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Acknowledgements
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 cover. May the bluebird of happiness fly over you all.
Cover photo: Snowdrops by Laura Shepherd Lens Photography. Presteigne photographer with 9 years’ experience. Outdoor Family portraits. Weddings & events. School portraits. Peekaboo session. Marketing. Bump to Baby shoots. Family photographer. Gift vouchers. Easter pop up session. 07827 968328. On Facebook. www.laurashepherdslensphotography.com or www.instagram.com/laura.sheps.lens.photography
Funny bits: Blogswallop
Editorial
We have an early spring! Snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tiny irises, greater celandine: they have all popped up and started to bloom. This has been the warmest February on record. The skylarks are singing up on the hills and waxwings were spotted at Shobdon. Although, such is the changeability of the weather these days, by the time you are reading this we may be in the middle of a monsoon. There was a rare coning event at Hergest Croft Gardens, Presteigne and Norton have achieved Dark Sky status, we begin a fascinating history of The Oxford Arms pub – now a community hub – which will run in four instalments and the new revamped Knighton Council page is full of interesting news. The ever popular Marches Makers Festival is in May and Spring Greens in April is simply not to be missed. We are always inundated with local news and events, so check out our deadlines and make sure you get your information to us in good time. We exist to spread the word on your behalf so make use of us.
Annie Vickerstaff, editor
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SIZE 1 ISSUE 2 3 4 Business Directory: up to 40 words £10 £18 £27 £36 Eighth page landscape £16 £28 £43 £55 Quarter page portrait £35 £63 £94 £125 Half page landscape/column £60 £108 £162 £216 Full page £150 £300 £405 £540 Full page advertorial: article, photo £160 £285 £430 £575
Music in New Radnor
Saturday 9 March. Students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Tickets £15 (under 14s, £3)
We are delighted to be presenting our student platform again after the recent disruptions. Student ensemble concerts are an exciting way of seeing performers in the early stages of their musical careers and poised on the verge of their launch into the musical profession. More details nearer the time.
New Radnor Community Hall, Hall Lane, New Radnor. LD8 2SW. All performances start at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm). Please note that box office is now 01544 350746 / 07493 940683 unless otherwise stated. The concessionary price for children under 14 is always £3. Wine and soft drinks will be available at the bar; feel free to bring snacks. Please note that there is no parking available at the hall.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Noson Allan / Night Out scheme, whose support is invaluable to all small promoters in Wales.
Saturday 13 April. James Lisney: an evening of romantic piano music, Tickets £15 (under 14s, £3)
Music in New Radnor at the Hub: in the first of a series of collaborations between MiNR and The Hub, pianist James Lisney will perform an evening of romantic piano music on the Bechstein B grand piano at this intimate venue. James believes in the `small is beautiful` presentation of chamber music, in intimate settings and non-standard formats, with audiences feeling that they are an integral part of the occasion. The Hub, New Radnor, School Lane, LD8 2SS.
Music in New Radnor is back on Facebook again– Hurrah! Join the group to get our posts on your timeline.
www.facebook.com/groups/978322860123562
Rare Event at Hergest Croft Gardens
One of the world’s rarest and most endangered species of Fir Tree has “coned” for the first time in decades in the gardens! The Abies Bracteata or Santa Lucia/ Bristlecone Fir is a native of Monterey, California where its natural habitat is less than a 30 square km area and it is regarded as an endangered species. Whilst there are several other trees of this species growing in selected gardens in the UK, a “coning” is a very rare experience. The last recorded time that an older specimen of this tree produced a cone was in the early 60’s. The exciting discovery was made just before Christmas when the huge tree was undergoing routine maintenance by Herefordshire based Tree Surgeons, Arbortech.
“We are absolutely thrilled and very excited about this event” said Austyn Hallworth, Head of Marketing & PR for Hergest Croft Gardens. “This discovery is so horticulturally important and crucial for this tree’s survival outside of North America, that we have sent seeds to specific centres throughout the UK and Europe in an effort to propagate and cultivate for the future”.
Hergest Croft Gardens in Kington is a 70 acre estate of horticultural importance within the UK and is host to over 130 “Champion Trees”, 5,000 rare trees, plants and shrubs together with the National collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas. www.hergest.co.uk See Business Directory listing for opening times.
The Mother Line: A Writing Workshop with Julia Doggart. 16 March, ground floor of Presteigne Assembly Rooms. 10am – 4pm £40. Pre-registration required at www.craftedessence.com Writing can be a great tool for selfexploration as well as a craft we polish and hone. This workshop is a playful exploration of our varied and changing relationships with mothers, mothering energy, mother earth and creative expression. Writers of all stripes are welcome. Lunch not included.
Brilley Flicks in the Sticks and Borderlines screenings
Thursday 7 March at 7.30: Eternal Daughter (part of Borderlines film festival) £5.50 Starring Tilda Swinton in the dual roles of an artist and her elderly mother confronting longburied secrets together as they return to a former family home, now a hotel haunted by its mysterious past. Shot in Wales and featuring a towering, deeply moving performance from Swinton, this beguiling film is dressed as a gothic thriller, with swirling mist, looming shadows and ghostly presences galore. Beautifully composed and intricately layered, it’s a captivating study of motherhood, memory and loss.
Thursday 14 March at 7.30: Past Lives (part of Borderlines film festival) £5.50 Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are torn apart when Nora’s family leaves Seoul. Two decades later, with Nora now married to Arthur, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week to confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. A wistful, transporting romance that beautifully depicts and considers a decades-long, world-spanning love story.
Thursday 4 April at 7.30: The Great Escaper £5 Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson star in an inspirational retelling of a D-Day veteran’s great escape. In the summer of 2014 –the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – Bernie Jordan (Caine) made headlines after staging a ‘great escape’ from his care home to join fellow war veterans on the beach in Normandy and commemorate their fallen comrades. Oliver Parker’s warm, bittersweet film celebrates an adventure that captured the imagination of the world and the culmination of Bernie’s 60-year marriage to Rene (Jackson), while exploring the lasting trauma of war.
Advance booking only - please book and pay for your tickets online at www.pay-brilley.co.uk Brilley and Michaelchurch Village Hall, doors open at 7pmdon't forget to bring your own refreshments!
New Gallery for Kington
March sees the arrival of Flock, a new contemporary craft gallery for Kington. After seven fantastic years at Made in the Marches Gallery, Annie Gamble and the craft co-operative she established closed the door of their Church Street gallery for the last time in December.
