Almeley

OPEN GARDENS SUCCESS - On June 27, a very successful open gardens and woodland walk was held at Oakland, Almeley Road, Eardisley. Despite other local events going on at the same time, the occasion attracted many visitors. As a result of their attendance, and generous donations from friends and local businesses, the magnificent sum of £1,700.60 was raised. The organisers would like to thank their loyal band of helpers and visitors for their support for this worthy cause.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

AYMESTREY FETE - Preparations are well underway for Aymestrey’s 10th annual fete which takes place on July 18, on the field at Yatton Court (by kind permission of the Hurcomb family). The start time is 1pm. Children’s races, dog show and the tug o’ war will take place throughout the afternoon in the main arena. For contributions to the bric-a brac, tombola, bottle stall, games/jigsaw/books/DVDs there is a central drop off point in the church porch this year, and it would be really helpful if you could drop things off a week before the fete to help each stall holder organise things. If you are dropping anything off then please call Ken Holland beforehand on 770367 so that items can be collected from the porch once dropped off. We will be setting up as usual on July 17, meeting at 10.30am at the hall.

CHURCH - On Sunday, Holy Communion (BCP) will be held at Aymestrey at 9.30am.

HOG ROAST - Could you note the change of date to August 7 for the hog roast with summer entertainment to be held at Covenhope Farm (by kind permission of the Probert family). The proceeds will go to Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls Churches. Further information from Meg Thorpe or Margaret Probert.

PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of Aymestrey Parish Council will be on July 29, at 7.30pm. Residents are very welcome to attend and are invited to have their say at the beginning of each meeting. Notices of meetings, agendas and minutes of meetings are published on the website.

Bishopstone

VILLAGE LOTTERY - On June 27 Carol and John Verry won £25 with number 22.

Bodenham

THANK YOU - On behalf of Parkinson’s UK Hereford and District Branch, our sincere thanks to everyone involved with the Hereford Musical Theatre Company who dedicated a performance of their current production Memory Lane, Let the People Sing on June 24. Thanks to their generosity we raised a magnificent £1,318 of which every penny will be used to support the people of Herefordshire affected by this condition. Our next fund raising event will be a table top sale and craft fair at Bodenham Parish Hall on Saturday from 11am - 2pm. Tables available for £10 each. Please contact Kay Bufton on 07791 193288 or at buftonkay@aol.com or Brenda Richardson on 01568 797035 or at brendaarichardson@btinternet.com.

CAFÉ@CHAPEL - Everyone is welcome to call in for an informal chat over a cup of tea, coffee, etc on Thursday mornings at the chapel in Chapel Lane. It’s open from 10.30am until noon, every Thursday, and you are welcome to stay for as long or as little 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.

This is a joint venture between St Michael’s Church, Bodenham and Bodenham Christian Fellowship and is hosted by members from both churches (and other local residents).

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ON THE LAWN - The Madcap Theatre Group will put on a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Broadfield Court on July 18. Admission £12 for adults, £10 for concessions.

Patrons are invited to bring a picnic or enjoy a pre-theatre supper in the café.

TABLE TOP SALE/CRAFT FAIR - There will be a table top sale and craft fair at the parish hall in aid of the Hereford Branch of Parkinsons UK this Saturday from 11am till 2pm. Attractions will include a bric-a-brac stall, cakes, a bottle stall, plants, books and preserves. Details from Brenda on 01568 797035 or Kay on 07791 193288.

THE BODENHAM LEISURE CLUB - The Bodenham Leisure Club’s next event will be an outing to Porthcawl on Monday, leaving the parish hall at 9.30am before stopping at Ash Grove Road and the Moor to pick up. This trip is for members and non-members and the club has invited anyone who wishes to join for the day to come along and to bring the family - young and old. Hopefully this will be a lovely seaside trip. Please phone Dorothy Pugh 01569 797268 for information and to reserve a place.

THE PARISH SHARE SPONSORED WALK - There will be a parish share sponsored walk on July 25, involving a day of walking and eating. Help is needed to raise much needed funds for the parish church through sponsorship. The event will start at Marden with breakfast, followed by a walk to Bodenham for lunch and then on to Sutton for tea.

Sponsor forms and entry details are available from your church or by contacting the co-ordinator Jessica Tidball on 01568797227 or via email jessica.tidball@btconnect.com CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.

