MidBorder News Autumn 2021

The Interview: Presteigne Mayor Fiona Preece Knighton Festival of Books, Art & Music Kington Walking Festival Flicks in the Sticks Herefordshire Art Week Council News Local Markets Birches Farm Visitor Centre 1

Advertising in the MidBorder News

Acknowledgments We are grateful for support from Kington Town Council & Knighton Town Council, without whom we wouldn’t be here. Also to Richard Banks for support and advice; and to Andy Tobin, image wrangler who sorts out all our ads. May the bluebird of happiness fly over you all.

MidBorder News is your local news and events magazine and we love to see our local businesses flourishing, so let’s get the word out there and promote your event, business or service.

Our ad prices are below; don’t forget that the MidBorder News is a quarterly publication, so each issue lasts for three months: people like to take it home and refer to it whenever they need a piece of local information. It’s also available online (the link is sent out to our mailing list), as a pdf and on our Facebook page as well as the printed version being distributed to many venues in and around the three towns.

Cover photo by the editor. Karen Kirkham took the autumn leaves photo we used as background to the poem on page 23. The photo of the thistle on the same page is by Beatrix Frajda. Thank you to everyone who sent in photos.

So if you need to tell people about your Christmas offers, new stock or anything else, let us help you to bring those customers in. The MidBorder News is a community news magazine run on a non-profit basis. We exist to support our community and the local economy. For charities and community groups & services we can give you free space, just get in touch.

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A Very Big Thank You to the Vicar of St Edward's Church in Knighton. The Rev Petra and her husband John work quietly, patiently and with great grace to help many people in this town who need mental health and social care support. Without Petra and John these people (and the community in which they've been placed) would be without any support at all as the 'official' services are so severely underfunded and under-resourced.

E: midbordernews@gmail.com Online issues: https://issuu.com/midbordernews/docs/ Copy deadline Winter 2021 issue (Dec, Jan, Feb) 10th November.

Advertisers get regular exposure on our Facebook page (reaching up to 6000 people), so we can publicise your special offers, updates and new information in-between publishing dates. www.facebook.com/midbordernews

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New Visitor Centre Open at Birches Farm

Into the Meadows, with contributions from Marion Campbell, Patrick Mooney and Richard Bavin. The book was made possible by a My Place grant supported

by The Elmeley Foundation which also enabled a copy to be donated to every secondary and special school in Herefordshire. It was published with help from Glenn Storhaug of Five Seasons Press. It is available from the Apple Store Gallery (Hereford), Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Queenswood Shop and Made in the Marches gallery (Kington) priced at £10, with all proceeds shared equally between the Trust and Framework Herefordshire which supports young and emerging artists.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust was delighted to open its new Visitor Centre at Birches Farm nature reserve in July of this year. Tucked off the road between Eardisley and Kington are sixty acres of traditional meadows and centuries old hedgerows with several pools and abundant wildlife. Spring brings a show of cowslip, bluebell and lady’s smock before the rush of orchids in May and June. Swathes of flowers including bugle and knapweed appear in summer with dyer’s greenweed thriving on the sloping northern fields. In late summer the harebells flower before autumn crocus steals the show.

We have lost over 97% of our wildflower meadows across the UK since the Second World War and Birches Farm stands as a beacon for what is possible. Much is being done to restore and extend what we still have in the county by the Trust and by other organisations including Herefordshire Meadows. Becoming a Wildlife Trust member is one way you can help with this vital work. Birches Farm reserve is open all year round with free parking on site. The light and spacious visitor centre is equipped with hanging rails for exhibitions, kitchenette, toilet and patio. The space can be hired for meetings, events and exhibitions and is available for educational visits. To find out more about the Trust’s work or use of the Visitor Centre contact Frances Weeks: f.weeks@herefordshirewt.co.uk and see

The Visitor Centre was officially opened on Saturday 3rd July, National Meadows Day, with a celebratory exhibition curated by Marion Campbell (Apple Store Gallery) and Richard Bavin (the Trust’s resident artist).

The opening included a wildlife walk, poetry workshop and pop up painting in the wet meadows. Made in the Marches gallery (Kington) joined in the celebrations and is now showing the artwork as part of ‘Into the Midsummer Meadows’ alongside paintings by members of MIND’s ArtSpace Project, see madeinthemarches.com for details.

Evocative poems by Amanda Attfield and Judy Dinnen have been brought together in a published book,

herefordshiremeadows.org.uk

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Herefordshire Art Week

renowned portrait and landscape photographer Charlie Hopkinson on a ramble around the Gladestry countryside, or discover how local artists are inspired by the landscape on Sunday's walk over Hergest to meet the makers. This area was also an inspiration for Alfred Watkin's theory of ley lines and 2021 marks the centenary of his theory being published. On her walk Dr Jodie Lewis will visit a range of sites that were key markers in the development of Watkin's theory. We are opening this year's Festival on Thursday night with a casserole evening generously sponsored by Tarmac, with food provided by the Cider Barn and bar stocked with beer from award winning Swan Brewery. On Friday evening Kevin Walker will entertain us at The Oxford Arms with his latest audio visual presentation, ‘Nature of the Brecon Beacons’. Saturday evening will be spent with lively music and dancing to Blind Alley at The Burton Hotel. We are pleased to be able to reduce the basic price of a walk to £5.00 per person for both half day and full day walks. Some walks do however involve additional costs to cover transport, food or admission charges. The Festival Office will be available at The Burton Hotel in Mill Street. Please drop in and say hello and find out about last minute availability of walks. Alternatively call us on 07552 087786. We do hope you will come and join us for the weekend and enjoy all that the little town of Kington has to offer.

Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 September. Herefordshire Art Week is a nine day art trail open to all. Artists, craft makers and creative businesses open their private studios every day between 11am - 5pm (individual times vary). Galleries put on special events, whilst groups get together to put on one-off exhibitions, in a wonderful mix of interesting venues. Enjoy nine days of discovering art, crafts and design from an amazing array of creative people showing across the beautiful county of Herefordshire and its close borders. Take your time and do things at your pace, it’s all very civilised and relaxing, have lunch or a snack along your way and make the most of this annual art feast. Artists sell direct to you, have a chat with them and find out more about how they create and make their artwork. Maybe think about a bespoke commission for yourself or someone special, it doesn’t cost you more. Prices and artwork range hugely, from traditional craft, watercolours and artist blacksmiths to contemporary painting and sculpture in all sorts of artforms, from a few pounds to thousands and everything in between. There really is something for everyone. www.h-art.org.uk

www.kingtonwalks.org

Kington Walks was established by the Kington Chamber of Trade in 2011, with support from Herefordshire Council and Kington Town Council, to promote sustainable tourism and to help to preserve Kington's unique atmosphere. We successfully applied for ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status for the town in the same year. Most recently Kington Walks has become a registered charity with the sole purpose of promoting community participation in healthy recreation by encouraging and enabling people to partake in regular walks as a form of exercise in Kington and the surrounding area.

Kington Walks committee is made up of enthusiastic walkers and people representing the local area.

Kington Walks 2021 Festival

Thursday to Sunday, September 16th to 19th 2021 This is our tenth annual Festival. We are pleased to be back with our full programme of walks and events over the weekend. Kington is one of the great small market towns of Britain. Situated close to the Welsh Border it was for centuries a centre for cattle drovers and a web of footpaths centred on the town await the keen walker. The Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, The Herefordshire Trail, Mortimer Trail and the Wyche Way all pass through (or start / finish) in the town.

