MidBorder News Winter 2021

Christmas Events Kington Festival of Food & Drink Music in New Radnor Knighton News New Folk Club Presteigne Screen Flicks in the Sticks Council News Business Directory 1

Advertising in the MidBorder News

Acknowledgments

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

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

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

Editorial Welcome to our Christmas issue, with lots of events, markets, fairs and more. There is a wealth of artistic talent in our area so this is the perfect time to buy local for that special present. Visit your town’s market for lots of beautiful, unique gifts. Order your Christmas dinner from one of our fine local butchers: they know where their meat comes from and the Marches grow some of the finest beef and lamb in the world. There may be supply issues for the big supermarkets but your local High Street has everything you need for a super special festive season: your food hasn’t travelled hundreds of miles, it’s high welfare, it’s employed local people (farmers, butchers, bakers, drivers) and it tastes delicious. Let’s be thankful for all that our area has to offer; if we want to keep our excellent High Street shops, cafes, restaurants and services we must use them. The pound in your pocket is like a vote: put it where it counts. We wish you a merry and peaceful Yuletide and good health and happiness in the new year.

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

We can create a professional full-colour ad for you, only £15.

PUBLICATION DATES: 1st of March, June, September and December.

COPY DEADLINES: 10th of February, May, August and November.

The Business Directory listings section aims to make the MBN the go-to resource for local information on businesses & services. This includes live online links so that customers can click straight through to your media and email address. And if you take out an advert you’ll get a free Business Directory listing.

Annie Vickerstaff, editor

PS: hello mum! Welcome to Kington xx

Get in touch for further information or to discuss your advertising needs.

Cover and Solstice photos and poem: editor

E: midbordernews@gmail.com Online issues: https://issuu.com/midbordernews/docs/ Copy deadline Spring 2022 issue (Mar, April, May) 10 February Advertisers get regular exposure on our Facebook page (reaching up to 6000 people), so we can publicise your special offers, updates and new information in-between publishing dates.

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Kington Food & Drink Festival Saturday 4 December will see the return of Kington's famous annual food and drink festival, featuring the very best of the borders producers in food, drinks and gifts. Now in our 16th year we boast over 75 stalls hand picked to give you the best variety of producers of charcuterie, patisserie, meats, chocolate, preserves and oils.

This year’s festival is sponsored by our very own White Heron Drinks - from prestigious local company British Cassis, winner of the liqueur section at this year’s Great British Food Awards - who will be serving delicious cocktails alongside bottles to buy. There are plenty of other drinks on offer with gins from Penhros, Wildjac and Knapp Distillery. For something a little warmer try the hot ciders from Orgasmic, Bartestree or Pips Cider; or there’s always real ale from Swan or Lucky 7 breweries. If alcohol is not your fancy we have Cosy Chocolate offering you flavoured hot chocolates.

The Kington library will have a visit from Father Christmas, who will first be making an appearance on top of the Kington market hall as the clock strikes 11am before being whisked down to the library ready to meet the kids. This year we will have a Park and Ride in operation with parking at the Kington Medical Centre and drop-off at the heart of the festival running from 10am until 3pm.

As Christmas shopping can make you a little hungry we have the famous Beefy Boys flipping their burgers, the Cider Barn offering delicious hot home cooked food and fresh wood fired pizzas by the Pizza Box from Hay on Wye. We have a number of new stalls this year with the likes of Boulanger Bakery with their organic breads, Chill Your Beans offering vegan food and Bellota which specialises in Spanish ingredients.

11 & 18 December 9.30am to 3pm.

Anna: akcrafts@gmx.com

There are also our old favourites: Really Scrumptious and their scotch eggs, Plenty Pies, Chaaboo soaps, Fat Man chillies, Alex Gooch breads and Dugan’s Patisserie. On top of all that there’s fantastic street music to keep you entertained whilst moving from marquee to marquee: local choirs pumping out all your favourite Christmas carols, Ben Laws saxophony - yes you guessed it, on his saxophone and not forgetting the ever popular Geoff Rodgers (he just does not stop).

Admission is free and so is the parking!

Knighton Xmas Shopping Event, Community Centre, 3 December 7 to 9.30pm, bar & café.

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

Christmas: 11 & 18 December Lou: 07805 722237.