Bredenbury

FETE - Bredenbury Primary School summer fete will take place on Sunday from 2-4.30pm.

Traditional games, refreshments.

Lots of fun for all the family. Free entry. Helping to raise money for the Bredenbury defibrillator fund to be held at the school HR7 4TF.

Bredwardine and Brobury

100 CLUB, JULY DRAW RESULTS - The Friends of St Andrew 100 Club draw took place in the Red Lion Inn on July 2. The draw was hosted by Sarah and Dave Morgan. The first prize of £50 was won by Chris Staley with ticket number 121.

Second prize of £25 was won by Ian Rumbold and Sarah Ashby with ticket number 142. Third prize of £15 was won by Sheila and Joe Perry with ticket number six. The winner of the In It To Win It prize of £10 was Charlotte Sellar. The August draw will be at 8pm on August 6.

COFFEE, CAKE AND MARKET - You are invited to our very popular coffee morning in Bredwardine village hall tomorrow. Drop in any time between 10am and noon, for a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones over fresh coffee and home-baked cakes. The market offers a range of fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, cakes, jams and chutneys and there are often stalls with knitwear, clothing and jewellery for sale too. 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.

CORRESPONDENT - Kari Lawson on 01981 501077 or e-mail karimlawson@me.com.

Breinton

FETE - By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Hands, Breinton is holding its well-known and eagerly anticipated fete at 2pm on Sunday at Breinton Court. With an entry fee of only £1, children free, you can enjoy all the usual stalls, including cakes, plants and books, bric-a-brac, bottles, grand auction and raffle. Cream teas can be taken in the garden on the banks of the River Wye.

Bridge Sollars

BONUS BALL - On June 27 Keith Johnson won £25 with number 22.

Brilley

MEETING - Brilley Parish Council meeting on Tuesday at 7.30pm in Brilley Village Hall – all welcome.

Credenhill

FETE AND FUN DOG SHOW - Credenhill Court Rest Home is hosting its annual fete and fun dog show on July 19 from 2-4pm. Show entries on the day plus barbecue, children’s dance group and entertainment from Rachel Hyde.

Proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Society and residents’ social fund.

Dilwyn

SCARCROW TRAIL - On Saturday from 10am-5pm. The British historical figures-themed trail starts at the village hall and includes 30 plus scarecrows and a children’s trail. There will be prizes and refreshments, entry £2.50 per adult and £1.50 per child. In support of St Mary’s School, Dilwyn.

Dorstone

CROWN GREEN BOWLING - Dorstone Bowling Club will hold their women’s competition on Sunday starting at 2.30pm. Friends and visitors are always welcome to attend.

Eardisland

EARDISLAND BOWLING CLUB - Eardisland Bowling Club playing Ledbury away lost the match 107- 64 but had one winning rink skipped by Phil Sharp with Mike Fenn, Mavis Tantrum and John Moses scoring 23-22.

Playing Ross D away in the Hereford Men’s League Eardisland managed to have a winning rink skipped by Jonathan Farndon with Mike Fenn, Phil Powel and John Moses scoring 27-14 giving an aggregated score of 48-43 to give Eardisland another four points towards their position at the top of the second division.

Eardisland Bowling Club will always welcome new members with club nights on Tuesdays at 6pm. Please bring flat shoes if you wish to play. Doug Tantrum 01544 387972.

Eardisley

EARDISLEY GROUP PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of the EGPC is on July 20 at Winforton Community Hall 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

EARDISLEY C@P - Will be closed during August for the C@P room to be renovated.

Therefore there will be no drop- in sessions during August.

EARDISLEY CHURCH SUMMER BAZAAR - The annual summer bazaar takes place on Saturday in the church from 10am until noon There will be lots of stalls including cakes, plants, nearly new clothes, bric- a-brac, tombola, books, draw and refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there.

Ewyas Harold

PARISH COUNCIL - The June meeting was held in the Pavilion with Counvillor P Jinman in the chair, also present were Cllr G Powell, Jan Perridge and Leoni Linton (Bright Stripe), the clerk and three members of the public. G Pogson was re-elected as vice chairman.