As one door closes another opens and the gallery will become Flock: a new craft gallery for Kington run by maker Hattie Budd. The gallery will continue in the tradition established by Annie and the team, showcasing exceptional local makers from the Marches and beyond. The venue will have a calendar of temporary exhibitions and an ever changing selection of crafts and arts. The new gallery will be opening its doors this spring.
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Dark Matters
Presteigne and Norton became the first community in Wales and mainland England to be designated as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. This achievement represents a unique collaboration between the local community, Presteigne and Norton Town Council, Powys County Council, and Dark Source Lighting Design Studio to pursue a dark sky ambition by tackling light pollution. The local community and project group worked hard to ensure the two towns complied with the requirements to meet the International Dark Sky Community criteria. Comprehensive lighting tests were carried out, and community feedback was vigorously sought throughout the project.
A total of 380 lighting columns in the area were refurbished with 2200K LED luminaires, with a large majority employing full cut-off beam. 40% of the lights have been programmed to switch off, while the remaining 60% have been pre-set to half their intensity after midnight. In employing such curfew and dimming profiles, light intensity, and energy usage are significantly reduced while the longevity of the luminaires is extended. The project has reduced the area’s annual CO2 emissions by 4.5 tonnes, and this has been facilitated by the extension of the scheme into a nearby industrial estate under the jurisdiction of the Welsh Government so that the lighting character is consistent across the town.
“The approach taken to retrofit lighting using adaptive technology is unique among Dark Sky Places and will serve as an excellent example of how communities can use lighting technology to improve safety and energy efficiency. This work signals an important shift in community-level lighting design, showing that being dark sky-friendly doesn’t mean turning out the lights. I am excited to see how this will influence others in the future,” said Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
The success of this lighting project has prompted the authorities to consider rolling similar schemes out across the county, thereby empowering many other communities to pursue dark skies accreditation if they so choose, which is a wonderful ripple effect for the continuity of dark skies across Powys and Wales.
“We are delighted by the outcome of Presteigne’s and Norton’s application to Dark Sky International to become a Dark Sky Community! Without the dedicated and coordinated support of both Presteigne and Norton Town Council and Powys County Council, it would never have happened. The community has worked tenaciously over the last six years to highlight the benefits of becoming a dark sky community to all stakeholders. These benefits include an investment in the use of efficient, low-energy ‘dark skies’ streetlights that have reduced our impact on the environment. This change has resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, along with a beneficial effect on wildlife, especially night-flying insects, birds, and bats. The consequential reduction in light pollution has also enabled us to see the glory of the night sky clearly, a legacy that our children and grandchildren will continue to enjoy,” said Presteigne & Norton Dark Skies Community Leader Leigh-Harling Bowen.
In the future, Presteigne and Norton will continue their hard work by focusing on improving private, industrial, and festive lighting whilst organizing community events to broaden the value of dark skies.
Learn more by visiting www.darksky.org/conservation/idsp
New Art Book for Kington
Following Kington artist Kathryn Moore's residency at Hergest Croft Gardens last year, one of the outcomes has been this beautiful hardback full colour book. A Brush with the Borders - An Artist's Year contains extracts from Kathryn's sketchbooks, from herbaceous borders to birds and woodlands to insects. This glorious account of a full year - beginning in the dark depths of January, moves through the changing seasons to return full circle at the end of December. A book of treasures depicting drawings, watercolours, written notes and the paintings that resulted from the residency.
Published by Logaston Press, this remarkable work of art will be available from Mid April from the Kat and Fiddle Studio in Kington, plus other outlets to be advertised shortly. Copies are £25 and you can pre-order your personally signed copy for collection or by post by emailing: katandfiddle@hotmail.com
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Presteigne Community News
The Community News is an information service from the Presteigne Area Community Development Group “Working Together For Our Community”. 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 - email the Editor if you see or hear of anything that will be of help to other residents, including local area jobs, or if you need assistance in any way, email us and we’ll pass on your message to people who can help: news@pacdg.org Back issues can be found on the town website www.presteigne.org.uk/calendar
Lambing time!! With ewes and young lambs being turned out onto our fields please do not let your dogs run off lead near flocks of sheep. Please always take care when walking with dogs near sheep, but especially so at this time of year - thank you!
Allotments. Thought of growing your own fruit and veg but don't have the space? Did you know that the Town Council has an allotment site at the bottom of Went's Meadow? Tenancy renewals are due in March so now is the time to put your name on the waiting list if you are interested. A plot is currently available to let for the coming year. Application form on the Council website: https://presteigne.org.uk/town-council and scroll down to Allotments. Any questions please get in touch with the Clerk: presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com
Lent talks. Michael Tavinor offers a 4-session course on ‘Hymns of the Church’. It’s an ecumenical project exploring the history and background of the hymns we sing in different denominations. Fridays in March 2pm. One session in each church: 1st Catholic Church, 8th St Andrews, 15th Methodist church, 22nd Baptist church. All welcome, no charge, refreshments after.
The Art for Art Fair will now be a monthly event at the Presteigne British Legion 10am - 12noon to coincide with the monthly food market. Any artists that would like a “pitch” should get in touch: cost of pitch will be £10 to Legion funds, contact Kay on 07724379335
Royal Oak, Presteigne. Indian takeaway opened due to high demand. Call 01544 260842. Online ordering and bookings can be done via website and on our app. To download the app cut&paste this link: https://royaloak-presteigne.co.uk/
Art for All at The British Legion Hall, Presteigne. Every Tuesday 10am -12noon, cost £5. Email Kay at kayyendole@rocketmail.com
RNID We have a drop-in session once a month at the Old School/Youth Centre in Hereford every 4th Wednesday of the month, 1pm-3pm. The purpose of the drop-in is small hearing aid repair, supply free hearing aid batteries and offer information & advice regarding hearing loss.
Borderlines Film Festival - Presteigne Screen 2024 Festival runs from Friday 1 to Sunday 17 March. Each year Borderlines Film Festival, the largest rural film festival in the UK, centred on Hereford's Courtyard Arts Centre but also spread across numerous venues in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys, brings us a vast selection of new and old films.
