Allensmore

ALLENSMORE YFC EASTER BINGO - Tomorrow at Pateshall Hall, Allensmore. Doors open 7pm. Eyes down 7.30pm. Proceeds to Allensmore YFC.

MARCH WINNERS - Allensmore Church 100 Club winners for March are 1st 85 Joyce Hartill, 2nd 77 Janet Lawrence, 3rd 17 Harriet Clark and 4th 70 Pat Mussell.

Almeley

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Will be showing Tracks (12A). Thursday, March 26, at 7.30pm in Almeley village hall, bar available, doors open at 7pm.

SUNDAY LUNCH - Almeley village Sunday lunch, the next lunch date is April 12 at 12.30pm for 1pm, three courses, including tea or coffee, for £9.50, booking essential by April 8, 01544 340658. Bar available, raffle.

Ashperton

CHURCH - The church will again this year be decorated with Easter lilies. Should anyone wish to have one in memory of loved ones.

Donations please to Anna Russell, 6 Webs Orchard, 01531 670378.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

NATURE TRUST - The Aymestrey Branch meets in the Parish Hall tonight at 7.30pm. Dr Snow will give a talk entitled A Bit about Lichens.

CHURCH - On Palm Sunday, at 11am there will a benefice service with donkeys at Kingsland. On Wednesday there will be a special Taize service at 6pm in Aymestrey church which is a space to sit and listen to beautiful music and readings and to light candles (about 45 minutes). Then on Good Friday at 10.30am starting at Leinthall Earls Church there is a service of Walking with the Cross. Those who joined us for this last year will tell you how helpful this was.

It is not far to walk, just up the bank stopping from time to time for some verses from the Bible and a verse of a hymn, but putting the cross in place and looking down over the valley and puts everything back into perspective again. There is a story for the children and help for those who are frail. On Easter Day there will be a service of Holy Communion at 11am at Aymestrey, followed by the annual Easter egg hunt for the children. The church will be decorated on April 4 and all contributions of daffodils and greenery would be appreciated.

Bartestree

HEREFORD AND MID WALES HARDY PLANTS GROUP - Will be having their monthly meeting in Bartestree village hall, April 11 at 2pm. The speaker is Val Bourne, the well known and popular horticultural writer and speaker, on the topic of ‘Spring Cottage - a talk about her own garden’. There will also be plants for sale, tea and cakes. Visitors are very welcome, £4. Information 01544 267154 or 01544 327195.

Bishop’s Frome and Fromes Hill

OVER 60s LUNCH CLUB - The Lunch Club meets on Tuesdays in the village centre from 12.30pm for 1pm. Details from Joan on 01531 640587.

LENT LUNCH - Tomorrow, there will be a Lent lunch at The Brooklands, hosted by Bishops Frome. The lunch will be held from noon till 2pm, with proceeds going to The Children’s Society.

All are welcome.

QUIZ NIGHT - Tomorrow, opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, there will be a quiz night at the Bishop’s Frome Village Centre. £6 per head - half-price for under 12s - and this will include a simple supper.

BYOB. Teams of three-five are welcome or players can team up on the night. Bookings taken now via Wendy on 01885 490496 or Isabel on 01531 640981. Proceeds in aid of the village centre.

CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR. 01432 820074. commnews@ymail.com.

Bishopstone

VILLAGE WALK - March 28, meet at 10.15am at the Swan Inn on the Worcester side of Aylestone Hill on the A465. The walk is an easy 4.5 miles through parkland, urban areas and meadowland. It is muddy in places so wear suitable footwear.

VILLAGE LOTTERY - Pat Astley won £25 with number 45 on March 14.

Bishopswood

BISHOPSWOOD WI MARCH REPORT - The March meeting of the Bishopswood WI was held on March 13, at 2.30pm on a grey and gloomy day. Thirty members and one visitor attended.

It started as usual with Jerusalem, unaccompanied as the piano was displaying baskets made by the speaker. After the business meeting and tea the speaker was introduced by Mrs Sue Jackson.

Clyde from Wild Wicker began by judging the competition for an interesting or unusual basket. He told more about the baskets than even their owners knew.

The most interesting was an American braided corn husk basket about 120 years old belonging to Mrs Cynthia Hale. Braiding corn husks was a technique developed by slaves as they had nothing else to use.

The other baskets included an Indian dyed grass coil snake basket, an English oval reed basket and an English willow basket which included several colours of willow. The different colours are all different varieties, some of which are very rare.

Basket making is a very ancient craft, contemporary with flint knapping. As an English basket maker, Clyde works mainly in willow of various shades, although he does use other hedgerow plants such as dogwood, spindle holly and brambles - after stripping off the thorns.

He demonstrated basic basket weaving techniques beginning a basket with six sticks forming a cross.

He showed various techniques including whaling, a three piece weave which finishes and locks each stage and gives strength to the basket. He always uses at least two colours of willow ranging from yellow, through greens, reds and dark brown. There are no set rules, he takes a basic technique and varies it.