In the open forum ward Cllr G Powell gave a report including information on the Hereford council budget, planning, highways, broadband and parish cllr training. Comments from members of the public about the length’s man scheme and the cricket nets were discussed. Jan Perridge and Leoni Linton gave a presentation on Bright Stripe and the active parish project. The Recreation Ground Group would discuss matters at their next meeting. Mr Mark Chester was appointed as tree warden and Cllr J Hayes was appointed as parish paths officer. The next meeting of the council will be held in the pavilion on Tuesday at 6.30pm.

PRIMARY SCHOOL - Following the success of our Great Ewyas Harold Bake Off in the autumn of last year, the children have asked to do something similar for the end of this school year. As a result tomorrow our school council have decided they would like to hold a British Baking Bash. If you would like to participate we ask that you make a cold sweet or savoury dish at home using a British recipe. For example cake, scone, trifle, biscuits, bread. Please bring it into school tomorrow for judging. As some children have nut, strawberry, banana allergies, could you please avoid using these. Could you please stipulate if your dish is gluten free.

On July 7 we held an open afternoon when parents had a chance to meet the new teacher for their children in September.

Do you have a roof ladder we could borrow? Please contact the school secretary if you can help. Sports day was a great success, well done to blue team for being overall winners and a big thank you to the PTFA for organising the barbecue and ice creams. We are running sessions of forest school over the next few weeks and cycle training for year six pupils. On July 16 our school leavers will present their play at 1.30pm and 5.30pm. We have a vacancy for a caretaker more details from the school secretary.

STRAWBERRY PICKING - Last week some members of Pontrilas WI and other institutes enjoyed picking strawberries at Windmill Farm. A big thank you to Mr Snell for his generosity.

WALKERS - Walking for Health continues every Friday morning, meet at 10am outside the fish and chip shop for short gentle walks around the village led by experienced walkers. There will be a more challenging walk of five miles around Mordiford/ Backberry Hill today starting at 10am.

CONCERT - Kingstone Community Choir will be singing at Dore Abbey on 1tomorrow from 7.30pm tickets £5 at the door.

TRAIDCRAFT - There will be a chance to purchase goods at Koffi Pot tomorrow from 10.30am-noon and St Michael’s Hall after the 10am service on Sunday.

BIBLE STUDY - In the Rectory from 10am followed by prayers on Tuesday.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - Penny Platts entertained us with her visit to Amsterdam and Budapest at the June meeting and two members who had attended the centenary celebrations at Buckingham Palace gave an account of their unforgettable day when they met the Duchess of Cornwall and a member of the original Calendar Girls. In July, Fay Wentwall will recall the ups and downs of being a short story writer.

We meet in the memorial on Tuesday at 7.30pm. New members and friends are always welcome to attend.

Eye

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents The Second Best Marigold Hotel (12A) at Cawley Hall on July 18 at 7.30pm. Geoffrey Crofts will be cooking a pre-film supper for 6.15pm. Please phone 01568 615836 to book the meal. There will be a bar and delicious Just Rachel ice creams on sale in the interval.

Garway

GARWAY LIVE! - Saturday, 8pm with The Troy Redfern Band. The Troy Redfern Band began playing live in late 2013, and very quickly gained accolades from the likes of world class producers Jim Eliot (Ellie Goulding, Paul Oakenfold) and Charlie Francis (REM, Gravel Tones) after playing at the prestigious Telegraph Hay Festival.

2015 sees the release of the album Backdoor Hoodoo via Blues Boulevard Records (Winner of the 2015 European Blues Union’s Behind The Scenes Award). The album contains 13 intensely passionate raw-rocking blues tracks topped off with high octane expressive slide guitar solos that rip through the soul. Tickets £8, 12-18 years £5, family £25 for tickets/info call 01981 580056 or bookings@garwaylive.com, Garway Village Hall, doors and bar open from 7.30pm.

Hamnish

CHEESE AND WINE EVENING - Tomorrow at 7.30pm. Cheese and wine evening with an auction of promises in Hamnish Village Hall. Auction includes: race tickets, spa vouchers, round of golf for four, Sunday lunch for four, firewood, vintage car ride and lots more. For enquiries please ring 01568 613555.

Proceeds will go towards updating the hall.

BARBECUE AND CONCERT - Saturday, barbecue and concert.

