Abbeydore

ALMSHOUSE VACANCY - A single bedroomed, self-contained William Hoskyns Almshouse in Kingstone will be available from March 1. The almshouse is for single occupancy by a person of retirement age with either a Kingstone or Abbeydore local connection. For more information contact Malcolm Walker ‘Tryonor’ 42 Green Lane, Kingstone, HR2 9EX. Tel 01981 259973 or email parishclerkmw@ btinternet.com.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

CHURCH - On Sunday there will be a service of Holy Communion (BCP) with a Candlemas theme at 9.30am at Aymestrey.

SOUP AND PUDDING - Tomorrow, there will be a grand soup and pudding evening at Aymestrey Parish, jointly organised by the Parish Hall and Aymestrey Church. This is a great night which brings the entire parish together.

A variety of soups together with some amazing puddings and cheese and biscuits are available.

There will be a licensed bar and a raffle. To complete the evening the popular ‘Shanty Singers’ will entertain with some lively shanty songs. Start time 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and are available from Meg Thorpe 780384. Helen Roberts 770486. Steph Dunn 770224. Ruth Scamp 709031. Ken Holland 770367.

AYMESTREY FILM CLUB - The film to be shown on Sunday will be The Hundred-Foot Journey (PG), starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri and Manish Dayal. The film tells the story of the Kadam family who leave India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory’s Michelin- starred eatery. Unfortunately, this puts the Kadams in direct competition with the snobbish Madame Mallory’s acclaimed haute cuisine establishment. Start time 7pm. Homemade ice cream and popcorn will be on sale. Entrance £5.

QUIZ NIGHT - February’s quiz takes place February 13, at 8pm in the Parish Hall. This is a fun quiz with a cash prize for the winning team. Teams of up to four members at £5 per team are welcome.

If you can’t make up a team please come along - there are usually people to make up the numbers.

Refreshments are available and there will be a raffle.

Bishopstone

VILLAGE LOTTERY - Joan Harris won £25 with number 17 on January 24.

Bredwardine and Brobury

FEBRUARY 100 CLUB DRAW - The Friends of St Andrew’s 100 Club draw will take place on today at 8pm in the Red Lion Inn, which is serving a delicious curry buffet for anyone who wants to eat before the draw.

We look forward to seeing you at the event and good luck to all ticket holders.

Contact Jen Maddison on 01981 500048 for further information about the club.

COFFEE, CAKE AND MARKET - You are invited to our very popular coffee morning in Bredwardine village hall on February 13 Drop in any time between 10am and 12 noon, for a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones over fresh coffee and home-baked cakes. The market is growing too, on the food side, there are stalls selling fresh vegetables, free- range eggs, cakes, jams and chutneys. Alongside this there is a splendid selection of arts and crafts, knitwear and jewellery created by local artists and ideal for gifts. You can pick up a movie, a book or some music to take home or just browse through a magazine while you sip your coffee.

And if you feel like it, bring along something to sell; it only costs £1 to rent a table. Contact Philip Bauer on 01981 500398 with requests or queries.

HEARTSTART TRAINING IN BREDWARDINE - Would you know what to do if someone close to you suffered a life-threatening accident or illness?

If not perhaps you should consider attending the Heartstart training evening at Bredwardine village hall from 7pm to 9pm on March 17. You will learn how to call for help in an emergency, help someone who is unconscious, recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, deal with choking or serious bleeding and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The course is free but places are limited so you will need to book by ringing Heloise Kirby on 01981 500160.

We’re serving tea and coffee during the evening and you are encouraged to leave a donation to help Herefordshire Heartstart continue this vital programme.

Remember, simple skills save lives.

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

Breinton

CONCERT - There will be a music event in Breinton Village Hall.

Whalebone will be playing their vibrant mix of acoustic folk/popular classic instrumental music on February 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 (children £4) from 01432 350919 or online from ticketscource.co.uk/whalebone. Bring your own drinks.

Bridge Sollars

BONUS BALL - Nick Johnson won £25 with number 17 on January 24.

