Abbeydore
GUILD – Members of the guild celebrated the harvest by having a bring and share supper that we all sat down and enjoyed. Next month we will be welcoming Tony Hemson to give a talk on his musical memories with his own accompaniment.
COFFEE MORNING – For Macmillan nurses at Abbeydore Court Gardens today from 10am- 1pm with many stalls and a chance to look around the gardens.
HARVEST MARKET – At the village hall on Saturday 10am-4pm.
HARVEST FESTIVAL – In Dore Abbey on Sunday at 6pm followed by light refreshments.
Almeley
ST MARY’S HARVEST FESTIVAL AND SUPPER – Will be held this year in the village hall, due to internal painting work at the church. The service will be tomorrow at 6.30pm followed by a sausage and mash supper for which there will be a small charge.
Aston Ingham
HEARTSTART – Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Aston Ingham Village Hall on October 14, 7-9pm. To book your place call Janet Potter on 01452 830556 or email richardpotter437@btinternet.com.
Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls
HARVEST FESTIVAL – Aymestrey’s Harvest Festival will be held tomorrow at 6.30pm followed by harvest supper in Aymestrey Parish Hall. The church will be decorated for the Harvest Festival this morning at 10am. Any donations of harvest produce, fruit, vegetables or flowers, would be gratefully accepted.
CHURCH – On Sunday there will be a Harvest Eucharist at Aymestrey at 11am.
FILM CLUB – The film to be shown in Aymestrey Parish Hall on October 12, is The Grand Budapest Hotel (15). Showing starts at 7pm. Entrance is £5 and homemade ice-cream and popcorn will be on sale. Anyone wishing to be informed of film showings then please send an email to filmclub@ aymestrey.org.
Bishops Frome and Fromes Hill
HARVEST THANKSGIVING – St Mary’s Church at Bishop’s Frome will be holding a harvest thanksgiving service on October 12 from 11am. This will be a gift service, and church wardens are asking for dry goods that can then be taken to two local food banks.
Fresh produce is also needed to decorate the church, and can be accepted from the Wednesday prior to the service. Following the service there will be a harvest lunch in the village centre.
Tickets will be available from the Hop Pocket, the garage, the village shop or the church, at just £6 per head for adults or £4 for children under 12.
Bishopstone
VILLAGE LOTTERY – Nora Wintour won £25 with number 43 on September 20.
Bodenham
MY BIG FAT COWPAT WEDDING – On October 12, from 8pm, Arts Alive will be putting on a performance of My Big Fat Cowpat Wedding. Everyone is invited to join the guests at Clare and Arjun’s wedding reception. It’s a celebration of a mixed marriage between a country girl and a lad from the city, with all their friends and family. What could possibly go wrong? This fast moving new comedy drama is full of mishaps and misunderstandings with plenty of neat twists and a disco/ Bhangra dance for everyone to join in at the end. This is the third Arts Alive event to be staged at Bodenham and it’s hoped it will be even more popular now that audiences are aware of the high quality programming Arts Alive provides for rural audiences.
PARISH COUNCIL – Bodenham Parish Council will meet at the Siward James Centre at 7.30pm on Monday. All parishioners are welcome to attend.
GARDENING CLUB – On Tuesday the Bodenham Gardening Club will meet in the parish hall from 7.30pm. This will be the club’s AGM, followed by a talk on heucheras, heucherellas and tiarellas given by Mark from the Newent Garden Centre. There will be the normal sales table, raffle and refreshments LITTER PICK – Bodenham Parish Council has organised another litter picking exercise, this time to take place from 10am for a 10.30am start on October 11, meeting at the parish hall. This is a very rewarding exercise and helps to improve the quality of life for everyone in the village.
Refreshments are provided. New participants are always welcome.
Bredwardine and Brobury
OCTOBER 100 CLUB DRAW – The Friends of St Andrew 100 Club draw will take place today at 8pm in the Red Lion Inn, which is serving a delicious curry buffet for anyone who wants to eat before the draw.
Contact Jen Maddison on 01981 500048 for further information about the club.
COFFEE, CAKE AND MARKET – There will be a coffee morning in Bredwardine village hall on October 10, from 10am until midday.
This is a chance to meet up with old and new friends over coffee and cake.
Included in the market are a number of stalls selling fresh vegetables, home-baked cakes, jams and chutneys.
Alongside this there are stalls selling arts and craft, music and films, knitwear and jewellery created by local artists.