Barbecue and bar in Hamnish Village Hall 5pm- 8pm, concert with Kington and District Operatic Society in Hamnish Church 8pm-9pm. Tickets available from Des Hall 01568 760665. Proceeds will be divided between the church and hall.

Hereford

MORDIFORD COMMUNITY CHOIR - Summer concert 2015, a glorious evening of music to gladden your hearts.

Showcasing popular music spanning five decades, including songs from the stage and screen. July 18, 7.30pm at The Rose Garden, Ledbury Road, Hereford, HR1 2TR. Tickets £5 per adult and £2.50 per child, raffle and bar available.

Tickets from The Haven, 37 Owen Street; The Rose Garden, Ledbury Road; Outback Records, Church Street; West End Stores, Fownhope. More information at mordifordchoir.

co.uk, aawatkins@btinternet.com, 01432 873110.

NCT FAYRE - There will be a range of local businesses showcasing products and services, providing you with everything you need for bump, baby and beyond.

Taster sessions and activities available on the day.

Come along and support your local branch of the NCT. Saturday, 1-4pm, £1 entry. New venue.

Whitecross School Hall, HR4 0RN (free parking).

For more details, e-mail hereford@nct.org.uk CRAFT SALE - If you need to buy that special gift for a birthday then visit The Golden Valley Craft Society exhibition and sale at All Saints Church in Hereford from Monday to July 18.

You will find local craftsmen and women exhibiting and selling crafts such as jewellery, five stick weaving, knitting and felting.

Photography, pressed flowers,wood turning, decorated plaques and more.

Entry is free and you can always look around the church and have refreshments in the cafe.

HEREFORDSHIRE WOODTURNERS - The group now meets at the 1st Holmer Scout Group hall off Highmore Street, Hereford on the last Thursday of the month, 7.30pm start. The July 30 meeting will be a demonstration by professional woodturner Richard Finlay. Contact Tony Capon on 01981 250411 or David Haines on 01432 275516.

SERVICES AT THE WEST HEREFORD TEAM OF CHURCHES - Tomorrow 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford.

Sunday 9.30am Parish Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford; 11am Parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 3.30pm Play and Pray Service at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 8am Holy Communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 11am Contemporary Morning Prayer at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 6.30pm Holy Communion with hymns (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford. Monday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford. Tuesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 12.10pm Said Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

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

Thursday, July 16 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 10am Eucharist with hymn and address at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 12.10pm Said Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.

HEREFORDSHIRE HEALTH SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP - The next meeting for the Herefordshire Health Services Retirement Fellowship (HHSRF) will be held on July 20 at 2pm for 2.15pm start in the St John’s Methodist Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford.

This month’s guest speaker is Mrs Penny Platts, she will be giving her on talk on USA Coast to Coast, by rail.

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART - Free two- hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at The Kindle Centre on Monday from 7pm to 9pm. Booking essential, to book your place e-mail info@herefordshireheartstart.co.uk or call 0845 6060654.

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF HEREFORD WYE VALLEY - Sian Lloyd, journalist and BBC Wales TV presenter has become the patron of the association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. Sian grew up in Wrexham and speaks Welsh, as well as fluent French. In her early career she qualified as a solicitor. Since 2012, she has become a regular relief presenter on BBC Breakfast. Inner Wheel are very proud to have Sian as their patron and her appointment has been welcomed by the Inner Wheel Club of Hereford Wye Valley, which operates here in Hereford. The club has over 40 members but is always very keen to welcome new members. The new president ShirleyWhittingham said: “We have a very enjoyable social programme but are very active in supporting our local community as well as others overseas so much less fortunate than ourselves.”

If you are interested please contact the secretary of this, your local Inner Wheel Club, through the website innerwheelherefordwyevalley.org/.

We have our trip to Weston- Super-Mare booked for July 28. The payment is due by July 20. We leave Merton Meadow Car Park, Hereford at 8.30am.

Next month we are all looking forward to our cream tea party, to raise funds for the local Alzheimer’s Society.

New members, who have retired from the NHS 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. Contact Mrs Helen Taylor, chairman, on 01432 344078.