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

Local Markets Kington Friday Market 9am to 1pm. Market Hall and Place de Marines. Kingtoncommunitymarket@gmail.com Kington Country Market 9am to 11.30am. Baptist Church, Bridge Street. T: 07972 650788.

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

Image: Clean Jokes, Great Gags and Witty One Liners

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Music in New Radnor 2021-2022

know how many we will be accommodating.

Caveat: in the light of the current situation, and sometimes rapidly changing rules, we need to say that should the Welsh Government take further measures to restrict movement for pandemic containment, we will have to abide by these rulings and may have to consider cancelling concerts. Until then, we look forward to seeing you again and we remain cautiously optimistic for our upcoming season. Find us on Facebook Music in New Radnor and ‘like’ our page to get our posts on your timeline.

Syrinx Ensemble Saturday 11 December. The Syrinx Ensemble (wind quintet and piano) were very well received when they played here a few years ago and provided a delightful evening of music that got us all smiling. This will be a Christmas themed concert with many pastiches and spoofs as well as a solid base of classical music played with the ensemble’s usual flair and expertise.

2022 Ensemble Hesperi Saturday 12 February. Details are still being finalised for this event but Ensemble Hesperi are a dynamic and innovative London based Early Music ensemble, dedicated to showcasing the infectious charm and dazzling virtuosity of 18th C Scottish music. Over the past three years they have been featured in Classical Music magazine, recorded in a studio for Classic FM, selected as Britten Pears Young Artists for 2020 and in November 2020 won first prize at the London international Festival of Early Music Young Ensemble Competition. See more at https://www.ensemblehesperi.com

Kington Folk Kington Folk emerged in 2018 as a group of volunteers keen on acoustic, roots and folk music who wanted to bring high quality performers to the town. A series of well attended concerts at the Burton Hotel included nationally recognised acts such as Steve Tilston and Jez Lowe, Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman and Lady Maisery. Nancy Kerr and James Fagan were booked for a concert, but sadly the Covid pandemic intervened. With the return to a semblance of “normal”, Kington Folk is re-emerging. Concerts at the Burton will return in due course, but in the meantime, a new folk club is opening at the Oxford Arms in Duke Street.

Charlotte Rowan Saturday 12 March. Violinist Charlotte Rowan has been praised for her dazzling technical proficiency and masterful command of her instrument. After graduating with high honours from the Peabody Conservatory USA, Charlotte performs extensively throughout the UK and America as concert soloist and recitalist. Together with her longstanding pianist Charlotte Stevenson, their refreshing approach to repertoire has resonated strongly with audiences and attracted many new listeners to the violin repertoire.

Taking place on the first Thursday of every month at 7.30pm (next one: 2 December), the club encourages musicians and singers in the folk/roots/acoustic tradition to come along and contribute. There are no guests and you don’t have to book. There is no PA so please come equipped for an acoustic performance. It’s also free, both to musicians and audience. If you’re not a musician then come along and listen! We want to be a supportive and inclusive club and encourage new performers and audiences in the folk and roots tradition.

www.charlotterowan.com

Venue: New Radnor Community Hall, Hall Lane, New Radnor LD8 2SW

In addition to the monthly folk club, it is hoped that we will be able to present small concerts at the Oxford for new and emerging groups and individuals and we’re exploring exciting musical ventures for the town.

All performances start at 7.30pm. Doors will open before 7.00pm to avoid a crush at the door. Box office 01544 350268. Tickets prices vary for each concert: the concessionary price for children under 14 is always £3.

Wine and soft drinks available at the bar: feel free to bring snacks. Please note that there is no parking available at the hall.

2022 dates: 6 January, 3 February, 3 March.

December: East Radnor Ramblers

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Noson Allan / Night Out scheme. As our venue is in Wales, we will be abiding by the Welsh rulings and will be instigating these at our concerts: seating will be slightly further apart; we will expect you to wear face masks in the venue and keep to a clockwise ‘one way’ system when moving around.

Monaughty Circular. Saturday, 4 December 2021 (Group: Four Wells / East Radnor). Moderate 8 miles / 12.9 km (Estimated finish time: 14:30). We will be walking to the Trig Point on Llan-Fawr Hill, descending via Litton Hill and onto Pilleth Church. Our homeward route takes us up Cwm Blewyn and forestry on Black Hill. Walks start at 10am. Everyone welcome!

Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Details of other walks in December will be on our website. Further information at

We hope that you observe a distance when queuing and we will also need contact details for the track & trace system. We also need tickets be booked in advance (and preferably not on the day!) as we need to

www.ramblers.org.uk/east-radnor 4

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Presteigne Screen

food and essentials to those in our community who are experiencing severe hardship and facing a crisis. As Covid restrictions continue to ease, we look forward to welcoming callers and donations once more, and we ask that you wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing, to keep us all safe. If you prefer, we can collect donations from your doorstep, or you can leave items (with a long use-by date please) at the Spar shop in Presteigne or the Portakabin any Thursday morning.

For help & support or for more information, please contact Helen on 07731 524 058

Bringing film to the Welsh Borders for over 40 years.

Sound of Metal. USA 2019 120 mins 15. Newbie director Darius Marder and co-writer Derek Cianfrance (The Place Beyond the Pines) tell the tale of heavy metal drummer Reuben Stone (Riz Ahmed) who suddenly loses his hearing while touring America with his singer/partner Lou (Olivia Cooke) in their mobile home. We follow Reuben’s efforts to come to terms with deafness, much aided by the charismatic Joe (veteran stage actor Paul Raci) at a retreat for the similarly afflicted. It’s arguably Ahmed’s best – and Oscarnominated – performance since Nightcrawler.

Presteigne Community News Live in or around Presteigne? Sign up for the Community News: a free e-letter providing regular news and information on what’s happening in the wider area around Presteigne. The news is an initiative of PACDG (Presteigne Area Community Development Group) and was set up to improve communication in the community. Issued twice monthly. To contribute or to join the mailing list contact the editor:

Deerskin. Fra 2019 86 mins 15. With the darkest of humour, Oscar-winning Jean Dujardin (The Artist) who as George is inexplicably obsessed with the titular animal hide and spends his last €7000 on a fringed suede jacket whose vendor throws in a home movie camera for free. Bizarrely, he then decides to rid the world of lesser jackets, filming them in the process along with a bored, bemused bartender (Adèle Haenel).

Writer-director Quentin Dupieux has form with offbeat films such as Rubber and Reality, and his own editing and cinematography are deployed here to hugely enjoyable effect. (S)

news@pacdg.org

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

We use WeGotTickets for online advance booking and encourage people to use this to minimise time spent queueing. There will be 30 tickets available online per film. Buy Tickets buttons appear in the Current Films menu on our website.

presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com.

BBC’s Any Questions?

DON'T MISS OUT! BBC Radio 4's topical discussion programme Any Questions? is coming to St Andrew's Church, Presteigne, on Friday 3rd December. A panel of guests from the worlds of politics, media and elsewhere will be here to answer questions posed by you the audience on the night. Questions can be submitted by any audience member from the moment the doors open at 6.30pm. The live broadcast starts at 8.02pm.

Everyone is welcome – if you would like to come along then sign up as soon as you can: tickets are free and will be available from Tuesday 16th November at 9am on eventbrite. Just go to https://anyquestionsatpresteigne.eventbrite.co.uk. If you need any further information please phone the local organiser, Emma Lilley, on 01544 267462 (NOT the church).

The same booking system is used by Mid Border Arts so if you've bought tickets online for MBA events your registration/login will be the same.

All our films are presented digitally. Our current projector produces a superb image which is the equal or better than the film projectors that were our mainstay in the past. Where possible we show high definition material although occasionally distributors only make standard definition material available. We hope that you agree that it all looks great on our large cinema screen.

You can also download a printable copy of the current programme from the website as they become available.

Please check our website for further information and for Covid-19 restrictions as these may change.

St Andrews Church Christmas Fayre

www.presteignescreen.org.uk

Saturday 4 December, 10am to 2pm. Join us at the Memorial Hall on the bypass for a traditional Christmas Fayre, with a host of stalls selling cakes, jewellery, crafts, bric-a-brac, plants and more; there will be a raffle and a separate whisky draw (prizes announced at 2 pm), and light refreshments will be served all day. FFI: Di Hammersley sadvert98t@btinternet.com

Presteigne Food Bank The Food Bank outreach service in Presteigne now operates from the Portakabin (behind the East Radnor Day Centre) in Scottleton Street, Presteigne LD8 2BL. Our Thursday sessions, 10 - 11.30am, provide urgent 6

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News from Kington Town Council

We thank Jo for her visit and look forward to seeing her again soon.

