MidBorder News Spring 2021

Inside this issue NEW Business Directory The Interview Kington Coop Relaunch Some Lions Kington United Charities Liminal Spaces Coppicing Local Energy Council News Ben’s Bird Boxes Some Chuckles 1

the magazine could reach its readers and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.

Well done! Annie Vickerstaff, editor.

Editorial Greetings! We hope you like our new cover design: we wanted something cheery and springlike.

It’s been a struggle for many people, coping with the covid restrictions; being separated from family and loved ones, not being able to visit pubs, restaurants, cafes, entertainments and so on. Our cultural landscape has changed so radically that it may never return to what it was before the pandemic. We will have to be inventive in finding new ways of being in one another’s company at events and gatherings. But we can do it: we humans are imaginative, creative, curious and flexible. We can find a new, maybe a better, way of living sustainably, safely and socially. Let’s put our minds to it and remain hopeful. The flowers will still bloom, the birds will still sing.

Advertising in the MidBorder News Please note new prices for 2021 and new publishing dates Advertising rates per 3-monthly issue NEW Business Directory listing (words only) max 40 words £10 Quarter page £32 Half page £55 Full page £125 Full back £135 Half back £65 Full page advertorial: article, photo £150 Bespoke design of full colour ad £15

Annie Vickerstaff, editor

Special Thanks

Contact us for 10% discount on more than

one issue. If you advertise with us you get free inclusion in the Business Directory and lots of exposure on our Facebook page which is updated several times a week. Perfect for your special offers, new products, changes to opening hours etc. Our online issue now has live links, so readers can click straight through to your website, social media or email.

Due to lockdown restrictions the MidBorder News, which is published in Kington, could not be taken into Wales when it was time to distribute the winter edition. A plea for help on Facebook was answered by three kind souls who offered to step into the breach. Catherine Parry, of David Parry’s Estate Agents, (assisted by Gareth Jones), took the boxes of magazines and gave them to Emily Douce who distributed in Presteigne and Annette Gurr who covered Knighton.

They braved the cold and rain to make sure that

New dates. Published quarterly at the beginning

of March (spring), June (summer), September (autumn) and December (winter). Copy deadline is 15th of preceding month: February, May, August and November. Distributed to venues in and around Kington, Knighton and Presteigne.

Also online at Issuu If you would like to join our mailing list get

in touch, you will receive the online magazine and nothing else: no spam, no selling your details, no annoying marketing stuff.

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Contact us: midbordernews@gmail.com Cover photo: Susie Hayward 2

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How did you start/get involved in Music in New Radnor?

I was asked to join the committee 14 years ago because they were looking for someone with a wider arts admin and marketing background. I was asked to go along ‘for a chat’ and tell them what ideas I might have for audience development. I had been to some of the MiNR concerts before, and always enjoyed them as I like an intimate concert setting. After the informal ‘chat’ I was formally invited aboard and am still there.

The committee is proud of carrying on the legacy of the founders, Sid and Betty Partington, two former Hallé Orchestra members, and Ray Sears.

What else have you been involved with locally?

I’m a community type person who likes to get involved and I enjoy being a part of things. I was involved in the ‘Hereford Wakes’, a small Hereford community arts festival in the early 1980s, I ran the Hereford Three Choirs Festival Fringe for two sessions after a spell as administrator and funding officer, I’ve led MiNR for 14 years and I’ve been involved in bringing performers to Kington, with both Border Active Arts and PLM. I steward at Bromyard Folk Festival most years. I recently became involved with the Library support group and the Kington Museum & History Centre. I also sing with Kington Choral Society, and I ran a singing group called ‘Jolly Good Sing’ for several years.

The Interview: Mary Tolhurst Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, and am the eldest of five children. My father worked for the MoD so we had a bit of a ’forces’ life, moving every few years with my father’s promotions and transfers. As a child, I was a little girl with a big imagination; a bit of a dreamer and rather quiet and shy. I loved reading, writing stories and poems and I once won a poetry prize at one of my primary schools. I was one of those precocious little girls who wrote plays and made their parents perform bit parts in them while I was always the star. I became involved in performing arts and arts admin properly, about 35 years ago as a volunteer and have always considered that my ‘paid work’ was a means of supporting my performing arts work. Since moving to Herefordshire I have worked in housing management, welfare rights advice, arts marketing and local government. I was assistant Town Clerk in Kington for the last nine years of my working life.

What do you like about Kington and area?

