Allensmore

NOVEMBER DRAW - Winners of the Allensmore Church 100 club draw are 1st 22 Doris Mattey, 2nd 68 Andrew Probert, 3rd 7 Jo Winney, 4th 94 Gwynne Davies.

Almeley

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents The Grand Budapest Hotel (15) in Almeley village hall on Thursday, November 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets £4. Ample parking, cabaret seating, bar available, doors open at 7pm.

COFFEE MORNING – Courtesy of John and Margaret Hope, will be held in aid of Marie Cure Cancer Care, on November 29 at Sunnybank Farm, Woonton from 10.30am till noon. Please come and support the charity.

Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls

RACE NIGHT - In the parish hall on Saturday. The first race starts at 7.30pm and there will be a total of nine races. There will be a licensed bar. Admission will be £5 (including race card and light refreshments).

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - The next meeting of Aymestrey parish council will take place on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

NATURE TRUST - Aymestrey Branch of the Nature Trust will meet next Thursday, November 27, at 7.30pm in the parish hall when Peter Boardman will give a talk on Crane flies.

CHURCH - On November 30, at 6.30pm there will be a Benefice Advent Carol Service at Kingsland.

Bishop’s Frome

CHRISTMAS FAIR - Get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start with a visit to the Christmas craft fair at Bishop’s Frome Village Hall on Sunday.

The fair starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm. There will be tea, coffee and soft drinks available all day and freshly cooked pork will be made into hot pork rolls for lunch.

The range of crafts available from the stalls booked so far are: fabric boxes and knitted items, Christmas cakes, preserves, cards and wrapping paper, wildlife photos and canvas prints, metal work designs and original paintings, wooden signs and memo boards, knitted dolls clothes, hand made cards, silver and antique jewellery, scarves, unique hats, cup cakes and mince pies, painted furniture, willow work, tweed clothing and accessories, jewellery and glass, alpaca socks, pork pies and much more. Entry is £1 and all are welcome. If you have any queries, call Barbara Davies on 01886 880770.

Bishopstone

VILLAGE LOTTERY - Maureen Baker with number 1 won £25 on November 8.

VILLAGE WALK - On Saturday meet at The Bell Inn Tillington at 10am for a reasonably short walk through fields, lanes and orchards with only one stile.

It will be muddy in places, so please wear suitable footwear.

CRAFT FAIR - A Christmas craft fair to be held on November 29 at the New Bridge community centre from 10am until 2pm.

All in aid of the community centre funds.

Bishopswood

WI - There were 28 members at the November meeting of the Bishopswood WI. We opened the meeting as usual with Jerusalem, and this was then followed by our AGM. Our president, Ann Jones introduced our treasurer, Irene Mapp to present the financial report for the year. She was then followed by our secretary Cicely Symonds, and then Ann gave her report as president. It has been a successful year, with a small loss, which given the various extra expenditures we had, such as new tablecloths for functions etc was quite acceptable. Our overall financial status is still very good.

We have maintained a membership of 40 in total, which is very good given that our area is so small. We had had some very good speakers over the course of the year, and some very successful events, not least of which was the French evening on November 6 which was very well attended and much enjoyed by all, this was a joint fundraiser between the village hall and the WI. All the present committee members were thanked for their efforts and support, and there then was the task of electing, or re-electing committee members. Two of the present committee had announced their intention to step down, having both served several years. We had two new volunteers both of whom were duly elected, and the rest of the committee were re-elected on block. Ann announced that, having been the president for the last 11 years, it was her intention to step down next year, and would we please consider who might replace her, as in order for us to continue as an institute we must have a full committee. She then presented the ‘Joan Joseph Memorial Cup’ which is for the winner of the most competitions over the year.

This was won by Cynthia Hale.

The competition was won by Julie Eglinton, second was Sheila Trezona, followed by Su Jackson.

We then broke for tea, followed by a short business meeting. It being the AGM, there was no speaker this month, but the drama group had devised a silly quiz, which entertained us for the rest of the meeting, and provided much amusement as some of the correct answers were unbelievable.

The next meeting is on December 12 at 2.30pm. The speaker is Lena Dyche and the subject is ‘A Scandinavian Christmas’. All are welcome to attend. The meeting closed at 4.30pm.

Bodenham

CAFE AT THE CHAPEL - The Cafe at the Chapel in Chapel Lane will be open from 10.30am till 12 noon today and at the same time on Thursday, November 27. Visitors are welcome to stay for as long or as short a time as they wish, and it offers a superb opportunity for anyone wanting to call in for a cup of tea or coffee, etc, particularly at this time of year. There is no need to be lonely! No charge is made for refreshments though donations are always welcome and are given to a charity at the end of each year.

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

BODENHAM LEISURE CLUB - The club will meet in the Parish.

Hall from 2.30pm on Monday and will be given a presentation on ‘The art of quilting’ by Edith Bonham. She will also be showing some examples of her work. The presentation will be followed by a Christmas tea and raffle. The sales table will also be ‘open’ and members are encouraged to bring along contributions. The club’s Christmas lunch will be on December 8.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact Mrs Pugh at this meeting.