Bypass safety

Walkers are Welcome

Following yet another tragic accident on the Kington Bypass, your Town Council has received several requests to support actions to make the bypass safer for both pedestrians and other road users. We have sent a formal letter of request to Herefordshire Council to demand that they review safety on the bypass.

On 29 October about 45 representatives from Walkers are Welcome towns across the UK met in the Burton Hotel for a reception in the presence of our mayor and deputy mayor. Congratulations to Kington Walks for hosting and organising this event.

We have asked them to explore urgently all options including speed limit reduction and traffic calming measures. We will be following up with them directly and via our Ward Councillor to ensure that they respond appropriately and give this urgent matter the consideration it needs. If you would like to voice your concern too – please contact Herefordshire Council and/or your Ward Councillor.

Festivals 2022 Our mayor has recently met with representatives from Kington Walks, Marches Makers, and the Kington Food Festival to explore ideas on how the festivals can be put on a more sustainable financial footing. The Council, in due course, plans to discuss this and consider an integrated festivals budget line item to combine all our existing festival support in one place in order to be more responsive and reduce the administrative burden to those applying for financial support.

Covid Memorial Benches Work is well underway on the creation of the first of the two Covid Memorial Benches. We understand that it will be delivered before Christmas and installed in St Mary’s Churchyard.

Grant Applications Our clerk has been exceptionally busy coordinating applications for various grants and schemes that have been put forward by the Government following Covid.

Herefordshire High Sheriff visits Kington On 22nd October, the High Sheriff of Herefordshire Jo Hilditch, visited Kington with our Mayor, Cllr Bob Widdowson. In a wide-ranging tour Jo and Bob visited: Kington Museum – to meet the chair, Chris Jones.

Congratulations must go to Chris who has raised an impressive £4000 from his second-hand book stall at the Museum. This, and some Covid relief funding is going towards lighting and other upgrades. Please visit to have a look at the improvements.

Peter Frost – the community food stall organiser at the Friday market – and other stallholders.

Emma Hancocks – the chair of the Chamber of Trade – to discuss Kington’s retail and tourism offerings.

They also discussed the calendar of festivals (see below) for future years.

Bernard Ray – who’s opening a new shop in the High Street.

Pat Roberts – the coordinator of Kington Food Bank.

Rachel Ricketts – the designer and maker of “Boots: The Walking Dog of Kington”. Fundraising is still ongoing for Boots: please contact Rachel if you’d like to help.

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So far, we have made applications to: The Welcome Back Fund, the Great Places to Visit Fund, the Green Spaces Grant Fund, and the Herefordshire Council Festivals Fund.

We believe that at least some of our applications will be successful and that we should have some new funds to apply to specific projects within the town in 2022 and beyond. Thanks to Liz, our clerk, for going above and beyond to get the applications completed in time and in good shape. We have set up a Grants Working Group to ensure that the process for allocating and accounting for the grants proceeds effectively and efficiently.

Kington Chamber of Trade for the winter food and drinks festival on 4 December

Kington Allotments Association for improvements to the allotments site entrance

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The Council will also provide material support to help Kington’s Pollinators.

On 2 December the new Kington Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5.30pm at the Market Hall. Keep a look out for further information and join us that evening if you can.

Contact the council: 01544 239098 or 07483 914485.

E: clerk@kingtontowncouncil.gov.uk War Memorial Town clerk Liz Kelso told the town council recently that most of the lights at the war memorial were not working. An electrician examined them and found that the lights are in fact part of the street lighting system and when the clerk reported the problem to Balfour Beatty, they were prompt in coming to repair the lights, replacing them with more energy efficient LEDs which will last for a long time.

The latest grants round has provided support to:

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Christmas Lights

Twice yearly the Council invites bids from local organisations for grants. Grants of up to £500 can be made to support local organisations providing local facilities and opportunities for the residents of Kington.

Kington Ladies Hockey Club to support youth hockey provision

Kington Arts Society for purchase of artist tables

The next grants round will be in March 2022.