I love it here: I’ve lived here for 27 years! Kington is a special place and I’ve built up a diverse circle of wonderful friends. The surrounding countryside is fantastic and completely different when viewed from different perspectives.

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

Keep learning, stay curious, and always question what you hear! A college science teacher said ‘never accept what you read until you’ve checked it is up to date’ and this has stuck with me throughout my life (very useful when reading internet information). I think we are part of something unfathomable and vast. I think that stopping and being aware of what’s happening in the natural world is important and I love watching clouds, murmurations, stars and the waves on the shore. I also believe in continually being curious about everything.

How long have you lived in Kington and what are your local connections (family, work etc)?

I moved to Herefordshire in 1980 and to Kington in 1993 to manage the Walnut Gardens retirement scheme. When I left that job I decided to stay in Kington as my son was at school here and I felt at home. Some of my wider family still live in Herefordshire.

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News from Kington Town Council Despite not being able to meet in person the Town Council has begun 2021 busier than it has ever been. We are a small council, and every councillor is a volunteer – some are shielding, and all are affected by the pandemic in some way too.

We are trying, however, to do what we can to help others and to prepare our town for a brighter future. Part of that is to be championing a series of projects and initiatives both to support our community during the lockdown and to help it recover when life starts to return to normal.

KTC Covid Fund We know that many in our

community are suffering in different ways from the effects of the pandemic and since last summer we have earmarked a sum in our 20-21 and 21-22 budgets to contribute to community projects and initiatives which help mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic and help Kington build back better.

We have had a number of successful applications already, including from the Chamber of Trade for promotion of Kington businesses. This fund is open to any individual or group from the community who has a project they’d like financial help with.

ton Food Bank, Kington Art Society, Kington Walks and Kington Museum. The grant process is simple and follows a transparent set of rules which you can find on our website or via our clerk.

The application process is simple and quick and usual grant sizes are around £500 but we can go higher if necessary.

Christmas Decorations Some of you may

We can consider applications at any full Council meeting (usually first Monday of the month) and all grants are made in accordance with our grants policy, which is available from our Clerk or on our website, to ensure that the awards are transparent, accountable and directly beneficial to the local community.

have seen media reports of our discussion at Council on improving the Christmas decorations in Kington this year.

We have put together a group in partnership with our friends at the Chamber of Trade to explore options for improving the overall Christmas feel of Kington during the festive season.

This group will report back to full Council in either March or April with their recommendations.

We’re happy to hear ideas from our community as part of this process. You can contribute by contacting us directly or by attending our council meetings via Zoom when the initial plan is presented for discussion.

The Covid Fund is additional to our normal budget for Grants which we make to community organisations every year (see below). If you would like to apply please contact a council member, our clerk or visit our website. We will update you on grants given in the next edition of MBN. KTC Community Grant Fund As indicated we

Market Town Investment Programme – Kington As we noted in the last edition of

have an earmarked sum in our budget to give grants to community organisations to support their work in the town. This financial year (which runs to 31 March) we have given grants to King-

MBN, Herefordshire Council has appointed consultants to work with each of the five market 7

town councils in the county to develop Market Town Investment Plans for each town. Finalised plans will include recommendations for key projects and will be used as a basis for securing funding from a range of funding sources including Herefordshire Council’s capital programme.

Kington Council is working closely with the consultants and a wide range of local stakeholders on the project.

mix. Equally there will be a strong desire to do so after months of relative isolation. Many felt that we should be looking at ways to bring people back together at a point in the future when community activity was once again permissible and safe. This might possibly be the autumn and we need to start thinking now about what that might mean.

Perhaps cancelled events such as the Food Fair and other festivals could be held over a concentrated period as a way celebrating and remembering. A further Town Meeting will be held in late February after the government announces their road map out of lockdown.

An investment plan for each of Herefordshire’s market towns will identify a vision for growth for the towns and any current barriers and opportunities to enable economic development. A draft of each plan will be completed around the end of March 2021 in time to validate its findings with stakeholders and refine the plan before signing off the final plans by the end of May 2021.

Contact the council: 01544 239098 or mobile 07483 914485. Messages left by telephone will be responded to as quickly as possible. Emails will continue to be monitored and are the preferred method of contact. clerk@kingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Each plan will be developed working with local stakeholders and both local issues identified by stakeholders, and global issues, such as the climate emergency will be addressed.