HOMER WI - Many of you will fondly recall the celebrations held throughout the country on the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The subject of our July talk was Decorating the Royal Barge, led by Brenda Crump, a lecturer in floristry at Pershore College. Members present listened with great interest to Brenda’s presentation as she told us that she had been one of a team of 25 florists who worked very hard to achieve the unforgettable floral decoration of the Royal Barge. Five staff and 11 students from the college joined forces with florists from David Austin roses, Rachel de Thame and Kitty Arden, designer to the stars and mastermind of the whole initiative. The preparations took place in relative secrecy in a disused warehouse in Thames Docks. All the plans had to remain top secret.

At the back of the barge, a knot garden was created from a box, in the middle of which was the Queen’s sceptre. After a great deal of hard work, the completed barge was covered with plastic to prevent water damage and to ensure that the whole design remained a secret until it set sail as a major part of the jubilee celebrations with Her Majesty the Queen, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and many members of the royal family.

Afterwards, the results of all the hard work was simply dismantled and disposed of. Our women really enjoyed this very interesting and informative presentation and showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.

Recently, Holmer WI held a skittles evening at the Golden Lion, Hereford.

This was organised by member Margaret Powell.

Lovely food by Paula at the venue was enjoyed by all.

Partners/husbands/ friends were also invited and a jolly good time was had by all.

On August 6, our next meeting will include a talk entitled The History of the Falkland Islands led by Frank Clarke. Come to the parish hall next to the church in Holmer at 7.30pm. To give you a flavour of our WI, during the next few weeks we will be enjoying a summer evening celebration at the home of one of our members, and taking part in a walk from Berrington Hall to Croft Castle followed by lunch and pudding quiz.

Kingsland

COFFEE MORNING - At Park House, Kingsland by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs R Frost on Saturday from 10am-noon, £2.50 entry. In aid of Kingsland Coronation Hall sign appeal.

Raffle, bric-a-brac stall. For more info, ring Lisa on 07970952088.

FAMILY FUN DAY - Saturday at 11am. Inflatables, animal corner, dog show, barbecue, face painting and photos with Frozen’s Anna and Elsa.

Kingstone

CONCERT - Kingstone Community Choir is performing at the beautiful Dore Abbey for the second time tomorrow. The choir have been singing together since 2011 and they have built a diverse repertoire from guest performances at Hereford Shirehall, the cathedral and Kingstone Academy and their own concerts at Dore Abbey and Trinity Church. The programme provides a variety of talent with guest performances from Kingstone Academy students past and present together with a range of songs from the choir. This concert will be the last under the baton of their current musical director Matthew Hunt, who is leaving his post of head of music to teach in Abergavenny. All welcome, light refreshments will be available and there is parking. Ticket prices adults £7, concessions (under 16s and seniors) £5. Tickets are available from Kingstone High School finance office (01981 250224), Maggie Lloyd (01981 250536) or any member of the choir, or on the door. The concert starts at 7pm.

Kingswood

SHOW AND GYMKHANA - August 30 at The Woodlands Farm, Kingswood, Kington, from 9.30am. Horse show with jumping, in hand and ridden classes, gymkhana and working hunter.

Refreshments, stalls and family fun. Vintage show and companion dog show. Horse inquiries: Mrs H Waugh 01544 230392; dog enquiries: Mr Young 01544 230878.

Kington

KINGTON CRICKET CLUB - An EGM is happening at the club on July 17, at 7pm. Lots to discuss and new appointments to be made. All welcome.

KINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Next meeting is Thursday, July 16 at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall, Headbrook, Kington HR5 3DY. The speaker is Robin Pearce on Hardy Ferns and Ornamental Grasses. Doors open at 7pm, plants for sale, visitors welcome (£2.50).

Kinsham

KINSHAM CLASSICS VEHICLES OF YESTERYEAR - Sunday, gates open for exhibitors at 11am, for public at noon. Exhibitors: free entry, public: £3, children: free entry. Please call Steve on 07971 260518 or Keith on 01544 260469 for further details.

Leominster

AUTHOR APPEARANCE - Join author Ben Aaronovitch on July 17 at Leominster Library at 7pm to celebrate the paperback release of his novel Foxglove Summer.

The latest in the bestselling Rivers of London series sends PC Peter Grant out of London and out of his comfort zone to north Herefordshire.

Rivers of London was chosen as the 2015 City Read for London with Ben Aaronovitch performing at libraries and bookshops in all 33 of the London boroughs this spring.

Rivers of London follows the adventures of a rookie copper-turned-apprentice-wizard Peter Grant and his boss, the last wizard in England.