Bring along something to sell, it only costs £1 to rent a table for the market and everyone is welcome.
Contact Philip Bauer on 01981 500398 with requests or queries.
ST ANDREWS CHURCHYARD WORK DAY – On Saturday there will be a churchyard work day at St Andrew’s Church , Bredwardine, from 10am-noon.
As well as all the usual tasks to be tackled in the churchyard, this time we will also be giving the ringing chamber of the bell-tower a coat of lime-wash, and filling in all the potholes in the drive.
Organisers need lots of manpower to achieve all this, so please do come along and help.
Free refreshments provided for all who come to help.
Contact Charlotte Sellar on 01981 500281 for further information.
ST ANDREWS HARVEST FESTIVAL – The Harvest Festival is on Sunday at 3pm, when the preacher will be Rev Chris Johnson. Do join us for this lovely service, and then you are most welcome to stay and enjoy delicious tea and cakes afterwards.
CHARITY DEMONSTRATION, FREE TALK AND WORKSHOP – Have you ever wondered what a psychic healer actually does? Do you have questions on this subject? If so, ask Zoe Henderson when she is back in Herefordshire and Monmouthshire from October 10-14. She is giving a charity demonstration with horses in Monmouth, and a free talk and a workshop in Herefordshire.
Zoe describes her life and passion for psychic healing and horse whispering. She will demonstrate her work and how she helps people to overcome difficulties, to recover from pain and illness and to fulfil their life purpose. Join her workshop at Bredwardine Village Hall; everyone at the free talk is eligible to win a free treatment. Ring Katherine Harberd on 0780 3720501 for further information about date and times, to reserve a place on the workshop or to arrange a private consultation for you and your animals with Zoe.
CORRESPONDENT – Kari Lawson on 01981 501077 or email karimlawson@me.com.
Bridge Sollars
BONUS BALL – Rupert Oliver won £25, number 43 on September 20.
Brilley
MEETING – There will be an extra parish council meeting at 7pm tomorrow in the village hall to consider planning application for Cefn Farm. Followed by a steering group meeting for Neighbourhood Development Plan at 7.30pm in village hall. All welcome to both meetings.
OPEN DAY – Canon Pyon Academy is holding an open day on October 15, 9.30am-6pm. All welcome. Further information on 01432 830334.
ZUMBA – Fitness starting Thursday, October 9 from 6pm- 6.55pm at Canon Pyon Village Hall. Contact Mandy 01544 387958 or mandys.mail@virgin.net.
Dinedor
DINEDOR HERITAGE GROUP – Will be giving an illustrated talk entitled Rotherwas House and Park on Tuesday commencing 7.30pm at Dinedor Village Hall.
This will be presented by Chris Over. Admission for members £2, non-members £3. Light refreshments available. Further details on 01432 870320.
OPEN PARISH MEETING – Eardisland Village Hall Committee are holding an open parish meeting on Thursday, October 9 at 7.30pm in the village hall. This building is for everyone in the parish but help is needed.
Please come and join the committee, be part of the H(Hall) Team or just come and give your view on the future of this vital community asset.
STEERING GROUP MEETING – For Neighbourhood Development Plan, 7.30pm today in village hall.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – The next monthly meeting will be held at the New Strand, Eardisley tonight at 8pm. The Remembrance Day service this year will be held at Almeley on November 9. Lunch will be served in the village hall after the service. If you would like to join us, booking with the secretary is essential as numbers are limited.
You may contact the secretary on 01544 327457.
POPPY APPEAL – Our poppy organiser requires help in some areas for this year’s collection. If you feel you could spare some time for this worthy cause, please contact James Forrest on 01544 328403.
QUIZ NIGHT – The Eardisley and District Royal British Legion will be hosting a quiz night on October 25, at Eardisley village hall starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 per person with four people per team. Teams can be made up on the night. Money raised will go to the Poppy Appeal fund. First prize is £40. Nibbles will be provided but please bring your own drink.
All welcome.
CASSEROLE SUPPER – Tickets are on sale in Central Stores during October for the casserole supper in the village hall on November 1. If you would like to book a table for your party please ring Margaret on 327753. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Millennium Green. Please come along and enjoy a good evening out with friends.
GROUP PARISH COUNCIL – The next meeting will be at 7pm on November 17, in Whitney-on-Wye Village Hall.