Local help is available for those who are clinically vulnerable through the Kington Volunteer Group. If you need help, please call 01544 230050 and leave a message. Someone will call you back as soon as possible.

A programme of investment projects required to deliver the vision and support the economic development of each market town will be identified as interventions over the short (2 to 5 years); medium term (5 to 10 years); and long term (10 years +). The plans will map future development opportunities and consider any creative opportunities for visualising future outcomes/ impacts.

Each project will be supported by an outline business case, identifying the likely timeline for the project, together with its costs and potential benefits. The business cases will include an analysis of the likely source of investment: internal council; opportunities for grant funding; or external institutional funding. If you would like to get involved in the discussion, please contact us.

Kington Town Meeting about postpandemic plans On 26 January we held a virtu-

al and informal town meeting via Zoom to discuss the current impact of the Covid restrictions on individuals and businesses and ideas for the post lockdown recovery.

Uncertainty about the form and timing of the easing of restriction means that many planned events such as the Marches Makers Festival and the Food Festival are unlikely to be held on their usual dates but Hergest Plant Fair in May will be held as it’s an outdoor event. A critical issue will be the public’s confidence to attend events and 8

Kington Medical Centre Update The Covid Vaccination programme is progressing at speed. We have vaccinated over 16,000 patients from all 6 practices of the North and West. In the coming month we will commence administering the second doses of vaccine to complete vaccination courses. Patients will be contacted by the 11th week after the first dose to ensure they receive a second dose before 12 weeks. We are currently vaccinating Cohort 6 which includes many of our 'flu group' patients over the age of 16. We continue to use the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines. We are grateful to all the surgery staff, temporary vaccinators and volunteers that are ensuring we deliver the vaccination programme to our population. If people wish to volunteer they can contact HVOSS (www.hvoss.org.uk). We ask that only people with appointments attend the site and I am afraid I have to be a bit of an ogre and ask that gifts such as foods are not brought to Bridge Street. Sharing foods even if individually wrapped is a significant risk for Covid transmission. We would encourage all those who wish to donate foods to do so at the local foodbanks.

The Covid situation in Herefordshire has improved since the initiation of the highly effective lockdown. The hospital in Hereford is getting closer to a point where routine work can resume and we will have greater access to diagnostics. General Practice has had to divide its resources to support vaccination and maintain critical services. We will continue to do this and appreciate the understanding of our patients. We continue to encourage those feeling unwell, those with possible cancer symptoms and those with mental health challenges to come forward to us without delay.

At some stage there will be an easing of lockdown measures and as much as we all want to return to 'normal' we must remain cautious in our contacts and our activities. This time will pass but we need to be careful, not only to prevent deaths and serious illness, but to prevent 'long COVID' the impacts of which remain uncertain.

Dr Silvana McCaffrey, GP and Clinical Operations Manager 9

Business Directory

Hergest Croft Gardens Open weekends from 6 March and then daily from Saturday 27 March 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

KNIGHTON Bleddfa Centre Centre for the creative spirit. Starting in March: display and sale of art by Abstract Edge. Find us on social media @bleddfacentre and keep up to date with our monthly exhibitions and events. E: hello@bleddfacentre.org W: www.bleddfacentre.org

W: www.hergest.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

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

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

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

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.

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. E: knightonrotary@outlook.com

W: www.kingtonbuildingsupplies.co.uk

W: www.knighton.rotary1150.org or call Cathy Jones 07813 733240

Kington Chiropractic f 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

KINGTON Arrow Lodge Freemasons Find out more E: ask@herefordshiremasons.org.uk

Kington Co-op

Be Brilliant Dogs Qualified accredited dog trainer. One to one help, group classes, scentwork, trick training, life skills, new puppy help. T: 07472 701887. E: jen@bebrilliantdogs.co.uk

A £925,000 refit includes 100% renewable energy, hot food, coffee to go, Amazon lockers, photo booth and online click & collect. The Co-op donates 2% to community projects and currently supports Kington Town FC Youth Team, Kington Bowling Club and the Radnor Valley recreation and amenity centre. W: www.coop.co.uk

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

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, E: kingtonkleen@gmail.com W: www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

Elly Ingram Massage therapist. Holistic, sports & remedial massage.

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

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.

E: madeinthemarchesgallery@gmail.com W: Made in the Marches Gallery

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.