The Festival will include our usual wide range of walks to suit all abilities and interests and covers history, natural history, geology, landscapes, a few pubs along the way and much more. As part of the Festival we will join Rob Dingle the National Trails Officer for Offa's Dyke Path as part of the celebrations marking 50 years since the opening of this iconic National Trail. If you would like to sharpen your photography skills, join 5

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Kington Golf Club offers a mag-

Lessons are available with our PGA Professional prescribing a tailor made programme to suit you. We cater for all levels from beginners to tour professionals.

nificent panorama overlooking The Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, Malvern Hills and Shropshire and Clee Hills with unrivalled views of seven historic counties. The course is the highest 18-hole golf course in England and is designated a Top 100 course by Golf World/Today’s Golfer, Golf Monthly and National Club Golfer magazines.

The course was designed in 1926 by Major Cecil Hutchinson (who helped to design Gleneagles) and is set in glorious National Trust property. The terrain has been described as an inland links; it offers well draining moorland turf often playable when other local courses are waterlogged.

Kington’s course is fascinating, fun, entertaining and challenging. Ranked No. 3 in the Golf World/Today’s Golfer Top 100 Courses under £60 in GB&I 2021 top-

Although less than 6000 yards off the Competition tees, the course is rarely over-powered and provides the challenge of undulating ground, mounding around the greens and bracken lined fairways. There are no sand bunkers or water hazards at Kington but the course is defended by the finest Welsh wind and rain.

Check our webcam to see course status and what the weather’s doing.

100-courses-60-and-under-gb-i-compressed1620112082.pdf (kingtongolf.co.uk), Kington offers

amazing low green fees for visitors. Summer rates from £25, Winter rates from £22 (October-March).

Our newly refurbished clubhouse and bar offers delicious lunches, coffee and cake, and Sunday carvery which is very popular. We welcome non-golfers, walkers and those who just want to visit and take in the amazing views.

Bradnor Hill, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3RE.

Tel: 01544 230340.

Email info@kingtongolf.co.uk www.kingtongolf.co.uk

We offer a variety of Membership opportunities for all ages and abilities. Take advantage of our "Back to Golf" reduced membership rates from now until 31st March 2022. New Full Members get a free coaching lesson with our PGA Professional. For those who may not play too often, look at our Flexible Membership with prices starting from £200. For visiting golfers we have a range of packages and frequent Open competitions throughout the year. For those new to golf we offer small group sessions with the first three sessions free of charge so you can see if golf is for you.

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Knighton and District Community Centre

Current activities Monday: Science and Nature 3.30-4.30pm

Commonly known as The Comm, it is The Hub for so many community activities as well as being a great venue for parties, weddings, live music, stage productions, exhibitions, meetings and more. The centre hosts Knighton Library, is a hub for volunteer coordination in the Knighton area, has a community café every Tuesday morning and has regular drop ins for the public to seek advice on housing issues, to meet their local police and more.

Tuesday: Tuesday Cafe 10am -12pm; Crafty Coffee 1011am from September; Panache 7-8pm Wednesday: Pilates 11.30am-12.30pm; Cadets 6.30pm Thursday: Art Class 11am - 2pm; Thursday Drop in 12 noon - 1.30pm Friday: The mind Friday Group - once a month, please email to get dates.

Saturday: Markets 2nd and 4th Saturdays .

Our main hall can hold 500 and has a large stage suitable for drama productions and top class live music shows. A moveable wall allows the rear third of the hall to be separated to make a separate bar and function room. Adjoining the main hall are a smaller hall suitable for events involving up to 50 people, a casual seating area, kitchen and our "dressing room", which doubles as a classroom and small meeting room. All, except for the library, are available for hire separately if desired and at very competitive prices.

Knighton Woodlanders We are volunteers who manage woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. We come together to share and learn woodland skills, to manage woodlands sustainably and to allow our members access to affordable woodland products such as firewood and timber.

We are looking for volunteers with the skills we need to expand and keep our organisation on a sustainable footing. Perhaps you have recently retired, or moved to the area, and are looking to use your skills to benefit the environment and the local community? We need volunteers like you with skills in wildlife surveys, fundraising, marketing, sales and ICT. And we always need people for woodland task days: with or without woodland skills as we can teach you what you need to know.

We go out to local woodlands one day a week, usually alternating between Thursdays and Sundays, and you choose which days to attend and how much of the day to stay for. Volunteers work at their own pace and we provide all the tools and training needed. So, come and learn new skills while helping local wildlife! If you’d like to know more about volunteering with the Woodlanders, please email woodland@tveg.org.uk or telephone: 01547 520374. Our website has information about us and our volunteering opportunities: http://

The centre is managed entirely by volunteers from the local community and depends largely on volunteers for many of its functions. Our front office is staffed by Ceri, the Centre Administrator, our Volunteer Coordinator, hub coordinator Annie, and Catherine: advice from the hub.

Opening times Monday 9am - 1pm; Tuesday 9am - 3pm; Wednesday 9am - 1pm; Thursday 9am - 3pm; Friday 9am 1pm. Alternatively, write to Centre Administrator, Knighton Community Centre, Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1DR. Telephone: 01547 28088. Mobile: 07751 221487.

Email: knightoncomm@gmail.com For Bookings & Events Ceri Brown knightoncomm@gmail.com

tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project

For Soup Initiative Annie England – Hub Coordinator knightonhubcoordinator@gmail.com For volunteering opportunities – Volunteer Coordinator volunteerhubknighton@gmail.com

Knighton Mens’ Shed We have a fully functional joinery workshop and now has more than 30 members. We operate the only tool repair and sharpening service in a 20 mile radius, offer a furniture repair service, and can make special adaptations or bespoke timber items on request. We are currently sorting through a lot of tools that have been donated but not being used. We have decided to donate some to the worthy cause 'Tools for Self-Reliance' that sends tools out to Africa. Come along and take a look, have a chat about how you'd like us to help you, and whether you might want to join us. The Shed is open on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10am2pm. www.mensshed.uk mensshedknighton@gmail.com T: 07925 357782

Advice from the Hub - Catherine Cadwallader knightonadvice@gmail.com You can also send us a message on either the Knighton Community Centre or the

Knighton and District Coronavirus Support page.

Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering to help the many groups who are working in Knighton to support the Community.

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News from Kington Town Council

those we have lost from our community during the pandemic. The benches will be designed to allow quiet contemplation either alone or in groups. The two designs we have provisionally chosen are both beautiful and inspiring, as well as deeply meaningful in the context of what we have all experienced. If you’d like to see the designs, please contact our Clerk.

Back to Some Form of Normality As restrictions are eased and life begins to return to something like normal, Kington Town Council has been able to hold both Full Council and Committee meetings in person – at the Old Police Station for committees and at the Oxford Arms for Full Council meetings. Our September and October meetings are open to the public as normal and we encourage all interested community members to attend, contribute and question. Details on the time and days of all our meetings can be found on the noticeboards or on our websites.

Our working group is now considering where the benches might be situated and the final decisions on the project will be taken at a special meeting of the Full Council on 16th August 2021. The first bench should be in situ by the end of the year, the second during the first half of 2022. There will be at least one dedication ceremony which we will announce well in advance so all those who’d like to attend can do so.

Departures and Arrivals We’d like to thank Councillor Tony Bennett for his service and contribution to the Council. Tony resigned in July, and we wish him well. In his stead, we’re delighted to welcome Ben Macleod-Needs. Ben’s youth, experience and energy are a great addition to our team, and we look forward to working with him.

Christmas/Winter Decorations 2021 and Beyond After six months of work on designs, budgeting and planning, the Christmas Decorations Working Group made its recommendations to Full Council in early August. The Council approved the recommendations and authorised our Clerk to enter contract discussions with two specialist suppliers. You can see all the proposals we had and those we selected by contacting the Clerk.

Covid Memorial Benches.