“We are really excited about this event, which concludes a Herefordshire Libraries Book Festival that has included more than 60 events for adults and children celebrating books and libraries,” said Jan Nesaratnam, senior librarian. Tickets are available on the door for £3.

FAIR TRADE CAFE - Saturday in the Forbury Chapel, 10am to 2pm.

Homemade cakes and soups.

TRANSITION CYCLE RIDE - Meet in Corn Square at 10am on Wednesday for a gentle ride around the lanes, plus coffee stop.

Lingen

 COMPUTER CLASS – Haven’t got time to sign up for a lengthy computer course or just need a refresher? A bite-size class on the Publisher programme will take place at Lingen Village Hall on Saturday, 10am - noon, with a certified IT tutor. Cost £7.50 per hour.

Phone 01544 260865 email: lingenvillagehall@gmail.com.

Lyonshall

GARDEN PARTY AND STRAWBERRY FAYRE – Join us at Lynhales Hall Nursing Home for our annual garden party and strawberry fayre on Saturday, at 2pm. There’ll be afternoon tea with scones, strawberries and cream, vintage fete games, entertainment and a grand prize draw.

We are also seeking entries for our Bake Off competition - prizes for the “best presented Victoria sponge”. Everyone welcome.

Madley

NIGHT OF MUSIC AT MADLEY CHURCH – Come along for an evening of songs and music from around the world, in the beautiful setting of Madley Church, with performances from flute and guitar duo Icarus, and the vibrant community Fire Choir. Starting at 7.30pm on July 22, tickets £5 on the door, with a wine and Pimm’s bar. All proceeds to church funds.

Marden

CONSULTATION EVENT – Marden Neighbourhood Development Plan Community Consultation Event, July 18 from 2pm - 6pm and July 19 from 11am - 4pm in Marden Community Centre. We need everyone’s views on important changes to the plan.

MARDEN PARISH COUNCIL – Meeting on Monday at 7.30pm in the Community Centre – all welcome. There is still a vacancy for one councillor; please come to the meeting and put your name forward if you are interested in helping your community.

Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne

BURLEY GATE SHOP AND POST OFFICE – The new Burley Gate Shop and Post Office was originally due to have been opened in a porta cabin in the Burley Gate Village Hall car park on July 4. The porta cabin is not now expected to arrive for several weeks and will then involve a certain amount of building work before it can be fully installed. It is now anticipated that the shop will be open for business in mid- August but any changes will be announced in these columns. In the meantime, rather than leave residents with nowhere to go for essentials, Gill and Bernard will be keeping their shop open until the handover.

CHURCH TO CLOSE? – St James’ Church at Ocle Pychard has a dwindling number of regular worshippers and of supporters who give their time and their talents to the running of the building. There is currently only one church warden and the Parochial Church Council does not have a treasurer. Whilst volunteers are much appreciated there is a desperate need for someone to organise fund-raising and to run the monthly whist drives. If the numbers attending the services cannot be increased then the closure of the church might have to be seriously considered. There will be a PCC meeting in the church on Tuesday at 7.30pm to discuss the situation. Everyone is welcome.

ANNUAL PARISH LUNCH -–The Much Cowarne PCC annual parish lunch will be held at Stoke Lacy Village Hall on August 23 at 12.30 for 1pm. The cost for adults will be £12.50, and for children it will be £7. There will be a licensed bar and an auction of promises.

Bookings are now being taken by Ted Parkes on 01432 820402 and Jill Cooksley on 01432 820264.

Early booking is recommended.

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

Orleton

HEREFORDSHIRE HEARTSTART – Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) for parishioners living in Orleton at Orleton Village Hall on Thursday, July 16 from 7pm to 9pm.

Booking essential, to book your place email info@herefordshireheartstart.co.uk or call 0845 6060654.

Pilleth

QUIZ – A successful quiz evening was held at Pilleth Oaks recently in aid of Pilleth Church funds.

Seventeen teams took part. The winners were a team from Walton. Entry fees, donations, pork bap sales and draw money mounted to over £500. The event was hosted by Peter and Heather Hood. Peter said “I would like to thank all those who attended the event, helped on the night and gave prizes or donations. Special thanks go to Trevor Owens, question master and compere who posed a good mixture of questions on various subjects which were challenging and often humorous.”

