Almeley WHIST CLUB - The final whist drive in 2007 took place in the village hall on December 18. The event was well attended, and the proceeds together with those from the previous whist drive are for St Mary's Church. MC Rick Harris awarded prizes to Ted Vaughan, George Griffiths, Anne Preece, Margaret Baker, Muriel Fenton, Terry Beaumont, Sue Holdaway, Sandra Green, Mario Battenti and Michael Handley. The next whist drive will be on Tuesday, January 8, with play commencing at 7.45pm.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - The first film to be screened in the village hall in 2008 will be Atonement. This is a wonderful script by Booker Prize winner Ian McEwan. It is set in 1935 and depicts childhood, love and war. So come along on Thursday, January 24, for a most enjoyable evening.

CRICKET CLUB - Members of the Almeley Cricket Club would like to thank all members of the 100 Club for their loyal support through 2007. Winners in October were Hannah Duggan £30, Brian Priday £20, Paul Lewis £15. In November, Sheila Williams £30, Matthew Hall £20, Billy Priday £15. In December, Janet Baker £30, Steven Jones £20 Anne Boylett £15. They wish all cricket supporters a very Happy New Year.

Bishopstone WACKY WALKERS - On December 29, there was a local meeting at The Nelson at 10.45am with a turnout of 40 persons (adults, children and their pet dogs). It was a dry morning after the rain the day before, but wet underfoot in parts. The walk took us on a circular trip around the village of Bishopstone. For the first time the walkers crossed Bishon Common and walked the disused railway line to the bridge that takes the road from Bishopstone to Mansell Lacy then along this road to join with an old route over Garnons Hill and back to Bishopstone. It was very good to see new faces. Almost all the walkers stayed for a social drink and a bite to eat. The walk was significant in that Bishopstone and District Group Parish Council has for two years been trying to have Bishon Lane extended to cross Bishon Common and this footpath entered on to the Definitive Map. A petition was handed around for signing and it is hoped that this final act of support will be sufficient evidence for the footpath to be accepted.

VILLAGE LOTTERY - This took place on December 22, and Pauline Jordan won £25 with number 35, and Hazel Toll won £25 with her number 11 on December 29.

BRIDGE SOLLERS BONUS BALL - Dulcie Malins won £25 with number 35 on 22 December. Gwen Hadley won £25 with number 11 on December 29.

THE BIG CHRISTMAS PRESENT - The Newbridge Community Centre Committee received the best Christmas present ever when the letter arrived from the BIG Lottery Fund telling them that the first stage payment of £23,970 was theirs to help organise and develop the project to meet the stage two application requirements. In other words the community centre for the five villages can really start to press forward because the lottery has granted us our wish for funding. St Andrew's Church at Bridge Sollers is set to become the centre of all parish council activities, local parties, meeting place and all the things we have dreamed for since the project started nearly five years ago.

VILLAGE LOTTERY - On December 15, David and Hazel Macklin won £25 with their number 10.

BRIDGE SOLLERS BONUS BALL - Carol Malins won £25 with her number 10 on December 15.

Bosbury BINGO - A thank-you from Bosbury Cricket Club for your support. The bingo evening at the parish hall raised £400 and the auction of promises, £2,000.

Bredenbury PRIMARY SCHOOL - Bredenbury Primary School has been awarded a quality mark for special educational needs self-evaluation. Elaine Weatherhead presented Elizabeth Williams, the school special needs co-ordinator with the certificate. The school worked through a process of assessing their standards for supporting children who have diverse needs within the school. The resulting audit and action plan were moderated and the panel agreed that the school should receive the award.

Bredwardine & Brobury CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY - This year the children's Christmas party will be held in the Bredwardine Village Hall on Saturday, January 5, from 2pm to 4pm for children younger than 12. Offers of help to organise the event would be greatly appreciated. Entertainment, music, games, prizes, sweets and balloons should guarantee a fun day for all! Contact Sharon on 01981 500314 to get involved.

CRAFTA WEBB DVD SALES - Sales are brisk! It is not too late to purchase an additional DVD copy of Crafta Webb. This community film production includes a 40-page book with the foreword written by Ken Loach. The Rural Media Company will make a contribution to our village funds for each copy sold by our village. Please contact Jen on 01981 500048 to make a purchase. £10 per copy, collection only.

THE VILLAGE NEEDS YOUR HELP - The village hall is without a caretaker and there is an urgent need for new committee members. If you are able and willing to take on either or both of these tasks, please contact any village hall committee member.