Clyde left everyone eager to go on one of the day courses which he runs.

He has only three people on each course so there is plenty of individual attention. His website is wildwicker.com.

Bodenham

CAFÉ @ THE CHAPEL - The Cafe @ the Chapel in Chapel Lane meets every Thursday morning.

Why not call in for a coffee and a chat at any time between 10.30am and noon? You are welcome to stay for as long or as short a time as you wish. No charge is made for refreshments though donations are welcome and are given to a charity at the end of each year. On Good Friday, at 3.30pm there will be a service of reflection and meditation at the Chapel, followed by hot cross buns.

THE FLOOD PROTECTION GROUP - All Flood Protection Group meetings, unless otherwise notified will be held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Siward James Centre, starting at 7.30pm. This month’s meeting will be on Tuesday. If you are unable to attend or have points which you would like to have raised at the meeting, please contact the secretary, Mrs Babs Mitcheson, on 01568 797170 or by email at BabsMitcheson@aol.com.

LITTER PICKING - You are invited to join friends and neighbours for Bodenham’s latest litter picking expedition, to be held on April 11, from 10.30am to - 12.30pm, starting and finishing at the Parish Hall. Free hot soup and rolls will be available for lunch.

Litter picking sticks and High Viz jackets will be provided. For further details contact Chris Smith on 01568 797132.

CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR. 01432 820074. commnews@ymail.com.

Bredwardine and Brobury

FRIENDS OF ST ANDREW’S - April 100 club draw will take place on April 2 at 8pm in the Red Lion Inn, which is serving a 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.

HELP NEEDED - For the Bredwardine and Brobury classic car event on April 26. Would you like to be involved in this event?

We are looking for volunteer marshalls to assist with car parking and helpers to serve food in the village hall. Marshalls will be given necessary training and appropriate outerwear and will be needed early in the day and at the end of the event. Please contact Mick Miller on 01981 500520 if you can be a marshall. We also need volunteers to serve food and drinks in the village hall in two or three hour slots throughout the day. If you would like to help please ring Kari Lawson on 01981 501077.

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

Breinton

PARISH COUNCIL - Breinton Parish Council held a public meeting in the village hall on March 14, which some 50 people attended to hear councillors further explain the purpose of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) and the relationship with Herefordshire Council’s Core Strategy.

Parish councillor Liz Morawiecka reported on the recent Core Strategy Examination In Public, and that it was still far from certain that Herefordshire Council’s plans to build thousands of homes and a western relief road, would go ahead as part of the Core Strategy.

It is important for Breinton residents to respond to the consultation on Breinton’s draft NDP, which gives local people the opportunity to have their say on how they would like Breinton to develop over the next 15 years.

The consultation period on the draft NDP ends at noon on March 30, so please let us have your feedback by then. The NDP documents can be seen on the parish website breintonparish.co.uk, in Hereford Library on Broad Street, or from either the clerk or any of the parish councillors – contact details are in Teamtalk and also on the website.

Bridge Sollars

BONUS BALL - Keith Johnson won £25 with number 45 on March 14.

Clehonger

WHIST DRIVE - April 7, 7.30pm at Innesfield Hall. £2 per person.

Refreshments available. For more information call 01981 250377.

Cradley

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART - Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Cradley Primary School on April 27 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Booking essential, to book your place email herefordshireheartstart@ btconnect.com or call 0845 6060654 (please note the office is closed from tomorrow to April 12).

Dilwyn

BINGO - Dilwyn Young Farmers Club are holding an Easter bingo tomorrow. Eyes down at 7.30pm in the Cedar Hall. Everybody welcome. Lots of Easter prizes to be won.

Dulas

PARISH PATHS OFFICER - Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council is seeking a volunteer parish paths officer. Ewyas Harold Group Parish participates in the P3 Scheme, which undertakes maintenance of the Public Rights of Way within the group parish to ensure that the local path network is kept open and usable for the public to enjoy. For more information or to express your interest, please contact the parish clerk, Carla Boyles on clerk@ewyasharoldgpc.org.uk or 01432 271209.

Dymock

DYMOCK SPRING FAIR AND DAFFODIL WEEKEND - This is the last of the three local daffodil weekends held in the daffodil triangle (Kempley and Oxenhall’s having already taken place) and will be held on Saturday and Sunday, from noon-5pm. There will be trading tables in the parish hall each day with a variety of goods on sale including jewellery, bric-a-brac, cakes and books. At 2.30pm, there will be a guided walk of about one hour(with the opportunity to go further if required) to see the wild daffodils.

Each day, the walk will start from the Wintour`s Green outside St Mary`s Church and will be led by experienced walkers. Light refreshments will be available including our famous cream scones. Proceeds for Dymock Parish Hall funds. For further information, please call 01531 890453. The post code for the parish hall is GL18 2AG.

Eardisland

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - Today at 7.30pm, all welcome.

OPEN MEETING - For Report on Flood Alleviation Study 10.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday in village hall.