We are working to commission two benches from Kington craftspeople and designers to commemorate

Here are some advanced details: We believe that we have substantially improved both the quantity and quality of the lighting displays in the centre of the town. The Clock Tower will, as always, be a focal point and be festooned with multi-coloured LEDs. There will be more displays on the Hight Street and Church Street as well as on the Library. The new lights are far more energy efficient than the old displays and we have contracted the supplier over several years to ensure continuity and development of the illuminated displays.

We have, for the first time, arranged for banners to be hung from lampposts on the roads leading to the centre of town. These banners will be as near to zero carbon as we can make them, and we intend that the brackets which hold them up will be available year round to any in the community that wish to use them.

We’re working with stakeholders such as Balfour Beatty to make sure we follow all health and safety guidelines and manage the costs of putting up and taking down the banners themselves.

We are asking our local schools and artist and craft maker community to submit some designs for the banners and we intend to select the designs in September or October meetings. If you’d like to submit a design or otherwise be involved, please get in touch. Assuming everything goes to plan we should have all the dec10

BOOTS: The Walking Hound of Kington.

For some time there have been suggestions from members of our community to site a prominent sculpture in the town relating to the legend of Black Vaughan as a way of giving Kington a ‘town brand”. Local sculptor Rachel Ricketts was asked to work up an idea and she came up with BOOTS: The Walking Hound of Kington. The early-stage concept is of an enthusiastically striding hound, in bronze on a stone plinth, designed to provide an accessible, media friendly, focal point in Kington town centre. The subject highlights Kington's rich folklore, incorporating the Black Vaughan legend, its fabled influence on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (The Hound of the Baskervilles) and the town's position as a centre for walking. If it is to happen it will need to show that the idea is welcomed and supported by donations. What do you think? Please let us know and we will give feedback to the community groups involved.

Contact the council: 01544 239098 or 07483 914485.

E: clerk@kingtontowncouncil.gov.uk Photo of Tavern Roundabout with wild flowers by Richie Cotterill

orations in place and active in time for the Food Festival planned for the first weekend in December.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend 2022

Next June there will be an extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June as the focal point for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Apart from the major national events, at a local level beacons will be lit throughout the country on the Thursday evening and Sunday is the Big Lunch. Every year since the idea began in 2009 The Big Lunch has encouraged communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship. People are invited to share friendship, food, and fun with neighbours as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

At the last Jubilee (in 2012) the Town Council, Chamber of Trade, churches, schools and local groups worked together to co-ordinate activities, and we will do the same for next year’s Jubilee. A coordinating group is being set up and will be open to anyone who wishes to help. We will announce the plan shortly along with the dates for meetings.

One event that is certain for the Jubilee weekend is the Kington Food Festival which will take place on Saturday 4th June. The weekend will be a great opportunity for everyone to get together not only to celebrate the Jubilee but to celebrate our town.

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Knighton Town Council

returned as the cost of structural repairs and refurbishment was significant. Due to the needed repairs, the toilets cannot be used and have been closed for some time. To temporarily resolve the problem, the town council has hired three portable toilets – ladies, gents and disabled accessible - which are situated at the front of the Centre. They will remain in place while talks continue between Powys County Council, the town council and the Offa’s Dyke Association to find a long term solution. The Offa’s Dyke Centre has unfortunately been closed this year but aims to be open soon.

Old Library, New Name Knighton now has its very own Civic Centre, previously the old library building, bought by the council to become a focal point and asset for the future. The council office is now in use by the town clerk and opening hours are: 10.30am to 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday. The new council phone number is: 01547 529660; email is the same: neil.king321@gmail.com Many businesses and groups have made enquiries about hiring space there and a 24 hour ATM will soon be installed at the front of the building. The defibrillator will also be in place in the next few weeks.

Parking Issues

There were plans to change this space into a crazy golf course, but the council now feels it would be better used as an all weather pitch for a variety of sports and activities, including hockey, 5 a side football, cricket and so on. This would widen the use that local groups would get out of the space and be of more benefit to the town. The council is in talks with Powys to change the purpose of the original grant application in order to access funding for the new development.

There has been parking congestion since the Knighton Hotel opened and also due to parents dropping their children off at the primary school when driveways and verges are blocked by inconsiderate parking. While it is good to see the hotel open again there needs to be a proper solution and the council is in dialogue with Powys County Council, whose responsibility it is to deal with parking issues. The town car park is only free to use between 6pm and 8am, so the town council is enquiring if some further free parking could be arranged to alleviate the school drop off problem. There is also an active travel scheme for parents and children to safely walk or cycle to school.

Open Day

Knighton Festival Support

Once the ATM and defibrillator have been installed at the Civic Centre there will be an open day in September for the community to come together and see the improvements that have been made. There will be an opportunity to see a demonstration of how the defibrillator works, plus refreshments and other events.

Knighton Festival of Books, Art and Music has been given a grant of £300 by the town council. The Festival is due to take place in October. Due to possible covid restrictions there will be a mix of live and online talks and events. FFI contact Knighton Community Centre at knightoncomm@gmail.com

Cemetery Bench Replacement

Flood Defences

A bench at Knighton Cemetery, made out of wood donated by local traders, was vandalised in July when the supports were knocked over and the wood stolen.

Many people were very upset to hear of it, but help has come from Tref Y Clawydd Rugby Club, which has offered to replace the bench.

Natural Resources Wales is carrying out a survey to find out how to protect flood prone areas in and around Knighton. The survey is due to be completed in March 2022 and will be used to apply for Flood Defence Grant in Aid money. The Knighton Community Flood Group was established by Liz Biggs and Jacqui Salt with help from NRW and Powys County Council.

See their Facebook page for more information.

Old Tennis Court, New Purpose

Remembrance Day The Royal British Legion usually organises this event but attendance has been falling in recent years, so they have asked the town council if it might take over the responsibility. The council agreed to this and will publicise the details nearer the time.

Keeping Mobile Knighton & District Community Support has three new mobility scooters from Hereford Mobility after a generous donation from a local resident. Two scooters will be available for residents to borrow on a long term basis, free of charge. The third can be rented on a day rate. To find out more contact Debbie in the transport office at 21 Broad Street or call 01547 520653.

Offa’s Dyke Centre Toilets The toilets are owned by Powys County Council and were licensed to the town council, but the license was 12

Knighton Festival of Books, Art and Music 2021 The Knighton Festival is now in its 4th year and we have been busy booking speakers for what promises to be another great programme. This year we plan to hold a mixture of live and on-line events during the first week in October. The Festival gets off to a rousing start on Friday October 1st with an Open Mic Night featuring local musicians at the Community Centre.

Bringing us back to earth, the theme for the following day is Climate Change and the Environment and we have assembled a panel of leading scientific experts to discuss this topical issue, including Gabrielle Walker, author of "The Hot Topic: how to avoid global warming while still keeping the lights on".

There will be extracts from The Carbon Chronicles, an opera about oil and climate change written by Camilla Saunders; and a presentation from Knighton environmental group TVEG. Emma Stibborn RA will discuss her work depicting landscapes affected by climate change. Printmaker Andrew Baldwin will discuss the techniques he uses for non-toxic etching. We have included lots of poetry: a selection of writers will read their poems from Seren Books’ landmark anthology: 100 Poems to Save the Earth. Deborah Alma will be discussing her work at the Poetry Pharmacy in Bishops Castle.

To celebrate National Poetry Day, we will be joined by the Marches Poets at the Tuesday morning café at the Comm on 5th October. Knighton Library Friends are sponsoring this event, and all refreshments will be free to those attending. Details of the closing weekend are still to be finalised, but fans of crime novels will not want to miss the panel of Welsh crime writers discussing their new books. We are also thrilled to be joined by Tim Barringer from Yale University to discuss the Pre - Raphaelites and contemporaries, focusing on works in Birmingham Art Gallery. There will be an opportunity to join a series of guided walks led by the East Radnorshire Ramblers; plus a chance to go fossil hunting with eminent geologist Joseph Botting; and an informed tour of Knighton’s architectural history with John Davis.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upto-date announcements of speakers and events. Full details of the programme and how to book are available on the website of the Knighton Festival www.knightoncommunitycentre/knightonfestival

Fiona Roper, Chair Knighton Festival Steering Group

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I have been involved in Radnorshire and Presteigne scouts for 18 years. I was a leader but now I am Chair for Radnorshire area scouts. I am currently a committee member for the Presteigne Carnival committee and I am a school governor for Presteigne Primary School.