Supporting Local Groups

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

December 27th - 4th Dec. Friends of St Mary's, Kington Donated goods are welcome; if possible by arrangement with the group, but in any case, best delivered on their first Saturday. The shop is fully booked but there is a small waiting list for local community/campaign groups. Organisations pay £130 for their week and usually make over £1,000. The shop is managed, insured, maintained and accounted for by a small voluntary committee. Contact: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com

Kington & District Operatic Society The group is once again meeting every Friday at St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm. They sing a variety of things from Gilbert & Sullivan to songs from musicals and shows, not to mention Christmas carols. if you would like to join in, phone Lynne on 01544 267253 or email owensmoor@tiscali.co.uk 9

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the charity to close its garden gates from April to June - its key fundraising months - for the first time in its history, leaving a shortfall in funding for its beneficiary charities. As the single largest funder of Marie Curie’s work, the longest standing partner of Macmillan Cancer Support and a key funder for Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Parkinson’s UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute, this shortfall is having a major impact on these key nursing charities.

National Garden Scheme Powys Saturday and Sunday 18 & 19 December 4pm to 6pm see Tranquillity Haven festooned with fairy lights, 7 Lords Land, Whitton, Knighton LD7 1NJ. Or enjoy a virtual garden visit with over 180 gardens to choose from, gain inspiration from the comfort of your own home ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits Join our online talk on Tuesday 7th December 7.00pm ‘The Sheffield School approach to sustainable planting’. For some years the Sheffield School of Landscape Architecture has pioneered the promotion of sustainable design and planting. Two leading figures are Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough, both renowned for a series of internationally important projects, not least the London Olympic Park, showcasing a sustainable meadow style planting of perennials.

Team Wilder: Creating a Wilder Herefordshire Wildlife and natural spaces are vital for the planet and for humans; they can help fight climate change, provide sources of food and water and can help our well -being. But nature needs our help. Increasing pressure from urbanisation, changing temperatures and weather patterns and intensive agriculture are putting wildlife at increasing risk. Everyone can help nature to recover. The smallest actions, like feeding the birds or making a bug hotel, can make a difference. Team Wilder is a Wildlife Trust initiative to create a Wilder Herefordshire; by working together and sharing knowledge and expertise we can create wilder spaces for nature to thrive. If you take action for nature, at home, school, church or in a community group you can sign up to one of our Team Wilder maps or sign up to receive our newsletter.

The National Garden Scheme is joining forces with its partners and suppliers to provide seasonal offers to all our supporters. From huge savings on magazine subscriptions for The English Garden and Dream Garden, to garden accessories and beautiful books there are some lovely ideas for Christmas gifts for you, your family and friends ngs.org.uk/christmas_offers Our annual Calendar in collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support is packed with gardening tips! You can pre-order the Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2022 as a Christmas gift and you’ll receive a printable gift receipt to give to your loved one, letting them know they’ll receive it hot off the press in February. Or simply order for yourself. With all proceeds supporting the National Garden Scheme and its nursing and health beneficiaries, they’re gifts that give twice.

Joining Team Wilder makes you part of something bigger, a place to share ideas, to learn from others and to get the support you need to help create a Wilder Herefordshire. Visit our website to find out more:

Is your group looking for a speaker? We have a great presentation which tells you all about the National Garden Scheme and some of the stunning gardens you can visit near you. To find our more contact

https://www.herefordshirewt.org/wilderherefordshire

Or contact me, Sarah King:

helen.anthony@ngs.org.uk (North Powys) or gail.jones@ngs.org.uk (South Powys).

s.king@herefordshirewt.co.uk

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Winter Events Weobley local branch talk: 'Hereford Plants' Thursday 2 December 2021 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Hopelands, Weobley village hall. The Weobley & District branch welcomes Peter Garner, editor of The Flycatcher and previous County Botanical Recorder

Hope you have a healthy Christmas period and best wishes for 2022.

The National Garden Scheme has been raising millions of pounds for nursing and health charities by opening private gardens across England and Wales since 1927. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced

www.herefordshirewt.org/events 11

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IN TOUCH – News from Kington

Mohammed, Dr Obi Ohakanu, Dr Sola Orebiyi and Dr Ayesha Rahim. Providing a total of 30 sessions per week equating to 420 patient appointments, included in these 30 sessions are 3 sessions used to provide care to the patients in the three local care homes. While things appear to be returning to ‘normal’ in the public domain, General Practice is still faced with the pressures of Covid-19. While we understand patients may find our new way of working frustrating, the changes to how we operate are essential to keep our vulnerable patients and staff safe and will enable us to continue to care for unwell patients who need priority review. We thank everyone for their continued support and understanding.