Presteigne Film Society participated as a venue for many years and Presteigne Screen will continue this association by featuring three films under the Borderlines umbrella: Anatomy of a Fall (Friday 1 March); The Nettle Dress (Friday 8 March) and Typist Artist Pirate King (Friday 15 March) details in the programme here: www.presteignescreen.org.uk/winter-filmspresteigne-screen.php
Judge’s Lodging Thinking of getting married this year? Looking for a completely unique venue for your civil ceremony that is somewhere you and your guests will never forget? We are licenced to hold ceremonies in our beautiful historical
building. You will find no other venue to be as atmospheric as ours. Huge Victorian rooms and magnificent courtroom. Please see our website for details. Ring and check your date with us, book your registrar then confirm and pay your deposit to us. Share with family and friends and book a wedding day to remember. www.judgeslodging.org.uk
The shop opposite the Library and adjacent to St Michael's Hospice Shop is still vacant. If anyone (or any group of people) in the area is thinking of starting a new venture it is available. It has been successfully used by people in the town as a shortterm 'pop up shop'. Until a long-term term tenant is found this usage could continue. It can be taken on for a week or fortnight for private fund raising by individuals or by local charities and organisations. Please contact Maggie 07952 972746 for further information, details of rent etc.
Powys Samaritans are recruiting listening volunteers now for training in March. No previous experience required, you just need to give your time and a listening ear to help ordinary people like you and me who are going through a difficult time. Volunteers are asked to give three or four hours every week at our offices in Llandrindod Wells with free parking and travelling expenses reimbursed. To find out more about volunteering with Powys Samaritans and apply, visit https:// samaritans.org/llandrindodwells call 07907 192590 or email recruiting@powyssamaritans.org.uk
Presteigne & Norton Town Council. Congratulations to our two new council members for 2024. Following the resignations of Cllr Bamford and Cllr Poster, the Council has now coopted Colin Kirkby and James Ramsay to the Town Council.
Table Tennis Club, Lingen. Table Tennis sessions at Lingen Village hall, Tuesdays 7-9pm (except first Tuesday of the month) from 13 February and ALSO Monday evenings 810pm from 8 April 2024. Bring your own bat or borrow one on the night. Contact Yvonne Freer email yvonne4242@gmail.com or call 07917 411591. £4 per session.
The Big Breakfast at Lingen. Saturday 4 May 9-1pm at Lingen Village Hall. The Full Works £10.
Presteigne Carnival
Date for your diary: Saturday, 13 July, 2024. Presteigne Carnival at Went's Meadow, Presteigne. Official Opening 1.30 pm, closes 10.30 pm. (Free Parking). Anyone interested in volunteering for this fab community event, please message/ring 07766152000 or message on our FB site
Presteigne Flower Club
An invitation to join us at a demonstration of floral art on Wednesday 13th March at 7.30pm in Lingen village hall SY7 0DY where we meet while our Memorial Hall remains closed. The demonstrator is Brenda Howells and her title is ‘Goodbye winter, hello summer’. It will be a show of how floral designs are created and they will be raffled at the end of the evening. Light refreshments available. Visitors and prospective members very welcome - £6 on the door.
Our 10thApril meeting is our AGM followed by a lunch at the Corners Inn, Kingsland.
On 8thMay at 7.30pm we have a flower arranging workshop: a practical evening with plenty of guidance.
For further information about our programme contact Ann: 01544 340453
Flowers for Fun: Maybe you would like to know how to arrange flowers? Join our friendly group to see what we do, at Whitton Community Hall on Thursdays 7th, 21st, 28th March from 12 - 2 pm (more dates to follow). Come for a coffee and a chat: all welcome, first visit free! Phone Sue on 07368 350379 for more details, or just come along.
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Sleeping Dragon News
It is almost a year now since we started raising money to bring back The Sleeping Dragon, and we were overwhelmed with the generosity of friends of the Dragon near and far. We reached a stage where we felt that we were far enough along to risk the rest and start the work. Pete quickly stripped the old temporary cover from the Dragon and sent the skeleton off for cleaning and galvanizing. When returned to the workshop it was gleaming silver and already beautiful, but the construction of the permanent skin then had to be turned from the drawing board to reality. Strength and longevity without losing the delicate lines of the original was the plan and an ingenious and time consuming mixture of cheesecloth, fibreglass matting, resin and peel ply were used to gently cover the frame and reveal the shape.
A small team of friends heroically assisted Pete with this work and put in hundreds of hours through zero temperatures and every weather winter can throw. After much fine tuning to the required finish along with incorporating highlights - wing tips, chin eyelids etc, it was time to order the paint. A matt finish was required so a specialist paint was sourced to the exact Welsh Red Dragon colour. We are now discussing the logistics of the return to behind the Corton roundabout, or as we refer to it The Dragon Roundabout and the design and build of the base to secure the Dragon. Within the belly of the Dragon will be a time capsule incorporating the names of all the donors (where known) including the long list of lovely suppliers who have also contributed, along with the story up to the point of return. We intend to share the date of the return in the Spring as soon as it is confirmed to ensure if anyone wishes to be around they will be very welcome. Keep an eye for updates locally, and we shall post on Facebook as well.
Presteigne Youth Club
Runs on Monday Nights 6pm ‘til 8pm in the Youth Centre (Old School), Hereford Street. 11-18 yrs. Pool, Darts, Table Football, Ping Pong and other activities too. Only £1 to get in. Follow us on Facebook ‘Presteigne Youth Project’ for updates.
St Andrews Church, Presteigne,coffee mornings on 2nd Saturday morning of each month 10.30 onwards.
Local Markets
Kington Friday Market, weekly from 9am to 1pm, 07867 483135. Also Country Market every Friday morning at the Baptist Chapel 9am to 12 noon.
Kington Art & Craft Market, 3rd Saturday of the month. 9.30am to 3.30pm. 07977 978676 E: anna@akcrafts.co.uk Knighton Community Market, Community Centre, 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am to 12.30pm. 07751 221487. Presteigne Local Food Market, 1st Saturday of the month, Memorial Hall, 9am to pm.
Leominster Farmers’ Market, 2nd Saturday of the month, Corn Square 9am to 1pm. 01568 797427, Facebook: Leominster UK Farmers Market.
Hay Market Day, every Thursday, 9am to 2.30pm, Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay on Wye www.haymarkets.co.uk
Presteigne Youth Club
Runs on Monday Nights 6pm ‘til 8pm in the Youth Centre (Old School), Hereford Street. 11-18 yrs. Pool, Darts, Table Football, Ping Pong and other activities too. Only £1 to get in. Follow us on Facebook ‘Presteigne Youth Project’ for updates.
Walton Village Hall
1st & 3rd Tuesday every month Craft & Art with others. 24pm. Enjoy a couple of hours with other crafters and artists along with a cuppa and cake. Bring along your knitting, artwork, etc.
2nd Wednesday every month Book & Jigsaw Swap 10am1pm (refreshments available). Walton Hall has a huge range of books (over 1000!) and jigsaws. Either swap your books/ jigsaws or purchase them at reasonable prices.
