MidBorder News Spring 2023

Hergest Croft Artist Residency: Kathryn Moore

Return of the Sleeping Dragon

Council News

Business Directory

Concerts, Flix, Castles and more

May Elections: get your Free Photo ID

Village News: Almeley, Eardisley, Eardisland, Leintwardine

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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 the tricky bits. May the bluebird of happiness fly over you all.

Cover image

This beautiful photo of Nash Woods near Presteigne was taken by David Mullin.

Editorial

We’ve got lots of local events in the Spring issue, so there’s no excuse for not getting out and about and enjoying films, gardens, walks, exhibitions, music, theatre, exercise and relaxation. There’s such a variety of things to do and places to go in our area, whether it be organised events or a walk in the beautiful countryside. The daffodils are out, the birds are singing (including the larks on Hergest Ridge), lambing is in full swing and altogether it feels like spring has well and truly arrived (I await storms and downpours after we’ve gone to print!).

As you will know, for the 4 May elections we are all required to show photo ID in order to be allowed to vote. On p12 we’ve given you all the necessary information to get your free photo ID if, like many people, you haven’t got a driving licence, passport or other acceptable documentation. Don’t lose your right to vote – get your ID now.

We are looking for sponsorship to cover the annual cost of our internet platform – the MidBorder News is a non profit publication and all ad revenue goes towards the cost of printing. The research, compilation, image & content editing, ad chasing, invoicing, publication and distribution are all done by yours truly and it takes over 90 hours per issue. It is genuinely a labour of love (when I was six I announced I wanted to make a magazine and I finally got here at 58) but if there’s a local business or philanthropist out there who could help support the magazine, drop me a line.

Artist Residency: Hergest Croft Gardens

Kington artist Kathryn Moore taught art in further education for 15 years before moving to Herefordshire in 2019 and has been appointed Artist in Residence at Hergest Croft Gardens for 2023. This is a new position which will enable Kathryn to display paintings, give talks and guided walks and have drop-in sessions for the public to watch the sketching processes, culminating in an exhibition.

She expressed what a fabulous opportunity the residency is, broadening the interests for visitors to the gardens. "Already, after just two months from the start of January, the gardens have changed and evolved. Recording the essence of this in my sketchbooks, which will be on display, is an essential part of the creative process." Kathryn is at Hergest Croft sketching each day to capture all aspects of the gardens: views of the formal borders, avenues of trees, gardening duties and details of flora and birds, all at various times of the day. The sketchbooks act as a nature diary that also includes the activities of the gardening calendar. Each month Kathryn will produce two paintings which can be viewed in the tea room/gift shop area. From 5 April to 4 October every Wednesday from 2pm - 4pm Kathryn will be in the Hergest Croft Gardens sketching; people are welcome to pop in to observe and discuss the work.

There will be two dates (to be confirmed) following the Spring and Autumn plant fairs when Kathryn will be giving a talk and guided walk 'Through the eyes of an artist'. All information can be found on the Hergest Croft Gardens website. There will be an exhibition at the end of the season of paintings achieved throughout the year's residency.

Kathryn works at The Kat and Fiddle Studio, 37 Church Street, Kington; this will be open most days or by appointment email : katandfiddle@hotmail.com www.hergestcroftgardens.co.uk

Kington Youth Club

We are pleased to be opening a new Youth Club in Kington starting with regular Wednesday after school sessions: 3.30 – 5.30pm all welcome; 5.30 to 7pm years 911 only.

We are being careful to get all our ducks safely in a row before we open the doors in earnest. We have set-up as Kington Youth Hub CiC and have worked hard to establish our policies and procedures which are now on our website.

Membership is free! The Youth Club will provide a safe space for 10-16 year olds, in school years 6 - 11. There is table tennis, pool, table football, sofas, art & craft materials, drinks & snacks, as well as trips and workshops for a variety of activities planned. At first the Club will need to be run by volunteers who will be DBS checked and offered training.

We need to grow to the point where the young people feel like some kind of group who can begin to make it their own. We anticipate that the children will then be deciding what they would like to do and see there and take ownership of the youth club and provide the organisers with guidance on what happens there.

Then, with sufficient funds, a Youth Worker job (or three) can be advertised locally with the young people involved in their selection.

We still need more volunteers to help run the first club sessions for which training and support will be provided.

Email: admin@kingtonyouthhub.org

Or: members@kingtonyouthclub.org

www.kingtonyouthhub.org

Kathryn studied fine art at Weston super Mare and Bristol, specialising in painting and has worked and travelled extensively abroad. She moved to east Anglia in 1992 where she collaborated with other artists to form the Peterborough Artists Open Studios and View 5, as well as having solo shows in Northamptonshire.

New for Nature

Presteigne and Norton Town Council has bought land to create a place for nature on the edge of Presteigne, purchased via a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (on behalf of the Welsh Government) behind Castle Road and the Primary School, to create a mixed habitat and area of open grassland/wild flower meadow, ponds and native trees as well as maintaining the Historic Park and Garden with more specimen arboretum trees planted to replace the ones that have been lost. The grassland will be mown annually and encouraged over time to become a wildflower meadow. Paths will be cut for access. A wide native hedge along the field boundary and groups of native tree planting will cover the rest of the field with grassland between. It will be managed as a nature reserve and the intention is for volunteers to help to install and maintain it. Work on the ground to commence early in 2023, being done with advice and support from The Woodland Trust, Radnor Wildlife Trust, CADW, Llais y Goedwig and Natural Resources Wales. The scheme is part of the national forest project, a Welsh Government programme to work towards net zero by 2030. Once complete the site will be part of the National Forest of Wales.

