Abbeydore
CHORAL EVENSONG - This service will take place in Dore Abbey on Wednesday, at 3pm. It is the anniversary of the death of the much loved Rev Dennis Monger, who was well known for his ecumenical work . He himself was at various times a minister in the Moravian Church, a Baptist minister and, later, a minister in the Church of England.
The service of Choral Evensong was a particular favourite of his and some years ago he introduced it to Dore Abbey. On this occasion the singing well be led by the Abbey Singers, with the Rev Ashley Evans presiding.
All will be most welcome.
Allensmore
DRAW WINNERS - Allensmore Church 100 club draw winners for February are 1st 76 Richard Evans, 2nd 15 Nicky Addis, 3rd 96 Ken Jones and 4th 69 Daphne Hartill.
Almeley
FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents Undertaking Betty (15) to be shown today in Almeley village hall, starting at 7.30pm, tickets £4.
Ample parking, bar available, cabaret seating, doors open 7pm.
Undertaking Betty is the story of a woman, whose husband is cheating on her, and an undertaker, who has been in love with her since their childhood, decide to fake her death so they can be together.
ALMELEY VILLAGE HALL AGM - Will be held on Monday at 7pm in the village hall.
ALMELEY VILLAGE HALL BINGO - Almeley village hall Easter bingo evening will be held on March 20, doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 7.30pm, lots of prizes to be won plus an Easter raffle.
Bring the children and friends for an evening of bingo fun.
Aymestrey and Leinthall Earls
NATURE TRUST - Tonight the Aymestrey Branch of the Nature Trust meet in Aymestrey Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Evan Bowen-Jones will talk on The Re-wilding of Herefordshire.
CHURCH - There will be a service of Holy Communion (BCP) on Sunday at 11am at Aymestrey. On March 8 there will be a service of Holy Communion (BCP) at 9.30am.
QUIZ NIGHT - The next quiz takes place on March 6 at 8pm. Teams of up to four members at £5 per team. Cash prize for the winning team. Raffle. Refreshments available.
FILM CLUB - On March 8 the film Mr Turner (12A) starring Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson and Dorothy Atkinson will be shown.
Mike Leigh’s biopic of the English artist, known as “the painter of light”. Timothy Spall’s performance as Turner has been acclaimed as the best of his career. The start time is 7pm and home made ice-cream and popcorn will be on sale.
Bishops Frome and Fromes Hill
LENT LUNCH - Fromes Hill and Castle Frome are jointly hosting a Lent lunch at the Bishop’s Frome Village Centre on March 6 in aid of Send a Cow.
CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.
Bishopswood
BISHOPSWOOD WI - Met at the village hall on February 13 at 2.30pm. February is always a members meeting, which began as usual with Jerusalem. Our scrapbooks were on display, being of special interest for our new members as we are one of the oldest institutes in Herefordshire.
Our 96th birthday will be celebrated in March.
After the usual business we enjoyed a very noisy game of Loony Bingo, won by Mrs Linda DeZaaijer, second Mrs Kathy Hargest, third Mrs Gloria Clark.
Mrs Jenny Winchester was the winner of the competition for the wackiest beetle.
Bodenham
CAFÉ @ THE CHAPEL - The regular Thursday morning ‘Café at the Chapel’ at the Chapel in Chapel Lane is available every Thursday from 10.30 till 12 noon and provides an opportunity for anyone to call in for an informal chat over a cup of tea, coffee, etc.
Everyone is welcome to stay for as long or as short a time as they wish. No charge is made for refreshments though donations are welcome and are given to a charity at the end of each year.
This is a joint venture between St Michael’s Church, Bodenham and Bodenham Christian Fellowship and is hosted by members from both churches (and other local residents).
FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents Mr Turner (12A) on March 14 (as part of the Borderlines Film Festival) starring Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson and Dorothy Atkinson will be shown. Timothy Spall’s performance as Turner has been acclaimed as the best of his career. This will be followed by The Imitation Game (12A).
PARISH COUNCIL - The next Bodenham Parish Council meeting will be held at the Siward James Centre next Monday at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend.
GARDENING CLUB - The Bodenham Gardening Club will meet in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday. Carol Smith will be giving a talk on ‘green and shady plants for shady borders’. New members are always welcome.
BIG BREAKFAST - The First Marden and District Scout Group wants to raise money to pay for new camping equipment. They have therefore organised a ‘Big Breakfast in Bodenham Parish Hall for March 14 from 8am till 12 noon.
