The historic Court Rooms of the Shire Hall echoed to the cheerful chatter of 80 guests at a St Valentine's Dinner Dance last Saturday (15th February).

Monmouth Aid raised a profit of £1,300 which will go towards the £30,000 they have to raise to build a secondary school in Ethiopia.

They have built two village primary schools in the area of Kemba but the successful pupils need secondary education. Monmouth is a very popular name in those parts.

The diners were introduced to Esme Doyle, who has volunteered to run the London Marathon in aid of the charity.

Details of how to sponsor her effort will be released shortly.

Jane White catered for the main course and the committee wives excelled themselves with the other two courses, the whole meal supervised by a magnificent mural of Henry V.

Rockbox Studio provided the disco and kept toes tapping until midnight when everyone agreed that a wonderful evening had been had by all.