Volunteer & Community Fayre Knighton
The PAVO / KDCC Volunteer Coordinator & Informal Volunteering Officer are organising an event for the 14 April 2024, 9 - 4pm (volunteer hours/split shifts available) and are seeking volunteers to come and help on the day to help with various activities: Setting up and closing down the event; meet & greet at the reception desk; supporting the Community Centre volunteer stall; supporting the Community Café delivery. So if you have a few hours (or more) to spare do come along and lend a hand, you will get the opportunity to work with some absolutely delightful people, get the chance to learn about all the groups, organisations and charities available in your neighbourhood and see first hand how many opportunities are available to help others.
If you are interested please pop into The Comm on Tuesdays or Thursdays and speak to Annie England or Louise.
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A History of the Oxford Arms in Kington in Four Parts
Part One
Firstly can I thank especially Wendy and Chris from Kington Museum, Sue Hubbard (Archivist for the Harley Family estate at Brampton Bryan), Allan Lloyd (historian) and Hereford Archives Record Centre for huge help and support in researching and accessing information, and the many local people we have talked to so far about their memories, knowledge and stories surrounding The Oxford Arms.
The original town of Kington was built around the Castle Hill and Church and in the Domesday book is called Chingtune; other recorded names have been Kingstown, Keignton amd variations. In the 13th century the new town, Kineton in the Fields, developed below Church Street and was built in a characteristic medieval town pattern of the Welsh borderland. In the 18th century the town's appearance changed as timber framing gave way to stone, and thatch to stone tiles and then slates, both for fear of fire and following fashion. Sinclair & Finn state, 'Buildings were seldom pulled down, instead the parts which could be seen were revamped...all the timber framed buildings in the two main streets were given rubble frontages concealed with roughcast covering... inns were trendsetters.' Rowse (1953) reports that by the 18th century, many of Kington’s 31 named inns were trading, and describes several as being at least in part 17th century: The Salutation (The Oxford Arms), The White Talbot (the Lion Cafe), The Red Talbot (closed 1772) The Royal Oak, White Lion, White Horse, The Lamb and The Queen's Head. In 1678, 31 properties in Kington had burgage tenure rights, and The Salutation is shown on early maps as having a double burgage plot behind the yard.
The Salutation is a medieval name that has associations with the Church, being used for over seven centuries, and taking its name from the original 'Archangel Gabriel Saluting the Virgin Mary'. It also has connotations of welcome and greetings, often associated with guesthouses of religious institutions. To date, the earliest record of ownership for The Salutation of Duck Street (as Duke Street was originally named) is the will of Nicholas Davies of 1706. He was a glover, innkeeper and farmer with lands at Barton. He left The Salutation to his son, also Nicholas. Although we don't know the size or origins of the building, his estate for The Salutation lists the accommodation as nine rooms (numbered as chambers), a kitchen, two cellars, a brewhouse and yard, so it was a sizeable place offering potential hospitality. Although there is no record to indicate that The Salutation was a drovers' inn, Kington was certainly a drover’s town, and the inn along with others would have been a welcome place of sustenance if not refuge for drovers on their routes from mid-Wales to markets further into England. Markets both locally and further afield were very important sources of trade, social connection and pleasure both for locals and visitors.
Kington traditionally had eight annual fairs. The oldest fair recorded was held on the 19th September (earlier date 8th) and was dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. In 1658 this became known as Kington Fair Day and is now the Agricultural Show. In the 1600s fairs included an Easter Stock Fair and a Lammas Stock Fair on the 1st Tuesday of August. In the early 1700s, A Great Pleasure Fair was established on Whit Monday and a Hiring and Pleasure Fair took place on May 11th By 1790 a Candlemas Horse Fair took place on the Tuesday before 2nd February, and the Old Butter Fair was held on the Tuesday before 10th October; in 1893 a further Horse and Stock Fair took place on the 2nd Tuesday of March.
In my early research I thought that The Saluation came into the Harley family ownership via Edward 'Auditor' Harley purchasing the mansion and lands of Eywood Estate in Titley, in 1705. Eywood (or Aywood) and Titley Court (The Greenley
family) are both described as medieval manors; the former having centuries’ old connections with the Tranter family and their family home of Oatcroft Farm. At a similar time he purchased the Lordship of Lugharness, which brought lands, farms and income with it from around the Kington and Presteigne area. He had also married Sarah Foley, who had brought a considerable marriage portion to the estate. I thought any of these factors could have been the means by which The Salutation came into the possession of Auditor Harley. A Bond dated 1727 between Edward 'Auditor' Harley to his son Edward Harley, the 3rd Earl of Oxford & Mortimer, 'demising the messuage and lands called Salutation and in the tenure of Nicholas Davies' indicates that at some point between 1705 and 1727, Nicholas Davies Jnr appears to cease to own The Salutation and became a tenant. In 1745 it was 'lately held by Richard Owens, but now by John Griffiths at the yearly rent of £16 10s. 0d. and was now owned by Lord Edward Harley, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and renamed in his honour; his family seat was at Eywood, Titley and Brampton Bryan.' Kellys Directory records that from 1783-1805, the tenant was John Pugh. About 1777, Roach Vaughan married the Rt. Rev. John Harley, Lord Bishop of Hereford; she died in 1822 intestate, leaving her eldest son, Edward Earl of Oxford & Mortimer surviving her. He inherited 'copyhold' lands including 'demesne of the manor of Hergest, lands at Chickward, the Oxford Arms Hotel in Kington formerly The Salutation, lands at Barton (and much more)' and this opens another line of enquiry about its earlier ownership which will I hope unravel more in the later 1800s research.
Prior to the mid-1700s the rural roads were in poor condition, especially in the winter, which made travel on foot or horse often easier and safer than by coach, travellers often taking to the fields and paths in preference to the roads. In 1756 The Kington Turnpike Trust was established. By the 1780s the rental income of the Eywood Estate exceeded £100 p.a. which entitled Edward Harley of Eywood and John Greenley of Titley Court to be Turnpike Trustees. This Trust helped enable adequate roads for coaches to be established to Hereford before 1780, Rhayader in 1779 and Aberystwyth in 1790. This allowed a flourishing coach trade to develop and business and communications to improve, which all fed into the heyday of the coaching inns around the country. In 1786 an 'elegant, light and airy coach' left The Oxford Arms at 5pm each Friday and reached The Bull and Mouth, London at midday on Sunday, starting its return journey on the Monday. It went via Hereford and Malvern. The same coach was running in 1794 when the fare to London was 31s inside and 22s. outside, with luggage at 2/6d per pound in weight. Also in 1794 a coach ran to Leominster, charging 5s. inside and 3s. outside one way. In 1796 a 'diligence' travelled to Leominster via Presteigne. In 1794 Edward Harley, the 5th Earl of Oxford & Mortimer married Jane Scott, and they lived at Eywood, and were often hosts to the wealthy and famous, including the poets Byron and Wordsworth; more of that will come in the next edition. They modernised and gentrified both Eywood and The Oxford Arms and a whole new story began to unfold for The Oxford.