Adult breakfasts will cost £6.50, whilst those for children will cost just £3.50.
TRAVELS WITH A CAMERA - Travels with a Camera returns to the Bodenham Chapel, HR1 3HR at 7.30pm on March 6 with a presentation by Audrey Nunn entitled Travels up the Wakhan Valley, Afghanistan.
On March 13, Brian Skinner will give a presentation on The French Riviera. Light Refreshments provided. Admission £3 in aid of Hope Carriers Trust (unless stated). Everyone is welcome, Dave or Jenny Hill 01568 797531 for more.
CORRESPONDENT - Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, HR1 3QR, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.
Breinton
WHALEBONE - Will be performing their high energy acoustic music in Breinton Village Hall tomorrow at 7.30pm.
Tickets £8 adults, £4 children from 01432 350919 or ticketsource.co.uk/whalebone.
Bring your own drinks.
‘It’s no mean feat for an all-instrumental album to hold even the most sympathetic ear for the best part of an hour, but Steve Downs, Charlotte Watson and fiddler Sarah Ibberson succeed with tunes and ideas to spare.’ Steve Bennett Acoustic Magazine.
Bridge Sollars
FILM NIGHT - On March 7 at the New Bridge Community Centre we will be showing Before I Go To Sleep (15), a taut thriller starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong.
Before I Go To Sleep is the story of a a woman wakes up every day, remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.
Admission £5 to include light refreshments and draw. For further details contact John on 01981 590620.
CLEHONGER PARISH PLAN - At last the Parish Plan has been printed and delivered to ever household in the parish.
The Parish Plan Steering group believe that it is a good indication of what people like in the area in which the live and what they want to improve.
Attached to every report was an invitation to a drop in event on Saturday at Innesfield, for people to give feedback about what plans for action they think are the most important to implement first and give us suggestions on the way forward.
Major issues highlighted in the report were: importance of maintaining the rural nature of the Parish; support for improvement of the playing field; housing developments should be of a small size; need for better opportunities for vulnerable people and carers to take part in village life; need for better communication – broadband , notice boards etc; need for Good Neighbour scheme and Neighbourhood watch; need for more leisure activities for all age groups; need to reduce problems of litter and dog excrement; encouragement of special interest groups e.g. for the environment; need to ensure community support for pre school; support for better cycle, footpath and bus service.
The steering group would like to say a very big thank you to everybody who has helped along the way. There have been so many contributions to focus groups, minute writing, organising events, helping with refreshments, compiling the report, distributing and collecting questionnaires, and finally taking round the finished report. It has been a real team effort.
We would also like to thank everybody who completed the questionnaire. Their views are very important. Without a good return of completed questionnaires our efforts would have been in vain.
For further information please contact Alison Davies, 01981 251269, onelilaccottage@btinterner.com, Carole Protherough, 01981 251012, email to carole.protherough@virgin.net.
Dorstone
DORSTONE HISTORY SOCIETY - Upcoming speakers for your diary.
Wednesday, Herefordshire in the English Civil War by speaker – David Ross (author of several books including Royalist But......Herefordshire in the English Civil War 1640 – 1651).
April 1, Messages from the Past: Herefordshire Field Names by speaker – Ruth Richardson (well- known local historian, lecturer and author).
All meetings 7.30pm in Dorstone Village Hall.
£3 non members (membership £10 per annum).
LAST CHANCE - Eardisland Village Band and Friends: Banish the winter blues with the EVB annual concert on Saturday (7pm for 7.30pm) in the village hall.
Cabaret seating - bring your own drink; glasses provided. Tickets (£6 - U13s free) from the village shop or evb@eardisland.org.uk/ 01544 388375/ 07773 706147.
VINTAGE AND CRAFT FAIR - In aid of the NSPCC. March 7, 10.30am-3pm at the Memorial Hall, Ewyas Harold, HR2 0EL.
Tickets £4 each, inc cup of tea/ coffee. Stalls, raffle, tombola.
Afternoon tea available 1.30pm- 3pm, £7.50 each. Reservations required.
For tickets or to take a stall, call Carol Powell on 01873 860550 or email carolpowell50@btopenworld.com LENT LUNCH - The first of five weekly dates will be today at noon in the Baptist Chapel Hall.
There will be a discussion A Heart for Mission and a soup lunch. All are welcome.