AIR CADET OPEN MORNING – The 1246 (Ewyas Harold) Air Cadets are holding an open morning on Saturday between 9am- noon. So come and see what the cadets get up to and how you can join as a cadet or as a member of staff. Tea/coffee and cakes. For more please contact Officer Commanding Flt Lt E Williams 07814642750/atc1246@hotmail.com.
PRIMARY SCHOOL – Are there any parents/grandparents who would like to help us out at lunchtime? We like to have a parent helper as an extra pair of hands each day to assist with serving up our hot lunches, cutting up food for the younger children and helping with their supervision. Please ask at the office if you can spare some time. Our Jump for Heart skipping challenge raised £584.16.
Guitar lessons are now available in school with Gary Gray, to include acoustic, electric, ukulele and bass guitar. Delicious continental chocolates and gift items are available to order from catalogues which are available at the school office.
PRE-SCHOOL – There are still a few places available at Ewyas Harold Pre-School. We now offer Nursery Education Funding for eligible two, three and four-year- olds.
MESSY CHURCH – Is held in St Michael’s Hall today and every first Thursday of the month in term time for 0-11 years accompanied by one parent or guardian.
Activities start at 3.30-5.30pm with fun, singing, stories and a hot meal.
TRAIDCRAFT – There will be a chance to purchase Traidcraft goods at Koffi Pot in the Baptist Chapel tomorrow between 10-11.30am.
HARVEST FESTIVALS – On Sunday 10am at Wormbridge and 10am at Walterstone followed by lunch in the village hall.
LIBRARY – The community library in Horsecroft is open every Tuesday morning 9.30am- noon and every Thursday afternoon 2-4.30pm. As well as a large variety of books to loan there are some to buy and a wide selection of CDs.
CHURCHES TOGETHER – The annual meeting will be held in the Methodist Chapel on Tuesday at 7.30pm. This is an open meeting, all welcome.
Garway
GARWAY LIVE! – October 11, 8pm with The Sara Smith Quartet. The Sarah Smith Quartet plays Gypsy jazz with authentic passion, fire and virtuosity, keeping alive the spirit of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Garway Village Hall, doors and bar open from 7.30pm.
Tickets £8, 12-16yrs £3 for more info/bookings call 01981 580056 or email bookings@garwaylive.com.
Visit the website www.garwaylive.com or find us on Facebook.
On November 15, after his sell out gig at Garway Live! last summer, the return of Rob Lear.
Hereford
CHURCH SERVICES – 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; 9.30am parish eucharist at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 11am Harvest Festival at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross; 8am holy communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, 11am Harvest Festival at St Nicholas’ Church, 6.30pm evensong at St Nicholas’ Church.
Monday 8.15am morning prayer and eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road.
Tuesday 8.15am morning prayer and eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road; 12.10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church. Wednesday 8.15am morning prayer and eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church.
Thursday 8.15am morning prayer and eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 10am holy communion at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm said mass at All Saints’ Church.
VIOLIN AND HARP CONCERT – At St John’s Church, St Owens Street, Hereford on October 12, starting at 3pm in Aid of Herefordshire Samaritans.
Katherine Thomas is a harpist who has performed with varying artists and has toured extensively as a soloist and with orchestras such as the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera with whom she is principal harp. Katherine plays the traditional celtic and triple harps as well as the pedal harp and has featured on numerous broadcasts and recordings.
Katherine has published several technical volumes for the harp and is a prolific arranger for the instrument. Laurence Kempton studied violin and chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music included Maurice Hasson and members of the Amadeus String Quartet. He left to take up the position of Principal 2nd Violin with the English String Quartet where he worked closely with Yehudi Menuhin. As a soloist he has recorded for both CD and television and as a chamber musician has performed extensively both in this country and abroad,with a variety of performances ranging from broadcasting to recitals at festivals throughout Europe and the intimate setting of hospice wards as far afield as Hong Kong.
The cost of entry to this special event is £10, pay at the door.
Proceeds form the afternoon will go to the Herefordshire Branch of Samaritans who are available 24 hours everyday for those in emotional distress which may lead to suicide.
Phone on 01432 269000 or 08457 909090, by email jo@samaritans.org, write or visit 44a Berrington Street, Hereford, HR4 0BJ.
HARVEST FESTIVAL – Will be held at Holmer Parish Church, Sunday 11am.