Fundraiser to Spread the Joy

From 2018 to 2022, Christine Cooper experienced lockdown of a severity most of us can’t imagine. Healthy until she caught the flu in 2018, Christine spent years unable to leave her bed in Knighton, except to walk 5 steps to the toilet, holding onto the walls for support. Diagnosed with a severe form of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), together

with some other conditions, she spent her time lying in the dark in silence, experiencing terrifying symptoms, unable to tolerate sounds, bright lights, or company. Christine’s doctors were unable to help. Searching desperately for answers, Christine came across the idea that we can retrain our brain for health.

She learned that the brain and nervous system are “neuroplastic”, constantly changing, and we can influence this change positively by working to cultivate safety in the body. “Many chronic illnesses are due to a faulty threat response,” explains Christine. “The brain is constantly sending danger signals to all body systems, putting them in high alert or in shutdown mode.” Christine was guided by a coach to work with her thoughts and her body to turn off the threat response, and slowly, things started to change.

Today, Christine is able to hike, dance, and socialise. She now plans to train to become a coach to help others, and she needs help to raise the funds to pay for it. Pre-covid, there were an estimated 250,000 ME sufferers in the UK. With Long Covid, estimates have now risen to around a million. “I’m inspired to share what I’ve learned to help others regain life,” says Christine, who also plans to offer joy and nature connection sessions locally in Knighton.

“Reconnecting with joy, safety, and nature has changed everything for me. I so appreciate any support to help me help others access joy and healing!”

Learn more and contribute to the fundraiser: https://bit.ly/joy-and-healing

Knighton Community Centre Regular Events

Mondays

10am to 4pm Bracken Trust (1st Monday of month)

11am to 2.30pm Family Centre (term time only)

6pm to 9pm Army Cadets

Tuesdays

10am to 12pm Community Hub Café. Fresh cakes and beverages and Hub service: Cyfle Cymru, Advice from the Hub, housing, access to CAB workers, POBL, TVEG energy adviser.

10am to 12pm hearing aid clinic (3rd Tuesday)

10am to 11.30am Credu Knighton Carers Group (last Tuesday)

11am to 1pm creative writing group

2.30pm to 4.30pm Stowe & Stanage WI (1st Tuesday)

Wednesdays

10am to 12pm Stay & Play for 0-4 years, drinks and snacks provided (term time only)

11.30am to 12.30pm Pilates

6.30pm to 8.30pm Youth Club (term time only)

Thursdays

9.30am to 12.30pm leg club, drop-in available

11am to 1.30pm drop-in eatery with Advice from the Hub

1pm to 4pm art group

6pm to 8pm Karate FFI: 07816 926988

7pm to 8pm Panache dance fitness

Fridays

10.30am to 11.20am Future Family Fitness (term time only)

11am to 2.30pm Family Centre (term time only)

1pm to 3pm MIND Friday Group (2nd & 4th Fridays)

7pm to 10pm Knighton Flix

Saturdays

9.30am to 12.30pm Knighton Community Market (2nd & 4th Sats)

10.30am to 12.30pm library open (4th Sat only)

Knighton Flix

Aftersun 3 March; Banshees of Inisherin 17 March; Duke 31 March; Patagonia 14 April; Respect 28 April; Downton Abbey 12 May.

For more information visit the website: www.knightoncomm.wales

The Aardvark Events List

Saturday 8th April, 10am-3pm, Easter Garden Eventwith RHS Gold Award-Winners The Cottage Herbery, plants, gardenalia, vintage and bric-a-brac, live music, art and café refreshments. Bookings: Stalls £12 on car park only; we will prefer garden-themed stalls!

Monday 1st May, 9am-3pm Early May Car Boot with car boot pitches on the car park and fields by the bookshop

Sunday 28th May, 9am-3pm Spring Bank Holiday Car Boot - yes, an extra one this year!

Sunday 2nd July, 9am-3pm Big Sale Launch and Giant Car Boot - The Biggest Ever Aardvark Book Sale begins with a celebratory car boot, on Sunday 2nd July!

Monday 28th August, 9am-3pm August Bank Holiday Vide Grenier / Car Boot: Empty your Attic – Lots of vintage, bric-a-brac, plants, plus live music & café refreshments.

Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th September, Herefordshire Art Week at Aardvark - Artists to be confirmed

Saturday 16th September, All the Wide Border, a day of poetry, prose and music curated by Anna Dreda, with Mike Parker, and more writers to be confirmed

Sunday 1st October, 9am-3pm October Car Boot

Sunday 3rd December, 9am-3pm The Aardvark Christmas Fair: Stalls £15, space is limited, preference given to Christmas gifts and crafts.

See Facebook page: Aardvark Books & Cafe

News from Kington Town Council

Elections

As we mentioned in the previous edition of MidBorder News, Kington is part of the national set of elections for local, town and parish councils. These will take place on 4th May. Our current Mayor and all councillors will formally step down. A new set of candidates will be put forward to the electors (that’s you). Some of the existing councillors may choose to stand again, some will not.

We need you, the concerned people of Kington to put your names forward to join the council. If you have something you think is wrong in the town – then this is your opportunity to stop complaining and start making a difference. And we do make a difference (see below for just some of the things your Town Council has achieved in the last three years. We have a very busy set of projects coming up and we need views and opinions and commitment from all parts of our community – it doesn’t matter who you are, what you know, or how long you have lived in Kington – we each contribute uniquely, and we can assure you that you will be welcomed.

We’re having an open day on 18th February but, if you’ve missed that then full details on how to apply to be a councillor are on the noticeboard, on our website or available from our clerk via email.

What have we worked on in the past four years?

Much of the first two years of this council were taken up by Covid. Like all of us we tried our best to manage during the many months when physical meetings were not possible. We worked with national and local health authorities to ensure that our community was safe, and that information and assistance flowed to those who needed it most. We lost residents to the pandemic and many others suffered both from the disease and the isolating effects of lockdown. We remember them and those who selflessly put themselves at risk and to great trouble to help others through our two memorial benches. One is in situ in St Mary’s Churchyard and the other on the Recreation Ground.