TRAVELLERS TALES - Tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church, Diana Palmer will be Exploring the Baltic by Bike. The talk is open to all, no booking required.
JAM PACKED - A fortnightly club for older children 7pm in the Baptist Chapel.
POP-IN - To the Methodist Church on Saturday between 10am and 11.30am for a cup of tea or coffee and a chance to explore the books on our library shelves.
EVENSONG - 3pm at Dore Abbey in memoriam of Dennis Monger.
MESSY CHURCH - On March 5, 3.30pm - 5.30pm in St Michaels Hall. A time for craft, singing for 0 - 11years accompanied by an adult and to include a cooked meal.
PRIMARY SCHOOL - We will be holding a World Book Day on March 5 so we are hoping the children will dress up as their favourite character or favourite book and bring a book to school.
Today Miss Fallon will be running a debating/brain teaser club for KS2 children.
FOWNHOPE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - The exhibition last September drew some 270 residents – the largest pro rata for any Neighbourhood Plan in the country.
This was followed by an 83% response to the resident survey which has now been analysed by Data Orchard and will be on display at the second exhibition on Saturday.
Opinions seem firm that Fownhope must give priority to new homes for local people, and that open market homes should help to make up the shortfall on smaller homes.
Should Common Hill be declared an ‘area of special character’?
How do we protect key services, generate local energy, and reduce reliance on long-distance commuting? Would a Community Trust help to ensure that local homes remained available to meet local needs?
Fownhope may need to grow to remain a balanced and living community. But it lies in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where government policies insist that development does not detract from that natural beauty.
The county’s Core Strategy seeks to get an extra 18% homes in main villages around Hereford. That figure applied to Fownhope would seek 61 more homes in the years to 2031.
However the resident survey suggest that our public want a limit of no more than 50 new homes, and agreed that seven sites be looked at further. The report from an independent planner, Bill Bloxsome, will be on display.
Some landowners have come up with ideas on how their land can contribute.
One application for 33 houses has recently been turned down. So residents now have the chance to help select the best sites for development.
The exhibition in the Memorial Hall from 11am till 5pm is open to residents and visitors.
There will be displays of photos, maps and documents.
Refreshments will be served.
ST DAVID’S DAY DANCE - At Goodrich Village Hall on Saturday from 8pm till late.
The hottest ticket in town with the hottest band around. The Red River Blues play blues to jazz to rock and country with their own sweet sound let this local band put you in the mood for dancing.
With a mixture of ripping sax and harmonica complemented by soaring lead guitar and blues box backed by a tight and funky rhythm section this band will pull you into the dancing mood with their own songs mixed with new arrangements of classic numbers.
Tickets £8, bar, nibbles, tickets from Jollys, box office 01600 890609 or 01600 890106.
Hereford
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, Whitecross, Hereford; 1pm Holy Baptism at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 8am Holy Communion (BCP) at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 11am All Age Eucharist at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford; 6.30pm Evensong at St Nicholas’ Church, Hereford.
Monday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford.
Tuesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.
Wednesday 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.
Thursday, March 5, 8.15am Morning Prayer and Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Road, Hereford; 10am Parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, Hereford; 12.10pm Low Mass at All Saints’ Church, Eign Gate, Hereford.
HUNTINGTON-HEREFORD WI MONTHLY REPORT - Huntington-Hereford’s WI president welcomed three new members and two visitors to the February meeting and said it was lovely to see several new faces after losing a few members due to health and other problems last year.
Members were urged to sign up for the outing to Bourton on the Water in May and the Aberystwyth theatre trip in July which is an annual event.
Family and friends are welcome to join us at both events.
The speaker this month was Margaret Joel ably assisted by her husband Ken with slides and video footage of Papa New Guinea where they had lived and she had worked as a nurse for many years.
She told many stories and sometimes hilarious ones of patient care by the staff and how she over came and learnt their pigeon English to these still very native dwellers on this beautiful yet at times fierce-some group of islands, where head-hunters once reined and perhaps even still do so today with sorcery and tribal fighting is still a big problem within the 700 different tribes living on the Island. Members agreed she was very brave to have worked in these hospitals.