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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

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 www.weobleyash.co.uk

W: www.marchescounselling.org

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 www.haymeadowburialground.co.uk

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

NEW RADNOR

Esco Esco is 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 meat, cooked meats, pies, fish and cheeses weekly. Also 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

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

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 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 PRESTEIGNE David Parry & Co Your local estate agent, auctioneer and valuer offering a friendly, professional service. Sales of residential, agricultural, equestrian and commercial property throughout the Herefordshire and Radnorshire borderland. Free valuations. T: Presteigne 01544 267007; Knighton 01547 529555. W: www.davidparry.co.uk

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Diolch Fawr We have two big Thank Yous in this issue! The first is for Jasmine Binns from her mum Bernadette, who says, “This has been a very strange and hard 18 months for me, made homeless at 8 months pregnant, having a baby on my own, unsuccessfully induced and then having a c-section, moving house soon after, then broke my arm which required surgery and home schooling two children during the lockdowns.

Throughout all this, Jasmine was my one constant rock and support. She held our home together even while doing college and university work.

I could not have made it through without her and I’d love to let her know just how much she means to me.

THANK YOU. Our second Thank You is from Angela Winterton, whose husband Michael sadly passed away due to covid recently. She says, “I would like to nominate Oak Tree Funeral Services. They have been amazing. They are so empathic and sympathetic and tailored everything around our family’s wishes.

Dick Allford was on the phone almost daily, helping us with every step of the process. He has made an unpleasant and sad time bearable in a very dignified way. (example, Michael used to hate it when a funeral cortège drove at snail’s pace, so Oak Tree drove at the normal speed limit). Everything was just so perfect on the day and at the end of the funeral service when the huntsman blew the Gone Away it was a deeply poignant farewell to a wonderful husband and father. THANK YOU.

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Your Police and Crime Commissioner As your Police and Crime Commissioner, my role is to ensure your priorities are acted on, your voice is heard and your community is kept safe. I work hard to engage with communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire to hear their views and priorities on how to maintain a safe West Mercia. As the directly elected governance for West Mercia Police, I hold the Chief Constable to account for the service we receive on your behalf.

Part of my role is to set the budget for West Mercia Police, currently standing at around £238m per year. Some of that budget comes from your Council Tax, so I consult with local communities on the level of your Council Tax and on what Police services you feel it should be spent on. It is then my job to ensure that the Chief Constable provides you with an effective and efficient police service. More information about my role, my priorities, and the work I do within our community can be found on my website. E: opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk T: 01905 331656 Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion W: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/ discussion is An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. The library service offers e-books, e-audio downloads, emagazines and e-comics; if you need help setting up the apps the library staff can advise you, just get in touch on 01597 827460 or

The Big Farming Survey RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) the farming charity, has launched the largest ever survey of its kind in England and Wales. The Big Farming Survey aims to identify the impact of increasing challenges within the farming sector on physical and mental wellbeing.

library@powys.gov.uk FFI: www.facebook.com/ Powys-remote-readers

New Presteigne Woodland

The survey runs until March 31 and can be filled in online at https://rabi.org.uk/

The planet needs more trees and Presteigne & Norton Town Council Climate Action Group is doing its bit to help. Donated by the Woodland Trust, a mix of native trees has been planted by volunteers Rolly, Kate, Piet, Richard, Hilary, Jenny and Ally. The woods around Presteigne are to be part of the National Forest of Wales.

The trees, including oak, hazel, rowan, hawthorn, birch, crab apple and hawthorn have been planted at Lower Rowley with the kind permission of David Hiam. The new woodland will create wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity in the area. The town council is actively seeking more areas to be planted with trees and welcomes enquiries from landowners. Town clerk: Tracey Price pntc@hotmail.com or 01547 528575.

BigFarmingSurvey/

If you need support or just to talk to someone you can call the helpline on Freefone 0808 281 9490.

Online Book Group Powys Remote Readers has recently been launched by Powys Library Service and readers from all over the county are invited to join.

The group is led by Dr Rhiannon Hooson, award winning author and poet who is branch librarian at Presteigne library and will meet via Zoom every two months. The next meeting is on Friday 26 March and the book selected for 13

Lewises have been named as Knighton’s Volunteers of the Year. They received a letter of congratulations and there will be a presentation when covid restrictions are lifted.

Knighton Town Council The Old Library The purchase of the Old Li-

brary has been completed at last with a 50k loan from the Public Works Loan Board and £30k from the council’s own funds. This means that the building can be refurbished and used for the benefit of the community. Planned developments include office space for the town clerk and rooms to rent to local groups and organisations.