Ewyas Harold

NSPCC - Vintage and Craft Fair on March 7, raised a total of £821.

Many thanks for your support - it will make a difference. Carol Powell, Chairman, Herefordshire Branch carolpowell60@btinternet.com.

EASTER BINGO - Ewyas Harold Cubs and Beavers are holding an Easter bingo tomorrow at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall. Doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down as 7pm.

Everyone welcome.

PRIMARY SCHOOL - We had a successful book day with pupils dressing up as their favourite book characters and brought in some of their favourite books.

The older children spent some time in the afternoon sharing books and reading to the younger children. Each class also undertook World Book Day activities.

Each week we will have a current discussion question (thought for the week) for the children to think about eg. ‘should we have music in cars’. Our children will then be given the opportunity to air their opinion and each child will then vote based on their view point. On our wanted board - artificial flowers/plants for the reception flower shop. Wild area work party on Tuesday from 10am - noon. Can anyone spare some time to finish the wild garden so the children can start using it. Shovels/ forks, wheelbarrows would be useful to bring with you. If it is wet there will be a notice on the school website. Refreshments will be available.

PRE-SCHOOL - Our kids’ club has started and is going from strength to strength with much positive feedback from both the children parents and carers. Kids’ club provides ‘wrap around’ care from 7.30am - 5.30pm, including breakfast and healthy snacks, fun activities, physical play outside, computers, crafts, construction and lots more. There are a few places left contact pre-school or the primary school office. We also offer a ‘pay on the day’ scheme for those moments when you may be late picking up the children from school contact pre-school for more information.

LENT LUNCH - The last in the present series will be today, at noon in the Baptist Hall.

JAM PACKED - A club for older children in the Baptist Hall tomorrow from 7pm.

POP-IN EXTRA - To the Methodist Church on Saturday between 10am and noon to browse stalls and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

PALM SUNDAY - A Group Service in St Michaels Church on Sunday, procession with the donkey starting at 9.45am outside the Post Office.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS - A devotional service with the Abbey singers on Tuesday starting at 7.30pm.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - On Thursday, April 2 Holy Communion Service in St Michaels starting at 7pm also a service in the Baptist Chapel starting at 7.30pm led by Rev Lloyd Rickards followed by supper.

PARISH PATHS OFFICER - Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council is seeking a volunteer parish paths officer. Ewyas Harold Group Parish participates in the P3 Scheme, which undertakes maintenance of the Public Rights of Way within the group parish to ensure that the local path network is kept open and usable for the public to enjoy. For more information or to express your interest, please contact the parish clerk, Carla Boyles on clerk@ewyasharoldgpc.org.uk or 01432 271209.

Garway

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART - Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Garway Primary School on April 22, 7pm to 9pm. Booking essential, to book your place email herefordshireheartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 60 60 654 (please note the office is closed from tomorrow to April 12).

Hay-on-Wye

BELL BANK CLUB - Maddie is very well and enjoying all exercising while mistress is out of action.

Valentines Day was celebrated on February 12 at the Harp Inn where everyone was greeted by landlord Graham. Red cardboard hearts graced the tables and during an excellent meal he judged the competition for a poem composed by oneself and, of course, based on love. Jean came first with Judith second and Linda was placed third. Completing the afternoon was the raffle. I thanked Graham and his wife Jane, who cooked the delicious meals, for their hospitality.

Members enjoyed homemade pancakes on the Thursday which were kindly donated by Sally with the usual sugar and syrup.

Definitely a treat to be repeated next year. Linda, with her exercises to music, has made everyone prepare themselves to cut down on the calories with Easter approaching.

Margaret very kindly invited all members to join her in celebrating her 90th birthday on February 28. A great time was spent with her family and many friends old and new had a wonderful time surrounded with lots of party fare. A toast was given by her son Alan. The Rev Clive Jones opened proceedings with grace. She was wished ‘good health and more birthdays in the future’.

St David’s Day was celebrated with daffodils on each table and each member was given some wrapped in raffia by Judith. The Welsh cakes went well with the sherry. And to follow, some poems regarding the saint were read. A game of animal, vegetable, mineral was played.

Hereford

HEREFORD CIVIC SOCIETY - Question time - Politicians and local experts discuss important issues of planning, landscape, architecture, conservation and engineering in Hereford. Join us at 7pm at the Kindle Centre by Asda, Belmont tonight to discuss Hereford at work (Enterprise Zone, highways, Business Improvement District). Send your questions to chair@ herefordcivicsociety.org.uk For full details of speakers see our website herefordcivicsociety.org.uk SPRING FAIR - Saturday at the Robert Owen Academy, Widemarsh Street, 10am to 3pm.

Locally handmade crafts, raffle, Easter egg hunt, light lunches and snacks, find the Easter bunny. For details call 01432 513120 or email info@roacademy.org SERVICES FROM THE WEST HEREFORD TEAM OF CHURCHES - Tomorrow 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford.

