Abbeydore

WOMENS GUILD - For the annual outing this year members visited the Royal Forest of Dean. They were met at Beechenhurst Lodge by their guide for the day Mr Richard Davies, who had been a senior member of the Verderers’ Court and held many other posts of responsibility before his retirement, so he was the perfect person to lead them. After a delicious lunch he took members on a guided tour of part of the forest. They saw the Geomap, walked to the Bixdale Valley and later around the Mallard Pike Lake, the Cyril Hart Arboretem and many other places of interest. They returned to Beechenhurst for a welcome cup of tea and an ice-cream in the sunshine before the journey home.

The harvest supper was then on September 4.

PATRONAL SERVICE - Being held 10am on Sunday in Dore Abbey with the Abbey Singers.

Almeley

LUNCH - The next Almeley village lunch will be October 5, £9.50 for three courses. Please book by October 1, on 01544 340635.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

QUIZ NIGHT - The first of the season of Aymestrey’s popular quiz nights takes place tomorrow.

There is a charge of £5 for teams of up to four members.

Refreshments will be available in the interval, but teams are welcome to bring their own if desired.

There is a cash prize for the winning team and also a prize for the tail-end group. The start time is 8pm prompt.

CHURCH - There will be a service of Holy Communion (BCP) at Aymestrey on Sunday at 9.30am.

Leinthall Earls will hold their harvest festival on September 21, at 3.30pm. Aymestrey’s harvest festival will be held on October 3, at 6.30pm, followed by harvest supper in Aymestrey parish hall.

FILM CLUB - On Sunday there is a change of programme and Aymestrey film club will now be showing the film Calvary (15). The start time is 7pm and home-made ice cream and popcorn will be available. Entrance is £5.

Bishops Frome and Fromes Hill

COFFEE AND CAKES - This Saturday, there will be coffee and cakes on offer in the church at Fromes Hill. Everyone is welcome.

CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, 01432 820074. Email commnews@ymail.com.

Bishopstone

VILLAGE LOTTERY - Phil and Lesley Handscombe won £25 in the village lottery with number 40 on August 30.

Bodenham and Ullingswick

POTTERY GROUP - The Bodenham and Ullingswick pottery group are having a sale of hand crafted pots and sculptures, Sunday between 10am and 4pm at Blest Haven, Ullingswick, HR1 3JQ.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will meet in the parish hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

All welcome.

FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY - To mark the centenary of the First World War, the Royal British Legion will be holding a coffee morning at the Siward James Centre from 10.30am till 12.30pm Thursday, September 18.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents The Monuments Men (12A) on September 26 in the village hall.

Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm.

All are very welcome to attend.

CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field,01432 820074, commnews@ ymail.com.

Bredwardine and Brobury

100 CLUB, SEPTEMBER DRAW RESULTS - The Friends of St Andrew 100 Club draw took place in the Red Lion Inn on September 4. It was drawn by David Morgan from The Green. First prize of £50 was won by Alan Stone with ticket number 38. Second prize of £25 was won by Andrew Pearce with ticket number 28. Third prize of £15 was won by David Morgan with ticket number 114. The winner of the In It To Win It prize of £10 was Paul Stewart.

Congratulations to all winners and thanks to everyone for their support and making it such a lively evening. The October draw will be held at 8pm on October 2 in the Red Lion Inn. Contact Jen Maddison on 01981 500048 for any further information.

COFFEE, CAKE AND MARKET - There will be a coffee morning in Bredwardine village hall tomorrow from 10am until 12 noon. This is a chance to meet up with old and new friends over coffee and cake.

Included in the market are a number of stalls selling fresh vegetables, home-baked cakes, jams and chutneys, and regular visits from Noggins a local pork butcher.

Alongside this there are stalls selling arts and craft, music and films, knitwear and jewellery created by local artists. Bring along something to sell; it only costs £1 to rent a table for the market and everyone is welcome. Contact Philip Bauer on 01981 500398 with requests or queries.

REV FRANCIS KILVERT EXHIBITION - There will be an exhibition about the life and work of Rev Francis Kilvert, at St Andrew’s Church, Bredwardine, on September 21, from 10am - 4pm.

Kilvert was vicar of Bredwardine for the last two years of his life until his death in 1879, and he is buried in the churchyard. He is remembered today for the evocative diaries that he wrote, detailing everyday life in rural Herefordshire and Radnorshire in the second half of the 19th century. This exhibition forms part of the Herefordshire Festival of Churches, and will include display boards, books and cards to buy, and publications from The Kilvert Society.

On hand to talk about Kilvert and to answer your questions will be the society’s secretary, Alan Brimson, and its publications manager.

There will be tea, coffee and cakes and admission is free for everyone; however, all donations will be very gratefully received and will be divided between St Andrew’s church and the Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust.

Contact Charlotte Sellar on 01981 500281 for any further information.

CORRESPONDENT - If you have any Bredwardine and Brobury news or events that you would like to appear in the Hereford Times , please contact Kari Lawson on 01981 501077 or email karimlaw son@me.com.

Bridge Sollars

BONUS BALL – Sheila Walker won £25 with number 40 on August 30.