Hope-under- Dinmore
HARVEST FESTIVAL – St Mary’s Church harvest festival, Sunday at 11.15am.
COFFEE MORNING – St Mary’s Church (Forbury Chapel), Church Street, Leominster, October 24, 10am-noon.
Huntington
LANDSCAPE AND GEOLOGY FROM KINGTON TO HAY – Organisers are sorry to disappoint the many people who wished to come to the third event organised by the Friends of St Thomas à Becket Church, Huntington on Saturday. Dr Geoff Steel’s talk has been a sell out.
Priority booking is given to Friends so please consider joining to secure tickets for future events. Subscription is just £10 per year. You can sign up directly online at huntingtonchurch.co.uk, or by sending a cheque for £10 to Friends of St Thomas C/O Huntington Court, Huntington, HR5 3PZ.
The next event will be, November 1, 7.30pm, which will be a celebration concert to mark the re-building of Huntington’s church organ with readings from the work of Dylan Thomas. Book now via huntingtonchurch.co.uk or telephone 01544 370391.
ARCADIA MUSIC FESTIVAL – This Saturday at Kingsland Church, HR6 9QW, at 7.30pm.
Devised and led by acclaimed violinist Thomas Bowes and composer Eleanor Alberga, seven world class musicians perform works by Alberga, Shostakovich and Messiaen’s Quartet for the end of Time.
Tickets £14 adult, £5 under 18/student, available from 01568 709579. Proceeds for restoration and improvement of Kingsland Church.
ZUMBA FITNESS – At Luctonians RC, Monday 6pm-7pm. Contact Mandy 01544 387958 or mandys.mail@virgin.net.
Kingstone
FUN AND GAMES EVENING – There will be fun and games for all on October 10, 6.30pm in Kingstone Village Hall.
Tickets will be available at the door at £5 for adults and £3.50 for children, to include a jacket potato supper with a choice of puddings.
Also a bring and buy games stall and raffle all in aid of Kingstone church funds.
BINGO – Tomorrow, at Kingstone village hall, eyes down at 8pm, grand prizes.
In aid of Guide International funds and four Guides going on an international trip to our chalet in August, 2015.
Call Nikki Addis 01981 251720 or 07870 578828.
Knighton
CHURCH SERVICES FOR SUNDAY – St Edward’s church, Knighton 9.30am harvest morning worship. St David’s church, Whitton 9.30am. St Andrew’s church, Norton 11am, Harvest (holy communion). St Michael’s church, Cascob 3pm, harvest service. Knighton Methodist church 11am, harvest festival service. Knighton Baptist church 11am, all age café style service with the Traidcraft stall. Knighton Catholic church 11am.
ZUMBA – The sessions will Start again on Monday at Knighton Community Centre led by Katy Liscombe, who already runs sessions in Newtown. £4 (there’s no need to book) and runs from 7-8pm. Phone Katy on 07813564674.
AMERICAN COUNTRY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR – On October 10 the Community Centre bar will be hosting a night of old time country and bluegrass music played by the fiddle and guitar duo John Grimm and Beverly Smith, from North Georgia, USA but touring the UK throughout October.
Things kick off at 8pm, tickets cost £7.50 and more info is available from 01544 350407, 01597 825390 or 01597 820315.
WHIST DRIVE - Knighton Bowling club results: First woman Doreen Bowen, 2nd Jack Lewis, 3rd Connie Bright and lowest female Mary Grimes. Best man Robert Watkins, 2nd Jean Burgoyne, 3rd Hayden Jones and lowest Shirley Moorhouse. Raffle winners were Jack Lewis, Sue Price, Jean Burgoyne and Shirley Moorhouse. The next whist drive is today at 7.30pm.
COFFEE MORNING – Drop-in coffee morning today at the hall 11am-12.30pm.
CARPET BOWLS – At the hall this evening 7.30pm start. For more info call Richard on 01544 267508.
FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents Saving Grace (15), 7.30pm at the hall. £5 on the door.
LINGEN HISTORY GROUP – Presents the first of two illustrated talks by Duncan James on the Historic Houses of Lingen, Monday at 7.30pm, Lingen Village Hall, £4.50. Call 01544 260865.
LINGEN GARDENING CLUB – Tuesday, 7.30pm Gardens of Italy by Helena Attlee, £3 visitors.