Banc Cambria is keen to take space in the building to provide banking services and a free 24 hour cashpoint. They have got their license and will make a decision next month.

Council Meetings are continuing online via

Zoom and members of the public can still be spectators. You can contact the Town Clerk, Neil King, and request an invitation. Council meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. 07528 739011 Farewell Council members were sad to learn of

the death of John Bradford, who died of covid recently. He was a stalwart member of the community and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jane and family.

Precept The town council has worked hard to

avoid any increase in the precept for the financial year of 2021-22 so it will remain at £71,400.

Knighton & East Radnor Food Bank

You can drop off donations at the Coop in Knighton, Norton Street Baptist Church on Tuesday & Friday from 10am to 11.30am; the Spar in Presteigne and at Presteigne Baptist Church on Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am.

You can also support the food bank by setting up a regular payment via standing order or stewardship form. FFI www.knightonfoodbank.co.uk T: 07731 524058 helen@knightonfoodbank.co.uk

New Councillors A warm welcome is extended

to our two new councillors, Holly Adams-Evans and Mark Coxill. They were co-opted to fill vacancies arising from resignations.

The Knighton Show and Carnival This event

has been mothballed for this year as there is a shortage of committee members to run it. It usually takes place on the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday, with the show during the day and the carnival in the evening. it is likely that the show would not have taken place this year anyway, due to covid restrictions, but if it is to continue next year it will need more support from the community and people who are prepared to form a committee.

Public Toilets Change The public toilets at the

cemetery and the Offa’s Dyke Centre will be temporarily closed to reduce covid infection risk.

Remaining open are the toilets behind the Knighton Hotel, the ones at the cemetery and those at the Bowling Green (the latter will be open on market days, every Thursday and every first and third Friday). The Offa’s Dyke toilets are being given back to Powys County Council and Knighton will no longer be responsible for them. The cleaner will be kept on, doing her usual hours, so that she can clean more often than usual in the interests of public safety.

Lights Down and Thank You Town clerk Neil

King has thanked all those who helped with taking down the town’s Christmas lights. “We are grateful to Sharon and Peter Lewis and everyone else who took along equipment to help.” The

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Coppice Woodland Report

by Richie Cotterill

Rob MacCurrach introduced me to the wood in 2014 as a potential project for our Kington Tree Warden team. It was overdue for re-cutting, crowded and rather dark. A brief survey of the plants present showed little of note, but bluebells indicated it was part of natural woodland which once covered Bradnor & Herrock Hills. I undertook a free training course through the Cart Shed Charity at Almeley and read widely. I visited more woods, attended courses, trainings with other Tree Wardens and experts who have all helped to inform my approach to managing this tiny woodland.

Why Coppice?

People have cut trees to regrow as coppice over thousands of years. In the last 100 years it has become an increasingly rare practice but is now scientifically recognised as a most bio-diverse method. This cycle of cutting maintains the woodland mosaic at its maximum vitality; an almost carbon neutral system of “climax growth”.

There are several old greenwood crafts which make good use of the young hazel rods, such as woven “hurdle” fence panels, the traditional Radnorshire “whisket” basket (almost uniquely made with finely split hazel), spoon carving, beanpoles and pea sticks. Traditionally there were many more including thatching spars and charcoal making. The main coppice trees here are of hazel, sweet chestnut, some willow, field maple and unusually successful cherries. There are a few larger trees being left as “standards”; selected to mature as timber, trees of oak, ash, wych elm, cherry, rowan, field maple and even a yew.

birds and a barrier to any deer. Some of the cut wood is made into habitat piles to rot down for insects etc. but most is stacked for the volunteers to share as firewood. Using hand tools is so much safer (and quieter) than chainsaws; we can still talk to each other across the site and the birds aren’t scared away. Soon after an area has been cut over the winter, the ground looks bare and unpromising. But, when the sunlight reaches the woodland floor, new life springs from dormant seeds, attracting more insects and more birds. Over this time I have led several group visits including walks for the Kington Walking Festival, given slide show presentations including to the Kington branch of the Wildlife Trust. I have also written updates and reports for the Parish News & Kington Chronicle inviting people to join us. I take lots of photos, including timelapse sequences started by my brother in 2015.

We would like to offer some workshops on site, provide information signs to explain the history and legacy of the site and to illustrate the mutual benefits of coppicing for wildlife and for people.