Annie Gamble
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News from Kington Town Council
February 2024
Through the dark, cold, and rain of February the work of the Town Council continues undaunted...
New councillor
We’re delighted to welcome Buzz Bishop to the Council. Our newest member is highly experienced in public service as she currently works for central government within the department which regulates MPs business costs and salaries – so she will keep us on our toes. We’re incredibly lucky to have her expertise at the service of our town and thank her for making the commitment. You can meet Buzz and all of us at our monthly full council meeting which is held at 7.00pm on the first working Monday of each month at the Old Police Station – you are all very welcome!
Civic Award call for nominations – the time is NOW!
The Civic Awards are nominated annually by you Kingtonians to honour people who you see as having made outstanding contributions to our 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 will be nominated by Kington Chamber of Trade and is 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 Mayor each year at the Mayor’s discretion:
Nominating someone is easy. There is a very short form available from the Town Clerk. Simply fill it in, send it back and then it will be discussed and voted on by Councillors. The Presentation of the Awards will be at the Town Annual Meeting on Wednesday 22nd May 2024.
Christmas Party
A quick thanks to everyone who came to the Party before Christmas and thanks to the Chamber of Trade for doing the vast majority of the work which made the event so special. It’s really turned into the best pre-Christmas party in the county! We’re planning even more for 2024!
All Nature has a Feeling
All nature has a feeling: woods, fields, brooks Are life eternal: and in silence they Speak happiness beyond the reach of books; There's nothing mortal in them; their decay Is the green life of change; to pass away And come again in blooms revivified. Its birth was heaven, eternal is its stay, And with the sun and moon shall still abide Beneath their day and night and heaven wide.
John Clare 1793 - 1864
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Kington festivals and events to come in 2024
There’s a really exciting line-up of events taking shape for 2024. None of these are run by the Town Council (so huge cheers for all those who put in the work), but we support them in whatever ways we can. So far we can confirm the following:
Community Shop AGM
The committee was overwhelmed by the amount of donations given for their own week in the community shop. This was to raise funds so that the increase in electricity costs did not have to be passed on to any of the community groups that rent the shop on a weekly basis to fundraise. Happily, this was achieved, so there will be no price increase. The AGM is on Friday 1 March, 6.30pm at The Burton Hotel. If you have any questions or helpful suggestions, please come along.
Kington Walks Spring Festival 19-21 April
Spring Greens 28 April
Marches Makers Festival 4-6 May
Hergest Croft Spring Plant Fair 6 May
Wheelbarrow Race 8 June
Smokefest 15 June
Vintage Show 17-18 August
Kington Show 14 September
Kington Walks Autumn Festival 1922 September
Hergest Croft Autumn Plant Fair 13 October
Bonfire Night Fireworks Display 26 October
Remembrance Sunday Parade 10 November
Christmas Party Lights On 30 November
Food Festival 7 December
New Tree Wardens for Kington
Richie Cotterill has been the tree warden in Kington for a decade and was also chair of the local network of the Tree Council of Great Britain. He has now retired and two local tree enthusiasts have taken up the role: Andrew and Sarah Rickett moved to Kington several years ago and walk in the locality every day with their dog – who no doubt also has a great interest in trees.
On behalf of all the trees in and around Kington we offer our grateful thanks to Richie for his care and vigilance in all matters arboreal.
The Kingswood Returns
Kingswood, an area just outside Kington, has over the past decade become a quietly successful regeneration area. Local landowners have been rewilding and there are now several hectares of mixed woodland which have been created with the help of grants from the Forestry Commission.
The new plantations surround a small reserve of ancient woodland and the intention is to allow these small pockets of more recent planting to join up, extending the mycelial network, over time, into the new areas. The latest phase of tree planting, numbering 2400 mixed trees and shrubs, was completed at the end of February.
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What’s happening at The Oxford Arms Kington
It was a busy year for the volunteers of Open Arms Kington working to create a community hub and pub at the Oxford Arms. Securing funding to purchase the building was only the first step of the journey and whilst the building has been closed, awaiting planning permission for works to protect the historic building and undertake essential safety and maintenance work, there has been lots going on behind the scenes to raise funding and push the project forward.
Meanwhile in the courtyard and barn, events throughout the autumn included a River Friendly Autumn Feast in association with Hereford Food Alliance with children’s cooking, performers and talks; a visit from Pentre Farm’s friendly petting animals; music nights; pop up food events with food by the Cider Barn, Simon and Anita Dale, Origin Pizza, Pizza Girls and others; art events and craft workshops including a program of events to coincide with the national Big Draw festival and a national tree week celebration. The year culminated with The Carol Sessions, a fabulous afternoon of acoustic music from John Jones of the Oysterband and friends.
The new year has seen the courtyard cafe and bar open on Sunday afternoons 12-4pm with more acoustic music sessions, art and board games in the barn. Sunday afternoon opening will continue until the nights draw out in April when the bar will also open on Friday and Saturday evenings. The programme of events through the spring and summer kicks off in March with acoustic music on Saturday 2 March from Bristol’s Dave Oakley supported by Angelshare. Sunday 10 March will see the Press Gangers shanty band raising money for the Lifeboats Association. This nine man crew of singers and musicians will perform a mix of sea shanties and Irish songs with rousing harmonies: audience participation encouraged.
If you would like to join the Oxford Arms mailing list for updates on news and events or be in with a chance to win £200 by joining the Open Arms Kington 100 Club, please get in touch via the email address below or drop a note through the letterbox of The Oxford Arms, Duke St, Kington, HR5 3DR.
The Oxford Story
Call out-invitation for artists and makers to be part of an exhibition of work reflecting the many stories surrounding this historic building which has been at the heart of Kington for centuries.
There are many ways to explore and contribute to this themepictures, sculpture, textiles, words, song, or music - drawing on personal and historical memory and experience, fact, and fantasy, or even notes on napkins ... whatever might trigger your creative response.
Please join us in building towards an interactive Oxford Story display as part of the 3-day Marches Makers Festival on the 4th, 5th and 6th May. If you would like to know more, share thoughts and inspiration, and explore how you might get involved, we would love to hear from you.
In the next few weeks Annie and Nancy will be arranging informal sessions to share ideas to help make this exciting exhibition a reality.