BODENHAM FLOOD PROTECTION GROUP – The next monthly meeting will be at the Siward James Centre on Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm. A public meeting and everyone is welcome.

BODENHAM CARERS GROUP – The Bodenham Carers Group will meet at the Siward James Centre from 2pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday, when Anita Harvey, a private nurse and foot care specialist, will be giving a presentation. It should be noted that if you care for a member of your family, a friend or a neighbour, then you are a carer.

Why not come to one of the regular meetings? Join in and find out more about Carer’s Support. There will be an information event at Hinton Community Hall from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday. If you would like to attend please call Helen Whitmore on 01432 356068 or email helenwhitmore@herefordshirecarers.co.uk TRAVELS WITH A CAMERA – The next Travels with a Camera session will be in the Chapel in Chapel Lane from 7.30pm through to 9.15pm on Wednesday and will feature ‘The Other Side of South America – West of the Andes’. It will be presented by Dick Morgan in aid of the Anita Goulden Trust, a UK charity which supports the Anita Goulden home for physically and mentally disabled children and young adults. The charity is the only body that currently helps children with disabilities in the north of Peru.

Admission is just £3. Further details from Dave or Jenny Hill on 01568 797531. The next session will be December 3 when the subject will be ‘A look back at 2014, part one’.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents The Book Thief (12A). Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Admission is just £4 (pay on the door) and refreshments will be available at the interval. The next film will be Saving Mr Banks (U), to be shown on December 12.

PARISH COUNCIL – Bodenham Parish Council will hold its last meeting of the current year in the Siward James Centre at 7.30pm on December 1. All residents welcome.

CHRISTMAS FAIR – Broadfield Court will be holding its Christmas fair on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm. The fair will include lots of ideas for Christmas gifts including ‘Living in a Tree’ crafts, cards, farm produce, mince pies and Christmas cakes, artisan chocolates, designer flip-flops, The Wonderful World of Chocolates, chutneys, jams and pickles, artisan breads, scarves, hats and bags, jewellery, and so on.

Carol singers will keep everyone entertained and get them into the festive spirit.

Entrance £3 per person, with under 12s free. The event is being organised in conjunction with Herefordshire Home-Start.

Bredwardine and Brobury

CHRISTMAS FAIR – The Bredwardine Christmas fair will be held on December 5, from 5pm to 7pm, at St Andrew’s Church. Come and enjoy this festive event which includes stalls of seasonal produce, Christmas gifts, nearly new items, plus competitions, mince pies and mulled wine. Proceeds to St Andrew’s Church.

COMMITTEE OF TASTE, THE PARSON AND THE PUBLICAN – will be held tomorrow at 7.30pm in Bredwardine and Brobury village hall. You are invited to join local authors Rev Ian Charlesworth and Richard Stockton in casual conversation. Adults £6, children £3.

Includes light supper.

Proceeds in aid of the Bredwardine and Brobury village hall’s improved access project. Contact Sarah Morgan on 01981 500155.

100 CLUB DRAW – The Friends of St Andrew 100 Club draw will take place on December 4, at 8pm, in the Red Lion Inn which will serve a curry buffet beforehand. Contact Jen Maddison on 01981 500048 for further information about the club.

100 CLUB TICKETS – Now is the time to renew your tickets for 2015 or buy one if you are not already in the 100 Club. Tickets cost £20 each and can be obtained from Jen Maddison. Contact her on 01981 500048 for details and further information about the club.

CORRESPONDENT – Kari Lawson on 01981 501077 or email karimlawson@me.com.

Bridge Sollars

BONUS BALL – Sylvia Jenkins won £25 with number 1 on November 8.

CHRISTMAS FAIR – The New Bridge Community Centre in Bridge Sollars will be holding a Christmas fair on November 29, from 10am to 2pm. A variety of local crafts will be on sale, including original Christmas presents, cakes, preserves and Christmas decorations. Refreshments and a raffle available. Admission free.

LOCAL HISTORY EVENING – On Thursday, November 27 there will be a touch of nostalgia in the air when Derek Foxton gives an illustrated talk about Hereford at the end of the Second World War. The talk begins at 7.30pm at the New Bridge Community Centre, admission £2 to include coffee and biscuits. Everyone welcome.

Brilley

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Meeting on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the village hall – all welcome.

Dilwyn

FILM – Dilwyn Flicks presents The Monuments Men (12A), tomorrow at the Cedar Hall at 7.30pm.

Adults £4, children £2. Own drinks may be brought, although there will be a short interval when tea and coffee will be served.

Eardisland

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Meeting today at 7.30pm in the village hall, all welcome. Eardisland Parish Council meeting on Thursday, November 27 at 7.30pm, all welcome to attend.

Eardisley

EARDISLEY LITTLE THEATRE – An evening of festive frolics.

Come and join us for plays, songs, sketches and variety acts to start your Christmas run-up. Our festive show takes place on November 27-29 in Eardisley village hall. Doors open at 7pm, performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 for adults and £3 for children are available from the village shop. There will also be refreshments and a bar.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY – Do come along on Tuesday from 2pm- 3.30pm when there will be new books from Hereford Library Service. Refreshments available.