We want to continue to look after this fragile little woodland, made abundant by our careful tending. We wish to protect and nurture this rare gem; shining like a beacon in these times. Visitors and passing walkers are welcome to linger a while, experience the wonder of its rich wildlife and enjoy the view. We like working together; I love it!

The Plan The tree rings suggests the wood was clear-felled in about 2000, but rather than re-cut the whole wood as one piece, the plan divides the wood into strips (“coups” or “cants”) cutting one each year. Working from south to north lets the light into each area with least shading to the next. This creates a regular rotation whilst allowing wildlife to move through the wood as it slowly changes.

We started re-cutting the coppice trees and the hedge in December 2016, using hand saws and loppers, piling the brash into “windrows” between each strip; another good habitat for little 16

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Local Markets

Energy in the Marches

Presteigne Local Food Market 1st Saturday of the month 9am to 1pm. In Memorial Hall.

Sites are required for community owned electricity generation systems and there’s a free training webinar to show you what’s needed. These systems are growing in number across the UK and there are now over 300 large projects operating and providing electricity into the grid and supporting local economies in many ways.

Kington Friday Market every Friday 9am to 1pm. In Place de Marines & Market Hall.

Kington Country Market every Friday 9am to 12pm. In or just outside the Baptist Chapel. All these markets are observing covid-19 hygiene rules and have hand sanitisers available.

The UK still has some way to go to match the numbers of systems existing in Denmark and Germany, but there is a good momentum. In those countries community organised energy generation is as large as the big six private companies, which creates many advantages for the consumer and is, of course, a huge environmental benefit.

Presteigne Community News Live in or around Presteigne? Then you need to sign up for the (free) Community News, an established e-letter providing regular news and information on what’s happening in the wider area around Presteigne. The News is an initiative of PACDG (the Presteigne Area Community Development Group) and was set up to improve communications in the community.

As a voluntary director of Herefordshire’s largest community owned system so far (PomonaSolar.org.uk) I've been working with the Marches based BigSolar CoOp to provide an online introduction and training webinar to show how local people can help to identify suitable sites. It’s now available here https:// bigsolar.coop/2021/02/09/all-change/ or here

In normal (pre-Covid) times it was issued twice monthly by email but is currently being sent out twice a week reflecting the ever-changing situation for residents, local shops and businesses, and local government. To sign up to receive regular emails, just email the Editor on news@pacdg.org. Past issues can be viewed (along with lots of other good stuff) on the Presteigne Town website. www.presteigne.org.uk/ calendar.

https://vimeo.com/504735469

This explains what sort of sites we need to look for that are financially viable at the moment mostly roof mounted PV systems. Please have a look and if you have suggestions, questions or ideas then please contact me (gordon.coppock@physics.org) or www.bigsolar.coop

Gordon Coppock M.inst.P Vice Chair Herefordshire Green Network Director Pomona Solar Member of KLEEN in Kington

A Fresh Wind in Gladestry Dated 1709, the weather vane on St Mary’s Church in Gladestry was damaged during the beast from the east in February 2018. It has now been restored by local builders Jones and Fraser, who specialise in restoration and repairs to listed buildings. An unusual design, the weather vane is made of wrought iron in the shape of a flying serpent. Now back on the church roof, it is once again dancing with the wind.

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Llandrindod Lift Me Up offers a recipe

for fabulous chocolate cake. See their Facebook page for more.

Chocolate Sponge 225g butter or margarine

225g caster sugar 200g self raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 eggs 3 tbsps cocoa powder 1-2 tbsps milk pinch salt Buttercream

85g butter or margarine

175g icing sugar 2 tbsps cocoa powder Ganache

150ml double cream

Photo: John Pullin: Raven over Hay on Wye https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gDzWPpKbA/?igshid=14ergmzebh3r

150g dark chocolate Method

Preheat oven to 180 / 160 fan / gas mark 5.

Line 2 x 20cm cake tins with buttered greaseproof paper. Cream together butter and sugar then mix in other ingredients until you have a smooth soft batter. Add some milk if necessary.

Divide the batter equally between the tins. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until springy to the touch and a knife blade comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10 minutes then turn out onto a rack to cool completely. Buttercream: cream the ingredients until smooth. When cakes are completely cool sandwich together with the buttercream and dust with icing sugar. For a more indulgent cake, top with chocolate ganache.

Heat cream until nearly boiling then mix in broken chocolate pieces until smooth. Spread on top of cake. Black Forest Cake: fill with cherries & cherry jam instead of buttercream.