GUNS AND ROSES COUNTRY FASHION SHOW – Dress to kill and thrill. October 17, 7.30pm (for 8pm)-1am £12.50 includes light supper. In aid of Lingen Village Hall. Contact Claire 01568 770472.
BRIDGE EVENING – November 12, 6.30pm at the hall in aid of the Samaritans with light supper, call Mary 01544 267202.
STEERING GROUP – Meeting for the Neighbourhood Development Plan at 7.30pm on Wednesday in the Community Centre.
Mathon
MATHON CHURCH – Mathon’s 11th century church provided a beautiful setting and acoustics for a performance on September 20, by the Worcestershire Saxophone Ensemble’s Quartet led by Louisa Davidson on Soprano, with Jackie Harris on Alto, Kate Moroni on Tenor and Sue Sneath on Baritone.
The programme included Hungarian Dances by Farkas (1959), and Premier Quatuor op53 by Singelée (1857), as well as works by four modern UK composers.
The 86 people who attended all enjoyed the friendly evening very much, including a free glass of wine in the interval. Closing the event the rector, Robert Ward thanked everyone for coming and the players for their brilliant and stimulating work. Net proceeds of £600 went to the Church Fabric Fund.
Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne
HARVEST SUPPER – There will be a harvest service at Much Cowarne Church from 6pm on October 10, followed by a fish and chips supper in Burley Gate village hall from 7.15pm. Tickets, at just £7.50, are available from Jill on 01432 820264. There will be a licensed bar.
Presteigne
100 CLUB – The football club are holding their 100 club draw in the clubhouse after Friday night’s home fixture against Talgarth.
The draw will take place at about 9.30pm and everyone is most welcome. Kick off is 7.30pm.
ARTS AND CRAFTS – The monthly arts and crafts will be held at The Assembly Rooms this Saturday from 9.30am-3.30pm. All the usual local stalls will be there and refreshments will be available. For further details call Rosamund on 260777.
MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR – The Village Quire and Phil Smith will perform Precious Bane, Mary Webb’s story of true love and ambitions in words and music in New Radnor community centre on October 11, at 7.30pm.
Admission is £8 for adults and £3 for under 14s. For further details call 231732.
SERVICES – This Sunday there will be services of Holy Communion at St Andrew’s Church at 8am, Lingen at 9.30am and Knill, also at 9.30am and a harvest thanksgiving service at St Andrew’s at 11am.
VACCINATIONS – There is still time to get a flu vaccination from Presteigne Surgery on Wednesday from 4-6pm. There is no need to make an appointment; just turn up. For further details call the surgery on 267985 on Saturday evening at 7.30pm.
TEARGAS AND TULIPS – Hortus editor David Wheeler talks about his wanderings in search of gardens among Istanbul’s sprawling population of 15 million at St Andrew’s Church hall on Saturday at 7.30pm. Admission is £5 at the door. For further details call David Hiam on 01547 560246 or email davidhiam@aol.com.
MARKET – The monthly farmers’ market takes place on Saturday at The Memorial Hall from 9am- 1pm. This month the market will be joined by the apple fair. You can come along and taste and buy different varieties along with drying and pressing apples. Please bring your own apples and a sterilised bottle to take your juice home.
BINGO – The Bowling Club would like to give you notice of their Christmas bingo at the Memorial Hall on November 15, 22 and 29 and December 6.
FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Saving Grace (15), Lingen Village Hall on Friday evening at 7.30pm.
Admission will be £5 at the door.
For further details visit www.lingen.org.uk.
VINTAGE CARS – The VSCC Welsh Trial and Rally will be celebrating their 75th anniversary of the Welsh weekend on October 11-12. For further details call 01608 644777 or visit www.vscc.co.uk or info@vscc.co.uk.
CHI GONG – The ancient form of exercise from China Chi Gong classes, Tuesday afternoons at The Youth Centre in Hereford Street from 2-3.30pm. Call 267922.
FAMILY PHOTOS – Would you like to have a family photograph taken by a professional photographer? If so, there are two sessions being held at The Scout Hut on October 11 and 18 from 10.30am.
Photographer Sandra Williams will take any photos you require.
Appointments are needed and can be booked by calling Kelly on 260036 or Kim on 260543.
DRIVERS REQUIRED – Presteigne and Norton Community Support require volunteer drivers. Can you spare a few hours a week to help? If so, call 267961.