Sunday (Palm Sunday) 9.30am Parish Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 2pm Holy Baptism at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 9.30am Parish Eucharist at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 10.45am Meet at the Co-Op for procession to Holy Trinity Church with donkey; 11am Liturgy of the Palms followed by Parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 8am Holy Communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 11am Choral Communion at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 6.30pm Requiem by Gabriel Fauré at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford.

Monday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 7.30pm Eucharist for Monday in Holy Week at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford.

Tuesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 7.30pm Stations of the Cross and Eucharist for Tuesday in Holy Week at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

Wednesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 7.30pm Eucharist for Wednesday in Holy Week at St Michael’s Church, Breinton.

Thursday, April 2 (Maundy Thursday) 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 7.30pm Service at the Cathedral followed by Watch at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 8pm Eucharist of the Last Super with Foot washing and Watch at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford.

April 3 (Good Friday) 9am Stations of the Cross at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 1pm All Age Workshop at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 2pm Liturgy at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 2pm Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 7pm The Crucifixion by Sir John Stainer.

HEREFORD QUAKERS - The Quaker Meeting House at 21 King Street, Hereford is delighted to announce that, assisted by a grant of £3,000, we have been able to completely refurbish our kitchen.

A key feature is a state-of-the-art energy efficient hot water system serving the new attractively laid out kitchen area.

The grant was awarded by community and environmental charity Welcome to our Future, through the Severn Waste Environmental Fund.

The fund receives financial contributions from county waste contractor, Severn Waste Services, under the Landfill Communities fund.

The new kitchen will be a bonus for the wide range of users of the building, including many community groups.

Three very reasonably priced meeting rooms are available at this central location in the city and we welcome new users.

Contact John Meaford by phone at 01981 570390 or by email at fmhh@ phonecoop.com.

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 The Kindle Centre on April 23 from 7pm to 9pm.

Booking essential, to book your place email herefordshireheartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 60 60 654 (please note the office is closed from tomorrow to April 12).

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). Simple skills save lives, herefordshireheartstart.org, Twitter @HeartStart_HFD Herefordshire Heartstart is affiliated to the British Heart Foundation, but as a local initiative we do not receive any funding from them, nor the government for our scheme. We rely on donations and grants to keep this vital service running.

Huntington

FRIENDS OF ST THOMAS A BECKET CHURCH - On March 14, two-thirds of the village of Huntington came to Huntington Village Hall to hear one of their residents, Dr Joanna Raven, tell of her extraordinary life as an international midwife.

It was the first event of the year for the Friends of St Thomas Becket Church, Huntington. Born and bred in North Herefordshire, Joanna told us of her life story.

After becoming a midwife, she spent a spell overseas doing VSO.

She then spent five years studying at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where she achieved her PhD.

For 15 years, she has travelled to the most remote areas of the world, including China, Asia and Africa, where she has taught hundreds of health workers the art of successful childbirth and its related issues, saving countless of lives in the process.

Drawing on her travel, teaching and research, Joanna talked about her life-changing encounters, in which she herself was often placed in dangerous situations, unescorted but resilient.

The packed hall was delighted by her talk which produced prolonged applause.

The evening concluded with the audience enjoying a wine and canapés party which continued long into the evening.

Many compliments were received, from audience members, including one who said, “The quality of your talks gets better and better.”

The Trustees are very grateful to the many friends who contributed canapés for the evening.

Kingsland

CHOIR - Kingsland Bowling Club is presenting Cor Y Gyrais Male Voice Choir at The Coronation Hall Kingsland on April 18, at 7pm sharp. Tickets £10 each to include supper. Raffle and bar. Tickets available from 01568 613466 or 01568 709331.

Kingstone

BINGO - Tonight at 8pm in the village hall. Proceeds in aid of Kingstone senior citizens.

Kington

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART - Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at St John House, Kington on April 23 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Book your place email herefordshireheartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 60 60 654 (office closed from tomorrow to April 12).

Knighton

ROTARY CLUB - Last month was an enjoyable one for Knighton and District Rotary as we donated money while sharing the company of good friends. On the third Wednesday we had lunch at the Knighton Hotel, and after a pleasant meal and some banter we presented £500 to the Knighton Food Bank, to support those in the greatest need, and £500 to the Knighton Twinning Association, to support young people travelling to France to enhance Anglo- French relationships. We also interviewed two young people from the Powys Young Carers group with the intention of sending them to a youth leadership camp, organised by Rotary, in the summer. In addition we were pleased to be recipients of £100 from Harry Tuffin store’s Making a Difference Locally charity to support our ongoing efforts in the community. The month finished off with a lively quiz at the Baron in Bucknell where we raised over £200 for Rotary’s polio eradication efforts. Thank you to everyone who supports us and allows us achieve so much.

Why not find out more about us at knighton.rotary1150.org.