Tell us about your sponsored walk: who are you raising money for and why?

Over the weekend of Saturday 28th & 29th August starting around 6.30am I'm walking the Offa's Dyke Path from Hay on Wye to Knighton to raise money for two very good charities: East Radnor Day Centre and Presteigne Co Responders . I wanted to support East Radnor Day Centre because it is an excellent place for elderly people; my nan used to love it there. The Co Responders give people a chance of survival as we are so far away from major hospitals; they helped my family and have helped countless others in the area.

The Interview: Fiona Preece, Presteigne Town Councillor and Mayor

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their support, advice, encouragement etc?

I would like to thank my family for their support and members of Presteigne and Norton Town Council.

Tell us a bit about yourself Born in Norton (one of three children of Cyril and Eileen Bradford), I went to Whitton / Knighton primary school and then John Beddoes secondary school in Presteigne. I left school at 16 and went to work at E. Walter trouser factory in Knighton until it closed in 1995. I married my husband Alan Preece and we had two children: John and Sophie. Later I started part time cleaning for Powys County Council at Presteigne primary school and worked my way up to supervisor. I still work for Powys County Council as an administrator / supervisor. I’m a Presteigne town councillor and was honoured to become mayor on 19th May this year.

What are your aspirations while you hold the office of Mayor and what would you like to achieve?

I feel that I can do a good job as Mayor; I am very approachable and always help when I can. If anyone has a problem I am keen to help sort it out or assist my fellow councillors to find a solution. I’d like to see future developments of affordable housing for local families and employment so local people are able to stay in the area. We need to ensure that any other development is beneficial to the town. We are very lucky to have many businesses in the town which are doing very well. For example, I am very pleased to see the Radnorshire Arms open again after being closed for two years. We have local events in Presteigne, including the Presteigne Festival, when visitors come to stay and the Vintage Cars in October when the hotel is usually full, so I'm very pleased to see it open for business and doing well.

What do you like about living in Presteigne: community, arts, landscape etc.

I have always been interested in what goes on locally especially in local clubs, groups and organisations and am looking forward to things getting going again when Covid is under control. Presteigne has not changed a great deal in the last 50 years; people who move here are made very welcome. There are plenty of great walks and cycle paths, clubs and leisure facilities. We are lucky enough to have a lot of artists, photographers and writers in the town. The last 18 months has been very challenging for everyone but we have been fortunate in our area and our community has really pulled together to cope with this difficult situation.

What, in your opinion, is the meaning of life?

The meaning of life to me is firstly all about my family.

Secondly we should all have the chance to achieve something, to give and receive support and fulfil our potential.

If you would like to help Fiona raise money for her good causes, please go to her JustGiving page to make a donation.

What else are you involved with: good causes, community projects etc?

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fiona-preece 14

Presteigne Youth Centre

(although we’re sorry to have to ask visitors to not touch the historic furnishings at this time, as we can’t clean them with harsh chemicals) and period lighting, with all the warm glows, gloomy corners and smells, there is no real substitute for being here. If you can’t get to see us and want to use our website for learning and fun, you’re very welcome; please get in touch if there is anything we can help you with. Check out our Covid-Secure Opening section for a bit of info on what to expect at the moment. There are a few changes to help keep everybody safe, but you can explore all our period rooms. Don’t miss our new exhibition: “William Henry Jones, Drawings 1880-1887”. A superb collection of sketches of Presteigne and the surrounding area in the small exhibition room running through to 31st October. Free admission to the Jones exhibition @PresteigneArts. www.judgeslodging.org.uk

The Youth Centre (Old School) in Hereford Street, Presteigne, is newly redecorated and open for business! If you’re looking for a convenient daytime or evening venue in the centre of Presteigne for your regular club meetings, dance, exercise or other classes, or for one-off presentations, seminars, birthday parties or other get-togethers, come and look at The Old School.

Our hire rates are very competitive. We have two separate halls and a small kitchen, disabled access and toilet facilities. The building is set up with all required Covid precautions. There is limited on-site parking and the Hereford Street car park is next door.

It’s not well known that we also have good wi-fi and a full 5-terminal high-spec computer suite with all ancillaries including a separate large interactive screen (essentially a large computer/whiteboard combined with connection to the internet, all TV players, YouTube etc) in the small hall. Is there anybody out there who might like to take advantage of this brilliant but underused facility to run computer classes, seminars, presentations etc? The big screen is great for karaoke as well!! Call Terry on 07766 097600 or email presteignedogman@icloud.com

Offa’s Dyke Plea Despite continued setbacks, it's hoped that the Offa’s Dyke Centre can open again for weekends from Aug 21st. However, volunteers are desperately needed to help run the tea room and kitchen. Volunteers do not take paid work away from Knighton people as we just cannot afford to pay for any more staff. Conversely, we must have some paid staff ie. a Centre manager and counter staff so the Centre can open. Thus volunteers are needed to support the paid staff, to give something back to Knighton and help make the centre a success.

You can do as much or as little as you like: stay behind the scenes in the kitchen or packaging online orders or try some front of house work such as serving teas and coffees, greeting visitors and answering queries.

Presteigne Food Bank Presteigne Food Bank Has Moved! The Food Bank outreach service in Presteigne now operates from new premises, the Portakabin (behind the East Radnor Day Centre) in Scottleton Street, Presteigne LD8 2BL. Thank you to Beverley and her team for extending a warm welcome to us and enabling the food bank to have a home once again, in the heart of the community. We are delighted to resume our Thursday sessions, 10 - 11.30am, providing urgent food and essentials to those in our community who are experiencing severe hardship and facing a crisis.

The Offa’s Dyke Association is a charity to promote education about the scheduled ancient monument of Offa's Dyke and the conservation of the monument for future generations. We receive no funding from the Government, Powys County Council or Knighton Town Council. Until 2018 the main income for the charity was from running Knighton Tourist Information Centre for Powys County Council from the Centre. This income, which was spent on staff wages, was completely withdrawn in 2018: if you see a Tourist Information Centre anywhere in Powys now, it is run by volunteers. Our other sources of income have been ODA memberships, accommodation advertising, room hire, the shop and - very significantly - sales of tea, coffee and cakes. One member of staff alone cannot deal with enquiries at the desk and making and serving tea and coffee, which is where our quest for volunteers comes in. DO AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU LIKE BUT PLEASE, PLEASE BE A VOLUNTEER WITH US. If you’re interested in helping and can spare a little time, phone 01544 520565 or email

As Covid restrictions continue to ease, we look forward to welcoming callers and donations once more, and we ask that you wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing, to keep us all safe. If you prefer, we can collect donations from your doorstep, or you can leave items (with a long use-by date please) at the Spar shop in Presteigne or please do drop by to see our new home in the Portakabin any Thursday morning. For help & support or for more information, please contact Helen on 07731 524 058

Judge’s Lodging Please do come and visit us if you can. The Judge’s Lodging really does need to be seen to be properly experienced, with our ‘hands-on’ policy allowing you to wander the rooms as the Victorians would have done

oda@offasdyke.org.uk

15

16

MCS 10 Years On Marches Counselling Service (MCS) was formed in 2010 as a not-for-profit company and became a registered charity in 2011. We have now been in Herefordshire and the Marches for over 10 years, supporting the residents to live well with or recover from challenges to their mental health.