We’ve worked closely with Balfour Beatty to plan and implement a major programme of renovation of the town centre surfaces and pavements. And that programme has only just begun – much more is planned for 2023 and 2024.

We’ve supplied and maintained planters and shrubs around the town through the summer and we’ve supported charities and community groups working within the town to offer activities, facilities and equipment for the benefit of local people.

We have installed a new outdoor gym in the Recreation Ground which we know people use and like – we’ve had to replace some of the parts already!

We worked with other community groups to lead a fight against Herefordshire Council’s desire to impose car parking charges in Kington. We won that battle and they have agreed to conduct a comprehensive Transport Review which is underway. We fear, however, that we may not have won the war.

This is all in addition to the hundreds of hours our clerk, assistant clerk and councillors have spent helping community members with specific problems, with advice on accessing services and on making sure that Kington’s voice is heard in Hereford and beyond.

But there’s much more to do.

Big issues coming up in 2023 and beyond include:

• Bringing Crooked Well Meadow into community ownership

As our community began to emerge from the shock of the pandemic, we were able to turn to happier and more positive things. We applied for and administered a grant to repaint and repair the shop fronts in the centre of town. More than 41 businesses applied to us to received cash towards making their properties and our town a brighter and better place.

We also found some sources of funding to dispense with our tired and expensive Christmas Lights and replace them with a brand new, low-energy set which we have been using for the past two Christmases. Our annual Christmas switch-on has joined regular favourite events in Kington like the Fireworks Display and the Festivals.

• Revitalising the Recreation Ground

• Keeping Kington car parking free for residents and shoppers

• Building the Kington brand for tourists and shoppers

• Working with Herefordshire BID to improve the business and tourism environment in the town

• Helping vulnerable members of our community manage the cost of living, social care, and NHS crises

And much more.

Civic Award

The Civic Awards are nominated annually by Kingtonians to honour people who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The Awards we will be giving this year are in the following categories:

The Young Person Award. This is an award for a person under the age of 21 who lives in Kington or is in school in Kington and who has made a significant contribution to the residents of Kington through voluntary effort, achieving success or overcoming difficulties.

The Community Award. This is an award for a resident or community group/charity, living or working in Kington, who has made a significant contribution to the residents of Kington above and beyond the call of duty, achieved local success or overcome difficulties.

The Business Award. To be nominated by Kington Chamber of Trade for an individual or organisation who has provided exceptional service to the local economy or local population or made a significant contribution to the local area. The Mayor's Special Award: which is nominated by the Town Mayor each year at the Mayor’s discretion.

Kington Festivals 2023

We’re proud to be a town of Festivals: food, walking, arts, and (of course) the Kington Festival and Wheelbarrow Race.

Kington Spring Walking Festival:

21st-23rd April

Hergest Croft Spring Plant Fair: 1st

May

Wheelbarrow Race: 10th June

WizFest: 17th June

Kington Vintage Show: 19th- 20th

August

Kington Show: 9th September

Kington Autumn Walking Festival: 21st -24th September

Christmas Lights switch on: 30th

November

Kington Food Festival: 2nd December

May 2023 Local Elections

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This will apply to local elections; Police and Crime Commissioner elections; UK parliamentary by-elections; recall petitions. From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections. If you don't have acceptable photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day. Note: postal votes are exempt.

All you need to register to vote is 5 minutes and your National Insurance number. The deadline to register to vote in the elections in England on 4 May 2023 is 11:59pm on Monday 17 April.

Acceptable ID

Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country; driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence); a Blue Badge; older Person’s Bus Pass; Disabled Person’s Bus Pass; Oyster 60+ CardFreedom Pass; Scottish National Entitlement Card; 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card; Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card; Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland; Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland; War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland; 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland; Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland; identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card).

You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate here: Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate | Electoral Commission

Apply by post or in person

You can also apply by filling out a paper application form and sending this to your local council. You can request the instructions in large print, braille or easy read. You can also apply in person at your local council and if you do not have a photo the council will take one for you. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local council. You can also call our helpline on 0800 328 0280 if you have any questions. When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your: name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number. You should apply using the same name that you used to register to vote. You will not need to provide your gender, and your certificate will not have a gender marker. If you don't know your National Insurance number or don't have one, you can find your National Insurance number on payslips and official letters about tax, pensions or benefits.

You can still apply if you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one. You will need to provide other forms of proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement and a utility bill. Your local council will contact you to arrange this. If you don’t have any other accepted proof of identity, you can ask someone you know to confirm your identity. This is known as an attestation.

Providing a photograph

You will need to submit a photo with your application. The requirements for the photo are similar to the requirements for a passport photo. If you need help taking a photo, then your local council will be able to do this for you. To be accepted the photo you provide must meet certain requirements in terms of

style, quality and size. If you do not have a suitable photo, you can apply in person and the council will take one for you. Your local council will process your application. They will send the Voter Authority Certificate to you by post. They will also send you instructions on how to use your certificate. Voter Authority Certificates do not have an expiration date. But it's recommended that you renew your certificate after 10 years. All data you provide when applying for a certificate will be stored securely by your local council, in line with data protection regulations. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local council or call our helpline on 0800 328 0280. Or get in touch with your local council.