PRESTEIGNE SCREEN – Presents The Past (Le Passe) (12) at The Assembly Rooms on October 10 at 8pm. Admission is £4.50 for adults and £3 for students. For further details call Pete on 370202 or Alex on 260577.
Ross-on-Wye
HEARTSTART – Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Tudorville Community Centre, Ross-on-Wye on October 10, 7-9pm.
Call Shari Vandervelde at the centre on 07510 430583.
HEARTSTART – Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Shobdon Primary School on October 13, 7-9pm. Book on 01568 708386.
Staunton-on-Wye
HEARTSTART – Free two hour Heartstart Course (CPR etc) at Staunton on Wye Village Hall October 16, 7-9pm. Call Barbara Arthur on 01981 500 567 or email prarthur42@btinternet.com.
Stoke Lacy
BREAKFAST EVENT – Stoke Lacy and District Community Power will be holding an energy breakfast and apple juicing event at the village hall from 9.30amnoon on October 11.
Wellington
PARISH COUNCIL – Next meeting of Wellington Parish Council will be tonight at 7.30pm at the community centre. The agenda will include acceptance of the Community Led Parish Plan by the Parish Council.
Wigmore
ZUMBA – Fitness from October 13, 7.30-8.30pm, Wigmore Village hall. Contact Mandy 01544 387958 or mandys.mail@virgin.net.
Withington
FILMS FIZZ FOOD – On October 11, in Withington Village Hall, 7.30pm. An evening of nostalgic archive film, looking back over 100 years of Herefordshire, and Herefordshire Railway Byways, two supper courses and a complimentary glass of fizz for £12 pre- booked and children under 12 at £5. Telephone 01432 850074.
Proceeds go to St Peter’s Church.
Breinton Ringcraft Society
THE match on September 17, was judged by Ruth Jones (Wyeafon) and she selected Gillian Watts Catley’s lhasa apso – Chancins Go for the Money for Zanamop for Best Puppy in Match. Reserve Best Puppy was Carolyne Scott’s miniature smooth haired dachshund – Wolferlow Mary Quant. Best Veteran was Lorraine Carter’s lhasa apso – Vowchurch The Wonder of You. Best Adult and Best in Match was Carolyne Scott’s miniature smooth haired dachshund – Wolferlow Anthea and Reserve Best Adult was Ann McGuigan’s Chinese crested – Annamac Fairy Tail. At Kington Open Show Jeanette Shepherd’s golden retriever – Beaujean Ambassador was Reserve Best of Breed and won the AV Crufts Qualified class.
Congratulations to Kathy George who is currently Top Breeder of Glen of Imaal Terriers and Romainville Jazz Man is Top Puppy . The next match will be on October 15. Ringcraft is held every Wednesday at Stretton Sugwas Village Hall 7.45pm - 9pm. Contact Anthony Brooks 07776 150 212, loofahsa@hotmail.co.uk or Jeanette Shepherd 01544 327 117 or www.
breintonringcraft.co.uk.
Bromyard and District Local History Society
THE next talk for the Bromyard and District Local History Society winter series, at the Conquest Theatre Bromyard on Wednesday at 7.30pm, is by local historian Pamela Hurle, who will be talking about Malvern Women of Note, the subject of her latest book. Pamela has highlighted the major contribution made by some of Malvern’s women to the social, economic and cultural life of Malvern and, in some cases, much further afield.
For example, aristocratic ladies (such as Lady Lyttelton, Lady Foley and Lady Howard do Walden, whose names still survive in buildings and paths around the town) had a marked influence on Malvern’s development, while women in quite different walks of life (donkey women, boarding house keepers and pioneer head mistresses) helped to build and sustain the economy of the town.
Others, such as writer Elizabeth Barrett Browning, painter Dame Laura Knight and singer Jenny Lind, who all spent significant parts of their lives in and around Malvern, achieved worldwide fame for their cultural achievements.
Members free, non-members £3, all welcome.
Cercle Francais de Hereford
CERCLE Francais de Hereford is a club that presents talks by French speakers in French on the subjects covering French history, current affairs and arts. The guest speakers are recommended and supported by the French government. The 2014-2015 programme and further details are at Cercle Francais de Hereford’s website, www.herefordfrenchcircle.org.uk.
City of Hereford Twinning Association
NEARLY 30 members of the City of Hereford Twinning Association recently visited the French twin town of Vierzon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter between the two towns. The signing in Vierzon took place on September 3, and Jean Rousseau who had signed the charter on behalf of Vierzon was at the town hall to welcome the visitors on their arrival. The chairman of the Hereford Twinning Association, Geoff Rawcliffe in his reply, referred to the many friendships which had been set up between people of the two countries and hoped that these and more in the future would continue for a long time to come.