FESTIVE SUPPER – This year the festive supper will be on December 12 in Eardisley village hall. Starting with a welcoming glass of sherry, the menu includes pies of all sorts plus puddings, cheese and coffee. To round off the evening Quebb Quire will be providing a musical miscellany.

In view of the success of last year’s supper, early booking is essential; call Heather Love on 327465 for tickets, £12 each. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7pm, bring your own bottle of wine, plus a couple of pounds to participate in the raffle in aid of Open Door.

Ewyas Harold

BINGO – Ewyas Harold Scout Group are holding a bingo on November 28, at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall. Doors open at 6pm. Eyes down at 6.30pm.

PILGRIM COURSE – Continues at the rectory tomorrow at 7pm.

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION – Maintenance work is needed to support wildlife on Ewyas Harold Common. A working party will be held on Saturday meeting at 10am at the northern end of the common adjacent to top cattle grid.

Come for as long time as you can, equipment will be provided.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – For the parishes of Abbeydore, Bacton, Ewyas Harold, Rowlestone, Dulas, Llancillo and Kentchurch.There will be a public meeting in the Memorial Hall on Saturday in the form of a drop-in from 2pm-6pm. Free mulled wine, mince pies and children’s activities – meeting Olaf from Frozen at 3.30pm, plus face painting, glitter tattoos, arts and crafts.

PANTOMIME – Box office now open 01981 570377 for this year’s Kilpeck pantomime, Cinderella, adults £4 children under-15 £2.

Fownhope

THEATRE – The Bare Bones Theatre Company has great pleasure in bringing Neil Simon’s witty, classic play The Prisoner of Second Avenue to the Memorial Hall on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5, available on the door or call 01981 540820.

Hereford

SINGING FOR THE BRAIN – Run by the Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia and their carers. enjoy singing and meet new people at our event. It is held at Hinton Church Hall on the first and third Monday of every month from 10.30am-noon. Donation only. Call Sarah on 01432 371137.

SERVICES FROM 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; 9.30am, Parish Eucharist at St Michael’s Church, Breinton; 11am, Parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 8am, Holy Communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 11am, Choral Communion at St Nicholas’ Church; 6.30pm, Evensong at St Nicholas’ Church.

Monday, 8.15am, Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church.

Tuesday, 8.15am, Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm, Low Mass at All Saints’ Church.

Wednesday, 8.15am, Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm, Low Mass at All Saints’ Church.

Thursday, November 27, 8.15am, Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church; 10am, Eucharist with hymn and address at Holy Trinity Church; 12.10pm, Low Mass at All Saints’ Church.

HVOSS AGM – A ‘vital’ local support charity service that has assisted more than 500 community and voluntary organisations, 300 young people, 1,200 volunteers and 600 community transport clients in the last year celebrated a successful AGM and Sustainable Funding Fair last week. HVOSS (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) chief executive, Will Lindesay outlined key achievements including training, information, network meetings and representational support to members and local groups in the areas of volunteering, health and social care support to around 70 AGM attendees.

Members and representatives heard that despite significant reductions in public sector funding facing HVOSS and the wider voluntary sector face, HVOSS remained, “committed to providing essential help and social infrastructure to local good causes”.

The meeting also heard that HVOSS has prioritised the need for further member representation in its future plans to ensure “the voice of the sector is heard”

with decision makers, including statutory bodies. The funding challenges of providing sustainable services in rural areas was also highlighted, a cause, amongst several others that HVOSS hopes to pursue following the appointment of Will Lindesay to the Board of NAVCA, the national voice for local voluntary and community action.

For further information about HVOSS contact Angela Higgleton, membership and communications officer on 01432 343932, email angela.higgleton@hvoss.org.uk or visit hvoss.org.uk.

HEARTSTART COURSE – Free two-hour Heartstart course (CPR etc) at Holmer Park Spa and Leisure, Hereford on December 9, 7pm to 9pm. Booking essential. To book herefordshireheartstart@ btconnect.com or call 0845 6060654.

AUTUMN CONCERT – The Hereford String Orchestra will be holding its autumn concert on November 29, from 7.30pm, in Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road. The programme will feature Schumann’s Cello Concerto with soloist Philip Handy, playing works by Tchaikovsky and Haydn. There will also be Rossini’s Overture, the Barber of Seville, Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, and Haydn’s Symphony no 104 (The London Symphony).

Led by Christine Lenton, we welcome back Thomas Payne as conductor, along with our regular woodwind and brass associate members. Tickets from The Outback on Church Street or call 01568 760633 or at the door.

BELL BANK CLUB – On a murky, rather chilly day in October, members enjoyed lunch at The Roast Ox Inn at Painscastle for a trip out for lunch. The harvest service and auction proved a very good afternoon and £70 was raised for club funds. It was quite a meeting with a difference when John and Lee Howarth of Peterchurch gave a very informative talk on keeping bees. He spoke of having 24 hives.

There are 27 different types of bumble bees and of course the queen is the most important. Jean and I were very honoured to lay the poppy wreath on behalf of members during the Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 9.