Cross Ash

LOCAL HERITAGE – Delve back in time this September by visiting listed heritage buildings in the Cross Ash area of Monmouthshire which are open to the public as part of the Cadw/ Welsh government Open Doors scheme. On Sunday, between 2pm and 5pm St Cadoc’s Church at Llangattock Lingoed will be opened for visitors to enjoy the early medieval building with its rood beam and wall paintings which were uncovered during a £600,000 restoration. Tea will be served.

Combine this visit with a walk to the nearby Cwm Farm Cider House (NP7 8RR) which is one of a number of listed vernacular buildings restored by the Village Alive Trust Ymddiriedolaeth y Pentre Byw or venture to Cross Ash to see the New Inn Well House (NP7 8PE).

The open days continue on September 21 when the trust will unveil its latest project relating to wine and heritage at the 16th century Croft Barn at White Castle Vineyard, near Llanvetherine.

The building is a rare example of a cruck truss barn with external undaubed wattle panels. The Wine and Heritage Alive in Monmouthshire project offers volunteering opportunities which can be discussed on the day with trust members.

The nearby Great Trerhew Barn and Whitecastle Farm pigscotts will also open for visitors on September 21 between 2pm and 5pm with tea served at Great Trerhew. The buildings have been saved through volunteer-run grant-aided conservation.

Further details and grid references can be found on the website villagealivetrust.org. Sites will be signposted off the B4521 Skenfrith to Abergavenny road.

Dorstone

CROWN GREEN BOWLS – On August 31, Dorstone Bowling Club held the Percy Williams Cup club championship competition. The final between Violet Smith and Barry Megson was won by Barry.

Eardisland

SPECIAL EXHIBITION – Is now on display in our church as part of the county-wide Festival of Churches. Over 800 large scale photographs portray Herefordshire’s historic churches; the beauty of Herefordshire; scenes from our local community life; commemoration of our local men who served and died in the First World War and our twinning with La Vieille Lyre in Normandy.

Admission is free and the exhibition is open every day.

Eardisley

WHIST DRIVE – There will be a whist drive at the New Strand on Monday at 7.45pm. All welcome.

EARDISLEY AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – Would like to thank the members of the public who came on August 4 to support the Candle Light ceremonies held at local war memorials to remember all who lost their lives in the First World War.

CHURCHES FESTIVAL – St Mary Magdalene Church, Eardisley.

Concert and afternoon tea on Sunday at 3pm. Gary Higginson and guests present songs and instrumental music with a retiring collection for Herefordshire Historic Trust and Church Funds.

Ewyas Harold

PARISH COUNCIL – The August meeting was held in the Barn, Dulas Court with Councillor Mrs J Webb as chairman, also present the clerk and one member of the public. No further applications for co-option to fill vacancies have been received. Efforts to fill these vacancies would be an on-going issue. A report from Ward Councillor Graham Powell was read out. It was agreed to consider a request from Kentchurch Parish Council to install a central refuge on the A465 road at the junction near Pontrilas. Also a number of road signs in the group parishes had become unreadable and needed repairing. It was decided to request the re-instatement of the mobile mast on Penllan Pitch which had been taken out of use.

INSPIRED BY NATURE – An exhibition of local artists is being held in the Temple Bar Gallery until Sunday, weekdays 11am - 8pm, Sunday 11am -5pm. Work on display includes Gill Blair - wood and ivy, Jackie Edwards - fused glass, Kate Dawson - ceramics, Mervyn Price - metal sculptures, Sue Fernandez - photography, Bronte Woodruff - paintings.

BIENNIAL EXHIBITION – Kilpeck Art Club has been running for many years so they are having an exhibition of their work until Sunday in the village hall 10am - 5pm. Light refreshments will be provided and a raffle held in aid of the Samaritans.

Their autumn season of meeting starts on Monday in the hall from 2pm - 4pm. If you are interested in joining the subscription for 12 months is £15. Prospective members can come for a free taster session.

OVER 25s DISCO – At the Memorial Hall on Saturday from 8pm - late, in aid of Birmingham’s Children Hospital.

WEA – Lectures begin on Tuesday in the Baptist Hall at 7.30pm and continue for seven months on the third Tuesday of each month. The lecturer is Dr Sylvia Pinches and her subject is Ox Plough to Polytunnel a history of Herefordshire farming. The fee for the term is £42.

TRAIDCRAFT STALL – There will be a chance to purchase goods after the 10am service at St Michael’s Church on Sunday.

Hampton Bishop

FESTIVAL OF CHURCHES FIRST WORLD WAR COMMEMORATION WEEKEND – Tomorrow until Sunday.

Starting with a film night tomorrow at 7.30pm showing Private Peaceful (12A), by Michael Morpurgo (writer of War Horse).

This will be on the big screen, followed by a ploughman’s at Hampton Bishop village hall.

Bring your own drinks or there will be a bar. Donations to Help for Heroes.

On Saturday at 4.30pm there will be a wartime sing-a-long, followed by a bring and share Peace Tea in the village hall (please bring something suitable for a cold buffet). Again, donations to Help for Heroes.