Please be in touch for more details or questions. Annie Gamble (07531 820195) and Nancy Frost nancynfrost@gmail.com
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The Interview: Ali Allen of The Walking Hub, Kington
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you came to Kington.
I grew up in London but every summer holiday our family would head for Wales to go walking. I developed a deep love of the mountains and the outdoors from an early age and as a teenager became an avid rock climber. I lived in the USA for 30 years, working as a nurse and living in a cabin at the bottom of a ski area in the Rocky Mountains of Utah. I have a grown-up son who is still living in the USA. On returning to the UK in 2016 I could have ended up anywhere: I was on an adventure, starting a new unwritten chapter in my life and discovered Kington. I fell in love with its friendliness, simplicity and landscape Although Kington seemed a random choice, I later found a photo of my property in its former incarnation as ‘Grandad’s Shed’. Six years earlier I had taken it on my way through Kington on my long trek north to rediscover my homeland. Back then I had no idea I would actually live in Kington or even return to the UK, but here was this photo of my very shop. Crazy! Perhaps not so random?
What do you like about living in Kington: community, arts, landscape?
Where do I start? There is so much to love about Kington. As I already said, it is extremely friendly and welcoming but also authentic, not at all pretentious, a bit quirky and very traditional. It feels grounded in history, like it’s rooted and the community reflects that. I had neither history or community in the USA so I especially appreciate that. I was alone and on a grand adventure and Kington took me in. I feel a part of something here, a cog in a wheel. And of course, there is the landscape which is pure heaven for me. I can run right out my door and be up on Hergest Ridge in minutes and see nothing but beauty for miles. Kington is so lucky to have Offa’s Dyke running through it: it brings people here daily that otherwise would never have discovered Kington. A true hidden gem that I’m very proud to call home.
What achievements are you proud of?
I suppose I’m most proud of “The Walking Hub”, which is so much more than a way to earn a living but also a statement of ‘me’ and who I am. I’m proud that I had the confidence to shake my world up, come back to this country and create without any prior experience, something that wasn’t here. I don’t consider myself a business woman. I don’t want to do business as usual and believe that The Walking Hub is proof
that a socially responsible business can be successful. I’m passionate about health, wellness and the planet and proud that I’ve been able to incorporate this into my ‘business’.
What else are you involved in: good causes, community projects?
The community is everything to me and I believe society does better in small tribes that work together. Community has always been at the heart of The Walking Hub. The global issues we are facing are too overwhelming for me but I do believe it’s possible to make a difference locally. It’s difficult to get too involved with other things now because I’m so busy, but I naturally connect with anything walking related I’m currently involved with Kington Walks and the Walking Festival; I’m on the Mortimer Trail Team and am Kington’s representative for Walkers Are Welcome.
Where will life take you in the future?
I don’t have any definite plans and I think that’s the way I like it. I do know I want to stay fit and healthy and will continue to challenge myself outside my comfort zone both mentally and physically. I want to see Kington prosper and I’m excited to see where The Walking Hub leads me. I’m sure that more adventures await!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their support, advice?
Of course I would like to thank everyone in Kington for their continued support but especially Liz Enstone who I met soon after arriving here and who has remained by my side throughout. Helen and Carl at No.25 The Deli for being such wonderful neighbours and to Steve my partner who believes in me.
What, in your opinion, is the meaning of life?
Life is what you make it. Life only has meaning to me if I’m striving to be the best person I can be. Ultimately you are what you eat and think. For me, the goal is to let go of self-limiting beliefs and go for it, but be gentle and forgiving. Life is a mirror, what you put out in the universe you get back.
www.thewalkinghub.com
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n8pp
See above link for The Guardian article; Ali has also appeared on Radio 4’s Ramblings with Claire Balding.
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A Brief History of Knighton
Knighton, or Tref-y-Clawdd, is on the River Teme in Radnorshire, straddling the border between Wales and Shropshire in England. Trefy-Clawdd means The Town on The Dyke and the origins of the settlement probably date back to this AngloSaxon time as a crossing place over the river and through the Dyke for trade and commerce between the two countries.
To be honest, not much is known about the history of the settlement during these times, it’s known as the Dark Ages for a reason; very little history was recorded or written down. But there are some clues in the local landscape that the area was fortified and fought over in the form of early Iron Age settlements. Remember, this is border country and there was constant fighting and skirmishing between the local tribes at this time. Caer Caradoc is an Iron Age hill fort just a couple of miles away and there are many other hill forts in the area. Even earlier still there would have been a local Roman presence as Watling Street passes nearby at Leintwardine.
The settlement is first recorded in the Domesday book as Chenistetone, meaning settlement of the followers, and then later in 1193 the name Cnicheton is recorded. Apart from a well preserved section of Offa’s Dyke, the oldest surviving structures in Knighton are two early Norman castles. Both were typical Norman fortifications known as Motte and Baileys. The first and possibly earliest is to the west of the town centre and is now pretty much surrounded by modern buildings and housing. This castle was destroyed by Llewelyn in 1292 (he did a lot of this) which prompted the building of the second castle known as Bryn y Castell to the east of the town. The remains of this castle are much more accessible being next to the playing fields. It sits high above the river and would have had commanding views over the settlement. Bryn y Castell was sieged and then destroyed, along with much of the town, in 1402, this time by Owain Glyndwr.
Despite all of the border turbulence, in 1230 the town was granted a charter which permitted a weekly market which still continues to this day. Over the next couple of hundred years and into the15th century Knighton started to prosper as a market town and centre for the wool trade, and it was during this period that the town became established as a centre for commerce. This growth continued slowly into the18th and 19th centuries.
Today Knighton is a popular destination for walkers and for people exploring the rich history of the town and the amazing landscape in the area. Knighton also hosts the Offa’s Dyke Centre, has its own museum, a livestock market (recently featured on Countryfile), library and a thriving Community Centre as well as a High Street full of independent local businesses.
By Old Peculier
Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knighton,_Powys ; https:// visitknighton.co.uk/ ; https://cpat.org.uk/ycom/radnor/ knighton.pdf
https://www.midwalesmyway.com/knighton
Pembridge Footlights Society
Wednesday 6 March, National Theatre’s Vanya
Thursday 22 March, NTs The Motive and the Cue
Wednesday 24 April, the Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake
Wednesday 1 May, ROH Carmen
Saturday 11 Ma,y NTs Nye
Wednesday 22 May, Royal Ballet’s The Winter’s Tale
Wednesday 30 May, Sadlers Wells Message in a Bottle Pembridge Parish Hall live events www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk for start times and tickets.