Kempley
DAFFODIL WEEKEND - The 40th anniversary of Kempley Daffodil Weekend is taking place on March 14-15. At the village hall there will be homemade refreshments and ploughman’s lunches until 4.30pm, home produce, plant stall and raffle until 5pm. Free guided walks (bring good walking shoes): 10.30am Secret Valley walk (4 miles), 11am Daffodil Way (6-7 miles) – bring packed lunch, 2pm local history walk (2 miles). Free Daff and Ride bus to see the sites at roughly 20-30 mins intervals. St Edwards Church - free exhibition – The Nine Sons of Kempley. A reflection on the lives of those who died in the two world wars. St Mary’s Church - free and open to view the ancient frescoes. Come and enjoy a free day out and contribute what you can.
LIVE MUSIC - March 14, Whiskey River will perform at Kingsland Coronation Hall, HR6 9QS at 7.30pm. The Whiskey River five piece band play their eclectic mixture of retro rock and roll, southern style Zydeco blues, rocking Cajun country with superb harmony vocals. Licensed bar, bring your dancing shoes. Tickets, £10 from Kingsland Post Office or 01568 709579. Profits for improvement of Kingsland Church.
Knighton
MAKING A DIFFERENCE – On February 12, at Harry Tuffin’s Knighton store, David Morris presented cheques to Karen Plant of the Knighton Community Centre, Helen Evans, Gemma Fenner, Ellen Roberts and Claire Morris of the Knighton Under Fives Playgroup, and the Knighton and District Rotary Club president Sheila Smith.
Store manager David said: “I am proud that Harry Tuffin, which is part of the Mid-Counties Co-op, can support such worthwhile organisations. Making A Difference Locally raises money to support local charities such as these here today. A proportion of the price of those items with a MADL logo is donated to a fund from which we draw our charitable donations.”
Sheila Smith added: “We are appreciative of the support that Tuffins gives our Rotary Club, as we ourselves work hard to make a difference in our community through supporting a wide range of local charities.”
All charities present gave their thanks to David and the Mid- counties Co-op group for their generosity and support for local community projects.
SINGING FOR FUN – A singing for fun session will be held tomorrow in the church hall, Knighton starting at 10.30am.
PUDDING AND PLONK NIGHT – A pudding and plonk night with trade stalls will be held at Knucklas Community Centre on tomorrow starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £5 each and will cover a drink and selection of puddings.
Tickets are available from The Tower House Gallery in Knighton or by telephone on 01547 528400.
All proceeds to go to the Friends of Knighton Primary School.
KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET – The market will take place on Saturday, as well as a wide range of stalls selling local food produce and handicrafts, will also feature the annual seed swap stall from Teme Valley Environmental Group, reminding us that spring is just around the corner. Meanwhile, live music returns to the cafe courtesy of a group from Herefordshire who sound like they hail from the Appalachian mountains. The Fordsons create old time mountain music with a banjo, guitar, fiddle and bass lineup so visitors to the market can have a hoedown after their shopping is finished.
Opening time is, as usual, 9.30am to 12.30pm and the band expect to be playing from around 10.30am.
MACMILLAN FUNDRAISING AFTERNOON – On Saturday from noon until 4pm there will be an event in the church hall, Knighton to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care and the Breast Cancer Research charities.
At the event there will be a raffle with over 35 prizes donated by local businesses and individuals, there will also be teas and coffees, face painting, guess the name of the teddy and how many sweets in a jar, a chance to make loom bands, decorate biscuits and more. Entry 20p.
CHURCH SERVICES FOR SUNDAY (ST DAVID’S DAY) – St Edward’s church, Knighton, 9.30am. St David’s church, Whitton 9.30am. St Andrew’s church, Norton, 11am. St Michael’s church, Cascob 3pm.
Knighton Baptist church, 11am.
Knighton Methodist church, 11am. Knighton Catholic church, 11am.
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – This event will take place on March 6 starting at 7.15am in Knighton Methodist church. This year the service has been prepared by the Christian Women of the Bahamas.
LINGEN GARDENING CLUB – There will be a talk entitled How to Improve Your Garden by Roger Turner on Tuesday at 7.30pm at Lingen Village Hall. Members £1, visitors £4, lingen.org.uk.
SEWING GROUP – Needling Along meet every second and fourth Monday of the month, 10am to 4pm, at Lingen Village Hall. Relaxed and informal, a co- operative group sharing knowledge, skills, support and enthusiasm. Annual work programme compiled from suggestions put forward by the group aiming to have a mix of traditional and contemporary textile work, using either hand or machine stitching or you are free to progress your own work. Skills and knowledge grow, regardless of whether you are a beginner or more experienced. At £10 per session it’s good value. This cost includes unlimited tea/coffee and biscuits – sometimes cake. Contact Carole 01547 530951 or visit lingen.org.uk.