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made a gentle enquiry with ourselves and those we care about regarding what’s really important to us. This is what the virtual cafe hopes to achieve by posing questions such as: where would you like to die? Who would you want with you? And even who would you not want with you! Would you like your beloved pet to be alongside you? Would music or poems play a part? Do you have spiritual beliefs that you’d like to be woven into your last days? You might also want to give guidance about your funeral.

Do you want to be buried, or have your ashes strapped to a firework and rocketed into the sky?

There can be so much you can have a say in and have some fun with it too.

Liminal Space Birth, graduations, weddings and retirement are some of the rites of passage we experience throughout our lives and often much thought and planning is given to each one. They are shared and celebrated by our family, friends and community. Yet death, which is perhaps the most sacred of all these, can be a lonely and frightening experience. We generally don’t talk about it or make plans until we have no option but to face it. Placing our heads in the sand when it comes to death will not prevent it from happening and equally talking about it will not bring it to our door more quickly.

With backgrounds in nursing, end of life care and supporting the bereaved, Grace Loveday, Dorothy McGuire and Yen Robinson have founded Liminal Space, a community group aimed at opening conversations and providing support in all aspects of death and dying. In the Spring they will be offering free virtual cafes on Zoom to provide a space for non-judgemental, compassionate conversations to increase awareness and understanding around the topic of ‘end of life’.

Their hope is that this will ultimately give us greater choice about the way we die and enrich the way we live.

Grace says, “sharing our thoughts on death can make us feel vulnerable, but opening to others and being clear about our wishes not only gives us the greatest chance of ‘dying well’, it also erases anguish and brings peace for those who accompany us”. If you would like to join the virtual cafe or simply want to find out more please get in touch with us; Grace, Dorothy and Yen at liminalspace20@gmail.com

It is clear that our reticence to talk about death can have a negative impact on our lives. Keeping our concerns to ourselves for fear that expressing what we feel will upset others can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Putting off writing a will can create complexities and distress for our family after we’ve died.

If we don’t understand about the process of dying it can feel like we’re embarking upon a dark and forbidding journey, something which is controlled by our medical team. However this, like many things, is something we can actively engage in and make decisions about.

By educating ourselves about our options we can specify our wishes for how we would like to be cared for and state which medical treatments we may or not want in an “Advance Plan”. The key is of course in the title - we need to do this in advance and we can only make plans after we’ve 21

Ben’s Bird Boxes and Feeders Ben and Marcus Woolley (aged 11 and 14) make bird boxes and feeders for our feathered friends. Ben made his first feeder for a home schooling project, and he wanted to use natural materials so the birds would feel more confident using them. A neighbour saw it and wanted to buy one so Ben started to make them to sell. Now the feeders are available from Kington Country Market (Fridays 9 to 11.30 in the Baptist Hall) and Planet B and you can also place an order. Ben uses logs and branches from trees on the farm that needed felling or pruning and his feeders contain a mix of seeds, dried fruit and mealworms. He also makes pine cone feeders and cosy bird boxes – now is the time to put them up for the spring nesting season. Ben and Marcus live at Pentre Farm at Old Radnor which is working towards offering people time with animals, woodland playgroups and children’s yoga once covid restrictions are lifted. To order any of Ben’s products contact Sam@pentrefarm.co.uk and see Facebook https://m.facebook.com/ pages/category/Arts---Crafts-Store/ Pentre-Farm-877001909318514/ 22

Kington Lions Unfortunately we were only able to have one face to face meeting last year to enable us to invest Doug Clarke as our new President. Doug was a founder member of the new Kington Lions and was a natural choice to become our new President. He follows in the footsteps of Tony Collier who has become Group President. We were also able to have a socially distanced Lion’s Den garage sale to raise much needed funds. This event was well attended and everyone adhered to the covid rules. We intend to open the Lion’s Den again as soon as we can. The events we have planned for this year include a Valentine’s Disco, Easter Egg Hunt, Children’s Teddybear Picnic, Bonfire Night Party, Halloween Party, The Martin Cotterill 8 Peaks Challenge (which will be later in the year) and of course the Festive Food Festival in the town. All will take place when it’s safe to do so.

Although we have only been able to meet via Zoom, we have badged up (in theory) three new members this year. We have lots of pent up energy and enthusiasm. So watch this space… If you think you would like to become a Lion and help the local community in any way, please get in touch.