If you want to enjoy the company of like-minded people, as well as possibly get involved in what we do, come along to any of our Wednesday meetings. For more details contact us Norman Thorp on 01547 529666 or Cathy Jones on 07813 733240 or email cathleenj2001@yahoo.co.uk CHURCH SERVICES - For Sunday: Palm Sunday Benefice service St Edwards’s church, Knighton, 10.30am.

Knighton Baptist Church 11am, Knighton Methodist church 11am, Knighton Catholic church, 11am.

Meditation: There will be a meditation for Holy Wednesday at St Edward’s Church, Knighton on Wednesday at 7pm. This will include music from Mozart’s Requiem by the Llanfair Singers and Sean Farrell playing the organ.

LLANBISTER MOTHERS UNION - At the latest meeting on Ash Wednesday a Holy Communion services was held led by the Rev Andrew Perrin. Pat read the lesson and two hymns were sung.

After the service the financial accounts were produced by Pat who was also the hostess for the refreshments. Further invitations to other branches were received and four members had recently attended a guest evening at the Rhayader branch, when a talk and slides were shown about Water Aid in India. The lady giving the talk had spent time in the country and gave information on how any houses managed to get wells sunk and with lots of help had running water and toilets installed. Five members were present at the Wave of Prayer when Doreen, Pat, Nigel, Janet and Olwen lit candles and said prayers for link members overseas.

CHARITY TEA - A charity tea in aid of Cancer Research was held recently in Llanbister community hall. Helpers were Liz Bowen and Glenys Brick selling cakes, produce and other items. Eunice and Joan sold raffle tickets. Teas were served by Doreen and Olwen. Ida Bufton, chairman of the Llandrindod Wells group for Cancer Research thanked everyone for their help in raising £190 on the day and for a donation of £15 sent later.

Ledbury

EASTNOR POTTERY - Come and make pottery rabbits and Easter bunnies with Jon the potter and his creative team on Wednesday.

The workshop sessions are designed to suit two age groups, four-eight years in the morning at 11.30am with the older age group nine-12 years at 2pm, although younger or older siblings are welcome to join their brothers and sisters. Sessions last for one and a half hours and places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for three or more spaces booked. The children’s creations will be glazed and fired, ready to be collected from the Pottery a few weeks later.

Places can only be reserved by telephoning 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk IAM HEREFORDSHIRE - Is holding another of its Older Driver Days on April 17 at Ledbury.

Tina Lawrence, who is a driver training expert, will lead the day with some lively presentations.

Herefordshire is a beautiful rural county but driving in both town and country brings its own set of hazards. Topics will include speed, observation, hazard awareness and how to stay safe on the road. Tina will also bring everyone up to date with the latest regulations. Take advantage of a short assessed drive, in your own car, accompanied by a qualified Advanced Driving Observer. The Observers act as mentors and will give invaluable help and advice on your performance. Two years ago, IAM Herefordshire responded to a perceived need for older drivers to update driving knowledge and practical driving skills.

They are in such demand that they are now arranged four times a year in Herefordshire – and have now been adopted by the IAM nationally.

Be sure to book your place at Ledbury on April 17 in advance.

The cost is £25 for the whole day, but as places are limited.

For more details or to reserve your place, phone 01432 840835 or email safer-drivers@iam-here fordshire.org.uk.

Llancillo

PARISH PATHS OFFICER – Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council is seeking a volunteer parish paths officer. Ewyas Harold Group Parish participates in the P3 Scheme, which undertakes maintenance of the Public Rights of Way within the group parish to ensure that the local path network is kept open and usable for the public to enjoy. For more information or to express your interest, please contact the parish clerk, Carla Boyles, on clerk@ewyasharoldgpc.org.uk or 01432 271209.

Llanwarne

RACE NIGHT – The Ploughing Society’s annual race night takes place tomorrow at Little Dewchurch village hall. Races start at 7.30pm. Admission includes a ploughman’s supper.

Seven races on the card, including an auction race and a raffle race.

Marden

PARISH FREIGHTER – Saturday, 11am-1pm. Community Centre car park.

LITTER PICK – Meet 10am Saturday in car park.

MARDEN GARDENERS ASSOCIATION – On March 10 we had a super flower arranging demonstration by our own Kelly Watkins from Marden. Her topic, taken from Marden Gardeners spring show schedule, was ‘an Easter basket arrangement’. She took us through the whole process, including how to prepare the basket ready for both oasis and a section of compost for a few bulbs and viola. Cut flowers of different colours, texture and size were complemented with several types of foliage and some twisted willow to add strength and texture.

Kelly emphasised the need to balance the arrangement and to completely conceal the oasis. Best of all, it was donated to be first prise in our raffle.

I hope that the demonstration has proved to be an inspiration for entries to our spring show, which will be held at the Community Centre on April 11. For the past two years we have seen both our spring and autumn shows get bigger and better with increasing numbers of entries. A show schedule is included in this issue of News and Views and there should be something for everyone.