Llanwarne
PLOUGHING SOCIETY AGM – The AGM of the Llanwarne Ploughing Society (both committees) is on Tuesday at The Black Swan Much Dew Church at 7.30pm. The society annual race night is on March 27 at Little Dewchurch Village Hall.
LONGTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Mrs Ruth Richardson will be the guest speaker at the village hall at 7.30pm on Monday and her subject will be Field Names – Messages from the Past.
Ruth was one of the editors of the Woolhope Club’s countywide survey of field names, which was based on the tithe awards of the 1840s. The subject of the April 13 meeting will be The Dymock Poets. Membership costs £5; guests £3 per meeting.
Marden
NEARLY NEW SALE – Marden Church is holding a nearly new sale on March 7, 1pm to 3pm in the Marden Community Centre Lounge. If you would like to book a table please contact Dave on 01568 797644.
MARDEN GARDENERS ASSOCIATION – I once heard someone remark that January and February were the “dirty months” and I think that is very apt. So, isn’t good to see the very first signs of spring appearing.
The days are slowly getting longer, snowdrops are in abundance, crocus are beginning to flower and even some daffodils are out. I am even looking forward to getting into the garden again even if it does mean cutting the grass.
At Marden Gardeners we have had two super speakers over the past two months. In January Sheila Wynn from the charity Hereford Growing Point told us about their rewarding work at Holme Lacy College. Run almost entirely with volunteers they enable people with disabilities to enjoy gardening through the use of raised beds, specially adapted tools, wheelchair accessible pathways, etc. For the visually impaired there are sensory and tactile areas, tutors on hand for others with learning disabilities and opportunities for people to create their own small gardens.
Most of all the opportunity to meet together and to be able to grow their own flowers or vegetables has transformed people’s lives. If you feel that you would like to help in any way, please get in touch.
In February Mr Adrian James, a professional and well known garden photographer, gave us a fascinating talk on Courtyard Gardens. To be truthful I thought that it would be about how to create our own small courtyard gardens but instead he took us on a beautiful tour of truly magnificent gardens starting with the Taj Mahal in India and including the courtyards of Moorish Spain influenced by Islamic art. Have you ever wandered around old Spanish towns full of high walls perhaps with an abundance of flowers trailing down from the top? Well, we were privileged to enter in and marvel at the peace and beauty within. Often using very ordinary pots for the plants, but arranged with beautiful, yet stunning, simplicity. Pathways and patio areas designed with contrasting materials to produce a total compliment to the whole setting. There was much to inspire us especially regarding creating little areas which can be used for peaceful retreat and perhaps a little meditation.
On March 10 we look forward to a flower arranging demonstration by our own Kelly Watkins. Kelly runs a very successful flower arrangement business from her home here in Marden but has just taken out a lease on premises at Hereford Crematorium. We wish her every success. The demonstration is designed to inspire people to create their own arrangements but also to enter into the floral art section of our spring show to be held at the Community Centre on April 11.
For the past two years we have seen both our spring and autumn shows get bigger and better with increasing numbers of entries. It is a good family afternoon and everyone is welcome to enter. A show schedule is included in this issue of News and Views and there should be something for everyone. The most important thing is to have a go and enjoy the day.
For children we have two categories namely a decorated photo frame and three sunflower seedlings in a pot. Seeds can be obtained from Peter Mann. In our autumn show we will have a section for the biggest sunflower head so the seeds from this show can be nurtured on for the Autumn show.
Schedules and entry forms can also be obtained from Peter Mann 01432 880487, Len Day 01432 880657 and Carol Rawlings 01432 880056.
We meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Marden Community Centre. New members and visitors are always very welcome but there will be a nominal charge to non-members for each visit. If you would like more information on the club please contact Len Day on 01432 880657.
Moccas
MOCCAS RAILWAY CLUB – Will be meeting tomorrow at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall for a entertaining evening. Everyone welcome. Adults £2, licensed bar. For more please call Phil on 01981 500675 at 7pm to 9pm, please.
MUCH BIRCH VILLAGE MARKET - Takes place tomorrow in Much Birch Community Hall (situated just off the A49 next door to Much Birch Surgery and signed from the road) between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Stalls will include; Moor Meals, local suppliers of Dexter beef, ready meals and pies. Llandinabo Farm shop, selling chicken, lamb, duck and cooked meats and Castle Cheese selling a variety of unusual cheeses. For more contact Mark on 01432 278026.