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Knighton Town Council News
Could you be a Town Councillor?
The seat for Knighton South East Ward is currently empty following the resignation of councillor Ben Caine last year. Councillor Caine was an active and enthusiastic Councillor who brought a wide range of skills and knowledge to the role and is sorely missed.
Powys Electoral Services have advised that no petition has been received from residents of that ward demanding an election to fill the seat. This means the Town Council will now move to co -opt to fill the seat. Could it be filled by you or someone you know? For more information about how to apply, please contact the Knighton town clerk on 01547 529660 or email Knightontowncouncil@outlook.com
Looking forward to Spring is what gets many of us through the dark winter days and the council is no exception. The first daffodils are showing through at the Civic Centre and we can't wait until the Nature Garden bursts into colour again. Please remember, it's a public garden so please do come and sit or wander around.
The town will also see the return of the superb self-watering hanging baskets and the addition of self-watering troughs, enabling us to bring even more colour and life to Knighton's town centre and main transport hubs. We are able to build on last year's achievements due to the successful bid for a second Local Places for Nature grant.
Knighton in Bloom is on our minds too, with planning tabled for the February full council meeting on Wednesday 21 February 2024. Keep an eye on the website, Facebook page and local noticeboards for details.
Town regeneration is still a high priority. The application deadline to the fund to improve Knighton's shop fronts is 1 March 2024 and so the pressure is on as we try to gather as much information as possible to give Knighton the best chance of success. Evidence gathered so far indicates there is a real appetite from local business to restore Knighton's historic town centre to its former glory - and that's not easy when almost the entire town is in a conservation area!
Lisa James, Knighton Town Council Clerk
County Contacts: Bins, Rubbish and Recycling
Here are some useful links for reporting issues, ordering new bins or bags and more.
https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/4073/Report-flytipping
https://en.powys.gov.uk/newbinsandbags
https://en.powys.gov.uk/missedbins
https://en.powys.gov.uk/assistedcollection
https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/10084/ Households
https://en.powys.gov.uk/commercialrecycling
https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/7134/ Enforcement-Waste-and-Recycling-FAQs
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Kington Dogs Poisoned
We are reporting on this sad issue in order to raise awareness of the dangers of improper use of rat poisons. Please note that there is some distressing material in this article.
There have now been four cases of dogs being poisoned in Old Eardisley Road, Kington in the past three years. The first in 2022, two last year in April and May 2023, then most recently in January this year. Resident Jo Nibbs said, “We lost two of our healthy young Huskies, aged seven and eight last spring, only six weeks apart. Both had severe internal bleeding, almost certainly from eating dead or dying rats which had ingested poison (according to the vet).
Our first one had a bloodshot eye over the weekend but was otherwise his normal bouncy self; by the time we had a vet appointment on the Monday afternoon, his second eye had turned red and he had lost his sight He was still playing and eating, so we were hoping it wasn’t anything too serious. They tested his blood and found that he had no platelets left at all, meaning that he was likely to bleed to death, so we had to make the awful decision to have him put to sleep there and then, which was very distressing.
Six weeks later, and despite being super vigilant with watching the dogs in our garden, his sister refused her food. As this was nothing like the first one we didn’t suspect it was related. We made an appointment to see the vet the next day, but in the early hours of the morning, she cried out in pain. We immediately called out the emergency vet, who arrived within 15 minutes, but sadly not in time to help her or ease her suffering; she died fitting and with blood pouring from her mouth. We had never seen any sign of rats in our garden and never used or stored this type of poison. We are hoping that by making as many people as possible aware of this issue, that people will use this poison more responsibly and no one else will have to suffer the heartache (and huge vet bills) that we have had.
Imogen Lewis, also a resident, says, “One of my dogs has been unlucky enough to be poisoned twice now: once back in November 2022 and again January 2024. As you can imagine it is a highly stressful time not knowing if you dog is going to make it and this time she was in for three days before being stable enough to continue medication at home. Fortunately she has been lucky enough to come home which isn’t always the case. We believe that someone in the local area is laying this poison and it is somehow getting into our gardens – we found traces of it - and being eaten by our dogs. We want to make people aware of the consequences of using rat bait and hopefully encourage other methods or to check their bait is secured properly to avoid this happening again. Once the poison is consumed the dog often doesn’t show signs until a couple of days later where they will go downhill rapidly and this is when it is urgent to get to the vet as it is a race against time. I have letter dropped to make residents aware and have also informed the town council and police regarding this matter.”
Some residents feel that they cannot leave their dogs in their gardens unsupervised and there is constant anxiety in case a beloved pet is poisoned even while it is in its own garden.
The Law
You must protect other animals from traps or poison you put down for pests by preventing wildlife from eating poison you’ve put down. You can only use poison to kill the pests it’s intended for - this will be written on the packaging. Anti coagulant poison must not be placed on the ground but should be within a box or live trap (for safe disposal of the rat later). You can be fined or imprisoned if you cause unnecessary harm to any animal
FFI: Pest control on your property - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) British Pest Control Association
Thought needs to be taken when placing poison or traps to ensure they are in a safe and secure place out of reach of non target animals, children and pets. BPCA has a strong warning to anyone using rodenticides: always follow the instructions on the label, and always search for and dispose of any dead rodents in a safe manner. Leaving these in the open can result in secondary poisoning of non target animals, such as pets or birds scavenging on the carcass. Knowing how much, where, and when to deploy products is where professionals are able to take control of situations efficiently. There’s also a growing issue with resistance, due to incorrect choice of rodenticide or widespread use by members of the public. Using any kind of rodenticide should always be a last resort, and any professional pest controller worth their salt will try to exclude and trap before resorting to it. www.bpca.org.uk
What You Need to Know
Rat and mouse poisons (rodenticides) contain ingredients that are often highly toxic to dogs. They can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, and even death if eaten by your dog. Many rodenticides are mixed with sweet tasting ingredients to attract rats and mice, so are likely to smell like a tasty treat to your dog. If you suspect your dog has swallowed rat or mouse poison, call your vet immediately – do not wait to see if symptoms develop. There are several different types of rat poison and unfortunately, they are all harmful to dogs. The most common type of rat and mouse poison used in the UK is anticoagulant poison, which prevents the blood from clotting leading to internal bleeding. Other types of poisons include: Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) which causes sudden kidney failure and heart problems. Bromethalin which causes brain swelling, Zinc and aluminium phosphides which release toxic gas once in the stomach and stop cells from making energy, ultimately causing damage to the heart, brain, kidney and liver. Strychnine which causes muscle spasms, paralysis and death. Alphachloralose poisons which are becoming increasingly popular and have a negative effect on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms of rat poisoning depend on how much and what kind of poison the dog has eaten. Symptoms of internal bleeding from an anticoagulant poison can include: weakness and lethargy, vomiting or coughing blood, nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums or pale gums, blood in the wee and/or poo (red or black poo), bruising, breathing difficulties. Symptoms of other types of rat and mouse poisons can include: drinking and weeing more, not wanting to eat, seizures, walking as if they are drunk, increased drooling, appearing blind, muscle tremors, paralysis, bloated tummy, coma. It is important to remember that there can be a delay in how quickly your pet shows signs after eating some types of poisons, which can vary from minutes to up to ten days. Bleeding is not always obvious especially if it is happening inside the abdomen, chest, lungs, joints or gastrointestinal tract. If you suspect your dog has eaten poison, contact your vet straight away, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. www.pdsa.org.uk
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Tikaani & Kilak, sadly missed
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March 13-19 Lyonshall Village Hall
March 20-26
Evancoyd Church
March 27-03 Kington Walking Festival
April 3-9 New Radnor Hub
April 10-16 Presteigne & Borders Floral Arts
April 17-23 Kington WI
April 24-30 Oxford Arms Hub & Pub
May 1-7 Kington Medical Practice PPG
May 8-14 Almeley Primary School
May 15-21 Old Radnor Church
May 22-28 Walnut Gardens Residents Assoc
May 29-4 June Walton Village Hall
Telling Book Art Stories
Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May, 10am to 5pm at Parish Hall, Church Road, Kington HR5 3AG. Part of the Marches Makers Festival.