Members of the association were hosted in their homes by members of the Vierzon Twinning Association and members of Les Berriauds, a folk group who have entertained in Hereford several times. During the stay, visits were made to La Borne, an area famous for its pottery and has one of the largest collections in France, and to the chateau at Menaton-Salon which is the home of the Prince and Princess d’Arenburg. The chateau also has a large display of vintage cars, a fully fitted tack room and a huge library. On their departure, thanks were expressed to Joel Roblin president of the Vierzon Twinning Association and Benedicte Roblin president of Les Berriauds and their members for their hospitality and warm welcome. Geoff Rawcliffe invited them to visit Hereford next year.
Hereford Guild of Guides
KNOW Your City is a course of 10 lectures (each 90 minutes) on Monday mornings for £48. Last chance to book your place now.
Opportunity to train to become a voluntary city tourist guide afterwards if desired. More details at www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk.
Guided walks of Hereford City weekdays at 11.30am, on Sundays at 2.30pm; ghost walks on Wednesdays at 7.15pm. All walks start from the main entrance to the cathedral and take place every day until the end of October. They last about 90 minutes and cost £4 per adult; £1 per child aged six to 12.
Tickets from Cathedral Shop when open, otherwise from the guide.
Booked walks for groups by arrangement at www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk.
Huntington - Hereford WI
AT THEIR August meeting Huntington-Hereford WI were given a talk by Joy Burnett and Gail Harding who own a herd of 27 alpacas at their farm near Bromyard. With a life span of 20-22 years there are 22 different colours of the animal, producing beautiful shades of wool that is spun to either knit or make into a felt like fabric, this is very different to a sheep’s fleece because the wool contains no lanolin.
Alpaca can not be herded like sheep or cattle but will follow you if trained to do so. The animals do not spit as most people assume, and to communicate they hum to each other, especially if stressed.
They are shorn once a year and the fleece is cut in one piece. Their toes are soft pads and they have their nails clipped every few months. Pregnancy lasts 11 and a half months and for some reason they like to give birth in their manure heap. Alpaca’s are now in the food chain as the meat is found to be low in cholesterol. It was a very enjoyable meeting with these two women who were very entertaining and had members in fits of laughter at some of the alpacas antics.
Then in September the members were enthralled with a talk and film slides given by Mr John Mayo- Evans a local businessman and a sub aqua diver, who has been diving for over 45 years. A past chairman of the Hereford Sub-Aqua Club he is still a very active member. In his spare time he takes part in underwater salvage all over the world. He has been involved in many dives down to the Titanic and also to the Carpathian and gave a marvellous insight to that dark world two and a half miles down below the waves with his film clips and stories of treasures found. Nothing is allowed to be taken from the Titanic but there are three areas where the divers are allowed to salvage, he showed the members part of a rust-icicle as the divers call it that forms around the site of the ships, which crumbles now if touched. The luggage and personal items of the crew and passengers is still there and a law was passed that it remains so. He said a two-month expedition trip costs a company many millions of pounds.
The WI welcome, we are a city WI and meet on the second Thursday of the month at 1.45pm, St Johns Methodist Church Hall, St Owens Street. For more information contact the secretary Brenda Drake on 01432/356653.
Longtown and District Historical Society
FIVE thousand years ago the top of Dorstone Hill was a popular spot with Neolithic people. Three of their large halls have been found there, in excavations led by Dr Keith Ray and Professor Julian Thomas. They appear to have been deliberately burned and covered with earth. Dr Ray will be explaining the significance of the discoveries at the next meeting of the society at Longtown Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday. Membership costs £10 and guest admission is £3.
National Council of Women
THE Rt Rev Anthony Priddis read natural sciences at Cambridge so when he came to speak to NCW members in Hereford, because of his scientific background he was able to make a complex subject both easy to understand and inspiring.
He spoke to members of the need for a reliable source of power for the UK.
Wind, solar, wave and hydro are all admirably green but cannot themselves provide a consistent supply.
Coal-fired power stations pollute; UK nuclear power stations are nearing the end of their life and – more importantly – leave behind the waste product plutonium which is dangerous and needs careful and expensive disposal.