Ocle Pychard and Much Cowarne
FUN FOOD AND DRINK – The Burley Gate Village Hall Committee invites everyone to an evening of fun, food and drink at the hall from 7.30pm on March 6.
The event will include live entertainment by Hobson’s Choice, known as Europe’s most Inland Sea Shanty Group. Tickets are now available from Jo Monkley on 01432 820130 and are priced at just £10 to include a hearty supper. All proceeds go to the maintenance of the hall.
RACE NIGHT – Much Cowarne is organising a race night at the Plough PH, Stoke Lacy, tomorrow.
7.30pm start. £5 including light refreshments.
TABLE TOP SALE – Burley Gate pre-school will be hosting a fund- raising table top sale at Burley Gate Village Hall this Saturday between 10am and noon. Tables cost just £10, or £5 for a half table.
Please call 07747 696348 to make a booking.
CORRESPONDENT – Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.
Presteigne
FILM – Presteigne Screen along with Borderlines Film Festival are showing the film Leviathan (15) at The Assembly Rooms on Friday evening at 8pm. Admission at the door will be £5. For further information call Alex on 260577 or Pete on 370202.
CONCERT – The annual St Davids Day concert will take place on Saturday evening at The Memorial Hall starting at 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm). This year Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir will be the entertainment.
Admission will be £8 which will include soup and a roll and a Welsh cake. Please purchase your tickets from Winnies Newsagents in The High Street or telephone 267253 for more information.
SURGERY – The bi-monthly police surgery will will take place at the library on March 7 from 10am to 11am. Come along and voice your issues or concerns about your community to your local police team or just pop in and have a chat.
MARKET – The monthly market will take place on March 7 at The Memorial Hall from 9am until 1pm. All the usual stalls will be there for your bargain hunting along with refreshments at the Community Cafe. All welcome.
SERVICES – The following church services will take place on Sunday. Holy Communion at St Andrews at 8am, at Lingen at 9.30am and at Knill, also at 9.30am. And there is a family service at St Andrews at 11am.
Everyone is most welcome to these services.
CHORAL WORKSHOP – Kington Choral is hosting a choral workshop day at The Assembly Rooms on March 8 from 10am – 4.30pm.
Registration will be a 9.30am. The workshop will be rehearsing and singing with Welsh composer Karl Jenkins’ wonderful and popular mass for peace The Armed Man under the direction of Kington Choral’s Musical Director Roger Langford. Singers of all ages, abilities and experience are welcome. The cost is £12 per person (under 18s are free).
There are limited places so please book early by calling or texting 07766097600 or email kingtonchoral@mail.com or visit the website at kingtonchoral.org.uk.
DINNER – Presteigne and Norton Chamber of Trade and Commerce are holding their annual dinner with guest of honor Godfrey Bray at The Memorial Hall on March 9 at 7.30pm for 8pm sit down.
Catering will be done by local TV chef Suzanne Davies. Tickets are £17 from Leon at The Salty Dog or from Ann Wake on 260695. Please call in at The Chemist to make a donation to Godfrey’s retirement present and to sign the retirement card which will be presented during the evening. Please order your ticket before Saturday for catering purposes.
BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK – Would you like to find new authors or discover different stories? The library have wrapped up different books for you to pick up, unwrap and take a chance and read.
SUNDAY LUNCH – Titley Village Hall are holding a mothers day Sunday lunch in the hall on March 15. The lunch will consist of a beef carvery and choice of two deserts (vegetarian option will be available) and will cost £10 (under 11s cost £5) and will include a free drink. All proceeds will go to Titley Village Hall Extension Fund. Please book early by calling Quita on 230886 or Win on 267342.
QUIZ – Presteigne and Norton Twinning Association are holding a quiz night at The Royal Oak on Tuesday at 7.30pm. The cost is £2 per person. The prize is a meal for four at The Royal Oak (value of £10 per person).
COMMUNITY GROUP – East Radnorshire Community Group meet every Friday morning at The Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be activities and friendship group open to everyone. Why not pop in for a coffee and a chat? The groups aim will be to promote health and wellbeing of all. There will be something different each week chosen by the members.
There will be a small charge for activities and refreshments. For further details call Nic on 01597 824411 at Mid Powys Mind.