EVENSONG - The monthly sung evensong will take place at St Andrew's, on Sunday, January 6, at 6pm.

WASSAIL AND QUIZ NIGHT - The village hall committee is planning a wassail and quiz evening on Friday, January 11. Plan to meet in the orchard opposite the Red Lion at 6.30pm to partake of the Wassail Cup. The quiz will be held in the Bredwardine Village Hall around 7pm. Bring your own drinks to the quiz. Light refreshments will be available. A maximum of five members per quiz team, with an entrance fee of £5 per team. Last year some of the questions were real brainteasers. Contact any village hall committee member for details.

PARISH PLAN REMINDER - If you were unable to attend the November meeting, but would like to do your bit to contribute to the plan's development, there is still time. You should have received a secondary questionnaire. Please complete the questionnaire and return it to the parish plan steering group by Sunday, January 20. This is an opportunity to make sure that your views are heard. MERBACH COMMONS JANUARY 2008 WORKDAY - Our next workday is planned for Tuesday, January 29, at 10am. Plan to meet at the new gate on the bridleway, on the eastern edge of the Merbach. All tools for the workdays are provided, but volunteers should wear stout footwear and bring waterproofs in case of bad weather. A packed lunch and plenty to drink is also recommended. No previous experience is required as training in the use of tools is given and you can work as hard or as little as you feel like on the day. Hope to see you there! Workdays are held every month and new local volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be added to the mailing list, call the Community Commons Project on 01432 853205.

WEBSITE - It is amazing what you will learn about our hamlets by checking out our updated village website by just clicking on www.bredwardine-brobury.org.uk ARABIC/BELLY DANCE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN - Get in shape and learn Arabic/belly dance. For more details, call 01981 500113.

Bromyard COLLEGE HELPS LOCAL CHARITY - On December 18 and 19, Queen Elizabeth Humanities College in Bromyard held its second annual Christmas Wassail and students raised £2,000 over the two choral nights for local charity Acorns Children's Hospice. The Christmas Wassail included traditional carols and various band, and solo performances of well-known Christmas songs and seasonal pieces.

Burghill & Tillington RETIREMENT CLUB - Today (Thursday), the Retirement Club will be hosting the church bell ringers at their meeting at the Simpson Hall, starting at 2.30pm.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - The next Flicks in the Sticks film will be Atonement, starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, to be shown tomorrow (Friday) in the Simpson Hall, starting at 8pm.

BALLROOM DANCING - The next dance class will be held on Tuesday, January 8, from 7pm to 9pm, in the Simpson Hall.

SIMPSON HALL AGM - This will also be held on Tuesday, January 8, starting at 7.30pm, also in the Simpson Hall.

SCOTTISH DANCING - This group will next meet on Wednesday, January 9 in the Simpson Hall at 7.30pm.

TILLINGTON STROLLERS - The next walk, around Weobley, will begin at Weobley shops at 10am on Thursday, January 10, with lunch at the Red Lion Inn.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE - The Christmas Fayre raised a fantastic £1,566 towards Burghill Church, and thanks have been extended to all who helped with this event.

BOOK CLUB - Local resident Sylvia Morrill is considering starting a book club in the parish, and those interested in participating with this should contact her on 01432 760889.

CRICKET CLUB - The winner of the November 100 Club draw was G Stevenson of Tillington, with the second prize being won by Mrs Wilkes, with Fiona Oliver winning third prize. Membership of the 100 Club costs £2 per month, and supports local cricket. Those wishing to join the 100 Club should contact Bernie Green on 01432 761930.

COPSE LEISURE TRUST - The Christmas bingo held last month in aid of the Copse Leisure Trust raised £173 for St Michael's Hospice, with thanks extended to those who helped with this event and donated prizes. On Saturday, January 19, this group will be holding an indoor boot sale at the Simpson Hall, from 11am to 2pm. Tables can be pre-booked by contacting Sally Robertson on 01432 769459, and cost £5.

Colwall CHRISTMAS SEASON - Ale House carols and a seekers' nativity play gave a festive start to the Christmas season. Carols old and new were sung followed by mulled wine and mince pies. The entertainment was provided by Maggie and Blaze who played Irish jigs and dances on guitar and flute. The seekers at St James Church also performed a traditional nativity play with a new twist. Finally homemade biscuits and coffee were served.

Dilwyn ST MARY'S - The evening prayer service on Sunday, January 6 is at 6.30pm (Book of Common Prayer). Holy Communion is taken at 10.30am every Tuesday.