Dilwyn

PASSION AND PUDDING EVENING - On February 14 7.30pm at The Cedar Hall.

An evening of entertainment and delicious puddings to celebrate Valentine’s Day with music performed by the amazing Grey Wolf Band. Bring your own drinks.

Tickets £8. Contact 01544 388827.

Eardisland

OPEN MEETING - There will be an open meeting on February 21 from 10.30am - 12.30pm in the village hall to receive the final report on the Flood Alleviation Study. The next Parish Council meeting is at 7.30pm on February 26 in the village hall.

Ewyas Harold

PRIMARY SCHOOL - Our young stars have started practising for our forthcoming talent show. We have a lovely variety of acts already and it would be great to have a few more children exhibiting their talents.

There is a two minute time limit on each act and the judges will be awarding a trophy to the overall winner. All contestants will receive a certificate for taking part.

Entries need to be in by Monday.

The book fair raised £169 in free books for our school. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped us to run it. We would be grateful for any unwanted puzzles or board games for school that we could use during wet playtimes.

MESSY CHURCH - Will be held today in St Michaels Hall 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Fun, craft activities, singing stories and a hot meal. A time of fun for young children their parents or carers.

JAM PACKED - In the Baptist Hall tomorrow from 7pm a club for older children.

ATC SERVICE - The annual non- Eucharistic service with the Air Training Corps 1246 (Ewyas Harold) Squadron, one of the few village squadrons in the country.

The service will be led by the Squadron’s Honorary Chaplin, Rev Ashley Evans, followed by refreshments.

BIBLE STUDY - At the rectory on Tuesday with coffee from 11.15am.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - Pontrilas members will be meeting on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall for More Comedy Cuts Film show by David Bishop.

New members and friends are welcome.

RAINBOW ARTS - Church based arts and craft club held in the Baptist Hall every Wednesday morning 10am - 12 noon during term time.

Everyone aged 18 and over is welcome either to brush up on your skills or starting from scratch, it doesn’t make any difference.

Weekly subscriptions provide the club with refreshments and top up materials needed.

Hereford

CHURCH SERVICES - Tomorrow: 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road. Sunday: 9.30am Parish Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate; 9.30am Parish Eucharist at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 11am Parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross; 8am Holy Communion 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, Whitecross Road.

Tuesday: 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road. 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate.

Wednesday: 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate.

Thursday, February 12: 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road; 10am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate.

HEREFORDSHIRE HEALTH SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP – The next meeting of the Herefordshire Health Services Retirement Fellowship (HHSRF) will be held on February 16 at 2pm in the St John’s Methodist Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford.

The guest speaker this month is Ms Ellie Target, who will be giving her talk on War in Norway.

We are really looking forward to her presentation as it will be both informative and interesting for all of us.

Perhaps, we shall even have some tips on surviving the cold weather.

New members and member’s guests are always welcome to come along and join us at the 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.

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART – Would you know what to do if your loved one or colleague suffered a life threatening emergency?

If not book a place now at a free two hour Heartstart course (CPR etc) at Kidwells Law, 4 Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, Hereford on February 24, 10am to noon.

Booking essential, to book your place email hereford shireheartstart@btconnect.

com or call 0845 60 60 654.

You will learn how to call for help, help someone who is unconscious, recognise the warning signs of a heart attack, deal with choking or serious bleeding and perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Kingsland

CHILDREN’S THEATRE – The Sea Show will be performed by Squashbox Theatre on February 22, Kingsland Coronation Hall, HR6 9QS at 2.30pm.

A quirky and crazy mixture of puppet show, natural history programme and comedy cabaret, The Sea Show is suitable for everyone from five years-of-age upwards.

Show runs for 50 minutes, Tickets, £5 available from Kingsland Post Office or 01568 709579.

Event profits for the restoration and improvement of Kingsland Church.

Kingstone

ALMSHOUSE VACANCY – A single bedroomed self- contained William Hoskyns Almshouse in Kingstone will be available from March 1.

The almshouse is for single occupancy by a person of retirement age with either a Kingstone or Abbeydore local connection.