The most important thing is to have a go and enjoy the day. For children we have two categories, namely a decorated photo frame and three sunflower seedlings in a pot. Seeds can be obtained from Peter Mann. In our autumn show we will have a section for the biggest sunflower head so the seeds from this show can be nurtured on for the autumn show.

Schedules and entry forms can also be obtained from Peter Mann 01432 880487, Len Day 01432 880657 and Carol Rawlings 01432 880056.

Our speaker for our next meeting on April 14 is Mr Duncan Coombs, who will be talking about ponds, marginals and bog gardens. These are always attractive features within a garden and can be especially useful if you have a wet or boggy area.

We meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Marden Community Centre. New members and visitors are always very welcome but there will be a nominal charge to non-members for each visit. If you would like more information on the club, please contact Len Day on 01432 880657.

Moccas

MOCCAS RAILWAY CLUB - Meet tomorrow with a talk on The Watercress Line with Tony Storey starting at 7.30pm in Moccas village hall. Entrance £2, licensed bar, all welcome.

Monkland

VILLAGE SPRING SHOW - This Saturday. All exhibits to be staged between 9.30am and 11am when judging will take place. Open to the public at 2.30pm when there will be tea and a draw. Everyone welcome.

Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne

QUIZ NIGHT – From 7.30pm on Saturday there will be a quiz night in Burley Gate Village Hall in aid of St Mary’s Church, Much Cowarne. Teams to consist of up to six people. £5 per person, to include a ploughman’s supper. A bar will be available. Tickets are now available from Cris Hooper on 01532 640516 or by email to cris2hooper@yahoo.co.uk.

THE BURLEY GATE VILLAGE SHOP – On Sunday there will be a ‘springtime afternoon tea’ in Burley Gate Village Hall from 3pm until 5pm. Tea, cakes and sandwiches will be available, but it will be a superb opportunity to discuss the progress being made with the provision of a new village shop. It will also be a fundraiser, and it is hoped that adults will each make a recommended donation of £3.50. It would be useful to know how many people hope to attend. Numbers can be emailed to burleygatecommunity shop@outlook.com or phoned to 01432 820242.

Pencombe

TABLE-TOP SALE – Pencombe under fives are holding a table top sale on Saturday at the Public Hall in Bromyard from 10am-1pm.

Tombola, cakes, pickles and jams, bric-a-brac, raffle and much more.

Bacon rolls and teas and coffees.

For more information, please contact Helen 07811 385 423.

Presteigne

PRESTEIGNE BAPTIST CHURCH EASTER SERVICES – Maundy Thursday supper and Communion at 6pm. Easter Day service at 10.30am. Speaker: Mr Peter Jennings.

COFFEE MORNING – There is a coffee morning in aid of Relay For Life Cancer Research UK at The Royal British Legion Club on Saturday morning from 10am- 12.30pm. Please join us to discuss this year’s Marches and Mid Wales Relay For Life over a cuppa and some cake. There will be stalls, games and competitions.

This year’s event will take place on June 27 from noon until June 28 at noon. Last year more than £28000 was raised. If you would like to join in this year, call and have a cuppa with us or call the chairman Mick Fryer on 260657 for a chat or more information.

BINGO – The Bowling Club are holding their Easter bingo at the Memorial Hall on Saturday with eyes down at 7.45pm. The doors will open at 6.30pm. There will be many brilliant prizes including a LED colour TV and a £200 cash ticket. Please arrive early.

COMMUNITY DRAW – Presteigne and Norton Community Support recently held their monthly community draw. Ruth Basten drew the following winners. £20 Glenys Roberts, £15 F&A Chilman and £12 Mary Cuming. There is still time to enter the next year’s 12 monthly draw. The price is £12 for the year with a chance of winning the above prizes each month. For a form, call in to the community support office in Hereford Street before the end of March.

FILM – Presteigne Screen presents My Old Lady (12) at The Assembly Rooms on Friday at 8pm. Admission £4.50 adults, £3 students with ID. Call Alex on 260577 or Pete on 370202.

EXHIBITION – The Judges Lodgings are holding an exhibition entitled ‘Farming Memories in East Radnorshire’ on Tuesdays-Sundays from 10am- 5pm (also open on bank holiday Mondays). Film clips, photos, farming implements etc. Free admission (please note there is a charge for The Judges Lodgings tour). Call 260650 or judgingslodgings.org.uk.

ARTS AND CRAFTS – The Monthly Arts and Crafts fair will take place on April 4 at The Assembly Rooms from 10am-3pm.

There will be stalls of wood, silver, photography and ceramics.

Call Rosamund on 260777.

RACE NIGHT – There is a Grand National Day race night at the football club on April 11 with the first race starting at 5.30pm.

Horses are £3 each or two for £5 and can be purchased from Tom Ammonds, Glyn Price or Alan Stocker. Entry free, all welcome.

CONCERT – The Dragonfly Ensemble will perform Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ at St Michael’s Church in Discoed on Tuesday from 7pm. Tickets are £12.50 from Winnie’s or from David Hiam on 01547 560246 or email davidhiam@aol.com.