Dulcie and Anne have celebrated birthdays with cards, cake and singing. New treasurer John Price entertained one afternoon, showing photographs of scenes in and around Hay over the years.

The Bell Bank Club meet every Thursday from 2pm-4pm in the parish hall, Lion Street, Hay-on- Wye. Contact Eileen Bufton on 01497 820897.

HEREFORDSHIRE AND MARCHES ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL TRUST – Meetings are held in the Gardner Hall, Venns Lane. The next meeting is on Saturday, at 2.30pm. Followed by a talk by Maureen Schild on ‘The Foundling Hospital, Florence’. Admission £2 (including tea and coffee). Further details from Sheila Taylor on 01432 268243.

ANNUAL BAZAAR – Hereford Town Hall on November 29 at 10am. In aid of Hereford and District Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Huntington

FAREWELL – In early November, the well-known historian and lay reader, Geoffrey Treasure, who has been such a friend to the five churches of the Kington Parish, left the area to retire to Winchester.

Geoffrey Treasure, a former history and house master of Harrow, has spent many years giving history lessons to an avid following of local people which they much enjoyed. He also put hours into conducting religious services with thought-provoking sermons when the former vicar was unavailable. He has been a particular friend to the Huntington people and was especially close to the late Mrs Dorothy Jack, of Huntington Court.

A farewell party was given to him at Llanarrow, Huntington, when tributes were made to him for his services to the church, his history lessons and friends, from all over the Kington area. A photo montage was presented to him to remind him of his 40 years of life in the Huntington area.

Kilpeck

HARVEST AUCTION – Following the enormous success of last year’s newly reinstated traditional harvest auction at The Kilpeck Inn, by popular request, this fun and very entertaining event was held again earlier this month. The event raised more than £1,300 for the St Michael’s Hospice Redevelopment Appeal.

Once again, popular and amusing character, retired local businessman Peter Hill, conducted the auction and made sure that everyone was well entertained. Lots included tea for two at the House of Commons; dinner, bed and breakfast at the Kilpeck Inn; a signed and framed photograph of Jo Brand; an enormous frying pan; sacks of potatoes; joints of meat; trays of apples and a magnificent Victoria sponge baked by local Kilpeck farmer Tony Manning, worthy of any Great British Bake Off episode. The St Michael’s Hospice Redevelopment Appeal team are extremely grateful to The Kilpeck Inn.

Kimbolton

COFFEE MORNING – Coffee and cookies morning, November 29 at Kimbolton village hall, 10.30am- 12.30pm. Stalls include homemade cakes, bread, jam and chutney; semi-precious jewellery; books; cards; felt-work; Christmas decorations and so on. Free entry.

Presented by Hamnish Gardening Club. Contact 01568 613614.

Kingsland

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS – On November 29 and 30, a Festival of Christmas is being held in Kingsland church, when the church will be beautifully decorated and various stall-holders exhibiting wares suitable for Christmas and for gifts.

Entertainment will also be held in the form of a harpist, local children performing and singing.

This event will take place, from 10am to 4pm, each day.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Are being switched on at Gable Croft North Road on Saturday at 5pm in aid of air ambulance.

KINGSLAND METHODIST CHURCH –Christmas tree festival, November 29, 10am to 3.30pm, soup and rolls, tea and coffee available admission £1. Children free, cake and gift stalls.

MUSIC – Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, at Kingsland Coronation Hall, HR6 9QS,on December 4, at 7.30pm. Enjoy skewed Texas swing, gypsy jazz and humorous county blues from what BBC Radio 2’s Huey Morgan describes as “one hot band”.

Tickets £12 for adults, £5 for under 18s available from Kingsland Post Office or 01568 709579. Proceeds for restoration and improvement of Kingsland Church.

CHRISTMAS BINGO – Kingsland Bowls Club will be holding their Christmas bingo on December 3 at The Coronation Hall, Kingsland.

Eyes down 7.30pm. All welcome.

Kingstone

PRIZE BINGO – In Kingstone village hall tomorrow at 8pm in aid of Senior Citizens.

KINGSTONE COMMUNITY CHOIR – The members of this choir are from Kingstone and the surrounding villages which formed in 2011, since which time they have supported concerts staged by the Kingstone Academy in the Shirehall, Hereford Cathedral and at the school. Last year they arranged a concert in their own right in Dore Abbey which was a sell out and a summer concert at the school this July. On November 30, they are performing in Trinity Church at 7.15pm, with a professional orchestra and guest appearances from students from Kingstone Academy. The programme covers a wide variety of songs to entertain, conducted by Matt Hunt the musical director, and ably assisted by Gill Haslam. Tickets are available from Kingstone Academy finance office and from choir members £8 for adults and £5 for under-16s, contact can also be made with Maggie Lloyd 01981 250536. The choir meets on Thursday evenings at Kingstone Academy during term time from 7pm-8.30pm. New members are welcome. Email: mhunt@kingstoneacademy.co.uk.

Kington

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY – The next meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall, Headbrook, Kington HR5 3DY. The speaker is Paul Hand on the subject of bumblebees. Visitors welcome, £2.50.

KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD – December 6, 9.30am to 3pm. The tenth anniversary of Kington Festive Food event. Attractions are 65 high-class stands displaying the best of local produce.