SCRAP STORE – The Rubbish after school club meet on Tuesdays from 4pm to 6pm at The Youth Centre. The cost will be £2 per person to cover materials supplied. Please dress to get messy.
Under 16s are welcome but under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. For further details call Play Radnor on 01597 827920 or admin@playradnor.org.uk.
QUIZ – There is a quiz night at Pembridge village hall on March 7 at 7.30pm. Teams of up to six players cost £5 per person which includes a light supper. There will be a bar and all proceeds will go to Pembridge Church. For further details or to register a team call Meryl on 340381.
ARTS AND CRAFTS – The monthly Arts and Crafts Fair will take place at The Assembly Rooms on March 7 from 10am to 3pm. All the local stalls will be from local artists displaying their own work.
For further details call Rosamund on 260777.
MUSIC – There is a musical cabaret evening with The Velvet Violin at The Assembly Rooms on Sunday evening from 7pm. This month the entertainment will be from legendary British soul singer Helen Watson with Mark Cresswell on guitar. Also performing will be a four piece, multi instrumental band The BeauBowBelles. Admission is £10 with tickets being available from The Courtyard Antiques. Please purchase your tickets early as places are limited due to dancing space required.
Ross-on-Wye
VAGA PROBUS CLUB – On February 10, Julian Hallett, director of the Down’s Syndrome Association gave a talk. Julian described his work with the association and how he helped those affected by integrating them with sensitivity and a great deal of understanding into our society.
Julian has a degree in psychology and has spent many years doing all in his power to help not just those with Down’s syndrome, but also their families. He explained that the condition affects one in every 750 births, with over 900,000 presently affected within the UK.
It is a genetic condition and, medically, the causes are understood, but there is currently no way of knowing how it can be avoided.
It is caused by an extra chromosome known as chromosome 21 in the body’s cells; it is not a disease, nor is it hereditary, but is caused by chance at conception.
It affects people of all ages and races and can be identified in early pregnancy by a genetic survey of the foetus.
The condition gives rise to facial characteristics and, unfortunately, those affected can be more susceptible to medical problems in later life.
The Down’s Syndrome Association has been operating for the past 40 years and teaches families how to face the issues of the day by focusing on the provision of information, advocacy and research across the child’s lifespan.
Now over 80 per cent of Downs syndrome children go to mainstream schools where the Down’s Syndrome Association provides specialist advisers who assist in their integration and subsequent employment.
This is a project known as Workfit which endeavours to match employers to those with Down’s syndrome.
Julian continued by discussing the heart wrenching situation facing mothers on the realisation that they are pregnant with a Down’s syndrome baby, where presently it is up to the mother whether she wishes to terminate the pregnancy.
Such children can be sensitive and gifted and live a full life, with many living independently and enjoying long term relationships.
Julian concluded by showing a video of a typical family showing how they dealt with the problems facing them with a Down’s syndrome child. Encouragingly, along with increasing life expectancy and greater opportunities, those with Down’s syndrome are now able to take an active role in their local communities.
Julian explained that the outlook for this condition had never been brighter, but stressed that with increasing pressures on local authority budgets, the association is continually working to ensure their needs are not overlooked.
There followed many questions and discussions where the membership applauded his dedication to all those affected by Down’s syndrome.
St Weonards
SEED SWAP – A seed swap will take place on Saturday at St Weonards village hall from 10am to noon. Gardeners are invited to bring along seeds to swap and exchange.
Contributors are asked to label seeds that they have collected from their own gardens, although it is possible also to take seeds and just give a donation if you don’t have anything to leave in exchange.
In addition there will be a garden book and magazine exchange, teas and coffees and home made cake, as well as information about Archenfield Community Transition who are organising the event.
Tools will be available to buy from Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, and unwanted garden tools can be dropped off to raise funds for Tools for Self Reliance partners in Tanzania.
A tool sharpening service will be available on the day for garden implements, secateurs, scissors and kitchen knives. Garden tools needing new handles can also be left at the seed swap for repair.
Staunton-on-Wye
STAUNTON-ON-WYE GROUP PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – The next meeting of the Staunton- on-Wye Group Parish Council will be held in the village hall on Monday.
The meeting will commence at 7.30pm. All are very welcome to attend.
