BANDAMANIA - Presteigne's community folk orchestra has steadily grown since its director, Sue Watkins, launched Bandamania around ten years ago. 'We are bursting at the seams now' cheerfully reported one of its early members, who continues to attend the thriving music making on Monday evenings at the Assembly Rooms. The age range of the musicians is very wide and any instrumentalist is welcomed. Equally wide is the range of folk music which forms Bandamania's repertoire. Bandamania has regularly performed at community events and Sue Watkins can be contacted on 01544 267632.

WELSH CHEESE - Stella Woodman at the town's wholefoods shop, The Grain Store, announced: 'It's Nibble Week in Presteigne from Monday, February 12'. In a special promotion of Welsh cheeses she invites everyone to call in at her Radnor Buildings shop for a free taster.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE - President Dianne Baker reported that the WI were delighted to welcome four new ladies at the January meeting when Carwen Maggs, gave a talk entitled, 'Wales, Land of Song'. The competition for a flower arrangement in an eggcup was won by Dianne Baker, with Jill Cornish, second. During the coming months members will be busy helping their president to fill shoe boxes with toiletries and woollens for babies and toddlers in Bosnia's transit camps, where there are many forgotten families. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 21 at 2.20pm in the Assembly Rooms Greenroom. The speaker will be Sadie Cole on 'The History of Cards'.

BORDER PLAYERS - Mid Border Arts announces a Valentine season drama by the Border Players at the Assembly Rooms on Monday and Tuesday, February 19 and 20, 7.30pm. It is entitled 'The Understanding' by Angela Huth, a light but touching play with a cast of five players, and directed by Mary Smith (details on 01547 560402, tickets at the coffee shop or at the door).