Over the weekend, there will be lots going on at St Andrew’s Church too. There will be a First World War exhibition, recitals and an array of beautiful floral displays. The church will be open to visitors 10am-5pm. Saturday 2.30pm, recital by Alison Allan (soprano) accompanied by Jon Weller (piano). Music from classical to modern, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Sunday 2.30pm, recital by the Ethelbert Quartet, Hereford’s new a capella choir make their performance debut with music from across the ages.

Sunday 6pm, an Act of Worship with words and music reflecting on the First World War.

Please visit our community website hamptonbishop.info for details.

A HOST OF GOLDEN DAFFODILS – Hampton Bishop villagers are planning to plant A Host of Golden Daffodils, on September 21, that will bring some spring sunshine to the village. Helen Sudlow, who is leading this Community Gardening Scheme says, “we are asking all villagers to take part and plant bulbs on the verges outside their houses as well as helping to plant daffodils in communal areas such as around the village hall, the church and the roads. So far we’ve raised over £700 to pay for the communal bulbs, including support from Villagers Association and the Parish Council.” She continued, “Suppliers have been consulted and a wild variety of daffodil known as the Lent Lilly has been identified as the bulb of choice.”

Volunteers to plant up the communal areas are asked to report to Saffron House on Whitehall Road in Hampton Bishop, 9.30am, September 21. If you would like to donate money, bulbs or time to help then contact Helen Sudlow on 01432 870358.

Hereford

CHURCH SERVICES – For the West Hereford Team of Churches.

Tomorrow: 8.15am morning prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road; Sunday: 9.30am parish mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate; 3pm songs of praise to commemorate the First World War at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 11am parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 8am holy communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church; 11am contemporary morning prayer at St Nicholas’ Church; 6.30pm holy communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church; Monday: 8.15am morning prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; Tuesday 8.15am morning prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church; Wednesday 8.15am: morning prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 12:10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church, Thursday, September 18: 8.15am morning prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 10am Eucharist with hymn and address at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church.

NEWTON FARM – It is the end of an era at Newton Farm Community Association (NFCA) as one of its original volunteers, John Newman, has moved on.

NFCA are sorry to say goodbye to John after many years, but wish him well in his new endeavours.

HEARTSTART COURSE – Starlite Rooms, HUFC, Edgar Street, Hereford, September 25, 7-9pm.

To book email: herefordshire heartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 6060654.

Kingsland

ART AT KINGSLAND – Twenty exciting artists present their work in the beautiful surroundings of Kingsland’s Grade I listed Church of St Michael and All Angels, HR6 9QW. Artworks include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, woodturning and more. Every sale will contribute to the restoration and improvement of Kingsland Church. Open daily 11am until 5pm, until Sunday. Free entry.

MUSIC FESTVIAL – October 4 at Kingsland Church, Kingsland, HR6 9QW. The prestigious Arcardia Festival performs Shostakovitch, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time and Eleanor Alberga’s No Man’s Lullaby as part of their three day festival tour.

Tickets at £14 adult, £5 for under 18, telephone 01568 709579.

Kingstone and Thruxton

GROUP PARISH COUNCIL – The parish council met on August 20, with ward councillor J Knipe present. The usual standing agenda items were discussed, and in particular the following points were noted: Local planning: Approval has been granted for two new poultry units at Arkstone Court, and an annex extension to a property at Green Lane. Parish council lodged their objection to a planning application for a new four- bedroom detached dormer house on land adjacent to Brantwood, Barrow Common, because the property would be outside the development boundary for the parish.

Lengthsman scheme: The lengthsman is continuing with grass cutting in the locality. Linzy Outtrim, locality steward from Balfour Beatty, will attend a future parish council meeting.

Donations: Parish council agreed to requests from Thruxton and Kingstone parish churches for donations towards churchyard maintenance.

Parish councillor vacancy: The parish council has a vacancy following the resignation of the Thruxton parish councillor. This will be advertised in the usual manner.

Local policing: The parish council has completed two questionnaires, one on behalf of West Mercia Police and the other was a police presence questionnaire.

The parish council’s biggest concern is that there seems to be a lack of police presence in the parish since the reorganisation of the safer neighbourhood policing teams. Following this reorganisation Kingstone and Thruxton are no longer covered by the Golden Valley safer neighbourhood policing team. There are still incidents of anti-social behaviour in Kingstone. The police recently conducted a 30-minute traffic speed check on the B4348 in Kingstone village. No speeders were caught.

Village hall committee: Kingstone village hall has recently been redecorated, and the committee is in the process of purchasing new chairs. The next meeting will be held on October 1 at 7.30pm.

OVER 50s PILATES – A Pilates class aimed at the 50+ age group will be run on behalf of the U3A (Ewyas Harold group) in Kingstone village hall. The four- week trial started on September 8, but will hopefully continue after this. The time of the class will be 2.45-3.45pm, and the cost is £2 per session. For more information, please phone Deb on 01981 251225.