Sadly, because of Covid19, we were not able to hold the celebration we had intended for our 10th year, but there is now more to celebrate. The experience of the pandemic has proven that we are a service which can survive, and that is something really worth celebrating.

we have continued to provide face to face support for those whose circumstances made other forms of contact impossible. Although not a free service, we are also grateful that a grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund enabled us to offer support to those badly affected financially.

The people we support are diverse in their needs and face many challenges. Pockets of severe urban deprivation sit alongside social isolation and poor access to services due to the rurality of most of the county. Herefordshire has long suffered higher than average rates of suicide and severe mental illness and the county’s mental health services are under considerable stress with lengthy waiting lists for treatment and restricted contact for one to one work.

We are still here. We hope you are too, and that your resilience hasn’t taken too many knocks, but we know this time has been difficult for many. Hopefully the past year has shown people that it is not failure to reach out for help. If you need to do so then contact us at: 01432 279906 or marches.counselling@gmail.com

This situation has deteriorated further with the pandemic and demand for our services is higher than ever.

We are proud that, except for the period of the initial lockdown, alongside developing our ability to offer support to people through the telephone and internet,

You can also support our service by making a donation. Either contact us at the above email address or use the link for Paypal on our website. www.marchescounselling.org

17

18

Huntington: the last 100 years.

‘Coat Tails Flying’. John is a superb performer with a personality that can fill a hall, make you smile and get you tapping your feet without thinking twice.

Research has begun on tracing the history of the village over the last century and to record it in booklet or similar form. Since the end of WW1, there have been far reaching changes in Huntington village in farming, the landscape, social history and the provision of services.

December 11th, 7.30pm Syrinx Syrinx were very well received when they performed for us in 2018. This will be an evening of ‘light’ classical music with a Christmas theme to brighten you up and put you in the (very good) Christmas mood.

We are looking for anecdotes from recent times and those passed down the generations. Those with memories of people and events who have shaped the recent history of the village are being asked to share them to build up a picture of the various aspects of change such as life as it was for soldiers returning from the front, farmers, horses and tractors, the Home Guard, planting for victory and WW2, hard winters, local characters, community activities, the village fete and other pockets of interest; all enhanced by research into the make-up of the village through the censuses at varying times and other historical research.

Kington & District Community Shop The shop is a glorified "charity" shop re-stocked by a different organisation every week. This very popular local shop has reopened after lockdowns, leaving a Covid cautious "fallow" week for quarantine between each group.

September: 4th - 11th KADOS (Kington Amateur Dramatics & Operatic Society) Then closed.

18th - 25th Kington Horticultural Society. Then closed.

Contributions are anticipated from residents but we also seek out anyone who might formerly have lived in the village or in some other way have had a connection with it. Please get in touch if you have a story, anecdote, or a photograph to share. Peter Kelly peterbkelly642@hotmail.com or

October: 2nd - 9th St Peter & St Paul's Church, Whitney-on-Wye. Then closed.

16th - 23rd Eardisley Primary School PTA. Then closed.

01544 370266

November: 30th Oct. - 6th Nov. Kington Choral Society. Then closed.

13th - 20th St Mary's Church, Almeley. Then closed.

December: 27th - 4th Dec. Friends of St Mary's, Kington.

Music in New Radnor After a long, enforced hibernation, Music in New Radnor has woken up and is delighted to be staging the 2021-22 season. Please note: all concerts are held in New Radnor Community Hall and always start at 7.30.

Prices for these concerts are still to be confirmed (rarely more than £12) and the seating is unreserved.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call Dave Blackman 01544 350268.

Donated goods are welcome; if possible by arrangement with the group, but in any case, best delivered on their first Saturday. The shop is fully booked but there is a small waiting list for local community/campaign groups. Organisations pay £130 for their week and usually make over £1,000. The shop is managed, insured, maintained and accounted for by a small voluntary committee. kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com

Saturday October 9th, 7.30pm Pagoda Project An irresistible concert fusing the distinctive voice of Anna Tam (Mediaeval Baebes) nyckelharpa, viola da gamba, hurdygurdy and cello, with the unique Pagoda duo (Paul Hutchinson accordion, Karen Wimhurst clarinets). Building on Pagoda’s five star album ‘Clarion’, this expanded line up crystallises a whole new universe of strings, vocals and reeds into a heady mixture of Progressive Chamber Folk.

Pagoda Project has been favourably reviewed by Songlines and fRoots Magazines as well as Fatea Records.

November 13th, 7.30pm John Kirkpatrick The one and only inimitable and much loved Mr Kirkpatrick MBE (Albion Band, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey and more) button accordion, treble and bass Anglo concertinas and custom built two-row melodeon. ‘The King of the Squeezebox’ with a programme named 19

Green Connections Powys

the NRN). Ask us if there is something specific that we can help you with eg. surveying a local site, advice on land management. We can support the creation of nature trails and interpretation of the Radnorshire wildlife for both local residents and visitors. Use your information to help protect and enhance the wildlife network where you live. If you have a project of your own and would like advice or would like to know more about any of the above, do please contact darylle@rwtwales.org (general information) sarah@rwtwales.org (land management advice) or janice@rwtwales.org (helping community groups take action).

This is a collaborative Wildlife Trusts project across Powys that will be working with community groups, small businesses, landowners and statutory organisations to take local action to address climate change and biodiversity loss and create a Nature Recovery Network (NRN) across the county. The project runs until March 2023 and has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

What is an NRN? It is a joined-up system of places where nature can recover and thrive. It is a combination of both places where wildlife is still abundant and places where habitats need to be restored or created to help expand and connect the remaining fragments. The networks will also help the natural world to adapt to a changing climate and other pressures on the environment and make space for nature to meet the needs of wildlife and people in the wider landscape. The Green Connections Project will be surveying and mapping wildlife, advising on habitat management and naturebased solutions, helping people encourage more wildlife into their communities and offering opportunities for upskilling and volunteering. We aim to empower local communities to engage and support their own nature recovery networks that will then connect across Radnorshire and Powys.

September Walks with East Radnor Ramblers Weds 1: Fynnon Gwynnd area 9 miles from Fynnon Gwyndd Common Weds 8: Knighton Circular 8.7 miles from Knighton Train Station Weds 15: Leintwardine area 7.5 miles from Leintwardine green

Weds 22: Water-Break- its- Neck to Llynheilyn 8 miles from Water-Break-its-Neck car park Thurs 23: Mortimer Trail to Aymestry 5 miles from Lyepole Bridge Weds 29: Gladestry Circular 10 miles from Gladestry Village Hall car park

We can create community area maps and provide tailored species accounts that individuals and groups can use to interpret their own ecological network. We will provide training in ecological survey and identification and land management to support individuals and groups to discover and interpret their NRN and to support the active recovery of habitats and species. We will visit and survey land that can contribute to the NRN, working across landowner boundaries to create local networks that might benefit from collaborative interventions or support. We will support the restoration of the NRN through pilot projects funded through Green Connections and through supporting communities and land managers in making direct applications to funding pots.

Walks start at 10am. Everyone welcome! Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Details of walks in November and December will be on our website. Further information, and photos of recent walks here: www.ramblers.org.uk/east-radnor Knighton Show & Carnival. Our AGM is on Thursday 26th September at 7.30pm at the RAFA Club in Knighton. Everyone is welcome. Knighton Show & Carnival needs the community’s support to start planning for 2022, if we have no organising committee then we have no show.

What can you do?

Volunteer to map your local Nature Recovery Networks; we can provide training and identification support for habitats and species. This can be targeted or can be as simple as taking notes or photographs on your regular walks. Let us know if you have land that can be added to the map (we know lots of our members have their own land or are involved in the management of community land but we don’t have the boundaries of these areas to enable us to add them to 20

KINGTON NEWS

Huntington Chase will be held on 23 October – further details soon!

