IN a recent change, has been decided to make the exquisite, medieval church of Huntington, near Kington, namely, St Thomas a Becket, into a cultural centre as well as a place of worship.

A charity has been formed and people from Huntington and their neighbouring towns and villages, from Radnorshire to the whole of Herefordshire, have been invited to take an interest or become a 'Friend' of the church, in order to maintain it for future generations. This will not only be for educational purposes, which will take the form of concerts and recitals, but will also offer informative and inspirational talks, poetry readings and exhibitions.

In addition, the trustees will be commissioning events from the money it earns, by building an archive of materials for public consumption including original works from local authors on the church and the Marches. Many of these could be published, even through Amazon. All money will go on improvements to the church.

It will offer a range of activities by catering for a diversity of tastes at affordable prices. The events also will offer companionship, new friendships and warmth of welcome to the visitors and Friends of the church. It will provide participants with knowledge, some laughter, give musical and artistic pleasures, with the Friends enjoying social activities during and after the events.

The inaugural concert will be on June 21, when Orlando Jopling the international cellist will be playing Bach Cello Suites at 7.30pm. All details are on the new web site www.huntingtonchurch.co.uk or please telephone William or Fiona Shone on 01544 370391.