CONCERT – There will be a concert at Kingstone village by the Golden Valley singers to commemorate the start of the First World War and the fallen heroes of Kingstone. They are performing a selection of songs and poems from the war years. It will be on September 19, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £6 to include supper.

Telephone 01981 251329 or 01981 250337. Book early as tickets are selling fast.

Kington

MEETING – Kington Horticultural Society’s next meeting is next Thursday, September 18, at 7.30pm, in the Masonic Hall, Headbrook, Kington, HR5 3DY.

The speaker is Duncan Coombs on Alpine Beauty in North Yunnan. Doors open at 7pm, visitors welcome £2.50.

Knighton

CHURCH SERVICES FOR SUNDAY – St Edward’s church, Knighton 9.30am.

St David’s church, Whitton 9.30am.

St Andrew’s church, Norton 11am.

Knighton Methodist church 11am.

Knighton Baptist church 11am, church gift day and bring and share lunch.

Knucklas Baptist church 6pm.

Knighton Catholic church 11am.

CONCERT IN AID OF MACMILLAN – There will be a concert at the church hall, Knighton with The Llanbadarn Ladies on Sunday at 4pm. Tickets are on sale now by contacting Liz on 01547 520002 or on the door.

KNIGHTON WALKING WEEKEND – Knighton walking weekend will be tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday and includes a ghost walk with Guy N Smith starting from the Tower House Gallery at 7.30pm tomorrow. On Saturday there will be a 10 mile walk along the Offa’s Dyke path, Glyndwr’s Way and the Teme Valley, a six mile circular walk including parts of Glyndwr’s way led by Kevin Jones of the East Radnor Ramblers and a two mile wildlife walk led by Jim Saunders. All start from the Offa’s Dyke Centre, at 9.45am. On Sunday there will be three walks each starting at 9.45am from the Offa’s Dyke Centre. There is a 12 mile walk with Rebecca Morris including a country park, hamlet and the Teme Valley, a walk around the lower park of Knighton with guide Derrick Price town crier and the other will be a three mile Geocaching walk with Sarah Graham.

SERVICE FOR HEALING – The churches together in Knighton and District will be holding a healing service at Knighton Methodist church on Tuesday starting at 7.30pm. If you would like a prayer for you or someone else there will be an opportunity to submit names of people or world situations to be included in prayer.

KNIGHTON TOWN SILVER BAND 100 DRAW FOR SEPTEMBER – 1st (£15) Yvonne Bedford, Llandrindod, 2nd (£10) Mrs. B. Steadman, Knighton and 3rd (£5) Kay Taylor, Knighton.

Leominster

TRANSITION CYCLE RIDE – Next ride, Wednesday. Meet as usual at 10am in Corn Square and then ride out to a coffee stop in the area.

WEA COURSES – Modernist Art in the Early 20th Century. Allen Fishier will pay particular attention to seven important aspects of Modernist Art in Europe in the period 1905 to 1945. Starting September 24, 10am to 12 noon for seven sessions at Leominster Community Centre, School Lane, Leominster HR6 8NJ. Ann Wrights on telephone 01568 620486.

Llanwarne

150 YEARS – Christ Church is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its consecration. To celebrate there will be an Evensong Service on Sunday at 6.30pm. The Preacher will be Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford Cathedral. To add to the sense of occasion a visiting choir is being organised by Robin Symonds from Hentland which provided the original choir all those years ago. Also fitting for this anniversary, the splendid medieval Flemish roundels installed in the ‘ new church’ have been restored. The parishioners of Christchurch would be delighted if you would like to join them.

PLOUGHING MATCH – The Agriculture Society are holding their annual ploughing match this Saturday at Green Crize, Rotherwas, HR2 8AA. Ploughing competitions, horse drawn ploughing, sheep dog trials and the competitions tent which features classes for horticulture, floral, domestic, cookery, handicraft and children’s competitions. For more Isobelle 01981 580367 or llanwarneladies@gmail.com.

Marden

DEVELOPMENT – A presentation about a proposed development in Marden will be given by the architects at 6.15pm, 7.15pm and 8.15pm on September 15 at the community centre; please attend and give feedback. The next meeting of the steering group for the Neighbourhood Development Plan will be at 7.30pm on September 25.

Michaelchurch

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents The Invisible Woman (12A) on September 17 at 7.30pm at Escleyside Hall. Come along at 7.30pm and enjoy a drink and a chat before ‘lights down’ at 8pm.

Licensed bar. Adults: £4, children over 13: £2.50. For more information telephone 01981 510696.

Mordiford

DRAW – Mordiford Church 200 club draw took place in the church at 6.30pm on September 1. 1st no 109 Chris Dobbs £90, 2nd no174 Derek Hughes £60, 3rd no101 Robert Barrell £30, 4th no185 Roy Phillips £15.

Much Birch

FREE HEARTSTART COURSE - Much Birch village hall, Thursday, September 18, 7-9pm. Booking essential. To book your place email info@herefordshireheartstart.co.uk or call 0845 6060654.

Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne

PARISH COUNCILS – The parish councils for Ocle Pychard group and Much Cowarne group will both meet in Burley Gate village hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Councillors expect to be joined by the newly appointed localities officer.