There will be a glass engraved pint tankard kindly given by Club Sport for the Real Ale Challenge, a superb Valentino celebration cheese cake prize for the grate cheese-tasting competition, a grand Christmas draw, street music and festive choirs and Father Christmas.

Kington, a small market town on the Welsh border, supports National Small Business Day, so come and see Kington’s small businesses both in the High Street and at the food festival. This is a free event and lots of free parking. Kington Chamber of Trade’s day for Kington. Enquiries mppeek@btinternet.com, 01544 231202.

COFFEE MORNING – Save The Children coffee morning tomorrow 10am-noon, at Markwick Hall. £1.50 to include coffee and biscuits. Raffle, cakes and bric-a- brac.

Kinnersley

CHRISTMAS FAIR – The Kinnersley Church Christmas fair to be held once again in Kinnersley Castle, is scheduled for Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an early dose of Christmas spirit, visit our huge cake and jam stall, and other stalls of interest (raffles, crafts, tombola, books, lovely gifts and bric-a-brac). Have a warm drink and a mince pie or lunch by the inviting fire in the Great Hall, and above all, mark your diary right away. Free admission and plenty of parking.

Knighton

KNIGHTON AND DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB – Last month was another busy one as we rapidly approach Christmas. We enjoyed our two meetings in Knighton and we were then pleased to welcome Roger Cross from Disability Powys as a speaker at our venue in Bucknell, the Baron. Roger’s inspiring talk confirmed that our support for this charity is very worthwhile.

At our most recent meeting we agreed that, as the festive season approaches, we would support the elderly members of the Knighton Luncheon Club during their Christmas lunch.

We also decided that the beneficiaries of our annual Christmas Collection would be St Michaels Hospice and the Knighton Food Bank, both of which support our local community.

In addition we felt that to best support the Ebola eradication programme we would make contact with a local Rotary Club in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This will allow us to know exactly what happens to our donated money, showing the benefits of the international nature of Rotary.

Why not find out more about us at knighton.rotary1150.org. If you want to enjoy the company of like-minded people, as well as possibly get involved in what we do, come along to any of our Wednesday meetings. For more details contact Norman Thorp on 01547 529666 or Cathy Jones on 07813 733240, email cathleenj2001@yahoo.co.uk.

MACMILLAN CHRISTMAS FAIR – The Knighton Macmillan support group will be holding its Christmas fair on Saturday at 2.30pm. Father Christmas will make his first visit to the town and there will be a raffle, white elephant stall, tombola, Christmas cards and gifts, face- painting, cakes, refreshments and more. Adults £1, children free.

CHURCH SERVICES – For Sunday, St Edward’s Church, Knighton 9.30am; St David’s Church, Whitton 9.30am; St Andrew’s Church, Norton 11am; Knighton Baptist Church 11am; Knucklas Baptist Church 6pm; Knighton Methodist Church, 11am; Knighton Catholic Church 11am.

KNIGHTON AND DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY – The next concert of the Knighton and district concert society will be on Sunday at 3pm in the church hall, Knighton with The Aquillo Reed Trio. The group comprises Helen Clinton (oboe), Richard Ion (bassoon) and Harry Michalas (clarinet), and were formed in 2011 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. They have given concerts in the UK and abroad. For more information, contact 01547 520756.

Lingen

WHIST DRIVE – Tuesday, play starts at 8pm in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. For any further information please phone Joyce on 01568 770349 or visit lingen.org.uk.

Mansel Lacy

LACY LADIES – The next meeting of Lacy Ladies will be today at 7.30pm in the community centre.

John Macklin will be giving a talk entitled The History of the New Weir and its Occupants. This is an open meeting. For details contact Joyce Lewis on 01981 590638.

CHRISTMAS MARKET – The market will be in the grounds of Mansel Lacy Church on Saturday from 6pm. Enjoy the barbecue and mulled wine, the white elephant and Christmas gifts stalls, plus the tombola and human fruit machine. Bring the children to Santa’s Grotto and the sideshows.

Marden

PAMPER EVENING – Christmas fair/pamper evening in aid of Breast Cancer Haven, and Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue, at Marden community centre, tomorrow, 6.30pm to 9pm.

£10 entry fee. Stalls selling Christmas goodies, plus beauty therapies, nail technicians, spray tan booth, crafts, accessories, chocolates, cakes, jams and more.

Contact Emma Caldwell on 07971 009691.

QUIZ NIGHT – There will be a quiz night for Marden Church on November 22 at Marden Community Hall. Starts 7pm.

Teams of four or six, £2.50 per person. Light refreshments. To book a table or team call Jess on 01568 797227.

MARDEN CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – November 29. Opens at 2pm in the Community Hall.

Tombola, homemade cakes, pies and jams, bric-a-brac, toys, books, gifts and games for all the family.

Michaelchurch Escley

QUIZ NIGHT – Escley and District Sports Federation is holding a quiz night on Saturday at The Pavilion from 7.30pm. £10 per team of up to four people. Supper available, bar, raffle.