Back in the 1960s, scientists in America researched Molten Salt Reactors, using thorium, as a form of nuclear power. This proved very satisfactory, and was much safer than the existing forms of nuclear fission.
At that time, though, when it seemed that the world was on the brink of nuclear war, residual uranium was used to fuel nuclear submarines and nuclear warheads (as it still is) and the military advisors to the White House deemed it essential that the existing power stations be kept, so the MSRs were discontinued.
Thorium is a naturally occurring and common element (It was used in gas-light fittings in Victorian times). It does not need deep mining; it is already being used in Norway, China, Australia and India and some other countries.
Britain, sadly, is lagging behind.
Thorium is a stable element, much safer than uranium as a nuclear fuel and could not explode into the atmosphere as happened with, for example, Chernobyl. Should there be an escape from the reactor, thorium would simply sit harmlessly on the ground.
One ton of thorium can produce as much energy as 3.2 million tons of coal, and, when the reactor is up and running, it emits almost no CO2. A very positive point when the country is committed to reducing its carbon emissions.
An important advantage of using thorium in a Molten Salt Reactor is that plutonium can be used as a fuel with it. Thus we would use our “spare” plutonium and save ourselves the anxiety and expense of storing it in safety.
The MSRs can be built in a relatively small and compact form – they could be housed in our exiting power stations, or sited near to villages and towns, and a number of small units could be “stacked” to provide larger cities with power.
The Hereford Branch of NCW is proposing a resolution at its national conference in October, urging government to re-instate research in the use of thorium as a nuclear fuel.
It is understandable, and well recognised, that any government will be reluctant to commit money to a project which may come to fruition in a future when it could be not in power to take the credit.
Successive governments have had to spend millions of pounds in making safe our nuclear plants and the residue therefrom.
Bishop Anthony referred to Monday, August 11, in when the tail end of Hurricane Bertha hit the UK. The wind turbines in the north had to be switched off because they were firing so much power down the lines that the power-lines were at risk. Subsequently there was insufficient power for that area, and another provider stepped into the breach.
Government had to compensate the wind farm with £2.8 million for loss of income and also pay the other provider £1.1 million for the energy they supplied. It would surely be better that these millions be put to working towards an equally green, more reliable, and safe, source of nuclear power.
The Bishop was thanked for his illuminating talk and his time, and we were grateful, too, to Nigel Jefferies from the Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust who brought suitable equipment for the lecture.
NCW is a non-party political organisation, open to all women to express their views and make reasoned representations to government and to, or on behalf of, other organisations. Go to www. ncwgb.org or call Janet Moult on 01432 264366.
The next speaker meeting is on October 10, at 2pm in Hampton Bishop Village Hall when members shall learn about the work of the Baptist Church in Hereford.
Ross Rotary Club
FOR her recent talk to Ross Rotary Club, Fiona Browne brought along Grace, her 11-week-old bantam hen, together with our youngest visitor ever, a seven-day-old chick.
Fiona gave a fascinating insight about how eggs are formed in the hen, what determines the colour of the egg and how the eggs have to be nurtured (gently turned one way and then back, as the hen would) in the incubator.
She informed us that the chick has to form the correct way up in the egg to allow it access to the pocket of air in the blunt end of the egg when it is ready to break out. She also showed a range of Brinsea incubators and candling equipment that can be used by enthusiasts who want to hatch anything from a few eggs to a few hundred eggs, explaining how they work.
Ross Rotary Club meets every Monday evening at 6.30pm for 7pm at the Chase Hotel, visit www.rossrotary.com.
South Herefordshire Cottage Garden Society
MEMBERS are looking forward to the October meeting when Bob Brown of Cotswold Garden Flowers is coming to talk about a Bucket of Stuff and is also bringing lots of his stuff to sell. He is a very entertaining and knowledgeable speaker who writes for Gardening Which. The meeting will be at Bishopswood Village Hall at 2pm on Saturday.
Organisers hope that lots of gardening enthusiasts will join in for an enjoyable afternoon.
Tea and biscuits are included in the £5 entrance fee.
This month the members enjoyed a special coach trip to the RHS Garden at Wisley.
They were blessed with a beautiful sunny day in which to enjoy the spectacular gardens.
The annual programme always includes visits to special gardens interspersed with interesting hall meetings. Ring Tinker Parsons at 01989 561050 or visit the website at www.cgssh.org.uk.
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