Pembridge

CHARITY – The Pembridge Church charity shop opens at the Oaks Charity Shop in High Street, Leominster from Thursday, September 18 until September 24.

QUIZ NIGHT – Pride in Pembridge ‘Bangers and Brains’ quiz night.

September 20 at 7.30pm in Pembridge village hall. Licensed bar. Raffle. (Vegetarian option available). £5 per head. Team not essential - join in on the night.

Tickets from Ye Olde Steppes or The Old Chapel Gallery, 01544 388842.

Presteigne

100 CLUB – The football club recently held their August 100 club at The Dukes Arms. The following winners were drawn: £100 Alan Preece, £50 Pauline Davies, £40 Sheila Duggan and £25 Mike and Sheila Smith. Subscriptions are now due. New members always welcome. Further information please call Andrew Crowe on 07854 408577.

EXHIBITION – As part of h.Art week Herefordshire, the Friends of St Michael’s in Discoed are holding an exhibition until September 14 at St Michael’s Church in Discoed from 11am-5pm daily. For further details visit www.discoed.org COFFEE MORNING – Paula Randell is again organising a coffee morning in conjunction with Macmillan, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. But this year’s event will come with a little twist.

Paula is to have her hair shaved off out of respect to those cancer sufferers who lose their hair. If you can spare a few pounds please fill in one of the many sponsor forms in the town, turn up to the coffee morning or call Paula on 260485. Or you can donate direct by visiting www.shaveorstyle.org.uk/ shvers/paula-randell/ The coffee morning takes place on September 26 from 10am until noon at The Royal British Legion Club.

YOGA – Wednesday mornings at The Assembly Rooms. The small groups are for mixed abilities with everyone welcome. The seven- week course runs until half term and costs £49. For further details contact Marie Hudson on 260352 or 07972 492304 or email marieh279@ googlemail.com WRITERS’ CIRCLE – The newly formed writers’ circle meet on the third Tuesday of the month at The Assembly Rooms from 7.30-9.30pm.

The club are in need of new members. Members read pieces they have been working on for constructive criticism and discussion. For further details call 260255.

SERVICES – There is a service of holy communion at Kinsham church this Sunday at 9.30am.

Then at 11am there is a choral holy communion at St Andrew’s Church and also at St Andrew’s at 6.30pm there is a choral evensong.

FETE – The annual St Andrew’s Church fete takes place this Saturday in the church and churchyard at 2pm. There will be loads going on including a tombola, stalls, bric a brac, games, competitions, books, gifts, a raffle and refreshments in the church.

CONCERT – The Intrepid Academy presents A Venetian Argosy , a concert of Venetian music from the 16th century at St Michael’s Church in Discoed on September 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50. For further details call 07890 91949.

60 YEARS CELEBRATION – The Catholic Church are celebrating 60 years in Presteigne on September 25 and 26 at 6pm. The Carmelite Sisters came to Presteigne in 1951 to form a convent. In 1954 they built the chapel which is now the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Assumption and St Therese. Each evening there will be a display of archive film and photographs showing how the sisters lived and built the church. Local author Pat Lyne will present her history of these events in her latest book Out of this World. Hot supper will follow in Carmel Court where the Carmelite Sisters lived between 1951 and 1988. Admission will be £10 which will include a drink and hot supper. Tickets are limited so please book early by calling 231111 for the Thursday and 267501 for the Friday.

DRIVERS – Presteigne and Norton Community Support need drivers urgently. Can you spare a few hours a week to help take local people to appointments? If so, please call in at the community support office in Hereford Street or call 267961.

LIBRARY – You only have until September 19 to have your say on how Powys County Council are to run our libraries in the future.

They want your opinion by visiting powys.gov.uk/haveyoursay or visit your local library for a paper copy.

KNIT AND NATTER – Presteigne Knit and Natter are a small group of knitters looking for new members to help knit for the overwhelming number of charities needing goods. The group meet on Monday evenings at the Methodist Church from 7pm until 8.30pm-ish.

For further details call Beth Norris on 388051.

SINGASONGALONGATHON – Marion Rowlatt is organising a singathon on September 27 at St Andrew’s Church from 10am-5pm and then at The Assembly Rooms from 5pm-10pm. Refreshments will be available in the church hall during the day and the bar will be open in the evening. Donations will be welcome in aid of St Andrew’s Church and Mid Border Arts.

TEA PARTY – There will be a charity tea party in Lingen village hall on September 26 from 3pm-5pm.

For further details call Sue on 01568 770636.

FLU JAB – The seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be held at the surgery on September 30 from 9.30am-noon and on October 8 from 4pm-6pm. No appointment is necessary. The vaccination is advised to everyone who is over 65, has diabetes, is pregnant, is a main carer for an elderly or a disabled person or has long term condition affecting the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, brain or nervous system, the immune system or the spleen. For further details call 267985.

BALLADEERS AND CHANCERS – At The Dukes Arms on September 25 from 8.30pm. You can either come and play or just turn up and listen. To book a slot or for further details call 07837 944090 or swatty.yikes@virgin.net.