Mordiford

200 CLUB DRAW – The Church 200 Club Draw took place on November 1 at 10am. Thank you to Marjorie Shackleton for hosting the event. Results were as follows. First, no 222 Mike and Marge Pearce £90, second, no 214 Robin Hooper £60, third no 102 Pippa Wheeler £30, fourth no 4 Annie Barrell £15. The December draw will take place at Randy Langford’s on December 1 at 6.30pm. The final result from the autumn coffee morning was £274.50. Thanks to everyone who helped or contributed.

Much Birch

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Family matinee this Saturday of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG) at Much Birch Community Hall.

Adults £4, under 16s £3, family ticket for four £12. Doors open 2pm for refreshments, film starts 2.30pm.Tickets available on the door or in advance, please phone Bryony on 01981 580298.

Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne

FASHION SHOW AND CLOTHES SALE – Tomorrow there will be a ladies and children’s fundraising fashion show and clothes sale at the Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy starting from 6.30pm. Admission £5.

Money raised will be in aid of the Burley Gate Pre-School, and staff there are in charge of selling tickets. The sale will include half price surplus stock from a number of high street stores.

THE BURLEY GATE SHOP/POST OFFICE – To update residents on the progress of the bid to save the Burley Gate Shop/Post Office there will be two information meetings at the hall on Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon. Anyone with an interest in the shop is invited to attend and to bear in mind that money will inevitably be required and the shop steering committee is looking at grants from various sources, including issuing shares, and encouraging residents to make loans and to claim back tax on the amounts they’ve paid. It is hoped that there will be a temporary structure in the village hall car park as from July 2015.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH – The Burley Gate village hall committee has organised a Christmas lunch and grand draw, taking place on December 14 in the hall, with doors opening at 12.30pm for a 1pm start. Tickets are now available from Jo Monkley on 01432 820130 or via jomonkley@btinternet.com. The event is normally a sell-out so early booking is strongly recommended.

Orcop

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – The Orcop Christmas bazaar this year will be held on November 29 in the parish hall. All proceeds will go to the maintenance of the hall.

Entry free to buyers, all welcome.

The hall has good parking, disabled access and light refreshments will be available. Stalls this year include brick-a-brac, raffles, tombola, books, home made dog and cat treats, preserves and cakes, games, book signing by two local authors.

Pencombe

CHRISTMAS FAIR – Pencombe Under Fives are holding a Christmas fair at Pencombe and Little Cowarne village hall on November 29, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Visit Father Christmas in his grotto, various stalls, fun and games, prize draw, refreshments.

For further details or to book a stall, please contact Helen Smith on 07811 385423.

Peterchurch

HEARTSTART COURSE – Free two-hour Heartstart course (CPR etc) at St Peter’s Centre, Peterchurch. November 28, 10.30am-12.30pm. Booking essential, call Jenny Lewis at the centre on 01981 550372 or email jenny.

lewis@stpeterscentre.org.

Presteigne

SHOPPING EVENING – The Christmas shopping evening in memory of the late Claire Barlow will take place this Friday at The Royal British Legion Club from 7pm. There will be loads going on including stalls of gifts, cards, candles and cakes along with a tombola, raffle, auction, nail painting and refreshments, plus lots more. All proceeds will be donated to Presteigne First Responders and Hereford-based premature baby charity Indie’s Gift. There is still time to donate any goods to the evening. Please call Elaine Barlow on 267115.

BINGO – The second of four annual bingo sessions in aid of the bowling club will take place this Saturday at the Memorial Hall with eyes down at 7.45pm.

Doors will open at 6.30pm. There will be many prizes including cash, high street vouchers and a bike. Please arrive early as this will be busy.

PICKLED ONIONS – The annual picked onion competition for The Gwynne Price Memorial Cup will take place at The Royal Oak on Thursday, November 27, from 7.30pm. All entries of three pickled onions costing £1 per go must be at The Royal Oak by 7pm. This year’s judges are Estyn Bufton, Haydn Price and Brian Sankey.

There will be a raffle on the night.

All proceeds will go to Knighton Hospital League of Friends.

TALK – Tony Lawson will be giving a talk ‘A view from the cutting edge’ about his experiences behind the scenes on films that lead to the final cut at The Assembly Rooms this Sunday at 3pm. Admission, £7 at the door.

MUSIC – The band Temperance Hall will be performing at the football club on November 29 from 7.30pm.

LLANANDRAS FAIR – This year’s Llanandras Fair organised by Presteigne and Norton Chamber of Trade and Commerce will take place on December 5 in the high street, from 4pm. Please note the High Street will be closed for the afternoon and evening until 8pm. Visit presteigne.org.uk RADAR KEYS – Are you disabled and in need of a radar key to open many public disabled toilets in the UK? If so, there are a number of keys available to buy from Presteigne and Norton Community Support office in Hereford Street at a cost of £2.

Call in at the office for details.

STAY AND PLAY – Play Radnor invite you to stay and play sessions for 0-4 year olds at The Youth Centre in Hereford Street on Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm-3pm. The cost will be £1.50 for 0-1 year olds, £3 for the first 1-4 year olds and £1 for each other family child. Tea/coffee and a snack will be included. Contact 01597 827929 or email admin@ playradnor.org.uk BINGO – The cricket club Christmas bingo will take place on December 4 at The Royal British Legion Club at 8pm. There will be many fantastic prizes including £50 for the last ‘quickie’ ticket.