For more information contact Malcolm Walker ‘Tryonor’ 42 Green Lane, Kingstone, HR2 9EX. Tel 01981 259973 or email par ishclerkmw@btinternet.

com KINGSTONE FLOWER CLUB – Meetings are held the second Monday in the month, at 7.45pm in Kingstone village hall.

Monday is Flowers with a Difference. We will make floral decoupage cards. Cost is £3 per session to include tea/coffee and biscuits.

At each meeting there is a raffle and a sales table which has all the basics you need at a reasonable price.

Kinnersley

JUMBLE SALE – The Kinnersley Church annual jumble sale will be held at the church on February 21, 10am-1pm. Doors open at 10am, and there is no admission charge.

There will be something for everyone – bric-a-brac, linens, electricals and household, toys, men’s/women’s/ children’s clean clothes.

This year we will again be featuring the ‘cut above jumble’ stall with lovely and nearly new items – price tagged for your bargaining pleasure. Coffees and teas will also be served.

You will not want to miss this popular event where you will certainly find ‘the very best junk in Hereford’.

Knighton

BIG BREAKFAST – Knighton’s Moonshine walkers, Edith Wood, Ann Taylor, Vanessa Gibbons, Pauline Vogel and Mandy Evans are putting on a big breakfast in the church hall, Knighton on Saturday.

Breakfast will be served from 9am until 1pm.

All proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Care charities the women have supported in the past.

CHURCH SERVICES FOR SUNDAY (CREATION SUNDAY) – St Edward’s, Knighton 9.30am.

St David’s, Whitton 9.30am.

St Andrew’s, Norton 11am.

Knighton Methodist church 11am.

Knighton Baptist church 11am.

Knighton Catholic church 11am.

TEME VALLEY GARDENERS’ CLUB – The next meeting of the club will take place on Monday at 7.30pm in the Community Centre in Knucklas.

The speaker is Zoe Griffiths, who will give a talk about Lavender in Wales.

The competition is for a photograph of a plant or flower grown in 2014.

Visitors and new members will be made very welcome.

All enquiries to 01547 529244.

DINNER DANCE – Knighton Show and Carnival dinner/dance tickets are now on sale at The Clock Tower Teashop, CCF in Knighton.

The dinner/dance will take place, February 14, 7pm for a 7.30pm start at Knighton community centre and the dress code for the evening is black tie.

Leominster

DAY TRIPS – Various Travelarts day trips are available to book at Leominster Tourist Information Centre, including the London flyer day excursion and One Man, Two Guvnors at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Call 01568 616460 to book.

In 1960s Brighton, an easily-confused Francis Henshall becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster and Stanley Stubbers, an upper class criminal. Francis tries to keep the two from meeting, in order to avoid each of them learning that Francis is also working for someone else.

However, it turns out that Roscoe is really Rachel Crabbe in disguise, her twin brother Roscoe having been killed by her lover, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers.

Mixed in with these chaotic events is Pauline Clench who was originally meant to marry Roscoe but is now set to elope with over- the-top amateur actor Alan Dangle.

The play includes two extended passages of improvisation where audience members are recruited into the play.

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART – Would you know what to do if your loved one suffered a life-threatening emergency?

If not book a place now at a free two-hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Bridge Street Sports Centre, Leominster on February 23, from 2pm to 4pm.

Booking essential, to book your place e-mail herefordshireheartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 60 60 654.

You will learn how to call for help, help someone who is unconscious, recognise the warning signs of a heart attack, deal with choking or serious bleeding and perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE ON THE ROAD – Is it really true that anyone can learn to drive more safely, more cheaply and still have more fun? IAM- Herefordshire’s campaign is to help everyone to do just that.

They aim to improve your driving skills by reinforcing things like hazard awareness, correct steering, gear choice, cornering and overtaking techniques, and are affiliated to the IAM, the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Courses are run over three weekly evening sessions at Leominster and are aimed at motorists wanting to improve their driving skills.