Lockdown Books Events

Lady Hawkins Term Dates Start dates for September: Tuesday 7th new Year 7 students; Wednesday 8th Year 10 & 11 students return; Thursday 9th Year 8 & 9 students return. 9am start for those students on public transport and 11.30am for those who walk or are driven to school. Wednesday 22nd September Teacher Education Day (no students). Half Term Monday 25th to Friday 29th October. Friday 17th December Lunchtime finish.

Presteigne Festival: we'll be selling books at the Fiona Sampson talk on Sunday 29th August (Event 19, in the Memorial Hall at 4:30pm). The next, and main, event is the Surrealism in Wales book launch in the Market Hall, Kington on 4th September, starting at 7pm. We'll be open through h.Art. Opening hours will vary but we'll be open most days. Our shop window will have a special display for the Walking Festival over 16-19th September.

Local Markets

October 7 is National Poetry Day so we will be doing something for that and it's also the Walkers Welcome meeting 29-31 October. Will hopefully be having music, a book event and maybe some other things too. 48 High Street, Kington HR5 3BJ. FFI: lockdown_books@protonmail.com and www.lock-down-

Kington Friday Market 9am to 1pm. Market Hall and Place de Marines. Kingtoncommunitymarket@gmail.com

Kington Country Market 9am to 11.30am. Baptist Church, Bridge Street. T: 07972 650788.

Kington Art & Craft Market every 3rd Saturday 9am to 3pm. Market Hall and Place de Marines. Anna:

books.com

Kington Lions

akcrafts@gmx.com

Knighton Community Market 9.30am to 12.30pm every 2nd and 4th Saturday in the Community Hall. Lou: 07805 722237.

The Lion’s motto is “We Serve”. Well Kington Lions can add “We Care”. We have now had face to face (masks and social distancing) meetings from 26th May. The Lion’s Den Garage Sale on July 24th was a big success despite the rain and stormy skies. A big thank you to all who turned out to support us. We are planning another Car Wash (ever popular) and several other interesting events which will be advertised on posters in local shops (thank you shop owners) and social media.

Presteigne Local Food Market 9am to 1pm on 1st Saturday in the Memorial Hall richardjpitts@yahoo.co.uk

Incidentally, we have two wheelchairs which we can lend out if required, free of charge with maybe a donation to Kington Lions. Contact via email. If you are interested in becoming a Lion or want to know more about what we do, our aims and values, we meet at The Burton Hotel every other Wednesday at 7pm for about a hour. Our email address is kingtonlions2018@gmail.com

Macmillan Coffee Morning. Kington Trefoil Guild is holding their annual coffee morning on Friday 24 September between 10am and 12 noon at 40 Headbrook, Kington. There will be stalls, a raffle, bric-a-brac, refreshments, books and other great bargains, all in a good cause. A warm welcome awaits and we hope to see you there.

New Footpaths Officer Discussions have been taking place between the town council, Herefordshire County Council and Balfour Beatty about the lengthsman scheme and footpaths maintenance. The Walking Hub currently operates a footpath maintenance scheme so is ideally placed to take up the new post. Well done Ali! 21

PRESTEIGNE NEWS

Help needed for new wildflower meadow in Discoed. Is there anyone out there who can cut our field to aid the creation of a wildflower meadow? If you can use the hay, even better. It will have to be small machinery to get through the gate on the narrow lane, and because heavy machinery is banned from the scheduled ancient monument in the field. Call Maggie on 01547 560813.

Presteigne Community News Live in or around Presteigne? Sign up for the Community News: a free e-letter providing regular news and information on what’s happening in the wider area around Presteigne. The news is an initiative of PACDG (Presteigne Area Community Development Group) and was set up to improve communication in the community. Usually issued twice monthly, it is currently being sent out twice a week reflecting the ever changing situation for residents, local shops and businesses and local government. To contribute or to join the mailing list contact the editor: news@pacdg.org

If you run a community group, charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation in Powys, read on - you could be eligible for a funding boost. Powys County Council has launched its Covid Community Recovery Grant which aims to help organisations respond to the impact of the pandemic so that they can become more resilient. Awards of up to £20,000 can be made to cover up to 80% of the cost of a variety of initiatives. Full details are on the Powys website -

Georgian Polyphonic Singing Workshop. To be held on Sunday 26th September 1500-1630 hours (NOT 19th) in Presteigne. Price £7 (tea/coffee provided). Participants will receive recordings and texts of songs in advance. Reading music not required. Limited places so early reservation recommended. Contact Mzia: mziag@hotmail.co.uk or 07981 752405

https://bit.ly/3wFc0dN

The first round of applications closes on 31st July, but don’t worry if that deadline is too tight for your organisation – round 2 closes on 15th September and round 3 on 24th November, and there will be two more rounds next year (as long as the money doesn’t run out). If you need advice or help to make a funding bid, it’s worth contacting PAVO who offer lots of support to voluntary organisations. www.pavo.org.uk

Walton Hall coffee morning will be held on Wednesday 8th September from 10am to 1pm. There will be a large selection of books and jigsaws available for you to exchange or borrow, for a donation to the hall.

With the support of the Town Council both Presteigne roundabouts are being developed and maintained as mini wildflower meadows. After only about one year of cultivation both are showing a significant increase in biodiversity, hopefully this will continue to increase in future years. Presteigne & Norton TC Town Clerk on 07866 815622 or by email to presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com.

Do make time to watch Rivercide, a documentary with focus on the scandalous pollution of the River Wye, supposedly protected by many important environmental 4 of 6 designations, but rapidly declining.

Presented by George Monbiot and featuring Dr Christine Hugh-Jones from Norton. Click here to view http://www.rivercide.tv/

Do you work as a personal assistant with someone who has social care needs? Looking for more work?

Receive Direct Payments to manage your social care support and need to find someone to support you?

Then, if you live in Powys, why not take a look at the Powys Care and Support Finder website at https:// crowd.in/fmriUl This is a new online resource to help link up people offering care and support with people who are looking for it. Why not give it a try?

Grants available for tenants facing homelessness.

Powys tenants who are building up rent arrears because of the pandemic and find themselves at risk of homelessness may be eligible for a grant. The Tenancy Hardship Grant is a Welsh Government funding scheme to help tenants in the private rented sector to pay their overdue rent. Read more https://en.powys.gov.uk/ article/11429/grants-available-for-tenants-facinghomelessness

22

Kington Bus Campaign KLEEN (Kington Local Energy & Environment Network) is campaigning to restore the evening and Sunday buses on the 461/2 bus route between Kington and Hereford. Backed by Rail & Bus for Herefordshire, KLEEN is calling on Herefordshire Council to seize the opportunity provided by the government’s Bus Back Better National Bus Strategy. Since services were cut in 2015, Kington, one of Herefordshire’s six market towns has no bus connection with Hereford after 6.15pm and no connection at all with Leominster - its nearest major centre and railway station.

The lack of services significantly constrains local lives and opportunities, for both older as well as younger people. It’s an economic as well as a social issue with many unable to commute to Hereford for work opportunities because they simply can’t get back at night. The nearby rural population plus villages and hamlets along the route are also affected. For local traders and hospitality providers, post-covid Kington desperately needs its tourism economy boosted – a better bus service will enhance it as a destination, especially for weekend walking breaks.

The campaign is based on compelling local evidence: a public online survey received 138 responses within a few days. 78% of respondents say they are likely to use the services. Of these, 37% do not own a car and 25% have no alternative means of transport. The survey also brought to light local demand for the reinstatement of a Kington – Leominster service.