Presteigne

SERVICES – This Sunday the following services will take place.

Holy Communion will take place at Kinsham at 9.30am. Then at 11am there is a Choral Holy Communion Service at St Andrews and then a Choral Evensong at 6.30pm, also at St Andrews. Everyone is most welcome.

100 CLUB – The football club recently held their 100 club draw for May at The Farmers Inn. The following winners were drawn.

£100 Elwyn Powell, £50 Debbie Davies, £40 Harriet Evans and £30 Father B Gill. The next draw will take place on July 31, at 9pm in The Dukes Arms. Everyone is welcome.

MUSIC – Local singer/guitarist Sean Saye will be playing at The Royal British Legion Club on Saturday from 8pm. Admission at the door will be £3. Sean, from Ludlow will sing 60s, 70s and 80s covers. Everyone welcome.

COMMUNITY CAFE – The community cafe has raised in excess of £1,200 at the Presteigne markets at the Memorial Hall on the first Saturday of each month.

The money has gone to many local causes. Unfortunately the organisers need volunteers to do the occasional shift to bake cakes or serve etc on perhaps two or three Saturdays a year at the monthly event. If you can help please call Roger or Ann Curtis on 262846. The community cafe, which makes no profits and pays no staff is registered as a food business with Powys County Council and has been awarded a five star rating.

EVERGREENS – Presteigne Evergreens are running a coach trip to Aberystwyth next Thursday, July 16, leaving Norton at 8.50am and Presteigne at 9.10am. The cost is £10 per person. To book a seat call Judi Charlton on 267420.

BARBECUE – Presteigne Little Peoples Playgroup are holding a ‘eat all you want’ barbecue at the Scout Hut at Wentes Meadow on Sunday from noon. The food will again be cooked by Leon from The Salty Dog and his chef David along with Peter, the chef from The Ducks Nest Restaurant.

Tickets are £10 for adults and free for primary school children.

Basically you are invited to pay your money and eat as much as you like from the menu. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, games, competitions, along with the fire engine and a police car for the children (and adults) to look at. Tickets are available from The Salty Dog in the High Street or from the playgroup at the primary school.

Please bring your own picnic blanket. All proceeds will go to the playgroup.

TALK – There is an illustrated talk entitled Hidden Architectural Gems of Presteigne by local historian Duncan James about the wonderful buildings of Presteigne at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday from 2pm. After refreshments at 3.20pm Duncan will take you on a walk of the town for a closer look.

Tickets are £7 for the talk only and £12 for the talk and walk.

Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available from The Workhouse or from Courtyard Antiques.

USED STAMPS – Please save any used stamps that come to you in the post. Also any postcards that you do not want to keep and put them in the collection the collection box at the back of St Andrews Church. Thank you for any contributions already received.

CONCERT -–There is a concert featuring the Dolau Mixtures, with soloist Marion Rowlatt at St Marys Church in Kinnerton on Friday from 7.30pm. Admission will be £5 for adults. All proceeds will be split between Kinnerton Church and The Gurkha Trust Earthquake Response Fund.

WI – After the last exploratory meeting it has been decided to form a local branch. The next meeting of the Clatterbrook WI will take place in August. Further details will appear closer to the date.

THANK YOU – Presteigne Primary School wish to thank everyone who donated to their Bag2school scheme in May. 340 kilos of goods were donated raising £160 towards a new equipment for the school. So far the school has raised a total of £1,140 which has gone towards computers, sports equipment etc. The next collection will be on November 18.

CLASSICS OF YESTERYEAR – You are invited to come and see the cars of yesteryear at Kinsham Village Hall on Sunday.

Exhibitors are welcome from 11am and the public from noon.

Exhibitors are admitted free with public entrance being £3. There will also be refreshments available. For further details call Keith on 260469.

CARNIVAL – This year’s carnival will take place at Wentes Meadow on July 17, at 1.30pm. The procession will leave John Beddoes School at 12.45pm, proceed up the High Street to the site. There will be loads going on including Mighty Smith Strong Man show, The Bang on Samba Band, Ashton Owls plus games, competitions, music, bar, plus lots more.

Admission is £2.50 for adults with under 16s and fancy dress free.

Judging for the floats and fancy dress will take place at John Beddoes at noon.