SERVICES – There will be services of Holy Communion this Sunday starting at Kinsham at 9.30am and St Andrew’s at 11am.

OPERA SEASON – The Opera Films season at Lingen village hall has been cancelled due to ill health. Thank you to everyone who has supported these events.

St Michael’s Church, Lingen and Glyndebourne touring opera have all benefited from your support.

CHRISTMAS FAIR – The St Andrew’s Church Christmas fair will take place at the Memorial Hall on November 29 from 11am- 1pm. There will be gifts, books, cakes, bottles, bric-a-brac and plants stalls along with a tombola, raffle, whisky draw plus lots more. Proceeds to church funds.

WHIST DRIVE – At Lingen village hall on Tuesday from 8pm.

Proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice.

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN – The film Blue Ruin (15) will be shown at The Assembly Rooms this Friday at 8pm. Admission is £4.50 for adults and £3 for students. Call Alex on 260577 or Pete on 370202 or for future films visit presteignescreen.org.uk DRIVERS REQUIRED – Presteigne and Norton Community Support are in need of volunteer drivers. If you can help, call in to the office in Hereford Street or call 267961.

BALLADEERS AND CHANCERS – There is a Balladeers and Chancers session at The Dukes Arms on Thursday, November 27, from 8.30pm. If you are a new, aspiring or experienced musician you are welcome to perform. For a slot, call 07837 944090.

Radnorshire

THE RADNORSHIRE SOCIETY – The AGM took place at the Hotel Metropole, Llandrindod Wells on November 8. Thirty-five members were in attendance and the meeting was led by the society’s president, Robin Gibson-Watt. Tea was taken at 4pm, after which copies of a 2015 calendar were on sale.

The photographs for the calendar were taken by Chris Musson, author of Radnorshire from Above. The afternoon continued with a public lecture by Dr Marion Loeffler, who works in the department of Celtic studies at Aberystwyth University. Dr Loeffler spoke about ‘Radnorshire and newspapers before 1815’. She showed that Wales had no newspaper of its own before 1800, with the Chester Chronicle, Shrewsbury Chronicle and Hereford Journal providing news items of relevance to Wales. In 1804, the first Welsh newspaper, The Cambrian was published. Dr Loeffler showed how newspapers can be useful for historians, and others, in their research.

The Cambrian is the only one of the above named newspapers that is online and therefore is the most accessible. It was shown that it is not only news items that can be of interest to historians, but also, somewhat surprisingly, adverts.

Dr Loeffler was introduced by Anne Goodwin of Walton, near Presteigne, a vice-president of the society, and the vote of thanks was given by Ruth Jones, of Kinnerton, near Presteigne, also a vice-president.

Ross-on-Wye

VAGA PROBUS CLUB – At the November 11 meeting, there was a talk by Dr Keith Ray on the archaeological history of Dorstone. A distinguished archaeologist, Dr Keith Ray was previously the Herefordshire county archaeologist now representing Nexus Heritage.

Dr Ray commenced his talk by throwing new light on the existence of earlier Neolithic people in Britain from approximately 3,500BC to 4,000BC and that of the Bronze Age 2,400BC to 1,800BC.

He reported on his findings in Herefordshire’s Dorstone Hill area, around 2011/12 where his excavations/digs brought to light the existence of an earlier Neolithic promontory where excavations revealed pit holes previously containing large support poles used as the main support structure. This excavation also revealed funeral chambers/pottery cattle and stone axes remains. He illustrated this with his pictures of Dorstone showing evidence of hilltop enclosures/ aerial views and maps where entrances are believed may exist.

We shall await the results of further digs.

In 2013 the excavation was extended and archaeological detective work together with new scientific methods, especially dating techniques, came to the conclusion that ‘burnt clay core’ was in fact the remains of a burnt down aisles hall some 8m wide and at least 18m long. It is thought from further evidence that the hall had a pitched grass/straw roof on a timber frame and the outside walls probably daubed with cattle dung. There were also wattle work screens dividing the interior into spaces.

His many pictures/photographs showed his large team of enthusiasts all carefully clearing and scraping away to reveal the remains of these burnt down structures identified by the intensely burnt clay core with patches of burnt wood and charcoal and decayed turfs and stone groupings. This indicated how the original building structure collapsed after burning, with layers of burnt timber sandwiched between soil with little evidence of bones found. This is believed to be because of the highly acidic soil dissolving such evidence.

There are believed to be more such findings in Herefordshire and the membership pondered such methods of construction perhaps still being employed, for example in America, where the Amish communities live.

There followed many questions and much debate about how present generations perceived early mankind’s existence, particularly on our doorstep, and what influence it may have had on the way we live today.

Dr Ray was warmly thanked for this intriguing and informative talk on past generations and we look forward to further developments.