An exhibition of art works celebrating and expanding on what a book can be, by the Marches Book Arts Group. Refreshments and demos. Try something new or improve your skills with one of our expert-led workshops:
A creative introduction to book arts, 2-3.30 pm Saturday 4
May
Make a flag book, 10.30-noon Sunday 5 May
Make a “fishbone” artist’s book, 2-3.30 pm Sunday 5 May
Cost £25 each with use of tools and all materials provided. 16+ only
Find out more and book via www.marchesmakers.co.uk
Community Shop
The Community Shop Committee wishes to thank the good people of Kington (and district) for their generous and almost overwhelming support for January’s self-fundraising effort. We received more donated goods than we could possibly have anticipated and plenty of help to staff the shop from many appreciative organisations, customers and friends.
We reached our target of just over £2,000 to cover the shortfall from the vastly increased cost of electricity last year, without having to put up the rent for the groups using the shop.
With a different group bringing fresh stock in every week, it is one of the most interesting shops anywhere! You never know what you will find. It is a wonder of re-use and a brilliant example of the “local multiplier” effect; keeping more of our money in the community with 48 local organisations raising a grand total of over £60,000 each year.
Our Committee rents the whole shop on behalf of all the groups who use it. We pay the bills including insurance, cleaning, PAT testing, keep accounts and take care of maintenance. Each organisation pays a share of these costs (currently £130) and will normally “keep their week” in a rolling calendar. 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 of organisations who will be offered any vacancies as they arise.
Eardisley Coffee Mornings
Do you live in or near Eardisley? There is a warm welcome and a chance to chat to neighbours and friends over tea/coffee and cake at the Monthly Community Coffee Mornings every third Friday of the month, 10-12 a.m. in Eardisley Village Hall. Preceded by a baby/toddler group from 9-10am with toys, games, and the opportunity to meet with other parents. The event is run by Eardisley Neighbourhood Friends and is a Herefordshire Talk Community Hub.
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Business Directory
KNIGHTON
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
JM Bespoke Stonework. Artisan interior and exterior stonework specialists. All aspects of stonework from drystone, limework to bespoke features. T: 07968 216261
Knighton Preloved. New business. Re-cycle Re-use Relove, preloved clothes shop on the High Street quite literally community inspired. 9 High Street, Knighton, Powys LD7 1AT. 07513 045442.
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
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
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
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: Andy 07791 096941 E: andychilvers@outlook.com
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
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
The Hub in New Radnor. Coffee mornings every Thursday 10am-12pm; Friday Bar and Food 6.30pm-11pm. The Hub can be hired for meetings, rehearsals (grand piano available), private parties (including bar if needed) and events. School Lane, New Radnor, LD8 2SS. E: thehubnewradnor@gmail.com or Ruth Watson T: 01544 350559
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.
BRP Architecture Ltd. We work on a range of projects including traditional & contemporary designs, historic buildings, barn conversions, renovations, extensions & new builds. Contact us for a FREE initial consultation. Services include: Planning & Listed Building applications; Building Regulations; construction drawings & specifications; 3D visualisation T: 01544 230471
E: brparchitecture@gmail.com
W: www.brparchitectureltd.com
Penny Cole Counselling. Anxious? Low mood? Problems sleeping? Confused? Counselling and psychotherapy can help you find peace of mind.
W: www.pennycolecounselling.co.uk. T: 07776 146427.
E: penny_a_cole@yahoo.co.uk
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
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Parlour) HR5 3BJ. W: juliette@handmadebysolange.com
See Facebook & Instagram.
Hergest Croft Gardens closed until Saturday 2 March: weekends only. From 29 March to 31 Oct open daily11am to 4.30pm. FFI: 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. E: 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 Kington Football Club on the last Thursday of the month. 7.30pm for 8pm start.
E: 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
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
Maples Tea Rooms. Open Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun 10.30am to 3.30pm (last orders 3pm). Breakfast, light lunches, cakes and drinks. Please phone Mell on 07970 595 420 for further information or bookings in the tearoom.
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.
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
Small Breeds Farm Park. We have 20 plus types of animals, plus a Tea Room and Gift Shop, a great place for all ages. Open all year round from 10.30am - 5pm. Kington, Hereford, Herefordshire HR5 3HF. T: 01544 231 109.
E: info@owlcentre.com W: www.owlcentre.com
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. Visit our lovely new shop at 20 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX. Please check website for opening hours. T: 07756 172160. E: thewalkinghub@gmail.com
W: www.kingtonwalkinghub.com
HAY ON WYE
North Books. Selling shiny new books, cards, candles and ceramics. Also reading groups, author events. 4 Castle Street, Hay on Wye HR3 5DF. Open Mon, Weds-Sat 10am-4.30pm; Sun 11am-3pm.T: 07866 170360.
W: www.northbooks.co.uk
LEOMINSTER
Apple Mac Computer repairs, upgrades and tuition Any Apple computers. On site service only. Any distance. Call or Email Lee on 07875 267790
E: mail@applemacmechanic.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
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