MOTHERS UNION - Meetings resume on Tuesday, January 8 at 2pm at 4 Probert Crescent. New members welcome.

Eardisland WOMEN'S INSTITUTE - The Christmas coffee morning on December 1 was a very sociable affair and resulted in a donation of £250 to the Charles Renton. Many thanks to everyone for their support. Thirteen members of the WI met at the New Inn, Pembridge, on the December 11, for their Christmas dinner, a very lively and enjoyable evening. Our next meeting will be on Monday, January 14, at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Eardisley SOCIAL WHIST DRIVE - A record number of players turned up at the New Strand for the last whist drive in 2007. As a token of appreciation for organising the events throughout the year, the management presented Rona and Phillip Jenkins with a gift. Prizes were won by Sandra Green, Margaret Kerrigan, May Thomas, Sandra Payne, John Pugh, Margaret Goode and Marge Drew. The next game is on January 28.

Kington ARABIC / BELLY DANCE FOR ADULTS - Get in shape and learn Arabic/Belly Dance movements. Classes for adults are held on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm-8pm at the Lady Hawkins School in Kington. For more details, contact 01981 500 113.

Knighton BOWLING CLUB - The ladies of Knighton Bowling Club held their New Year whist drive on December 27. Winners were 1st Emma Moorhouse (186), 2nd Linda Parker MBE (164), 3rd Kathleen Evans (159). 1st Anne Price (169), 2nd Oliver Griffiths (164), 3rd Mabel Evans (160). Consolation prize winners were Ruth Wilding and Jean Burgoyne, highest in the first half Meryl Roberts and in the second half Frank Evans. MC for the evening was Shirley Moorhouse, thanks were given by Linda Parker and prizes were presented by Emma Moorhouse. Draw winners were Jean Burgoyne, Ivory Jones, Oliver Griffiths, Shirley Moorhouse and Olive Myvill. The next whist drive will be at the Bowling Club on Thursday, January 10, at 7.30pm.

LLANBISTER MOTHER'S UNION - Seven members of Llanbister Mother's Union welcomed six guests from Llandewi MU to their December meeting. The meeting was a combination of carol singing, readings and prayers as well as competitions about carols and a feely bag. Dot Bevan read some poetry and Margaret Groves organised a word fitting competition. The Christmas lunch was discussed. This will take place on Sunday. Hostesses for the meeting were Doreen Wilding and Doris Lewis, Anne Mehmaun supplied the food. The AGM will take place on Wednesday, January 15.

SLOE GIN COMPETITION - The George and Dragon Inn in Knighton was the venue for what is believed to be Knighton's first Sloe Gin Competition. The competition took place on Friday, December 28, and attracted 10 entries, some of which had been made this year and others which had been fermenting for a year or two. The judges were Sandy Owens, who lives near Presteigne, and John and Ann Briggs, from Newport in Gwent, who were staying at the inn and were asked by landlord and competition organiser Justin Rees to judge. The judges had to award point out of ten for taste, texture and colour. The results were announced in reverse order by Rob Barton the official for the event. The winner was Geoff Fowden, 2nd Lorraine Haynes, 3rd John Perks and 4th Phillip Price. The winner of the tongue twister prize and wooden spoon was Martin Davies.

Madley PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of Madley Parish Council has been changed to Tuesday, January 8, at 7.15pm in the parish hall.

Pembridge POPPY APPEAL - The Poppy Appeal this year raised £3,237, a magnificent performance. The organiser, Sharon O'Hare, expressed sincere appreciation to contributors and collectors.

Pencombe The children of Pencombe C of E Primary School who recently entertained parents, grandparents and friends of the school with a fantastic performance of the pantomime Hansel and Gretel. The children also staged a lovely retelling of the story of the birth of Christ. The performance took place in St John's Church, Pencombe on Tuesday, December 18, in front of a delighted audience.

Presteigne DARTS NIGHT - Tom Ammonds and Andy Crowe organised the annual darts competition in The Farmers Inn over the Christmas period. They managed to raise more than £230 for Presteigne Under 15s football team. The two managers are organising a trip to a national football tournament in France for the under 15s next Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The darts competition was won by Andy Tilson with David Weale narrowly missing out in the final. The consolation cup was won by Sean Barnett. There was one 180 from Billy Priday and the highest out was 167 from Andy Weale. There was donations from Wilf Kirkham and WBR Builders and raffle prizes were donated by Steve Duggan, Alex Huntley and Coors Brewers. The organisers would like to thank everyone for all their efforts.

