QUILT FESTIVAL PLANS -- Presteigne Quilters Group are well ahead with planning for their Fifth Biennial Town Festival of Quilts which is due to open daily from Friday May 31 until Monday June 3, the Jubilee Bank Holiday. Two displays of contemporary quilts will be located at the Assembly Rooms, with fabrics and completed pieces for sale also. Following the custom of previous town quilt festivals, high street traders have kindly agreed to display quilts and patchwork in their shop windows. This should guarantee plenty of eye-catching colour to build up the mood of Jubilee celebrations in the town. Presteigne has become known far and wide for its quilt festivals. The first, held in 1994, was remarkably successful; the novelty of displaying quilts along the high street attracting many visitors. The Quilters Group come up with new ideas and themes for each biennial Festival, and have been rewarded by turning in a financial profit each time which has enabled them to make generous donations to local good causes. The quilters receive many an enquiry to ask 'When is your next Quilt Show'? From visitors booking their trips. The comparatively intimate scale of Presteigne's streets and historic buildings undoubtedly lends a particular charm to displays of the nostalgic yet ever-new art of quilting and patchwork. Leading the team of organisers are Mary Roberts and Bethan Parmee, who have been active members of the group since it was founded in 1989; Mary is now widely known as a lecturer and demonstrator in both embroidery and patchwork. For Quilt Festival enquiries telephone 01544 260356 or 260465 or contact Tourist Information on 260650.

GARDEN PARTY -- Among the events planned to celebrate the Golden Jubilee in Presteigne, the Floral Art Society has announced it will organise a Garden Party on Monday, June 3 with the theme 'Happy and Glorious'. It will be held in the garden of the Radnorshire Arms Hotel, where lunches, drinks and snacks will be available, and attractions will include sideshows, competitions, games and various stalls. Music provided by the local jazz band RaddJazz Inc. Admission to the garden party will be free and all are welcome.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS MEETING -- The Town Council of Presteigne and Norton is to invite representatives of local groups and organisations to attend a meeting on Tuesday, April 2 at 8pm in the memorial hall, for the purpose of co-ordinating the various town celebrations for the Queen's Jubilee.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE -- Presteigne Women's Institute commenced this year's programme with a talk on the history and mystique of acupuncture. The February meeting went down memory lane, with members giving brief insights into what they were doing during World War II. Local memories included the arrival of evacuees and the army, and the concerts put on by Italian and German prisoners of war. One member recalled her mother making a sponge cake with liquid paraffin. Another had spent some time in the WRNS, and one had memories of the many scarves she had knitted for the Forces. Souvenirs were put on display and provided interest and discussion. Plans are going ahead for a fundraising event to be held in June, when members will be supporting the Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, the only children's hospice in Wales.

FLORAL ART ANNUAL MEETING -- The annual meeting of the Presteigne and Borders Floral Art Society was held on March 13, when chairman Cynthia Hughes called on members and visitors to celebrate the club's first birthday. In her report she recalled events of a very successful and enjoyable year, which had included expert demonstrations, workshops, garden visits and fund-raising activities. Treasurer Julia Murray reported on a pleasing financial situation and the donation of £150 to the East Radnor Day Centre. Four new committee members were welcomed: Enid Ainge of New Radnor, Avril Hoyle of Knucklas, Jean Price of Old Radnor, and Deanna Watkins of Leintwardine. Avril Hoyle proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for the hard work and enthusiasm she had devoted to the club, which was heartily endorsed by all present. The second part of the meeting was devoted to a talk by John Chrimes, known for his 2-acre garden near Presteigne. He spoke 'from the grower's side of the fence' about shrubs and flowers to grow for colour and texture, accompanied by hints on such matters as pruning, propagating and repelling slugs. Ruth Chrimes showed slides which recalled the luxuriance of summer borders. They were thanked by Lorna Haines. Members and friends were reminded of two club events in April: a spring workshop in modern design led by Edna Hughes on Saturday, April 6, and a demonstration entitled 'Garden of Delights' on Wednesday, April 10. Both events are in the memorial hall, Presteigne. For information about the club, phone 01544 260113.