KLEEN’s campaign aligns with Herefordshire Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency, and the need to provide alternative choices to the car. KLEEN http://kingtonkleen.org.uk/ or kingtonkleen@gmail.com.

You can express your support for KLEEN’s campaign by writing to Cllr John Harrington (the portfolio holder for Public Transport in Herefordshire Council).

Find out more about Rail & Bus for Herefordshire - a voluntary body seeking to promote increased use of public transport around the county by contacting Les Lumsdon, leslumsdon@hotmail.com .

And or read about the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) rural bus campaign and petition: https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/we-tell-governmentwe-need-a-reliable-bus-service-for-every-community/

Photos by Karen Kirkham and Beatrix Frajda 23

24

Petrol Change

Mixing E10 and E5 petrol

During summer 2021, the standard (95 octane) petrol grade in Great Britain will become E10. The change in fuel applies to petrol only. Almost all (95%) petrolpowered vehicles on the road today can use E10 petrol and all cars built since 2011 are compatible. If your petrol vehicle or equipment is not compatible with E10 fuel, you will still be able to use E5 by purchasing the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane) petrol from most filling stations. Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5. E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with petrol vehicles and tackle climate change. Petrol in the UK currently contains up to 5% renewable ethanol (known as E5).

If your vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol, there’s no reason you can’t mix the 2 grades of petrol (E5 97+ and E10 95+). It’s perfectly safe to mix them in the same tank or fill up with E5 if E10 is not available. Some other petrol-powered equipment may not be compatible with E10 petrol including boats, petrol-powered garden equipment or machinery, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. Owners and operators should check their manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer before using E10. Owners of light aircraft that currently use E5 petrol known as MOGAS should continue to use E5 petrol unless expressly approved by their manufacturer or regulating body.

Check if your vehicle can run on E10 petrol - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The introduction of E10 petrol at UK forecourts could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road. Using E10 petrol can slightly reduce fuel economy. You may see a reduction of around 1%, but it is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving. Other factors, such as your driving style or driving with under inflated tyres or a roof rack, have a much more significant impact on fuel economy than using E10 petrol. All new cars manufactured since 2011 are compatible and most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10.

Flicks in the Sticks is Back Summerland (Cert 12) September 2nd 7.30pm.

While World War II rages across the channel, reclusive writer Alice lives a solitary life on the seaside cliffs of Southern England. One day, she opens her front door to find she has been assigned a young London evacuee named Frank to look after. Initially resistant, Alice is gradually won over by Frank’s innocent curiosity and the two realise they have more in common than she had assumed. As the painful past opens up a brighter future, this tells an intensely emotional story of love's endurance in trying times.

The following vehicles, however, may not be compatible: classic, cherished and older vehicles; some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s; some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under. You can check whether your vehicle is approved to use E10 petrol using our E10 vehicle checker (see below).

Safety Although the government has removed all restrictions on indoor activities, we will still be restricting numbers. We therefore ask that people pre-book their tickets by emailing fionaritchie54@gmail.com or telephone 01544 327227. (Tickets can be paid for on the door and are still only £5). Or you can book online: www.artsalive.co.uk

What to do if your vehicle is not compatible with E10 petrol

Continue to use E5 petrol in the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane), which will remain available at many larger filling stations. Make sure you check the label before you fill up. If you put E10 petrol in a non-compatible vehicle simply fill up with E5 (‘97+ octane) petrol next time. Using a single tank of E10 petrol in a vehicle that is not compatible should not be a major problem. Just make sure you fill up with the correct E5 (‘97+ octane) petrol grade next time.

We also ask that people are considerate of others and wear face masks on entry and when leaving or moving around the building.

Future dates at Brilley Village Hall 7th October: Nomadland (cert 12A)

23rd October: Live theatre. Pentabus presents the Jacaranda Tree

Unlike putting petrol into a diesel engine, you shouldn’t need to drain the tank. On a one-time basis, your vehicle will not suffer engine damage as a result. Prolonged use of E10 petrol in a non-compatible vehicle, however, may cause harm and is not recommended.

4th November: Supernova (Cert 15) 2nd December: Knives Out (Cert 12A)

25

Business Directory

al massage. Room 2, Old Police Station, Kington HR5 3DP. T: 07792 743894 E: info@ellyingram.co.uk W: www.ellyingram.co.uk

KNIGHTON Bleddfa Centre. Centre for the creative spirit. Find us on social media @bleddfacentre and keep up to date with our monthly exhibitions and events. 4 to 12 September we are part of h.Art. E: hello@bleddfacentre.org W: www.bleddfacentre.org

Emma's Dog House. Day Care and Boarding in our home, not kennels. With 25 years’ experience in animal care your best friend is loved as part of the family. Ofqual Qualified, Canine First Aid trained, licensed and fully insured. E: emmakurrels@hotmail.com T:07495 885653 W: www.emmasdoghouse.co.uk

Rotary Club of Knighton and District. We are a small but active Rotary Club of 30 members including 12 women. We share fun and friendship while supporting our local community in many ways. We meet regularly and also organise social and fundraising events to help those who need it. T: Cathy Jones 07813 733240 E: knightonrotary@outlook.com W: www.knighton.rotary1150.org

Forget-Me-Nots. Greetings cards, gifts (stockist for Tractor Ted, Bomb Cosmetics and Life Charms Jewellery) and a large selection of balloons for all occasions. 44 High Street, Kington, HR5 3BJ. T: 01544 231796.

Hergest Croft Gardens. Open daily to Sunday 31 October, 11.30am to 5pm. Admission: adults £7, accompanied children under 16 free. Gift shop, free car parking, dogs on leads welcome. New for 2021 Maples Tearoom serving delicious home-cooked food. Ridgebourne Rd, Kington HR5 2EG. T: 01544 230160. E: gardens@hergest.co.uk W: www.hergest.co.uk

Pentre Farm. Offering private family interaction sessions, children's parties, playgroups, school/care home visits, pop up farm, Forest School, camping, private hire.

T: 07969 240470 E: Sam@pentrefarm.co.uk W: www.bookwhen.com/pentre

Ian Jones Tyres Ltd. Tyres, batteries, exhausts, MOTs (£40), air conditioning, repairs, services, Hawkeye laser alignment. T: Kington 01544 230291; Brecon 01874 622905.

PRESTEIGNE Welcome to Crocketts! New restaurant in Presteigne (old Hat Shop premises). Open for dinner Thurs – Sat 6pm to 9.30pm. Internationally inspired menu by talented local chef. Open for breakfast & lunch Sat 10am – 2pm.

Wines by The Real Wine Company, local ales, G&Ts, soft drinks, tea & coffee. T: 01544 260017. E: crockettsinfo@gmail.com 7 High Street, Presteigne LD8 2BA.

J & P Turner. For all your gardening and animal feed requirements visit, phone or check us out online. Delivery service available. Arrow Mills, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3DU. T: 01544 230 536 W: www.arrowmills.co.uk

Chapel House Clearance. Free, no obligation quote, friendly, efficient service, responsible disposal, recycling & upcycling possibilities, domestic & retail, any size job considered. T: 07901 822294. E: info@restorella.co.uk

KBS. Kington Building Supplies. Kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, paint, power tools, paving, workwear etc. T: 01544 230081 Also Rhayader Building Supplies 01597 810828. Sunset Yard, Kington HR5 3SF. W: www.kingtonbuildingsupplies.co.uk

Restorella. Vintage home accessories store, garden furnishings and workshop. The Old Dairy, West Street, Knighton Powys LD7 1EN. T: 07901 822294. www.facebook.com/restorella and Instagram restorella.co.uk

Kington Chiropractic. If you suffer pains, strains, cramps, musculoskeletal injuries, joint or muscle pain, headaches etc. try chiropractic for personalised treatment.