Herefordshire Council T: 01432 260107 / 260191

Electoral Services Office

Town Hall E: elections@herefordshire.gov.uk

St Owen Street

HR1 2PJ W: www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Classical Music Concert

Friday 21 April, 1pm St Andrew's church, Presteigne. Hilary Summers, 'cello, and members of Sounds Interesting perform contemporary classical music in aid of children's charity TeamCleo. One of the musicians tragically lost her daughter to brain cancer and so set up this brain tumour charity. It aims to educate parents about the early signs of a tumour so that any treatment can be started early bringing a greater chance of success. Music by American-born local composer John Hyslop, String Quartet no.3 and Suite for 3 Violas. This piece depicts a journey on foot along the ridgeway to an event at the Hindwell Enclosure near Walton about 5000 years ago. Free entry. Donations requested.

The Sleeping Dragon

When I was growing up in the early 1950s, the First World War was still very much a living memory to many. Today it is history, with no survivors left to tell the living tale. This transition point in time, from live memory to history, was upon us. This is the point where we must now translate, somehow, what took place, in such a way that it is clear to all that this war must be remembered and learned from.

We have chosen a sleeping dragon for the memorial instead of the heraldic Welsh dragon that we all know and love. The reasoning for this is that the traditional Welsh dragon has a very “up front” attitude with an aggressive stance and unflattering sharp lines, most suitable in war.

The Welsh dragon flying on its standard would have raised the morale of any Welshman fighting for what he believed in. Sadly, many a good Welshman died doing just that, sometimes in lands far off, sometimes for reasons too complex to reason with. Wherever and for whatever, Welshmen have always been distinguished in battle.

However, there is another side to all of this and that is the Welshman who sang with such passion, now forever silent, the Welshman who loved his valleys and hills but will never again walk there, the Welshman who told his children bedtime myths and tales of dragons in Wales. Their legacy being the continuation of the culture of Wales.

All so proud to be Welsh and all died so. This is the soft underside of our loss. This is the real loss. It is this loss that the sleeping dragon reflects, the soft inner being of all those sleeping Welshman who rest so far from the country they loved, in the fields of World War One.

Every dragon needs a place to sleep and a sun warmed cromlech is the ideal size and shape for the purpose. Cromlechs

link us back many thousands of years in Welsh history and folklore. The Cromlech itself is low enough for an adult and for a child raised up by an adult, to see and touch the dragon, giving the connectivity to reinforce the point of the memorial. A child raised up to touch the dragon thus, may not yet understand, but will remember and perhaps in time, understand.

At the end of the centenary celebrations the sleeping dragon was removed from its place at dusk on 11/11/2018 in an attempt to provoke a little of the sense of loss felt by those who lost loved ones during the war.

The outcry was instant and very vocal, with calls for its immediate return. I held out for four years But eventually I was defeated by one Ed Wilding who simply said, “we need it back Pete”. I had no answer. So yet another plan was hatched for the dragon’s return and this time, as the groundswell of opinion shows and grows, it looks like he will return sometime this summer if the fundraising is successful.

So to all those who have mythered on at me for four years to return the dragon, it’s your call, we need £7000. Details of how to contribute are below.

Pete Smith. Feb 2023.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sleepingdragon

https://www.facebook.com/presteignedragon/

Castles

I do love a good castle and thankfully Herefordshire and particularly the area around Kington is heaving with them. The Lords of the Marches were always feuding with each other and consequentially the surrounding lands were constantly being fought over, so there are literally castles everywhere, or at least the remains of them. Most of them date back to the times of the early Norman invasion in the 11th Century. Sadly not much is left of these early fortifications now, and often the only visible signs are the remains of original earthworks more commonly known as a Motte and Bailey.

The Motte or mound is the area of raised ground on which would have been built an easily defendable wooden or stone tower called the Keep. Surrounding this construction would have been a timber palisade enclosing the Bailey, where the living quarters for the soldiers as well as stables and workshops would have been. There would also have been a protective ditch with a gate and drawbridge enclosing the whole area.

These early timber fortifications were quick and easy to construct and would most likely have been built by the people that had been conquered and subjugated. The Normans were particularly good at doing this – bloody Normans, coming over here and beating us at Hastings, how dare they!! But to be fair to them, they were very good at it, and the Motte and Bailey castles proved to be an incredibly successful way of occupying and controlling the local landscape and population.

There are many good examples of Motte and Baileys in the area and the remains can often still be seen, most notably at Stauntonon-Arrow, Almeley, Lyonshall, Huntington and Castle Twts which is very close to Kington and Hergest Court.

Kington Castle had a relatively short life and was probably first built by Adam Port in the very early 12th century after the Royal Estates around Kington were granted to him by King William Rufus, William the Conqueror’s third son and successor. The original castle was built on a rocky crag overlooking the Back Brook 20 metres below.

In 1216 King John had a bee in his bonnet and went on a rampage through the Marches and destroyed the castle. Most likely the stone was carted across the valley and used to build the existing church tower. All that remains of the castle now is a turfed over mound probably covering the remains of the keep.

The current Huntington Castle was the successor to Kington and was probably built to replace an earlier Motte and Bailey about a mile south and east of the remains of the bigger fortress. This is well worth a visit as some of the original stone walls remain and can still be seen.

By Old Peculier See more at: http://www.ecastles.co.uk/index.html

The Herefordshire Black Poplar Project

Organised by Herefordshire Tree Wardens (TW are appointed by Parish Councils) to work with the Hereford Wildlife Trust to save this very rare tree from extinction and led by a small group in NW Herefordshire.

Objectives:

1. To identify every Veteran and Ancient Native Black Poplar in the County and record on the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory Map.

2. By looking at catkins, identifying the sex of the tree, and by taking samples for DNA testing by Forest Enterprise, identifying the clone.

3. Giving advice to owners of native black poplars (NBPs) to appreciate and care for their trees.

4. Taking cuttings and distributing them around the county to spread the growing of young trees.

5. Involving the communities in doing these things.

We have identified around 150 NBP’s in the county but have already seen 30 of them collapse and die –they are on the cusp of dying out. Just four female trees were found in the whole county with one female clone represented by a single very old tree.