Stretton Sugwas
BREINTON RINGCRAFT SOCIETY – The match on February 18 was judged by Malcolm Bevan (Stowledge). He has been around dogs all his life and started showing Labradors in the 1970s, and in 1980 a 35 year love affair with Italian Spinones began. During this time he also owned and showed Griffons Bruxellois and he has produced champions in all three breeds. In 2012 he had the honour of judging Spinones at Crufts and also the Italian Spinone Special Show in Italy.
Malcolm selected Anna Yates’s Flat Coated Retriever – Moity Thursday Next at Cleirwy for Best Puppy and Reserve Best Puppy was Doreen and Rob Richardson’s Lhasa Apso – Kelankin Dangerous Liason at Belazieth. Best Veteran was Lorraine Carter’s Lhasa Apso – Vowchurch The Wonder of You and Reserve went to Val Jones’ Rottweiller – Dortmund Rock n Roll for Westfalen. Best Adult and Best in Match went to Chris Butler’s Gordon Setter – Yennadon Lochan at Rubymoon and Reserve was Noz Barrrett’s Shetland Sheepdog – Shelldonora Lightening Bolt. All photos of the winners, and more about the event, can be seen on the clubs website at breintonringcraft.co.uk.
The next match will be on March 18. Ringcraft is held every Wednesday at Stretton Sugwas Village Hall from 7.45pm – 9pm.
For further details contact Jeanette Shepherd 01544 327117 or Anthony Brooks 01568 770476 loofahsa@hotmail.co.uk or visit the clubs website at breintonringcraft.co.uk.
FUN WHIST DRIVE – Tomorrow in village hall at 7.30pm. Light refreshments, £2.50.
STRETTON SUGWAS NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – There will be a presentation and public consultation drop-in event held in the village hall on March 7, 10am to 2 pm and March 8, 10am to 1pm to discuss the parish council’s proposals. Please come along to have your say in developing the final plan.
Full details are on the parish website strettonsugwasparishcouncil.co.uk. If hard copies of the draft are required, please contact Gail on 01432 340220.
Sutton St Nicholas
SEQUENCE DANCING – There will be sequence dancing this Saturday in the village hall starting at 8pm. Proceeds as usual to St Michael’s Hospice. All welcome.
Details 01432 880373.
CORRESPONDENT – Martin Field, The Old School House, Burley Gate, 01432 820074, commnews@ymail.com.
Whitney-on-Wye
LENT LUNCH – Sunday, noon to 2pm in the Whitney Village Hall.
Soup and a roll and cheese, tea and coffee.
All proceeds will go to a charity.
Everyone welcome.
Withington
LENT LUNCH – Enjoy a simple soup lunch at Withington village hall (HR1 3PP) on Wednesday from noon.
Meet people and chat to your friends while helping to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice with your donation.
QUIZ NIGHT – Change of date.
New date April 25, (postponed from February 28).
Come and enjoy a fantastic fun quiz evening at Withington village hall (HR1 3PP). Start time is 7.30pm.
Teams of up to six can be pre- booked, or made up on the night.
Family teams welcome. Tickets are £6 each, including a ploughman’s supper (under 16s are £3).
Bring your own drinks. Tel 01432 850074 for more information.
Proceeds go to St Peter’s Church, Withington.
Woolhope
FARMERS MARKET – The Farmers Market will take place in the village hall on Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm. Most of the usual providers will be present, including Castle Cheeses, who sell full flavoured welsh organic cheeses. Popular cheeses include Perl Wen (brie), Perl Las (blue),cheddar and flavoured cheeses such as a spicy chilli and full flavoured leek and white wine. They also sell the award winning Golden Cenarth, a delicious starter served hot with crusty bread. Contact joandjohn.lee@btinternet.com.
There will also be Suzanne Hopes cards, which have been sold at the market ever since it started. They are beautifully hand crafted 3D decoupaged cards for all occasions, each unique design personally created using high quality materials. A card that you will enjoy giving, and your loved ones will delight in receiving. You will return again and again.
Refreshment will be available, come along for a pleasant visit.
CRICKET CLUB QUIZ – The annual Woolhope Cricket Club general knowledge quiz evening will be held on Saturday starting at 7pm for 7.30pm in the Woolhope Village Hall.
Teams of up to six people at £5 per person will be welcomed. 1st prize £75; 2nd prize £50 and further prizes. Please ring The Crown Inn at Woolhope to book your team for the night on 01432 860468.
Drinks bar available (drinks £2.50) and free bread and cheese for teams. Raffle - great prizes.
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