Medical Practice Issue no 1 November 2021 Welcome to the first issue of our monthly PPG (Patient Participation Group) news sheet, which replaces our quarterly newsletter. The PPG recently met “mask to mask” with Dr McCaffrey and April Jones (practice manager) to discuss the many changes and challenges that general practices are currently dealing with. For instance as more is learnt about the corona viruses and the covid pandemic, new ways of managing the care and treatment of patients and of preventing infection by vaccination and behavioural change are evolving. These developments are not happening in a vacuum, but in the context of significant changes being made nationally in the ways that general practices operate. For example patients may not be aware that the CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) of Herefordshire and Worcestershire have merged. CCGs commission services from medical practices and allocate the funding to pay for these services. Whilst there are core services that all general practices must provide, other services may be shared between all the practices in the Primary Care Network. For example Casey Ord, our social prescriber, works in all the practices in the North West Herefordshire Network. Many of these changes are positive. However they do present the PPG with the challenge of informing patients about what is happening and why. We feel that a monthly format will enable us to respond to queries from patients more quickly and effectively. We hope to include a section entitled “Questions Patients Ask” in each news sheet.

Please address your questions to me either by leaving a note at Reception: FAO Kay Birchley or by email:

If you would like to receive this monthly e-newsletter, contact Kay Birchley: Kington.PPG.Chair@gmail.com Stop Press: Congratulations to Kington Medical Practice which won the best GP Practice Award in the recent Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards.

Flicks in the Sticks Brilley 4 November: Supernova (cert 15) 7.30.p.m.

Concert pianist Sam (Colin Firth) and novelist Tusker (Stanley Tucci), partners for 20 years, are travelling into the Lake District in their trusty camper van to visit friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker's diagnosis of early-onset dementia two years previously, they are all too aware that their time together is precious. Subtle, moving and believable, the movie rests on two low-key but masterful performances.

2 December: Knives Out (Cert 12A).

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.

Kington.PPG.Chair@gmail.com

Update from the Practice Thank you to everyone who attended our Flu vaccination clinic held on the 2nd October, we vaccinated 1659 patients on the day! If you are eligible and are not yet vaccinated, a follow up clinic for those who couldn’t attend our first clinic and for those aged 50-64 will be arranged following confirmation of deliveries of further vaccine, invitations will be sent. Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 viruses have the potential to add substantially to the winter pressures usually faced by the NHS, particularly if infection waves from both viruses coincide; it is therefore important that if you are eligible to have a flu vaccine this season that you get vaccinated.

“A deliciously entertaining whodunnit” (The Guardian).

Although the government has removed all restrictions on indoor activities, we will still be restricting numbers.

We therefore ask that people pre-book their tickets by emailing fionaritchie54@gmail.com or telephone 01544 327227. (Tickets can be paid for on the door and are still only £5).

Or you can book online: www.artsalive.co.uk We also ask that people are considerate of others and wear face masks on entry and when leaving or moving around the building.

We are pleased to welcome back Dr Ayesha Rahim to the clinical team. Dr Rahim is currently working 6 sessions a week remotely, which has proved very popular, and 2 sessions per week face to face at the surgery. The Practice has 5 doctors: Dr Silvana McCaffrey, Dr Daryl 15

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Knighton News Christmas Tree Festival The festival is on 3 to 10 December in St Edwards church hall, Knighton. Organisations, businesses and clubs in the town were invited to bring along a Christmas Tree and decorate it. For more details please contact Jean Price 01547 528260 or Rev. Petra Goodband.

Christmas Draw Tickets are on sale and the draw will take place on 4 December at the Tree Festival.

The Furniture Barn We are open from 9am to 2pm (Monday to Friday) and on Saturdays, 9am to12.30.