100 CLUB - Presteigne Football Club recently made their 100 club draw on Boxing Day at the club house after their local derby against arch-rivals Knighton. The winners were £100 Fred Galliers, £50 Kim Lewis, £40 Dorothy Lewis, £30 John Matthews, £25 Keith Slater. The committee would like to thank everyone for their continued support. The next draw will be in The Bowling Club on Friday, January 25.

CANDLELIT CONCERT - The Friends of St Micheal's Church in Discoed are holding their first 2008 gala candlelit concert at St Andrew's Church on Saturday, January 12, featuring The Twegwynt Chamber Orchestra with conductor James Slater and Ruth Watson on the oboe. Tickets are £10 and are available at Presteigne Post Office or by phoning 01547560369. All proceeds in aid of St. Micheal's restoration fund.

PAINTING AND SKETCHING COURSE - Audrey Bradley from Coleg Powys is holding a painting and sketching group at the Memorial Hall commencing on Monday, January 27, from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. To enrol or for more information call 08454086299 or 08454086302 CHAMBER OF TRADE - There is a change of venue for the next meeting of Presteigne and Norton Chamber of Trade. It will now meet at the Radnorshire Arms on Monday, 7.30pm.

WRITING COURSE - Local writer Lara Clough is holding a Developing A Voice In Writing course at The Assembly Rooms on Thursday mornings at 10.30am starting on Thursday, January 10. This course aids and supports writers, and would-be writers, in developing a personal and effective voice in writing. The eight session course costs £45 (concessions £35). There is a fee waiver scheme available on this course. For an informal chat call Lara on 01547560257 COUNCIL MEETING - The next meeting of Presteigne and Norton Town Council will be at the Sire Hall on Wednesday, January 16, at 7.30pm. The public are cordially invited to attend.

QUIZ - There is a quiz at St Andrew's Church Hall in Church Street on Thursday, January 17, at 7.30pm. Teams of four (or less) cost £6 which will include light refreshments. To book your team call 262751. Half the proceeds will go to church funds and half will go to Send a Cow' charity.

HISTORY GROUP - The monthly history group will meet on Wednesday, January 9, at 7.30pm at Arkwright in Kinsham. This month Gordan Wood will be talking on The History of Railway Stations of Hereford. The entry is £2.

CHRISTMAS DRAW - Presteigne St Andrew's held their annual Christmas draw at the Royal Oak over the festival period. There were 42 prizes. The first prize of £50 was won by Marg Weiland. A list of the other prize winners and donators is on display on McCartneys shop window in the High Street. A big thank you to Dot Griffiths for organising the draw JOHN BEDDOES SCHOOL PTA - The PTA at John Beddoes School, Presteigne, is in need of new members otherwise the PTA will fold. The group has organised a variety of fund raising events over the past 12 months including a race night, 100 club and X Factor. Money raised from these events has been used to purchase equipment for many departments within the school.

A well as organising these fundraising events there is also a good opportunity to meet other parents friends and members of staff.

If there is anyone who feels they are able to attend one meeting each half term or help at any of the events then please make an effort to attend the AGM on January 16, starting at 7.30pm at The Knighton Hotel. Current members all agree that it would be a pity for the children to miss out on any extras because at the moment the PTA doesn't have enough members to hold an AGM.

Skenfrith YOGA CLASSES STOP FOR CHRISTMAS - The yoga classes will resume on Thursday, January 16, at 5.30pm. It is hoped that a few more people might join the class as numbers fluctuate and sometimes a few more people are required to make the class worth while. It is always worthwhile from the students' point of view but it is a long way for the teacher, Jane, to travel if numbers are low. It has been decided the regulars will pay in advance for the whole term. Any occasional visitors will be asked to pay a little more per session, say £5. For details please ring Jane Rothery on 01594 544149.

COMMUNITY SHOP - The shop closed at the end of October and will re-open at Easter. The profits for the year are used to help local organisations and the meeting of the shop committee has been held to decide on the distribution of funds. One of the donations is to St Anne's Hospice in Newport. The hospice will receive £500. St Anne's is a wonderful place, calm and caring. The remaining gifts to the various organisations will be announced in the new year.

SKENFRITH HALL AGM - The AGM of Skenfrith Hall will be held on January 10, in the hall at 7.30pm. A brief meeting of the present hall committee will be held before the AGM at 7pm Wyche and Colwall HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - The January meeting will be on Monday. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm with a lecture by Ian Nex, the subject will be Winter Interest'. Ian is a horticulturist and lecturer, having also worked at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The meeting will be at Colwall Village Hall with refreshments available from 7pm.