The technique takes a methodical approach to driving – leaving nothing to chance, and increases your safety by giving you more time to react.

The smoother driving that results also saves you money and makes driving more enjoyable for you and your passengers.

Along with the kudos of being an Advanced Driver, there are practical benefits – such as free RAC membership, discounts on insurance, and lower fuel bills by being a better driver.

IAM-Herefordshire’s team of qualified and highly-experienced observers will coach, guide and mentor you with no limit on the number of drives, or the time taken, and sessions are at your mutual convenience.

The next course begins on February 25, near Leominster.

To join and book a place, or for more information, call David Williams on 01981 580382 or e-mail chief-observer@iam-herefordshire.org.uk.

IAM-Herefordshire is a charity developing safer drivers.

Lingen

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Tomorrow at 7.30pm, The Love Punch (12). Set in Paris, London and the French Riviera an ex-husband and wife whose biting banter suggests that the flames of their former relationship are not fully extinguished, decide to set aside their differences and scheme to recover their retirement nest egg that was stolen from them.

Refreshments available including tea/coffee, homemade cakes and the obligatory ice cream.

Join the Flicks mailing list and keep up to date with our showings. £5 on the door.

Further info or to reserve a seat 01544 267736.

Please note change of screen date for Paddington (PG) which will now be shown on April 19, at 3pm with a special children’s price of £3.

For more information on all of the above events, as well as news and views, log on to lingen.org.uk.

Madley

PARISH COUNCIL – At the beginning of the last meeting held on January 6, a gift of a wooden gavel was presented to the parish council on behalf of a former councillor, Tim Edwards. An accompanying letter was read out and grateful thanks for the gift were expressed.

The parish council was pleased to hear that the recent bingo event had raised £180 towards Madley youth club funds.

The new youth club is going well, new members are always welcome – Friday evenings 7-9pm at the parish hall. Mention was also made of Mrs Meredith from Madley who had been awarded an MBE for services to rural communities.

The parish council congratulate Mrs Meredith on this achievement. Herefordshire Council has confirmed that the Lengthsman scheme will be changing for the new financial year.

Full details of the new scheme are yet to be received and the parish council awaits further information before deciding whether to participate.

The budgets and precept for 2015/16 were set with the sum of £17,500 being agreed for the precept, which equates to £41.24 council tax per Band D property per year or 79p per week.

This is an increase of 25 per cent and is due to the increase of activities and projects carried out.

the parish council.

As well as covering the administration and running costs of the parish council and rent and maintenance for the recreation field, donations towards churchyard maintenance, Dore Community Transport and Madley Youth Club have been budgeted for as well as contingency funds for the forthcoming elections in May 2015 and for the new lengthsman scheme, should the parish council decide to continue when the new scheme details are known.

The renewal of the recreation field sign and a new notice board are planned.

A reserve continues to be held towards recreation field improvements.

Projects that have been undertaken during 2014/15 include the resurfacing of Claypits Lane, a new litter bin at the Archenfield bus stop and a public access defibrillator at the parish hall.

Bollards have also been installed at the recreation field to prevent unauthorised vehicle access and provision of a Wildplay event for the community.

Still to come at the recreation field within the next couple of months are new goal posts, two seating benches, two picnic benches and two new pieces of play equipment for older children.

Grants/contributions obtained towards these projects in 2014/15 totalled £17,950 and grants/funding will continue to be sought in 2015/16 to progress improvements to the recreation field.

Full details of the precept/budgets can be found at madley.org.uk or by contacting the clerk, Carla Boyles, on 01432 271209.

Marden

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – The next ordinary Parish Council Meeting will be on February 9 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.

All welcome.

MARDEN HISTORY SOCIETY – The Marden History Society programme for 2015 starts on February 16, with the showing of Chewing the Cud, “memories of the old cattle market”.

The film portrays the many characters that made the market a hub of very special heritage in Herefordshire.

It drew people from villages, other counties and the Welsh borders.

There are interviews with farmers, auctioneers, townspeople, breeders, traders and council workers.

It also includes many beautiful archive photographs.