PRIZE DRAW – The Royal British Legion Club are holding a grand Easter prize draw on Sunday at 1.30pm. Tickets are £1 a strip and can be purchased from The Legion Club or from any committee member. Donations of Easter eggs/chocolates would be gratefully received.

CABERET – The monthly Velvet Violin cabaret evening will take place at The Assembly Rooms on Sunday from 7-10.30pm. This month the entertainment will include Miss Maud’s Folly, Nuala Honan and Beth Porter, The House Band, John Hymas and Dave Luke, and resident compere, comedian Ian Marchant.

Admission £10, tickets from Courtyard Antiques or by call 267163. Bar and snacks available.

PRESTEIGNE AND NORTON FLORAL ARTS SOCIETY - Next meeting on April 8 at the memorial hall from 7.30pm. This month, The Flower Box in Knighton will give a demonstration on ‘Welcome to Spring’. Visitors and new members welcome, call 01547 529244.

REGGAE NIGHT – There is a reggae night with Rappa Pappa Paul plus other great music at The Royal British Legion Club on Saturday evening from 9pm-late.

Admission free, all welcome.

SHOPPING TRIP – The Evergreens are organising a shopping trip to Cardiff on April 8.

The coach will pick up in Norton at 8.45am and The Bowling Club at 9.05am. £14 per person. Call Judi Charlton on 267420.

WHITTON WI - Present a talk from Nigel Acton on ‘Love these hedgehogs’ on April 7 at Whitton Community Hall from 7.30pm.

Admission £2, visit whittonwi.org.

BINGO - The Cricket Club are holding an Easter bingo at The Royal British Legion Club on Easter Monday at 8pm.

There will be many great prizes including a last ticket for £50.

SERVICES - The following church services will take place over the next week or so. This Sunday there is a United Palm Sunday Service at 11am. On Thursday, April 2, there is a Maundy Thursday HC service at Discoed at 8pm. Then on Good Friday there are services at Kinsham at noon and at St Andrew’s at 8pm.

On April 4, there is an Easter Eve service, also at St Andrew’s at 8pm. Everyone is most welcome.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - The film My Old Lady (12) will be shown at Lingen village hall on Friday at 7.30pm. Admission will be £5 at the door. Refreshments will be available. For further details call 267736.

MARKET - The monthly farmers’ market will take place at the memorial hall on April 4 from 9am-1pm. All the usual stalls will be there along with the community cafe. All welcome.

Preston-on-Wye

TRACTOR RUN - April 4, 10.30am from Preston-on-Wye village hall in aid of MS. Two-course roast available at end of run. Contact Annie Powles on 07971 677210 or Austin Powles on 07836 368827.

Ross-on-Wye

VAGA PROBUS CLUB - At our meeting on March 10, Herbie Renfield gave a talk on Command and Control – How to Deal with Life’s Little Emergencies. Herbie, who is a Vaga club member, has extensive experience in dealing with and advising on such procedures, whether it be military/ civil/or even everyday personal situations. While command and control has militaristic connotations, its application elsewhere is very real.

Herbie tried to instil in us the need to be prepared when situations arise and think in more depth by arming ourselves with the knowledge as to how situations can escalate into a life- threatening or out-of-control situation.

Disasters/threats occur without warning, which essentially rely on a command and control – eg blue light services, ie police/ ambulance/breakdown – which require a fully co-ordinated strategy by local authorities. In the case of national disasters, government preparedness ie COBRA meaning Cabinet Office Briefing in Room A. This can be called to account rapidly to coordinate command and control. Herbie raised an example of what would you do on, for example, suffering a puncture on the motorway: 1. Seek place of safety 2. Get on to the hard shoulder or exit if that is nearer.

3. Get the occupants out of the way of danger by moving them over the barrier. Also, be prepared with warm weatherproof clothing if adverse weather conditions apply.

4. Call the rescue services.

The membership wondered how many people think that way. He gave instances of major disasters: 1. Fukushima in Japan, a nuclear power station, although no thought had been considered for a wall of water of 30m crashing into the site. How does one protect against a tsunami?

2. Oil and gas rigs ie Piper Alpha in 1988 when nobody had the authority to isolate the flow of oil, hence feeding the fire where major loss of life followed.

3. Channel tunnel fires.

4. Football stadium disasters (Hillsborough).

So how do people react to such emergencies in the absence of any laid down procedures? They simply go from one desperate measure to another, resulting in chaos.

5. The bounce field oil storage disaster in December 2005 ie fire fighting delayed for 26 hours because of concerns of pollution.

6. Ships that get beached ie one recently in the Solent where the captain had the full power to deal with the sinking problem and the Costa Concordia, where the captain claimed to coordinate the rescue from a lifeboat, hence a jail sentence.

It all boils down to a better understanding of command and control and not just major disasters but everyday life.

More examples of our local events ie Dowty Propellers where procedures were in place do deal with such an outbreak successfully saved the day by minimising damage.

