THE PAVILION - In a letter to Knighton Town Council, Mr Paul Griffiths, head of Recreation and Countryside Services at Powys County Council set out the county council's position on the lease held by Knighton Town Council for the former tennis courts and pavilion in Bowling Green Lane. The town council pays £350 per annum in rent to the county council and has sub-leased the area to Knighton/Tref-y-Clawdd YMCA for a peppercorn rent. The local YMCA had aspirations to construct a skate park and games area on the courts, and to re-furbish the pavilion as a drop-in centre for young people. The skate park never came to fruition and, though locally raised funds were spent to re-furbish the pavilion and equip it with IT equipment, the drop-in centre failed to become a reality. The pavilion had suffered through vandalism and many of its windows have been broken. Councillor Ken Harris, who was a member of the committee of Tref-y-Clawdd YMCA, as well as being a member of both Powys County Council and Knighton Town Council, has maintained that the drop-in centre was a partnership between Powys County Council and Knighton/Tref-y-Clawdd YMCA and that the project failed because the county council withdrew. Councillor Harris, who was not present at the December meeting, has stated that he thought that the insurance for the area was provided by the national YMCA's block cover, but has recently found that this was not the case and the former tennis courts and pavilion were without insurance cover.

In his letter Mr Griffiths stated that the Youth Service do not accept that they had broken any agreement and that responsibilities applied under the lease. He suggested that the town council may wish to give notice to the county council of its intention to relinquish the lease. In addition, he stated, the town council would need to check its own insurance policies to cover the requirements of the original lease conditions. Councillors then heard that Phoenix, a group in the town promoting the interests of young people, was interested in doing something with the site after they had completed the BMX track in the Offa's Dyke Park. After discussion, the council agreed to retain the site and to ask Powys County Council if it was willing to re-negotiate the lease for a peppercorn rent. The town clerk would check the council's insurance cover and find out what repairs were needed to the fence.

CAROL CONCERT - Knighton Community Centre was full nearly to capacity for the annual concert organised by Churches Together in Knighton and District. Knighton Town Silver Band, under the direction of David Wilson, led the singing of carols both old and new. The band also played instrumental music with a Christmas theme during the interval. Knighton Handbell Ringers, directed by Roger Thomas, performed a medley of Christmas music. Knighton Church in Wales Primary School, directed by Mrs Judith Phillips, did three songs from the school's Christmas production of Peace Child. Some former members of the choir, now at secondary school, returned to give it additional strength for the occasion. Members of the Teme Spirits Light Entertainment Society, with Kate Mohamed accompanying, also sang. The Teme Spirits will be doing Robin Hood at the end of January and their backdrop of Sherwood Forest provided a powerful visual image to complement the evening's music. The combined choirs of Knighton's Anglican and Methodist churches, under the alternate direction of Mrs Hilary Howcroft and Hilda Mosler, gave an impressive performance. Alf MacKay, as chairman for the evening, co-ordinated events. He also introduced the audience to his dog puppet, Noel.

Rev Michael Langstaff gave a short address. A collection for the County Air Ambulance raised £320.

FARMERS MARKET - Knighton Christmas Farmers and Community Market was a great success with a wide variety of locally-grown produce and hand-made craft items for sale. Market co-ordinator Kevin Kell has extended thanks to producers and customers for their support over the year. The first market of 2005 will be on Saturday, January 22, from 10am to 1pm, at the Community Centre. For more information telephone 01547 528011.

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Knighton and District Wednesday Club met for the final time last week at the Community Room, Saint Edward's Close. Mrs Winnie Davies said that the club was formed in 1985 and first met at Knighton Community Centre and then at Saint Edward's Close. She paid tribute to the many people who had supported the club over its 19 years of existence. Following lunch, members enjoyed tea with mince pies and each went home with a present from the club.

NORTON CHURCH - The Christmas Season in the Parish of East Radnor ended with a Carol Service at Saint Andrew's Church, Norton. The chancel of the church building was tastefully illuminated by candlelight for the occasion, and the choir of Saint Edward's came over from Knighton to give their support to the singing of the familiar carols.

Father Andrew said that prayers would be said for the victims of the tsunami at every Eucharist in the Parish of East Radnor in the coming week, and that the collection taken at the carol service would be given to the Disaster Emergency Fund.

Living Crib Service.- Saint Edward's Christmas Eve Living Crib Service was well supported with Shergar the donkey making his annual visit to the church for this special occasion.

KNIGHTON EXTRAVAGANZA - Despite a cold wind and some rain Knighton Extravaganza was, once again, a great success. Crowds thronged the streets of the town to take advantage of street entertainment, late night shopping, and a variety of stalls. Organisers have extended thanks to the

many friends and helpers who made Extravaganza Night such a success.and all the town's folk and visitors who supported the event on such a cold night.

Mr K. Hinton was winner of the grand crossword competition. The answers have now been published at various locations in the town. Winners of a raffle held in the Church Hall on Extravaganza night for Church Hall funds were: Janet Brehaut, Pauline Parker, Trevor Lloyd, Rose Morris, Stud Farm and Doreen Gammon.

KNUCKLAS CUB SCOUTS - The First Knucklas Cub Scout re-commenced in November under the leadership of George Linaker, assisted by Jean Linaker, Jane Corley and Jenny Vaughan. Some old cubs returned, but most of the boys had been promoted from the Beavers. The following cubs were invested: Matthew Price, Jack Price, Liam Davies, Alex Evans and Matthew Venables at Knucklas, and Jack Jones at Cottage View, Knighton with the residents present.