Come along at 7.45pm to the Marden Community Centre/ school.

Visitors are welcome for a charge of £2 to include tea/coffee and biscuits.

Mordiford

CANDIDATE FOR THE WARD HAS BEEN SELECTED – Members of North Hereford Conservative Association, Backbury Branch, which comprises Hampton Bishop, Mordiford, Dormington, Tarrington and Fownhope met in Fownhope village Hall on January 27 to select their candidate for the Ward.

Business man, Graham Green, was selected to stand at the Council Elections in May.

Much Birch

INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE ON THE ROAD – Is it really true that anyone can learn to drive more safely, more cheaply and still have more fun? IAM Herefordshire’s campaign is to help everyone to do just that.

They aim to improve your driving skills by reinforcing things like hazard awareness, correct steering, gear choice, cornering and overtaking techniques, and are affiliated to the IAM, the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Courses are run over three weekly evening sessions at Much Birch and are aimed at motorists wanting to improve their driving skills.

The technique takes a methodical approach to drivingand increases your safety by giving you more time to react.

The smoother driving that results also saves you money.

Along with the kudos of being an Advanced Driver, there are practical benefits - such as free RAC membership, discounts on insurance, and lower fuel bills by being a better driver.

IAM-Herefordshire’s team of qualified and highly experienced observers will coach, guide and mentor you with no limit on the number of drives, or the time taken, and sessions are at your mutual convenience.

The next course begins on February 24 at Much Birch.

To book or for more information, call David Williams on 01981 580382 or email chief-observer@ iam-herefordshire.org.uk.

IAM-Herefordshire is a charity developing safer drivers.

Presteigne

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents The Love Punch (12) starring Pierce Bresnan, Emma Thompson and Timothy Spall will be shown at Lingen Village Hall on Friday evening at 7.30pm.

Spanning locations in Paris, London and the French Riviera The Love Punch brings together Pierce Brosnan (Mama Mia) and Academy-Award winner Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks) for the first time, as ex-husband and wife Richard and Kate whose biting banter suggests that the flames of their former relationship have not been fully extinguished.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for their retirement nest egg which is wiped out when Richard’s investment firm is defrauded and the pension fund is siphoned away.

Learning that the unscrupulous French financier behind the scheme has just purchased a $10million diamond for his bride to be, the divorced duo grudgingly agree to set aside their differences, and hatch a plot to gate-crash the wedding and steal the rock.

Roped in to assist in the heist are the couple’s former neighbours Timothy Spall (The King’s Speech) and Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) who are also rooting for their reconciliation.

The foursome form an unlikely band of lawbreakers in this classic comedy caper set against the sun drenched backdrop of the Cote d’Azur.

Admission will be £5 for adults and £3 for children. Refreshments will be served during the interval.

For further details call 267736 or visit lingen.org.uk DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – The football club is holding a race night in the clubhouse on April 11 with the first race starting at 5.30pm. More details will appear nearer to the time.

SERVICES – There is a service of Holy Communion this Sunday at Kinsham at 9.30am and a choral Holy Communion at St Andrews at 11am.

EXHIBITION – There is an exhibition – The Twelve – further reflection on the last supper at St Michaels Church in Discoed from February 17 until April 6 open daily from 10am-5.30pm.

The artists are Sara Bamford, Julienne Braham, Nick Bush, Susie Cawley, Simon Dorrell, Tony Hall, Lois Hopwood, Charles MacCarthy, Dan MacCarthy Tania Mosse, Silia Pastore, Alex Ramsey and Bronte Woodruff.

All profits will go to St Michaels Hospice in Hereford.

For further details visit discoed.org.

MUSIC - The Music In New Radnor season of music continues on February 14 at New Radnor Community Hall from 7.30pm and will feature Borders Trio, a young vibrant group of players with a fresh modern style. Anna Perry will play clarinet, David Grubb will play the violin and Jess Ryan- Phillips will be on the piano.

Admission will be £8 for adults and £3 for under 14s at the door.

For further details call 01544 231732.