Pudleston

FLOWER FESTIVAL – St Peter’s Church Pudleston will be hosting a flower festival this weekend as part of the historic churches events, entitled The Songs That Won the War and 19 well known First World War songs will be transformed in to floral displays.

At 5pm on the Saturday there will be a sing along in the church, refreshments will be available.

The Shropshire Regimental Museum will be having a stand on the Saturday with information regarding the KSLI during the First World War and they will be happy to help advise you if you are researching a family member.

Inside the church there are commemoration boards remembering 70 men from the surrounding villages who fought in the war, this will include photographs newspaper reports and letters from the men themselves. Refreshments will be available.

Pudleston Gardening Club’s annual flower and vegetable show will also be on in the village hall on Saturday and the annual village show is being held so why not pop along and have a look?

On Sunday there will be a barbecue at the village hall along with a country fair with a wide selection of stalls, ranging from cake, wild plants, cards, preserves, paintings, vintage wear and wrought Iron work by Alan Colebatch. Pudleston is just off the A44 near Leominster come along for a fun weekend. See pudlestonvillagehall.com.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – The new season starts at Pudleston village hall. Next Thursday, September 18, at 7.30pm, Inside Llewyn Davis (12A) will be showing. Entry £4, bar and tea/coffee available. See pudlestonvillagehall.com.

Skenfrith

SUMMER MUSIC AND MEMORIES – Will the lightweight timber belfry float off the mighty tower of St Bridget’s Skenfrith when the 70 voice choir of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ring out with their opening number Zadok The Priest, for their concert for Summer Music and Memories on Saturday? Professor Dr Ian Tracey – chorus master, was an admiring pupil of Tod, otherwise Vernon Handley CBE, and has been visiting his grave in the churchyard (southeast corner) annually since his death in 2006 – he has contributed to the appeals for the restoration of the mediaeval church (completed 2011), to the appeal for the Cope and now wishes to give a concert as a fund raiser for the Friends of St Bridget’s, set up to raise money for the repair and maintenance of this Grade I-listed building.

The event will last for 90 minutes with no interval – a varied programme concentrating on Tod’s much loved British composers. To ensure a space please either phone 01873 821405 or email revjprosser@ gmail,com. Donations in the order of £15 per person or more will be much appreciated.

Staunton-on-Wye

GROUP PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of the parish council will take place on Monday in Staunton-on-Wye village hall at 7.30pm.

Stoke Lacy

STOKE LACY PARISH COUNCIL – The parish council will meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday. All parishioners are welcome to attend.

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB – The Friendship Club will meet in Stoke Lacy village hall at 10.30am on Tuesday. The talk will be on the subject of Eight Female Convicts.

Members are asked to pay £10 at this meeting towards the costs of the coach journey planned for October.

Stretford

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2014 – Tomorrow and Saturday, Stretford Church will be open and welcomes visitors from 10am to 4pm for Heritage Open Days. The church will be decorated with flowers, and literature on Cosmas and Damian and the history of the church is available. The church is open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Volunteers will be in attendance on these special days to show visitors some of the fascinating features of the church, and to relate some of the stories of Cosmas and Damian. Music will be played throughout the day.

Sutton St Nicholas

RACE NIGHT – A race night will be held in the village hall on Saturday commencing at 7.15pm.

Admission £5, includes a race card and food. Please come along and enjoy this professionally organised racing evening, proceeds from which will go towards the purchase of new tables and other equipment for the village hall.

Tarrington

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – There will be a showing of The Monuments Men (12A) in the Lady Emily Hall at 7.30pm, on Saturday. Refreshments will be available before the film and at the half-time interval.

Tickets will be £4.50 on the door.

Please contact Robert Hodges for further details on 01432 890431.

Yarpole

H.ART ARTIST’S RESIDENCY – Until Sunday, 11am to 5pm daily, acclaimed artist Andrea McLean will take up residence in Yarpole’s historic bell tower at St Leonard’s Church, Green Lane, Yarpole HR6.

She will be making a contemporary painting response to the medieval building and stunning church grounds, and you can come along for free to see her work progress throughout the week. The church has a cafe, shop and post office.

Bartestree Short Mat Bowls Club

DO you know that Bartestree has a short mat bowls club that has been running for 14 years? They meet on Monday afternoons at 2pm at Bartestree village hall.

While they are affiliated with Herefordshire Short Mat Bowls Association, the club does not play in any county leagues or competitive matches. There is no pressure to perform, only to enjoy the game.

They can provide equipment and instruction for anyone who wishes to come and try the game.Why not come and join in?

Bell Bank Club

MADDIE and Elaine have successfully passed their after care visit from the Guide Dog Association.

Owing to unforeseen circumstances this has not been possible in the past two years.

This month’s trip out was to the Buttly Tea Rooms in Winforton where Sue and her staff served a delicious meal at lunch time. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and her kindness in donation prizes for the raffle was much appreciated.

Judith again carried out the exercises to music in Linda’s absence and during the afternoon Dorothy had brought a friend with her named Winnie who was visiting the family from Sri Lanka. They had been good friends for 63 years and it was lovely to hear anecdotes from her.