E: kingtonlions2018@gmail.com

Winter Stories (Wales)

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales (Heléna Herklots) is looking for Winter Stories with older people sharing their experiences. This is a particularly unusual and difficult winter for us all and the Commissioner wants to make sure that older people’s voices and experiences are heard and can be used to deliver change and improvements. To do this, the Commissioner is asking older people to come forward and share their personal stories about what their lives are like through the winter - about the plans and action they are putting in place to help them get through the months ahead, what's good or is making a positive difference, and about the things that may be making life more difficult. If you're interested and would like to find out more about how you can get involved, email A.A.Murray@swansea.ac.uk or call 07507 238596

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01544 230218 or email kingtonuc@hergest.co.uk.

Do contact Teresa if you would like to discuss your needs. Over four centuries Kington people have created this charity and it would be wonderful to continue this old tradition. Maybe you might consider leaving us a legacy in your will for the benefit of future generations of Kingtonians and I would be delighted to talk to you or your solicitor about this on an entirely confidential basis. This is your local charity and the benefit will go entirely to local people, not to a national organisation that probably doesn’t even know where Kington is!

Kington United Charities I wonder how many local people know about this charity. It started in the 17th century when Henry Walker, a London musician who was probably born in Kington and had connections with William Shakespeare, gave a substantial sum for the relief of poverty in the town. Over the centuries a number of other funds were added. The Charity has assets of about £475,000 in investments and property and an annual income of around £15,000. It covers the “old parish of Kington” now the civil parishes of Kington Urban, Kington Rural and Lower Harpton and its beneficiaries are limited to those resident in or educated there. We give grants for educational purposes and for the benefit of those in need. Part of these go to individuals and some to local organisations.

About £5,000 a year currently goes to Lady Hawkins’ School and Kington Primary School to assist pupils who are otherwise unable to participate in extracurricular activities such as trips and these funds are administered by the two schools.

The Trust also supports local organisations including St John’s Ambulance, the Food Bank and others. We have given grants to assist the taking up of apprenticeships, one of the original purposes of the charity, for education and for musical instruments in line with our Founder’s profession. We would like to encourage a broader range of applications that fit our residential or educational criteria. Applications should be made to the clerk Mrs Teresa Gough at Hergest Estate Office, Ridgebourne Road, Kington HR5 3EG,

Lawrence Banks Chairman

Kington’s Pollinators A couple of local residents, Jenny and Dawn, have decided to work with the town council and Balfour Beatty to improve the area for the benefit of our native wildlife and local residents.

Our basic plans are to work around the site in suitable locations to improve the diversity and population of wildflowers, help local pollinators, improve the habitat using planting, bird boxes, hedgehog houses, a compost heap, log and stone piles for the frogs toads, newts and insects and to leave some areas uncut all year to provide a corridor for the safe movement of the animals.

Would you like to join our volunteers?

E: helpkingtonspollinators@gmail.com

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Census 21

How do you take part in the Census? Nearer the time, you will receive a letter with an access code to take part online. There's plenty of help available for those who need it. Find out more at www.census.gov.uk

Nappy Offer

Powys County Council. Save money and the environment. £100 cash back to help support Powys parents to use real nappies. https:// en.powys.gov.uk/article/7139/Real-NappiesIncentive

Herefordshire County Council Electoral Service

If there are any changes to your information, you need to register for the upcoming elections - to apply for a postal vote please contact us on 01432 260107 Flood Support Powys

Residents affected by the recent floods could be eligible for cash support following the announcement of Welsh Government's £6.5million relief fund. The new support package includes payments of up to £1,000 for households who suffered flooding due to Storm Christoph. The grants can be used to repair water damage or replace belongings that were destroyed by the adverse weather. PCC will pay the funds to eligible residents and applications are now open on the council's website. More information on how to apply is here: https://crowd.in/ydxjHp A Crafty Coffee Online Support Group

On the 23rd February 2021 the K&DCC launched an online support group loosely based on a crafting theme. Sessions will be on Tuesday morning 11am consisting of a 20 minute ‘chat’ with all attendees, (talking about hobbies, interests, crafts etc.& offering non directional peer support) A ‘guest’ demonstrator will lead on a discussion or workshop for up to an hour, we will then have a question and answer slot followed by a checkout. If this is something you would like to attend either as a participant or facilitator please contact: Ceri Brown knightoncomm@gmail.com or 07751 221487; Annie England knightonhubcoordinator@gmail.com 25

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