MARKET - This month’s farmers market has a bit of a twist this Saturday at the Memorial Hall from 9am to 1pm. This month, Transition Presteigne are running a seed swap. Do you have any seeds to swap? Have you no seeds to swap? Just come and make a small donation. Flower or vegetable seeds are welcome. All the local stalls will be there along with the fairtrade cafe. All welcome.

WOMEN TOGETHER - The next meeting of Women Together will take place at The Green Room in The Assembly Rooms on Wednesday at 2.30pm. This month Garry Banks will talk on The Ghosts of Presteigne. For further details call Helen on 01544 267082.

MUSIC - Bristol based seven-piece band The Hot Tin Roofs will be performing at The Assembly Rooms on February 21 from 7.30pm. The band mix a measure of rhythm and blues with a splash of swing and shake to create good time dancing. Tickets are £10 and are available from Courtyard Antiques, The Workhouse or from wegottickets.com. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

FILM - Lingen History Group present a film Chewing The Cud a truly local film that captures the heart of old Hereford cattle market. The film portrays the characters that gave the market its vibrancy and unique heritage with anecdotes galore. Admission is £4.50 at the door which will include tea/coffee. For further details call 01544 260865 or visit lingen.org.uk COFFEE MORNING - There is a coffee and cake morning at St Andrews Church Hall on February 14 from 10.30am - 12 noon. There will be a cake stall, bric-a-brac and a raffle. All proceeds will go to church funds.

FLORAL ARTS - The next meeting of Presteigne and Borders Floral Arts Society will take place on Wednesday at The Memorial Hall from 7.30pm.

This month there is a return visit from Nigel Wyles with a demonstration called The Bizarre World of Clarice Cliff. Everyone is welcome.

For further details call 01547 529244.

ARTS AND CRAFTS - The monthly arts and crafts fair will take place this Saturday at The Assembly Rooms from 10am - 3pm. All the stalls are from local artists showing their own work.

For further details call Rosamund on 01544 260777.

FILM - Presteigne Screen are showing A Most Wanted Man (15) starring the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman at The Assembly Rooms on February 13 at 8pm. Admission is £4.50 for adults and £3 for students. For further details call Pete on 01544 370202 or Alex on 01544 260577.

MUSIC - Winterreise by Frank Schubert featuring Tim Cranmore on baritone and Andrew Morris on piano will take place tomorrow evening at The Assembly Rooms at 8pm.

Admission will be £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. For further details call 07761 660244.

Preston-on-Wye

WHIST DRIVE - At Preston on Wye village hall, February 13 at 7.30pm, weather permitting. Call 01981 500337.

Ross-on-Wye

VAGA PROBUS CLUB MEETING - Talk given by Brigadier Robert Lowth on Life as a Defence Attache in Baghdad, Iraq.

Robert, himself a Weston-under- Penyard local in his earlier years, was introduced by his father Gerry Lowth, himself a Vaga Probus club member, by giving the membership a summary of Robert’s background on entering Sandhurst for the first time since leaving school in 1981.

He went on to spend his gap year as a young officer in the Royal Engineers in Yorkshire and Belize. On leaving University, he joined the Army proper, completing both Sandhurst and subsequent military engineering training. Over the following 25 years, he served in the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan and spent several years in the Ministry of Defence.

He was both a student and teacher of “Command Staff ”, affairs, defence studies, business administration and international relations, which is why he has fewer medals than degrees.

This is his fourth stint in Iraq. He first visited in 2003 commanding an engineer regimental group in Basra, which included a Norwegian engineering company and a composite squadron of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.

He constructed a number of bridges in the province and improved the water supply to the city itself, all made necessary by the neglect of infrastructure due to sanctions.

Sadly, initial optimism following the demise of Saddam Hussein soon gave way to the sort of sectarian violence, which has dogged the country ever since.

Robert continued by describing events, leading up to his role as Defence Attache in Baghdad.