Our local veterinary surgery where fire broke out, severely damaging the roof structure.

However, due to diligence by the neighbours, the fire brigade were alerted quickly, preventing further damage.

Herbie finished by suggesting we should all think more deeply about the risks all around us – in the home, at work and the places we visit – and think about how we would escape or prevent such incidents happening.

Herbie was thanked for his talk on this wide ranging topic, perhaps leading to the realisation that we should all be aware of the dangers surrounding us in our daily lives.

Rowlestone

PARISH PATHS OFFICER - Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council is seeking a volunteer parish paths officer. Ewyas Harold Group Parish participates in the P3 Scheme, which undertakes maintenance of the Public Rights of Way within the group parish to ensure that the local path network is kept open and usable for the public to enjoy. For more information or to express your interest, please contact the parish clerk, Carla Boyles on clerk@ewyasharoldgpc.org.uk or 01432 271209.

Staunton-on-Wye

WHIST DRIVE - March 27 at the village hall (HR4 7LR), doors open 7pm, starting at 7.30pm. £2 per person including light refreshments.

All welcome. Thank you for your support.

Stoke Lacy

LODON VALLEY EASTER ART EXHIBITION - Supported by the Wye Valley Brewery, there will be an art exhibition in Stoke Lacy Village Hall (HR7 4HG) daily from 10am till 6pm from April 4 through to April 6. It will be opened by Charles Morgan at noon on the Saturday. Local artists displaying their work will include Brian Gorst, Tony James, David Mckeeman, Nigel Montandon, Tony Muckle, Annabelle Oppenheimer, Colin Simmonds, David Spurrier and Kim Williams. There will also be contributions from Burley Gate and Pencombe Primary Schools.

LAS VEGAS COMES TO STOKE LACY - Indulge in a bit of Las Vegas glamour while helping raise money for charity.

The Plough Inn in Stoke Lacy will host a casino night on May 1 from 7pm to raise funds for a local girls group and a gardening project at Burley Gate Pre-School.

Featuring live performances from Burlesque dancers Aurora Blaze and Lady Carnal, casino tables, a live auction and fabulous food and drink, it is an evening not to be missed. Tickets cost £25 and are available from Ruth Morgan on 07791 606506. Dress in your best Las Vegas glamour.

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

Sutton St Nicholas

SUTTON ST NICHOLAS DANCE SHOE SALE - Anyone needing new dance shoes will be very welcome at the village hall on Saturday when Watkins Dance Shoes will be in attendance. Their extensive range of shoes to order or buy will be available from 7pm.

The evening continues with Sutton Dance Club’s regular monthly charity dance in aid of St Michael’s Hospice commencing at 8pm. Admission £3. Please come and join us for a friendly social evening of sequence dancing. For further details please ring 01432 880373.

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

Thornbury

BINGO - Saturday at the Public Hall, Bromyard. Start 7.30pm.

Great prizes to be won. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes all in aid of St Annas Church in Thornbury.

For more information please contact Joan on 01885 488126.

Vowchurch

COUNTRY MARKET - Saturday from 10am to noon at Vowchurch Village Hall.

Top seasonal produce from The Golden Valley including organic vegetables, cheeses, preserves, eggs, sausages and meat, cakes and Alex Gooch’s award-winning bread, plus hand-turned wooden stools, boards and artefacts.

Meet friends and catch up on local gossip over coffee and bacon butties in our welcoming cafe.

Wellington

EASTER ART EXHIBITION AND SALE - Herefordshire and Marcher artists will be displaying their work at Wellington Community Room, HR4 8AZ, on April 11, 10.30am-5pm and April 12, 10am-4pm. Refreshments will be available. Free entry. Enquiries to Peter Manson 01432 830097.

Weobley

EASTER BINGO - Weobley and District Bowling Club are having an Easter bingo at the village hall (Hopelands) Weobley, on Monday.

Eyes down at 8pm.

Woolhope

FARMERS’ MARKET - Will be held in the village hall on Saturday from 10am-12.30pm.

Most of the usual providers will be present including Three Talents Cakery, who offer delicious home-baked cakes and treats ranging from traditional Victoria Sandwich to seasonal recipes. All made from locally- sourced ingredients. There is a large range of cupcakes and individual slices. Orders can be taken for special occasions with bespoke cake design for any celebration. Look at Three Talents Cakery on Facebook or call Sue on 01531 640360.

SHOEBOX APPEAL - Has a table at the market selling crafts made by supporters of our local churches, beautiful hand-knitted and soft toys, children’s clothes, household items and bric a brac. Your donations will be appreciated.

CLERK VACANCY - The position of Parish Clerk is available for Woolhope Parish. Enquiries to Linda Wilcox on 01432 353492.

Yarpole

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART - Free two-hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Yarpole Parish Hall on April 28 from 7pm to 9pm. Booking essential, to book your place e-mail herefordshireheartstart@btconnect.com or call 0845 6060654.