We have sent over 100 samples for DNA testing (for which we used the grant) and have now identified seven male clones – two of which were also represented by single trees. It is very clear that action needed to be taken quickly to save the situation.

Over the last two seasons well over 1000 cuttings have been taken and with the help of Tree Wardens and Hereford Wildlife Trust they have been distributed and planted on suitable land throughout the county (and beyond) on over 100 farms, fields and small holdings by several hundred people.

Training has been given and their importance to wildlife explained. A fully grown NBP can reach 100 feet and weigh well in excess of 10 tons- if half of that is carbon, that is an awful lot sequestered!

North Books

Selling new books and beautiful things, North Books at 4 Castle Street in the centre of Hay (HR3 5DF) offers a beautiful space to browse and nurture a love of reading. Explaining why Hay needed another bookshop, owner Jules North said, “Hay is known throughout the literary world as a town of books, but for many years now it hasn’t offered a permanent place where book lovers can find a broad range of inspiring new fiction. Alongside contemporary women’s voices we have good fantasy and Young Adult sections. We also have a particular focus on sustainability, environmental and nature books as well as Welsh literature and books by local authors. Our yearround programme of events is at the heart of what North Books is about: developing and supporting a community of book lovers. In addition to authors' talks, we have already established three new book groups.” North Books opened in November 2022. Herefordshire-born owner Jules North is a former journalist and was Arts Editor at the Hereford Times 2000 to 2008. For more information about upcoming events please see the website at www.northbooks.co.uk @north_books_hay

TreGertha Imprints

TreGertha Imprints is owned and run by Sue and Bruce Edwards, a couple who recently moved to Evenjobb and have become embroiled in the life of the community, helping out at events at The Warden View Methodist Church at Presteigne including a Fashion Shop, Pop-up’ Café, a light hearted event by the Kington & District Operatic Society and the recent Christmas Pastorale. Under the pen name John Beattiey the imprint has published

two novels with local connections. ‘Death of an Escort’ tells of how car rallying, amongst our Welsh Hills, has some sinister, and then romantic repercussions for a Hereford architect. The other local story, ‘Melisande’ starts in Tewkesbury and travels around in a vintage MG (did we see one at Presteigne’s Veteran Car Rally?) visiting Knighton, the Elan Valley, Aberystwyth and the Vyrnwy Hotel. It’s a lovely modernised folk-tale. Books can be purchased by contacting tregertha@gmail.com or 01547 560016

Moonpath by Lorna Hart

Released 26th October 2022, this is Kington author Lorna Hart’s debut novel and it follows young Millie as she searches for her father, with many thrilling adventures along the way. E: lornahart44@live.co.uk

Knighton Town Council

The Town Council has agreed its 2023/4 budget and there will be a 5p cut for council services. Total budget is £84,845 and last year it was £83,755. The bill for a band D property will therefore be £63.22 instead of £63.27. Costs include £15,000 for repair and maintenance for public toilets and £11,700 for the civic centre. There will also be an extra sum for salaries as the clerk, Neil King, will be retiring and a new clerk will need to shadow him for a while before taking over. The final council tax bill will include amounts for Powys County Council, Dyfed Powys Police and Mid & West Wales Fire Service.

Charitable Trust

The civic centre will soon be a non profit organisation, saving the Council around £7000 per year on business rates. This will also make it easier for people to apply for a wider range of grants. The council is in the process of setting up a committee which will be composed of 60% town councillors, plus residents and other interested parties. The councillor majority is necessary to keep control of the civic centre and how it is run. The council members selected to sit on the committee are: deputy mayor Cllr Holly Adams-Evans, Cllrs Christine Branford, Tina Sharpe, Petra Ford, Ben Caine and Ben Butler. The remaining four non councillors are yet to be appointed.

Gardening Club

On 25 February the library set up a gardening club for under 18s led by Tom Johnson the garden coordinator. It’s Tom’s job to look after the garden and improve community relations; this will include recruiting volunteers to help out – a great chance to work outside with nature and take pride in the growth and blossoming of the plants. There is also a photography project aimed at creating a weekly record of the garden through the seasons. Photos can be of any subject as long as it relates in some way to the garden. You can send your photos to gardencoordinator@knightoncomm.wales and it is hoped that the photos will be displayed in a monthly show on the Comm’s website.

Tree planting

On 25 January Chris Branford and volunteers planted a rowan tree in the wildlife and sensory garden, adding to the variety of other trees and shrubs that offer a sensory experience of scent, texture and sound. The garden recently received a Level 4 Certificate for a thriving garden from Wales in Bloom.

Signs Update

A group of volunteers, alongside the council, will repair and replace around 15 of the damaged or missing dog bone signs which carry poo bag dispensers and which can be found on lamp posts around the town. There were 40 in total when the scheme, initiated by Elaine Jones

and her family in 2019, first began. It’s been a great success in keeping Knighton’s streets clean.

Knighton Youth Project

Knighton Youth Project has been running since February 2022. We offer activities for children aged 11-18. Every Wednesday 6.30pm to 8.30pm through term time we put on a drop-in Cafe at the Community Centre where we offer things like table tennis, badminton, TikTok Studio, pool table, crafts and many more as well as providing food and drink. Dates to look out for on our Facebook page Knighton Youth Project. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming activities and trips.

Knighton and District Community Support

We have many different schemes ongoing within our organisation, such as: The Community Car Scheme, Town Connection, The Furniture Barn, Bike workshop project, Volunteering in the Furniture Barn, Volunteer drivers, Furniture recycling, Information and signposting and photocopying facilities. Volunteers to help out in any of the above are most welcome. Please contact the office on 01547 520653

Town Connection

This is a transport scheme that we are running in the Knighton and District area which is designed to make getting around in Knighton a little easier. It is a paid service for the local community, for people who live within 5 miles of Knighton. Since September 2021, we are running a total electric vehicle that has wheelchair access. The vehicle was purchased through a grant from the Welsh Government through the CTA (Community Transport Association). This scheme exists to provide transport for local residents who for whatever reason can't get around easily.