Having served in Iraq on a number of previous occasions, he was well placed to explain the complexities of the current situation in the region, the issues facing the Government of Iraq, and the contribution that the UK is currently making to help the Iraq security forces defeat Daesh (an Arabic acronym for ISIL). He provided a short background on Iraq covering its challenging geography by the aid of maps of Iraq and surrounding countries illustrating the impact of their various cultures and political disarray.

Bearing in mind that Iraq is twice the size of the UK but with only half the population, with 56 per cent being under the age of 25 and only 7 per cent being over 65, meaning that the vast majority of the population have never really known stability, only warfare, foreign occupation and sectarian violence. Much of Iraq is wide open desert as per adjoining countries ,which is very difficult to control or govern.

Robert has instigated visits of Iraqi students to UK universities/ colleges with the aim of offering them guidance in the way of civilised cultures such they may have a better understanding of living in harmony with their fellow men and adjoining countries.

Many questions were asked by members, concerning the sectarianism and religious divisions between the Sunni and Shia Muslim communities in Iraq, the ISIL offensive, the effectiveness of the Iraqi armed forces,and the relationships between coalition partners and the prospects for the future.

He was warmly thanked on behalf of the members for the difficult task of describing his role as Defence Attache and the implications of the instability of the Middle East generally and for this informative presentation. Also for sacrificing his precious leave to talk to us.

Staunton-on-Wye

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - In the village hall tomorrow, A Bunch of Amateurs (15), a classic British comedy and on March 6, Very Annie Mary (15). Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments (including French bread/cheese) from 7pm and in the interval.

Stretton Sugwas

BREINTON RINGCRAFT - The match on the January 27 was judged by Eric Knowles. Eric has been showing dogs for the past 30 years or so, both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Tibetan Spaniels. Although he has not done any breeding due to him serving in the Royal Air Force, he has served on national breed club committees and been active in arranging shows up to championship level. He appeared on BBC1 television whilst showing at Crufts and the commentator was heard to say “that’s a good dog but the handler is useless!”, he won the class and to this day maintains he was the best looking handler there.

Eric selected Mandy Devereux’s Lhasa Apso - Belazieth Hello Abbie for Best Adult and Best in Match and Reserve Adult was Pam Wooden’s Golden Retriever - Salako Heart of Gold. Best Puppy in match was Christine Butler’s Gordon Setter - Yennadon Lochan at Rubymoon and Reserve Best Puppy was Marion Penwarne’s German Spitz Klein - Oberitz Hot Pursuit. Eric commented on the super quality of all the dogs.

All photos of the winners from the match nights will be on the clubs webpage - breintonringcraft.co.uk The next match is on February 18.

Jackey Williams’s English Setter - Bournehouse Starry Night won Post Graduate and Best of Breed at Stourbridge and District show and also PG and Reserve Best of Breed at Worcester and Malvern.

Christine Butler’s Gordon Setter - Yennadon Lochan at Rubymoon won Puppy Dog at Manchester Show and Best Puppy and Best of Breed at Worcester and Malvern.

Ringcraft is held every Wednesday at Stretton Sugwas Village Hall from 7.45pm - 9pm.

For further details contact Jeanette Shepherd 01544 327117 or Anthony Brooks 01568 770476, loofahsa@hotmail.co.uk or visit the clubs website at www.breintonringcraft.co.uk.

Walford

SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE COTTAGE GARDEN SOCIETY - The December meeting was a celebration with an excellent Christmas lunch at The Old Court Hotel and the 17th AGM of the local branch of the National Cottage Garden Society. We were also treated to an amusing and informative talk by Frank Hardy.

The next meeting is on Saturday at 2pm in Walford Village Hall.

Speaking will be Ross Barbour from Picton Gardens and Old Court Nurseries who will talk about roses needing friends too.

Roses are no longer confined to special borders and it will interesting to hear which plants are their best friends. We have many talks arranged for this year, plus visits to gardens and a holiday to visit Yorkshire Gardens. Visitors and new members welcome. Call Tinker Parsons on 10989 561050 for further information or visit our website at cgssh.org.uk.

Wellington

MEETING - Of Wellington Parish Council tonight at 7.30pm in the community hall. All welcome.