Aileen told of her three-night cruise taken in early June with her daughter Michelle and godmother June. A very interesting talk.

Members were thrilled to have David (most of us know him as Dai) Ratcliffe, a resident in Hay-on- Wye for so many years, also a very well known councillor and of course mayor, to join them recently and to tell of the hard times which families experienced years ago in Hay-on-Wye. It brought a lump to the throats of some members when he commenced saying that he was pleased to join the group as he had two cousins who were blind, the cause being sugar diabetes. Dai told members so much and was so inspiring and he most certainly will be back. He was thanked warmly and presented with a gift and card on behalf of the the club.

The Bell Bank Club offers an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to get together and support each other. They meet every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm in the parish hall, Lion Street, Hay- on-Wye.

Contact Eileen Bufton on 01497 820897.

Breinton Ringcraft Society

THE Match on August 20 was judged by Gail Jones (Emlimajo) and she selected Aidas Smolskas and Erika Zinkeviciute’s Shar Pei – Rocco for Best Puppy in Match.

Reserve Best Puppy was Christine Butler’s Gordon Setter – Yennadon Lochan at Rubymoon.

Best Veteran was Jeanette Shepherd’s Golden Retriever – Tregeseal Tonic of Beaujean. Best Adult and Best in Match was Ann McGuigan’s Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund – Thyth C’est la Vie and Reserve Best Adult was Tony and Bev Drinkwater’s Irish Setter – Brabrook Boomshackalacka.

At Hereford Open Show Andrew Byrne’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Manark Maggie May was Best of Breed and won the terrier group and Anthony Brooks’ Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – Loofahsa Hip Hop was Best of Breed and Terrier Group Two.

At Welsh Kennel, Kathy George’s Glen of Imaal Terrier – Romainville Ellie won the Bitch CC and Best of Breed also Romainville Billy Whizz won the Reserve Dog CC. Lorraine Carter’s Cardigan Corgi – Swanpool Alexis at Vowchurch won the Reserve Bitch CC and Caroline Scott’s Lhasa Apso- Shardlow Party Tricks at Wolferlow was Best Puppy in Breed and he also won the Pro Plan Puppy Dog Stakes.

Margaret Harkin’s Bearded Collie – Merrythorpe Miss Scarlet at Claudalla won Junior and Novice Bitch at Welsh Kennel and 2nd in Junior Bitch at Paignton. Sue Gillespie’s Whippet Penbriar Duchess won Junior Bitch and Molly McConkey’s Whippet – Penbriar Lord a Leaping to Barmoll won Novice Dog.

The next match will be on Wednesday. Ringcraft is held every Wednesday at Stretton Sugwas village hall 7.45 - 9pm.

For further details contact Anthony Brooks 07776 150212 loo fahsa@hotmail.co.uk or Jeanette Shepherd 01544 327117 or visit the club’s website at breinton ringcraft.co.uk.

Eaton Camp Historical Society

THE next public meeting of the Eaton Camp Historical Society is on September 24 at 7.30pm at Eaton Bishop Village Hall.

Come along and hear speaker Kevin Goodman talk about medieval medicine, and the influence of religion and astrology on theories of disease diagnosis and treatment. Entrance fee £3. Free admittance to members of the Eaton Camp Historical Society.

Garway Heritage Group

FOR its opening meeting of the 2014-15 season, the Garway Heritage Group welcomes the return of Stephen Clarke, MBE, who will talk about the recent archaeological discovery of a huge Ice Age lake which survived in Monmouth for more than four thousand years.

People lived on the shores of the lake from at least the middle Stone Age through the New Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

When the lake finally drained in the first century BC, it left a lagoon which was still silting up and filling with peat during Roman times.

Written by Monmouth archaeologist Stephen Clarke, The Lost Lake describes the discovery of evidence for prehistoric boat-building. Copies of the book, which is published by the Monmouth Archaeological Society, will be available for purchase at the end of the talk.

The meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 7.30pm at Garway Village Hall, is free for members of the GHG, but all are welcome: a charge of £3 for non-members includes refreshments following the talk.

More information on the Garway Heritage Group can be found on garwayheritagegroup.co.uk.

Hereford Arts Appreciation Society

THE next meeting of the Hereford Arts Appreciation Society will be on September 19 WRVS Riverside Centre in Hereford starting at 7.30pm.

Prebendary Kay Garlick will present a talk entitled The Importance of Plainchant from its beginnings to the present day.

Hereford Civic Society

HEREFORD Civic Society is holding a question time. The panel will include Liberal Democrat candidate for Hereford Lucy Hurds, leader of Herefordshire Council Cllr Tony Johnson, Liz Morawieka representing More4Hereford, and It’s Our County leader Cllr Anthony Powers.

Chaired by Jake Bharier, the event will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 7.30pm at St John’s Methodist Church, St Owen Street, Hereford.

Herefordshire Health Service Retirement Fellowship

THE next meeting for the Herefordshire Health Services Retirement Fellowship (HHSRF) will be held on September 15 at 2pm in the St John’s Methodist Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford.