Room 3, Old Police Station, Kington HR5 3DP. Barry Williams T: 07526 363338 E: kingtonchiropractic@gmail.com

Weobley Ash. Artisan butcher & farm shop. Wide range of grassfed beef, pork, hogget & mutton, mixed boxes, fresh fruit & veg. Unit 6, Morgan Building Ind Est, Presteigne LD8 2UF. T: 01544 598120 E: shop@weobleyash.co.uk W: www.weobleyash.co.uk

Kington Golf Club. Membership available from £250.

Visitors and societies always welcome. T: 01544 230340 ext 1. E: pro@kingtongolfclub.co.uk W: www.kingtongolf.co.uk KLEEN. Kington Local Environment & Energy Network.

Focused on environmental issues, energy saving and generation. Not for profit organisation. To find out more or to join us, E: kingtonkleen@gmail.com W: www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

KINGTON Be Brilliant Dogs. Qualified accredited dog trainer. One to one help, group classes, scent work, trick training, life skills, new puppy help. T: 07472 701887.

E: jen@bebrilliantdogs.co.uk

Kukulclean. Oven cleaning, from domestic to industrial.

Full end of tenancy house cleans, eco friendly materials, fully insured. T: 07950 332535.

E: kukulclean@outlook.com

Border Bean. Independent coffee shop established in 2013. Speciality coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks.

A variety of delicious homemade cakes and healthy snacks. A warm welcome and comfortable surroundings await! " A real social hub of Kington." T: 01544 231625.

22-24 High Street, Kington, HR5 3AX. Current opening: Mon-Wed: 9.30am to 2pm, Thurs-Sat: 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Lockdown Books. A new bookshop in Kington. The shop stocks a range of titles covering politics, poetry, social and green issues, feminism and philosophy. We also have books based on, or set in, the local area and have a focus on Anglo-Welsh writing. Landscape and nature are also key themes. 48 High Street, Kington. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-5. E: lockdown_books@protonmail.com W: https://lock-down-books.com/

Border Trailer Services. NTTA approved 30 point service, inspection, upgrade and repair service. Covering livestock, horsebox, plant, boat, glider trailers and caravans (running gear only). NTTA (National Trailer & Towing Association) Certificate of Roadworthiness issued on completion. Fully insured. T: 01544 230300 or 07966 195966. E: bordertrailer@gmail.com

Made in the Marches Gallery. Kington’s artisan gallery, showing a diverse and changing collection of artwork encompassing the beauty and essence of the Marches, from local artists and makers. 12 Church St, Kington HR5 3AZ. T: 07531 820195.

Elly Ingram. Massage therapist. Holistic, sports & remedi26

E: madeinthemarchesgallery@gmail.com

meat, cooked meats, pies, fish and cheeses weekly. As well as groceries, wood and coal. We try our best to get what is requested. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8 to 1 then 3 to 5.30 Weds; Sat 8 to 1. We are passionate about supporting local suppliers and maintaining a community. The Old Town Hall, Broad Street, New Radnor. T: 01544 350619

W: Made in the Marches Gallery Marches Counselling Service. Established and respected professional service offering adult counselling in Hereford. We are experienced in helping people with a wide range of problems and provide different forms of therapy to match people’s needs. Fees based on what you can realistically afford. T: 01432 279906.

E: marches.counselling@gmail.com W: www.marchescounselling.org

Girlguiding Radnorshire Division. Based in Radnorshire, Mid Wales. Part of Girlguiding, we have Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) & Rangers (14-18 years) across the Division area.

W: www.facebook.com/girlguidingradnorshire

Number 25 Delicatessen. A family run deli with a fine selection of cheeses, charcuterie, chocolate, wines, spirits, hampers, gift vouchers as well as everyday pantry staples. We currently offer an order and collect service. 25 High Street, Kington. T: 01544 230330. Open Monday 8.30-1; Tuesday 8.30-3; Wednesday closed; Thursday 8.30-3; Friday 8.30-3; Saturday 8.30-1.

E: number25deli@gmail.com. W: Number25deli.co.uk

The Hub in New Radnor is a welcoming place to get together over a drink or to attend one of the many events taking place. We are open every Friday night for PHub night with simple food from 6.30-11.00pm and the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month for coffee mornings School Lane, New Radnor, LD8 2SS. T: 01544 350559 E: ruthwatsonfood@gmail.com

Oak Tree Funeral Services. Independent family business offering a personal, attentive and individualised service.

The Wharf, Eardisley HR3 6NS. T: 01544 327829.

E: oaktreefuneralservices1@gmail.com W: www.oaktreefuneralservices.co.uk

LEOMINSTER The Grange at Mortimer’s Cross. We now have an antiques/curios area, farm shop sourcing a range of local and bespoke products and a cafe serving food homecooked using delicious local produce. Open from Wednesday to Saturday all day from 9.45. Sunday 12-4 (Sunday Carvery Lunch). 9 Rooms with flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. T: 01568 709212.

E: mortimersgrange@outlook.com.

W: www.mortimersgrange.co.uk

Planet B. For all your eco home & body care goods. Kington’s one-stop shop for home and body care refills, soaps, shampoo, facial and dental care, menstrual products, brooms, brushes, scrubbers & scourers and refills. 47 High St., Kington, HR5 3BJ. Open 9.30am to 4pm, Friday & Saturday. E: planetbkington@gmail.com W: www.planetbkington.co.uk

HEREFORD Herefordshire Green Network. HGN is an alliance of local green, environmental and Transition Town groups, organisations and businesses. We are a hub for resource and sharing; we host events (called our Gatherings) and workshops on subjects such as: local transport, community hubs, food poverty, retrofitting energy efficiency measures, community engagement techniques.

E: admin@hgnetwork.org W: www.hgnetwork.org

Timbers Building Company. Restoration, Building, Roofing. Call us now for your quotation. T: 07931 482931 W: www.timbersbuilding.com Walking Hub, The. For all your walking needs: clothing, boots, maps, socks and so much more. Nordic Walking classes by qualified instructor, lovely B&B dating from 1700s. 26 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX. Please check website for opening hours. T: 07756 172160.

E: thewalkinghub@gmail.com W: www.kingtonwalkinghub.com See The Guardian article here https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/may/05/ pole-nordic-walking-weekend-herefordshire

Herefordshire Rural Hub. Helping rural businesses thrive. Sign up for the monthly newsletter, full of useful information on farming, support, rules & regs, payment schemes, advice, employment, training and much more. www.herefordshireruralhub.co.uk

HAY ON WYE Hay Meadow Burial Ground. Award winning burial ground. Beautiful site with wildflowers, trees, peacefully grazing sheep, sensitive and personal service. Busnant Farm, Glascwm, Powys LD1 5SE. T: 01982 570701.

E: info@haymeadowburialground.co.uk W: www.haymeadowburialground.co.uk

Herefordshire Museum service Volunteers Needed. The Grayson Perry exhibition a ‘Vanity of Small Difference’ is coming to Hereford in October. We are looking for volunteer Museum Gallery Guides for the Exhibition. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of this event which will not only have the six large tapestries, but will include an exhibition by local artists inspired by Grayson Perry’s work.

If you would like more information please contact Julia Radburn jradburn2@herefordshire.gov.uk

NEW RADNOR Church Walk Osteopaths. Osteopath Trudi Price gets to the root of your problem. Effective treatments for minor sports injuries and aches and pains from conditions such as back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, migraines, shoulder problems, hip and knee arthritis, joint pain, muscle spasms, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia and more. Trudi Price BOst (Hons) Church Walk Osteopaths Claggan, High Street, New Radnor, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2SL T: 01544 350417 / 07794 115792 www.churchwalk.co.uk Esco. We are a small independent village shop that has been going for 10 years. We have fresh stock daily including fresh vegetables, fruit, milk and bread. We have fresh 27

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