Who can use the scheme?

In order to book a car you must be a member of the community transport scheme. This includes filling out a short form which can be done on the day of the journey. To become a member you must fall within these categories:

unable to use existing means of transport due to age, disability, emotional/physical conditions; have difficulty getting around town due to disability/age; have difficulty accessing transport. To book, ring the office on 01547 520653 with as much notice as possible please (48 hours) and let us know the journey details.

How much will it cost?

1 mile = £3.00 return; 3 miles = £5.00 return;

5 miles = £8.00 return

Brilley Flicks in the Sticks

A busy month coming up at Brilley in March, plus one last film in April before our summer break. All available to book now at www.pay-brilley.co.uk

Thursday 2 Mar, 7.30pm: The Banshees of Inisherin

Nominated for 7 Oscars including Best Film, The Banshees of Inisherin is a melancholic, frequently hilarious and richly moving black comedy. On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Padraic is devastated when his friend Colm suddenly puts an end to their lifelong friendship. With help from his sister and a troubled young islander, Padraic sets out to repair the damage by any means necessary. But Colm's resolve only strengthens, and he soon delivers an ultimatum that leads to shocking consequences.

Saturday 11 Mar, 7.30pm: Live Show: Cabaret with Claws

Mixing wicked humour and eclectic jazz and cabaret, interspersed with jaw-dropping circus, Cabaret with Claws presents twisted takes on familiar themes. ‘Witty, wanton, wonderful - Charlie Bicknell's new show is cabaret with claws. She's a heady, edgy high octane mix of English rose, vamp and Cruella, shamelessly sexy, murderously funny. You have been warned. Roses have thorns.’ Sue Arnold The Observer

Saturday 18 Mar, Decision to Leave (3.30pm screening as part of Borderlines Film Festival)

From a mountain top in South Korea, a man plummets to his death. Did he jump, or was he pushed? When detective Hae-joon arrives on the scene, he begins by investigating the dead man’s relationship with his wife, Seorae. But as he digs deeper, he finds himself caught in a web of deception and desire. Elegantly designed and superbly performed, this stylish, rather Hitchcockian thriller is full of intrigue and intelligent, possibly unanswerable questions about the workings of the human heart. Sub-titles

Saturday 18 Mar, 7.30pm: Moonage Daydream (7.30 screening as part of Borderlines Film Festival)

The spectacular Moonage Daydream illuminates the life and genius of David Bowie, one of the most prolific and influential artists of our time. Told through sublime, kaleidoscopic, never-before-seen footage, performances and music, this experiential cinematic odyssey explores Bowie’s chameleonic creative, musical and spiritual journey. Guided by Bowie’s own narration and the first film sanctioned by his estate, it’s a triumphant, supremely moving film exploring the once in a generation talent of this most beloved and idiosyncratic of artists.

Thursday 6 Apr, 7.30pm: Living

Bill Nighy has been Oscar nominated for this wonderfully sensitive performance in this poignant, deeply felt film. 1950s London: A widower and civil servant, Williams is a lonely man who leads a quiet and simple life. But everything changes when he receives some shocking news. Embarking on a voyage of discovery, he meets seaside bohemian Sutherland and launches a passionate campaign to make a difference to the world – and to live his life fully – before it’s too late.

The bar will be open for Cabaret with Claws. For all films bring your own refreshments. Anyone booking for both films on 18 March is welcome to bring a picnic meal to eat between performances.

Village News

The next Almeley ceilidh is being held on 25th March in the Almeley village hall. Dancing will be to Bandamania with Sue Harris, the internationally-renowned Hammer Dulcimer player.

The dance starts at 7.30pm and costs £5 per person. The bar will be open and there will be a raffle. Ceilidhs are great fun for all the family and no experience is necessary as all the dances are walked-through first and then called.

For more info: almeleyvillagehall@gmail.com, 07578 280 089, or 07914 812 509

Eardisland Village Hall. Stitchers meets monthly, Susie evhmc@yahoo.com

Cookery Club 27 March. 10am to 12.30pm. Just come along and join in.

Tai Chi with Enid 07877 250275 also Leominster. Fitness Pilates, Barbara fitcats@btinternet.com

Leintwardine. Free lunchtime concert on Wednesday 10 May at 12 noon, at St Mary Magdalene Church, Leintwardine featuring a jazz duo playing classic swing numbers.

Eardisley. There will be a coffee morning on Friday 17 March to celebrate St Patrick's Day from 9am-12pm at Eardisley Village Hall. All are welcome to join us for some cake and a natter and we have a selection of boxed games. These coffee mornings are held regularly on the 3rd Friday of every month and often include speakers.

Eardisley Neighbourhood Friends links local residents who would like support with volunteers from our community who are able to provide friendly assistance. We have a great team of local volunteers ready to lend a helping hand. Phone 07555 544327 if you would like help with tasks e.g. collecting prescriptions, a friendly chat, lifts to medical appointments, putting out bins, occasional plant watering, pet feeding, or shopping from Eardisley Stores.

We are keen to welcome more volunteers and coordinators. If anyone would like to know more about these roles and how they could fit in with your availability please get in touch: eardisleyneighbourhoodfriends@gmail.com or 07555 544327. Thanks to grants and donations we can now fund the DBS checks required for volunteers.