Members are delighted to announce that the Marie Curie Nurses fundraising Blooming Great Tea Party we held on August 18 in the St John’s Hall raised £230 for the charity. It was a great effort and a huge thank you to members, friends and their families, for baking all those fabulous cakes in support of the Marie Curie nurses. It will be really appreciated by the charity, so well done to everyone.

The guest speaker this month is Mr Mike Pullin on behalf of the Hospice Angels who will be giving his talk on an Ireland Trip. Mike’s presentation is always entertaining and promises to be a lively one.

The next outing is a trip to the RAF Museum, Cosford on October 7.

The trip is open to members, family and friends. For further information please contact Mrs Ann Rosser, vice-chairman on 01432 266185.

If you have worked for the NHS you are welcome to come along and join us at the monthly meetings which are held on the third Monday of the month between 2pm - 4pm in the St John’s Methodist Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PR.

For enquiries please contact Mrs Helen Taylor, chairman on 01432 344078.

Ledbury Food Group

THE future for local food?

Changes to the environment and society challenge us to consider how communities might live within their resources in the future.

Ensuring supplies of food is fundamental to these considerations.

Ledbury Food Group invites you to a talk on Monday at which these issues will be explored. Christine Hope, Longtown, Herefordshire shopkeeper and champion of rural enterprise, will talk about the threats that affect the current food supply chain, and the ways that the local food economy may have to change to enable communities to live within their resources.

The talk will take place at 7.30pm at Burgage Hall, Church Lane, Ledbury.

Admission is free and tea, coffee and cake will be available.

Donations will be welcome to help the work of the group.

Ledbury Food Group is a group of volunteers who champion local food. Full details at ledbury foodgroup.org.

Leominster and District U3A

AT THE August meeting Elizabeth Gowing described her fascination with the life of Edwardian traveller Edith Durham who had spent many years living and working in the Balkans in the early twentieth century. Through her friendships with local women, Edith learnt and collected local customs and artefacts and became a respected anthropologist. She is still remembered with affection in places like Kosovo for her writing, teaching and philanthropic works. The audience enjoyed vivid images of contemporary life in Kosovo with which Elizabeth illustrated her talk.

The next meeting on September 16, at 2pm at the Royal Oak will hear Commander Phillip Unwin describing SS Great Britain as the Concorde of her day. Visitors welcome – £2.

Marden History Society

THE next meeting of the Marden History Society will take place on Monday at 7.45pm, doors open at 7.30pm, at the village community centre/school. The speaker, Brian Skinner will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Some churches of interest from Cornwall to Yorkshire’. Brian is a keen photographer with a discerning eye for the unusual. The limited edition (200) Marden calendar for 2015, with photos taken by Brian, will be on sale at the meeting at a price of £5 complete with envelopes for posting. Orders can be placed on 01432 880822. The meeting will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors are most welcome for a fee of £2/ head to include tea/coffee and biscuits. The meeting will conclude at about 9pm.

Vaga Probus Club Ross-on-Wye

MEETING on August 26: talk by Alan Hammond on ‘Life, Laughter and Litigation’.

Alan commenced his talk by returning to his early school days when at the age of 10 he was told by his school mistress, a Mrs Shott, that one day he would become a professional author.

This subjected him to much ridicule and laughter from other pupils which somehow put a dampener on such ambitions.

He left school at the age of 16 and started his career with a firm of solicitors, working his way up and attaining legal qualifications to become a senior executive.

However, he still hankered to become an author, but like most people kept putting it off to think about it at some future date, until quite by accident he met a professional literary agent some four years ago who encouraged him to start making notes of his experiences of life.

Again he did nothing until his wife said: “For goodness sake get on with it and stop talking about it,”

which he did. The initial result being a book entitled, All’s Fair in Love and War, which is full of small town tales of life, laughter and litigation.

Alan takes you through many hilarious scenarios, which occur to most of us at some stage in our life, but never get recorded or pieced together to form entertaining reading.

This is what Alan has set out to do in his book, which makes light reading whichever chapter you turn to.

Alan concluded his talk by advising that book launches are not the glamorous events they are cracked up to be, with long queues of people eager to buy and get signed by the author.

He said in reality you just sit there with a pile of unsold books which nobody wants.

Alan said that, quite possibly, we all have it in us to write a book, which gave us all food for thought.

Nevertheless, he has made a success of finally getting started and is now working on a second publication.

Alan was warmly thanked for this funny and entertaining talk, enjoyed by the membership.

Wellington Garden Club

THE next meeting of the Wellington Garden Club will be on Thursday, September 18 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.

This month the speaker is Pam Pitwood, who will be sharing her ideas on getting the best from the garden before winter arrives.

There will of course be a raffle and refreshments for everyone to enjoy after the talk.

Members always welcome visitors to the garden club.

Wigmore Gardens Group

THE Wigmore Gardens Group will host an opening at Bury Court farmhouse and Claremont Cottage, both in Ford Street, Wigmore, HR6 9UP in aid of charity under the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday from 2pm - 5pm.

There will be plants for sale and tea cakes at the farmhouse.