FLORAL ART -- Presteigne and Borders Floral Art Society will be holding their first demonstration of 2003 on Wednesday, February 12, at 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall, Presteigne, when the chairman, Cynthia Hughes, will present 'In My Grandmother's Footsteps'. The evening will be open to all, with no charge to members, and just £3 for visitors. Cynthia's floral arrangements will be the raffle prizes. Any plants or flower arranging materials would be most welcome for the sales table: so come and see if there are any early bargains!

FOOTBALL '100 CLUB' DRAW -- The January draw took place last Friday evening at The Farmer's, with the following lucky winners: £100 - John Bright; £50 - Tom Powell; £25 - Marg Weiland; £15 - Bill Weiland; and £10 - Tracey Lloyd-John. The February draw will be on Friday, February 28, in The Duke's Arms.

PRESTEIGNE WI -- President Jill Cornish welcomed members to the January meeting, and felt it was not too late to wish everyone a happy and peaceful New Year. She said how pleased she was to see Diane Hayward back with the group again after several months' absence due to illness. Jill reminded members that the Breast Screening Unit would be visiting Knighton during May/June. Those women over the age of 64 need to make their own appointments, as they would not be notified automatically. Items from the County Newsletter were mentioned. Jill then introduced Margaret Newman, who was going to tell the group about some of her experiences working on a cruise liner. The opportunity arose when Margaret sailed to Australia to visit her son in Sydney. Chatting to other passengers during the voyage, she found they shared her interest in painting, and she started a Sketch Club. This led to P & O asking her to run art classes on the 'Canberra' and 'Oriana', resulting in her spending a number of years sailing around the world encouraging passengers to reveal their hidden artistic talents. Amusing stories and incidents on board were told, which included the experiences of storms and rough weather, bomb scares, accident and rescue. Unfortunately time ran out all too soon, and Ethel Dickens gave a vote of thanks for Margaret's fascinating tales of life at sea, which members had enjoyed so much. Tea and biscuits were served, and the raffle drawn, won by Diana Baker. The competition of a seascape picture or photograph, judged by Margaret Newman, was won by Zena Merriman, runner up - Jean Yates. The next meeting of Presteigne WI will be on Wednesday, February 26, in the Green Room at the Assembly Rooms, at 2.30 pm, when Mary Roberts will be talking about quilting, and no doubt showing members some of her work. The competition will be a piece of handicraft. New members and visitors are always welcome at the Institute meetings.

FOOTBALL CLUB -- Presteigne St. Andrew's Football Club will be holding a fund raising event on Saturday, February 8, when the Sultana Brothers will be playing live at the Club House from 8.30 pm until late. Admission will be strictly by ticket only, with the £5 tickets and details available from club chairman, Alan Randell, on 01544 260485. Later in the month, on Friday, February 21, the football club is organising a dance at the Knighton Community Centre (behind Harry Tuffins), with disco DJ Storm providing the music. Dancing from 9pm until 1am, and, again, information etc. is available from Alan.

SOUNDS OF AFRICA -- Forget frosty February! You are invited to come and sing the hottest harmonies and scorching songs from Africa in Lingen Village Hall with the inspirational Sue Harris. The all-day event (from 10am to 4pm) will cost £15 for adults (concessions available), and is just £3 for 11-18-year-olds. Take along some food to share, and don't miss out by booking now, on 01544 260460, for Sunday, February 9.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES -- Kington and District Operatic Society are presenting 'Snow White' in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, February 15. The performance starts at 7pm with tickets available on the door; £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. If you miss the production in Presteigne the Operatic Society is performing the pantomime later in the month, at the Lady Hawkins Community Leisure Centre in Kington, on February 20, 21 and 22.

DOG FOULING -- At the January Town Council meeting, Councillor Evelyn Davies reported complaints she had received relating to continued dog fouling - especially along Dog Kennel Lane, which is used very regularly by children from the Junior School in drier weather, and even in the designated children's play area by Wilson Terrace. The matter is to be reported to the county dog warden.

JUDGE'S LODGINGS -- There will be a coffee morning at the Judge's Lodgings on Saturday, February 8.