EXHIBITION – There is a Thomas Merton exhibition including a day of talks on July 25, at St Michaels Church in Discoed from 10-5pm. The exhibition will consist of paintings by Charles MacCarthy and Robert Wright who were inspired by the works of Thomas Merton.

Merton (1915-1968) was one of the most influential American Catholic writers of the twentieth century.

SHOW – This years Pembridge show and trotting races will take place on July 25 at Long Meadow, Pembridge. More details will be printed nearer the date. Please put this date in your diary.

CHRISTIAN AID – This year’s Christian Aid collection raised £1570.15 for the worlds poor.

Thankyou to all those who donated, collected, prayed and counted.

Your generosity is appreciated.

CONCERT – There is a ‘sing we and chant it’ concert featuring Whitton Voices, Sue Harris and Bandamania at Pilleth Church on Sunday at 7pm. Admission is £6 for adults and free for under 12s.

All proceeds will go to supporting Water Aid and the Nepal crisis.

Staunton-on-Arrow

VILLAGE FETE – At Court of Nock, on July 18, at 2pm, by kind permission of Edward and Emma Bulmer. Wonderful opportunity for family to spend afternoon in lovely gardens with a mill stream and water garden. Wide variety of stalls. Cakes, plants, books and bric a brac, also children’s games, dog show and scurry. With delicious traditional teas.

Staunton-on-Wye

THE GREAT STAUNTON BAKE OFF – Sunday at Lower House Marquee, Staunton-on-Wye at 5pm (late we know, but it’s Wimbledon final day!) Raffle, strawberries and cream, Pimm’s, cake! There are adults and kids categories and you can enter as many categories as you wish, but please let us know if you’d like to enter. Forms available from the Rev Chris Johnson 01981 500280 or email revchrisjohnson.wbs@gmail.com. You can also download the form from weobleyandstaunton.co.uk.

Stoke Lacy

STOKE LACY CHURCH FETE – The 2015 Stoke Lacy Church fete will be held this Saturday at Stoke House, from 2pm till 5pm.

There will be stalls galore, teas and cakes plus lots more, with all proceeds going to the church.

Donations to the stalls will be very welcome and can include cakes, bric-a-brac, bottles, plants, bathroom accessories, preserves, toys and more or less anything that can be sold. Contributions should be left at Stoke House in Herb Lane.

Stretford Bridge

STRETFORD BRIDGE – Tea in the garden at Tyrrells Court House in aid of Save the Children. July 12, 3pm-5pm.

Cream teas, cake sale, bric-a-brac, prize draw, competitions.

Sutton St Nicholas

ANNUAL VILLAGE FETE – In Sutton St Nicholas on Saturday.

Starting with a barbecue at 1pm and the official opening at 2pm at Court Farm. A traditional occasion with Kids Corner games; skittles, coconut shy, barrow o’ booze, Chinese raffle and stalls.

Afternoon teas with strawberries kindly donated by S and A Davies along with prizes from Weston’s Cider, Heineken, and Cargill Foods.

Tarrington

PARTY IN THE PADDOCK – This Saturday at The Vine Paddock, Tarrington. Bring your gazebo and a picnic or barbecue. Prize for the best decorated gazebo.

Live music, beer tent, puddings galore and huge prize draw. £10 entry and children free. Bouncy castle. Fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice and Tarrington Church. Event starts 4.30pm but set up your gazebo anytime from 10.30am. Enquiries 01432 509445.

Ullingswick

MOTH EVENING – The next moth evening at Moreton Wood, Ullingswick, will be held this Saturday at dusk. Everyone is welcome to come along to this fascinating event led by David Lovelace. There are already lots of moths in the evenings so this should be a spectacular night with the opportunity to see bats and owls too. For more information please contact Jo or Paul on 07920 851674, jo@moretonwood.co.uk, moretonwood.co.uk.

Wigmore

WIGMORE GARDENING CLUB – Thursday, July 16 at 7.30pm. The club speaker will be Jenny Steel with a talk entitled gardening for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Jenny is an Oxford plant ecologist, author, photographer and former plant nursery-woman with 25 years experience. With the current interest in bees and wildflowers this should be a fascinating talk.

Venue: Wigmore Village Hall, HR6 9UW Cost: £2 for non-members, with membership.