceremony held at the BBC Wales studios. The young and adult learners took home the prizes for Best Overall Film and Best Media Skills from the Media 4 Communities Awards for their drama documentary Envy of the World, which was based on the life of Aneurin Bevan and his effect on the people of Britain. Catapult learners Robert James and Mark Prosser were also recognised for their work in the Best Corporate Film category, and the nominations for Best Actor included Jamie Stait and Darren Jones. Catapult is a part of the Tredegar Development Trust that aims to give basic level learning opportunities and the chance to achieve Open College Network qualifications to young and unemployed people. Manager at Catapult, Katy Stevenson said: 'Our learners are really pleased to be recognised in this way. 'They have all come a long way in their personal development over the last year and we are very proud of them, the team worked very hard. 'This project is a prime example of how partnership working can give opportunities to learners young and older. It is great to see Blaenau Gwent learners making such an impact.' We are now looking at ways to provide even higher levels of training in film making.' Envy of the World is available on DVD for £5.99 from Catapult at 7-9 Commercial Street, Tredegar. Catapult are about to begin work on a new project with Tornado Films. Anyone interested in participating can contact Katy Stevenson at Catapult on 01495 711499, or go along to a Wednesday evening session from 6pm until 9pm. The film follows an earlier project, the stage play From the Cradle to the Grave (Aneurin's Dream), again written by Philip Michell which won rave reviews when it opened in November 2005. The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Young Roots' programme, presented by Prince's Trust Cymru and supported by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.The drama was also supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts in the Community, funded by Objective One. The project has now led to the creation of the Blaenau Gwent Young People's Theatre. See below for full details about the play.

Aneurin's NHS vision in the 21st century

ANEURIN is a Hoodie, a member of a gang on the streets of Tredegar. But he is also a dreamer and a thinker, a boy with potential and it seems that townspeople from the past and present enter his night-time dreams, posing questions about himself, his friends, family and community, not to mention how he got his unusual name….

This is the theme of an innovative stage play starring a group of Blaenau Gwent teenagers, pictured above right, who are looking at the great Tredegar-born politician Aneurin Bevan and his vision of the National Health Service through 21st century eyes.

From the Cradle
to the Grave....

The play, From The Cradle to the Grave (Aneurin's Dream), was written by Philip Michell with input from the young people of Tredegar and other parts of Blaenau Gwent.

The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund 'Young Roots' scheme, presented by The Prince's Trust Cymru and supported by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

The play reflects the teenagers' perspective on the legacy of Nye Bevan and the NHS with at times an uncompromising look at the issues of health care past and present.

The young stars are Rachel Williams as Nell and Hoodie 1; Jessica Phillips (Hannah, the receptionist, and paramedic); Ryan Lee Probert (Will, Dean, and the paramedic); Jamie 'Jansta' Stait (Tom and Wayne); Ashley Lewis (Glyn, Scott and the paramedic); Sean Bridgeman (Aneurin and Griff); Darren Richard Evans (comic and Lee); Antonia Louise Lawrence (Annie, the angel and the old lady); Laura Rees (Meg and the doctor).

The drama was created under the guidance of artistic director Chris Durnall and was designed by Zoe Hewett. Lighting and stage by Steven Baker, assisted by Sarah Dodd.

The production managers were David Rees on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, and Anita Thomas, Prince's Trust Cymru.

The play opened at the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale, for two nights in November 2005.

The drama was supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts in the Community, funded by Objective One.

Pictures are copyright of Lynne Thomas, mobile number 07886394625 or e-mail: spiralynne@yahoo.co.uk.

ABOVE RIGHT: THE TIME TRAVELLERS: Actors representing the 1930s characters meet 21st century hoodies.

Below left, boy meets girl - despite family opposition. Below right, Poverty makes its mark.

Above left, 21st century 'hoodie'. Above right, Back to the Future: Lamenting the last NHS dentist. Below, Curtain call: Cast and crew take a bow.