Evenjobb Saturday Cafe is open again, 10.30 -2.30. You can get a mug of coffee or tea for £1, toasties from £3 and a nice big piece of shortbread for £1.50. We also have other things like soup, quiche, and cake - something for everyone's taste and every budget. We’re looking for one or more self-employed people to join our café management rota to run the café 10pm to 4pm on 1 to 3 Saturdays per month, £15ph. Please share this request as far and wide as possible. Interested in applying? please email evenjobb@btinternet.com

The Hub, New Radnor - another Fundraising Quiz following the success of the last in aid of the Radnor Arms Hotel refurbishment fund. Sunday 5 March. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Teams of six £2pp.

Please get in touch if your group is within a 10-mile radius of Kington and would like to be added to a small waiting list who will be offered any vacancies as they arise.

kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com

01-Mar-23

08-Mar-23

15-Mar-23

22-Mar-23

29-Mar-23

05-Apr-23

12-Apr-23

Kington Local Environment & Energy Network (KLEEN)

Kington Bowling Club

Lyonshall Village Hall

Evancoyd Church

Kington Walking Festival

New Radnor Hub

Presteigne & Borders Floral Arts

Kington WI 26-Apr-23

19-Apr-23

Kington & District Horticultural Society 03-May-23

Kington Medical Practice Patient Participation Group 10-May-23

Almeley Primary School

Old Radnor Church 24-May-23

17-May-23

Walnut Gardens Residents Association

31-May-23

Walton Village Hall

Presteigne Community News E-letter

Email news@pacdg.org If you have any questions on what's happening - or not happening - in our community, do let us know and we'll do our best to provide an answer, or at least point you in the right direction. Please email if you see or hear of anything that will be of help to other residents, including local area jobs. If you need assistance in any way, email us and we’ll pass on your message to people who can help. Back issues can be found at www.presteigne.org.uk/calendar

The Presteigne & Norton Town Council budget for the coming year (2023/24) was set at the meeting held on 18 January at a total of £77,325. It was agreed to use £4400 from the reserve held for the public toilets for part of their running costs in 23/24 resulting in the need to precept £72,925. This will result in the payment per year for a property in Band D Council Tax to be £54. This amount is unchanged from 2021/22 and 2022/23. Full budget can be seen on the Council Accounts page of the website - www.presteigne.org.uk

Whitton Community Council has vacancies for Community Councillors. If you live within this community, which covers Ackhill, Dolly Green, Discoed, Cascob, Pilleth, Gwernaffel, Rhos, Cwm Whitton & Whitton, and as a resident you would like to represent your community and take part in making decisions that may affect you, please email Cllr Deb Edwards at cllr.deborah.edwards@powys.gov.uk or email electoral.services@powys.gov.uk

PNCS need Volunteer Drivers for community transport to enable the service to continue. Can you spare a few hours weekly? Talk to Sharon in our office on the High Street or call 01544 267961 for info.

Five-a-Side Football. New players wanted - every Tuesday evening 7.30pm at the Leisure Centre. All abilities and ages welcome. Text Ashleigh on 07814 054181 for information.

The Warehouse. Our electrical items have all been PAT tested and are now out for sale. Lots of bedding, blankets, tablecloths, towels, pillows and quilts now in stockfrom 50p! Please note we are CASH ONLY. From 1st March we are going to be opening on a Thursday. The new hours will be Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm; Saturday 10am-2pm.

The Knighton & Presteigne Leg Club is based in the Reynolds Room at Knighton Community Centre. The idea of the Leg Club is to give those suffering with leg problems a social outlet and an opportunity to meet with others with similar problems to their own in a relaxed, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Volunteers run the reception desk, greeting patients, taking details, registering new patients who are then taken through to a screened area, where NHS District Nurses are ready to administer treatment. While waiting, or after their treatment, patients are encouraged to sit at a communal table where volunteers are on hand to serve tea, coffee, biscuits, and helpful literature is displayed. If you feel you would benefit from visiting the Leg Club, ring the District Nurses’ office on 01547 521270 to make an appointment.

Knighton & Presteigne Foodbank. See website for the latest shopping list which highlights the products we are short of currently, plus a list of the items we have a surplus of! Please share the information with your contacts,

congregation and local community group members. Christmas seems a long time ago, but the support we received was outstanding and as a result we provided over 100 Christmas hampers and regular food parcels. Thank you for supporting us www.knightonfoodbank.co.uk

Walton Village Hall. New for 2023 Arts and Crafts Club. Are you interested in spending an enjoyable afternoon doing art or any craft you would like to do? If so, we are starting a new art and craft club at Walton Village Hall on Tuesday 21 March at 2pm until 4pm, price £5 per session which will include a cup of tea. Subsequent dates will be on the first and third Tuesday of every month. These sessions will be run as a place to come and have fun and a chat in a relaxed atmosphere - no tutor run sessions, simply a get together. For more details contact Brian on 01547 560 837.

Future dates for the diary: 7 March AGM (& OGM) 2pm; 31st May – 6th June Community Shop (Kington) Volunteers and donations required.; 24th June Strawberry Tea; 19th August Ladies Evening. Also Book and Jigsaw Swap 2nd Wednesday every month 10am-1pm. For more details contact Karan on 01544 350 511 (please leave a message if necessary)

Presteigne Garage Sale update. Well holymoly, what an awesome response to the wee idea I suggested. My friends, at the moment we have somewhere between 2530 households that want to take part in our March garage sale extravaganza. On that note, get your diary out and pencil in Sat 18 March.

This is the date we are aiming for but keep in mind we might have to delay it to the 25th of March if the weather forecast is looking rough. The time will be from 10am to 3pm. In the 1-2 weeks leading up to our 'Garage Sale Extravaganza', I will be posting online as well as pinning to all of Presteigne’s notice boards everyone's addresses that are hosting a garage sale. Every few weeks I will give everyone a reminder. You are awesome and so is Presteigne!!!!