Stoke Lacy

FLOWER DEMONSTRATION – Yvonne Barry will be giving a flower demonstration entitled ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ from 7pm on Wednesday at Stoke Lacy village hall. Entry costs £7.50 including cheese and wine, and proceeds will go to St Michael’s Hospice.

FASHION SHOW AND CLOTHES SALE – Tomorrow there will be a ladies’ and children’s fundraising fashion show and clothes sale at the Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy, from 6.30pm. Admission £5. Funds raised will be in aid of the Burley Gate Pre-School, and staff there are in charge of selling tickets.

The sale will include half-price surplus stock from a number of high street stores.

1940s NIGHT – There will be a 1940s night at Stoke Lacy village hall on November 28 from 7.30pm.

The award-winning duo The Land Girls will be performing some of the best songs from that era, including titles made famous by Gracie Fields, Dame Vera Lynne and the Andrews Sisters. Tickets are available at £10 from hall committee members or via 01885 400601 and will include a hot two- course meal. 1940s dress optional.

BYOB.

GARDENING CLUB – The Stoke Lacy Gardening Club will hold its last meeting of the year on Tuesday, at 7.30pm, in Stoke Lacy village hall. The speaker for that evening, Vicky Knight, will talk about ‘Plant Breeding at East Malling’. Her talk will be followed by the club’s AGM, and there will then be a ‘bring and share’ supper for the benefit of all members.

CHRISTMAS PARTY – Stoke Lacy village is hosting a Christmas party on December 13 in the village hall at 3.30pm for a 4pm start.

Games, carol singing, afternoon tea and drinks will all be on offer.

Tickets are £5 for adults, and £2.50 for children and are now available from Brenda Burnett on 01885 490767 or Christine Walters on 01885 490870.

Stretton Sugwas

PARISH COUNCIL – Tuesday, parish council meeting 7pm, in the village hall.

LUNCH CLUB – Wednesday, 12.30pm, in the village hall. £4.

FUN WHIST DRIVE – November 28, 7.30pm, in the village hall.

£2.50 with refreshments.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – November 29, 2pm, in the village hall. Buy home-made Christmas pudding mix, cakes, crafts, plants and so on. Raffle and teas. For further details go to strettonsugwasparishcouncil.co.uk.

Sutton St Nicholas

SEQUENCE DANCING – Sutton St Nicholas Sequence Dance Club extends a welcome to anyone wishing to join in with their monthly sequence dance in the village hall on November 29 from 8pm.

All proceeds raised will be donated to St Michael’s Hospice.

Everyone is invited to come along and give it a try. Enquiries or further details on 01432 880373.

Tarrington

REMEMBRANCE – Wreaths were laid at the Remembrance Day service, held at St Philip and St James church, Tarrington by Tarrington Brownies and members of the George Evesham family. This was particularly poignant as the name of George Evesham, a soldier of the First World War, had only just been added to the war memorial.

He had been gassed in France and had died as a result of his injuries but after the original dedication.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – November 29 from 2pm-4.30pm at the Lady Emily Hall. Meet Father Christmas and his elves, make a Christmas present, crafts, decorations, cakes, mulled wine and fun and games. All profits to Tarrington Church.

Upton Bishop

THEATRE – The Bare Bones Theatre Company has great pleasure in bringing Neil Simon’s witty, classic play The Prisoner of Second Avenue, to the Millennium Hall tomorrow at 7.30pm.Tickets are £5, available on the door or call our box office on 01981 540820.

Weobley

WEOBLEY SINGING WORKSHOP – Begin to prepare Medieval Gregorian Chant for Advent. All welcome, Tuesday, 2.30pm. Cost £3.50 with funds going to the Starlight Children’s Charity. Please contact Lydia Wells GRSM, on 01544 319138 for full details.

HEARTSTART COURSE – Free Heartstart course Weobley Primary School, November 27, 6.30-9.30pm. Call Pru Lloyd on 01544 318349.

CHRISTMAS FAIR – Weobley Parish Church, November 29, 10am to noon. Christmas gifts to suit everyone, cakes, preserves, bran tub, Christmas cards and much more. Coffee and mince pies available. Come along for a festive treat. All proceeds to the church.

Winforton

MUSIC – On Saturday at 7.45pm, Winforton Community Association, with support from Arts Alive, will present Canadian band Bon Débarras. The band’s folk music is deeply rooted in the memory of French-speaking America. On their guitars, banjo, mandolin, accordion, washboard and harmonicas, and integrating foot percussion, jig and body percussion, the trio creates magical musical atmospheres. Still reaching deep into their roots, Bon Débarras draw their inspiration from an Americanness flavoured with Cajun, rock, blues, rap and country music undertones.

Tickets from Alun Roberts 01544 328425. The Sun Inn at Winforton is delighted to offer a pre-concert dinner, from 6.30pm, for £12.50 per head.

Telephone 01544 327677 for your reservation (reservations only).

Withington

HOWDENJONES IN CONCERT – A fun acoustic duo performing wonderful songs, gentle anecdotes and delicious leg pulling. At Withington village hall (HR1 3PP) on December 5 at 7.30pm.

Tickets £12 (including hot supper) from the village post office or 07837 984377. Bar available. Visit howdenjones.co.uk for more.