Presteigne Methodist Church - two Lent Lunches this year on Saturday 4 March and Saturday 1 April, from 12 -1pm. There will be a selection of home-made soups and crusty bread, finishing off with a cup of tea and slice of cake - no charge for these lunches, but donations received will go to the Turkey and Syria earthquake relief work. We hope that you will be able to join us for one or both of these lunches.

Powys Teaching Health Board: Knighton Cottage Hospital - seeking your views on Knighton Hospital and NHS services in East Radnorshire. Over the last two years we have been working hard to recruit registered nurses to join the inpatient team at Knighton Hospital. We have had some interest, but it hasn’t reached the levels needed to run the ward. In the meantime, we know there is a level of local need that we could meet in a different way. We are looking at interim steps we can take to provide more care more locally in east Radnorshire and we welcome your views. The information you provide will help us with our work to maintain and develop health services for people in Knighton and East Radnorshire and will be processed in accordance with PTHB's Privacy policies ( https://pthb.nhs.wales/use-of-site/privacy/ ).

Sign up to receive the Community Focus Newsletter with ongoing information on the situation.

Business Directory

KNIGHTON

Mark Arbon Sustainable Building. We build everything from large multi-room extensions to modest garden rooms. With a full design and build service, including planning applications, we use 3D drawing to allow virtual walkthroughs. All built with natural, sustainable materials and super insulated. W: www.markarbon.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

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

PRESTEIGNE

Bricklayer, Presteigne,30 years’ experience, available for all brickwork jobs, repointing slabbing and patio construction. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Please call Dean 07496 537194 anytime.

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

Chilvers Country Store. For all your livestock, equine, pet, gardening and country life needs, including clothing and machinery. Find us on the Presteigne bypass next to the Radnorshire Arms car park. T: Dan 07798 928909 E: andychilvers@outlook.com

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

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 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

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

Walton Court Caravan and Camp Site. We are a small working farm on the Welsh Border 3 miles from Kington. We are Green Tourism Gold Award Accredited with a small shop on site. We have an award winning pub close by (within walking distance) and are close to Offa’s Dyke Path. E: Jeanandglyn@hotmail.co.uk

T: 01544 350259

www.waltoncourtcaravanandcampsite.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

M&S Pizzas. Made to order in a woodfired pizza oven in New Radnor. Available for parties and functions. Call 07485 013110 or Esco’s 01544 350619. Facebook: M&S Wood Fired Pizza.

KINGTON

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-Tues: 9.30am to 3pm, Weds-Sat: 9.30am to 4pm.

Collaborative Crafts. Showcasing a wide range of art & craft to suit every pocket. 41 High Street, Kington HR5 3BJ. Offering shelf space to local artists and makers. Contact Anna King 07977 978676 or E: anna@akcrafts.co.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

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

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.

Handmade by Solange. Wedding & celebration cakes made to order. 46 High Street, Kington (used to be Jane’s Parlour) HR5 3BJ. juliette@handmadebysolange.com See Facebook & Instagram.

Hergest Croft Gardens. Open weekends from 4 March, then daily from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 29 October, 11.30am to 5pm. Admission: adults £8, accompanied children under 16 free. Gift shop, free car parking, dogs on leads welcome. Maples Tearoom serving delicious homecooked food. Ridgebourne Rd, Kington HR5 2EG. T: 01544 230160.

E: gardens@hergest.co.uk W: www.hergest.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

Kington Car Club. Be part of the solution! Reserved parking at Love Lane, charging point at Mill Street, membership includes tax, insurance, recovery, maintenance & repairs. kingtonkleen@gmail.com

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

Kington Community Shop. Available for non profit and community organisations to raise funds.

E: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com

Kington Folk Club. At the Oxford Arms on the last Thursday of the month. kingtonfolkclub@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

Kington Spring Walking Festival. The 2023 programme offers a wide range of walks for all abilities led by experienced leaders who have a wealth of local knowledge. Many walks focus on a particular specialist subject and vary in length from 2 to 15 miles with a range of heights to climb and descend. www.kingtonwalks.org

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

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

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.

W: www.marchescounselling.org

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

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 9.15am 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

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

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

LYONSHALL

White Heron Drinks. British Cassis is a delectable award winning blackcurrant liqueur, crafted from fruit grown at Lyonshall. T: 01544 340241.

E: info@whiteherondrinks.co.uk

W: www.whiteherondrinks.co.uk

WEOBLEY

Robert Arley. Ex-BBC and ITV producer (now based in Herefordshire) reveals behind-the-scenes secrets on making popular programming ranging from The Antiques Roadshow to Top Gear; Children’s ITV to Music Live. Available for talks. www.robertarley.com

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

LEOMINSTER

Services for Independent Living (SIL). SIL supports disabled and/or elderly people who live in their own homes. We offer a range of services from short-calls, to complex care and also support for those with a direct payment or PHB. For more information on our services or current vacancies: W: www.s4il.co.uk T: 01568 616653

E: contactus@s4il.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

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

Signworx. Signage, Vehicle Livery, Banners, Window Graphics, Fascias, Digital & Litho Print, Design Services. Lugg View Ind Est, Moreton on Lugg HR4 8DP. 01432 760700. sales@signworxhereford.co.uk

My Tree, Our Forest Scheme

Dates for the March tree giveaway are:

Sat 4 March 10-12pm Memorial Hall Presteigne (Farmer's Market). 1.30 to 3.30pm Assembly Rooms Presteigne (Nature Reserve engagement day)

Sat 11 March 10-12pm High Street Presteigne

Sat 18 March 10-12pm Old School Presteigne (Repair Cafe)

If you have not yet collected your free tree (one per household) please get one of these dates in your diary.

From Presteigne Norton Town Council