Note: Masks must be worn at all times within the Barn and there will be a sign for procedure in place. If in doubt or you have any questions / queries please phone 1547 520444 and speak to the Chairperson, Mrs Yvonne M Knighton Lunch Club We still have a few spaces left, so if you are over 60 and would enjoy a hearty two course meal, conversation and friendship, please get in touch with sister Margaret Davis 01547 528154. The Lunch Club meets on Mondays at the Methodist Church, Victoria Rd 12.15 to 2pm.

Knighton Library Opening times: Tues 10.30am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm.

Thurs 10.30am to 1pm; 2 to 6pm.

Fri 8am to 12.30pm.

4th Sat of month 10.30am to 12.30pm.

To book computers: 01874 612394.

Flicks in the Sticks at The Comm 3 December: Balloon 12a. nailbiting true escape from East Germany in a hot air balloon.

17 December: The Boyfriend U. The Ken Russell musical starring an utterly delightful Twiggy.

Doors open at 7 for 7.30pm. Please book ahead if possible and bring a mask. Bar, hot drinks, ice cream.

Adults £5, under 16s £2.50. FFI and to book: 01547 520602.

Special Event 19 December: we have an afternoon showing of The Polar Express at 5pm - people can come in their PJ's if they want. We will be serving the young children hot chocolate and Popcorn. Otherwise £2 per child and £2.50 Adult. Family Ticket 2 adults and up to 3 children £10. ************* Creative Writing group at the Community Centre every 2nd Tues 11 – 12.30 free.

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Knighton Town Council

from the town, with winners as follows: 1st prize for private hanging baskets & window boxes: Mrs Bufton of Rockes Meadow; 2nd Prize went to Mr M Martin of Ffrydd Terrace; 3rd prize: Mrs Duggan of Presteigne Rd. Best commercial display was won by The Banc, with the Co-op in 2nd place. Best kept troughs & pots, 1st Prize: Mrs R Lloyd of Pontfaen; 2nd prize: Mrs M Bywater; 3rd Prize: Mr D Price of the Cwm. Allotments: best variety of produce was won by Mrs F Adams; best presented allotment was won by J Husbands who was awarded the Tony Rowlands Cup. Teme Valley Environmental Group won best kitchen allotment.

A special prize was awarded to Sally Sahingoz for the flower beds at the bottom of Ffrydd Rd. Judging was

by Mr & Mrs Moyes and Mr Roy Williams.

Review of bus routes The town council is agreed that a new bus stop is needed in the town centre but are not agreed on where it should be. It was decided that the council will ask the county council to review bus routes with a view to providing a new town service for the west of the town and recommend a new town centre bus stop (excluding the cenotaph).

Doggone Keep Wales Tidy, in conjunction with Powys County Council, has launched a new initiative to tackle the problem of dog fouling and the town council has joined the scheme. New signage, posters and bin stickers will be provided and there will be a drive to educate the public about the health risks of dog mess, which can carry dangerous bacteria that can cause disease in both humans and livestock: for example toxoplasmosis can cause blindness in children.

The council already provides bags for dog owners to clear up after their pets and while this has led to an improvement, there is more that could be done to raise awareness.

Further Blooms Council members agreed to look at setting up a community partnership to work on the town’s flower displays next year. Councillor Tom Taylor felt that the flowers don’t seem to last as long as those elsewhere; more maintenance, watering and dead heading would help. A partnership with local businesses may be possible.

All Weather Pitch?

Knighton Sports Association is keen to take over the former tennis courts and is looking into possible funding opportunities to help convert the area into an all weather pitch. The town council did secure a £10,000 grant from Powys County Council for the creation of a crazy golf course, but the lease on the site has now run out and the clerk, Neil King, has written to the county council to ask for a new lease. An all weather pitch would be a more flexible use of the space offering a wider range of opportunities for various community groups.

Youth Facilities in Knighton The town council and the community centre have joined forces to try and develop new facilities for young people. There is an opportunity to bid for funding via the UK Renewal Fund so that local young people and their parents could be consulted as to what is needed. Watch this space.

Council Surgeries on Again Due to changes in Covid-19 restrictions, the council has been able to start holding its surgeries again.

Councillor Bob Andrews was at the first surgery at the community market and has pledged to be at future markets, held on the first Saturday of the month, so that residents can raise any issues or concerns. He suggested that surgeries could also be held in the new civic centre, with a rota of councillors to attend.

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Knighton and District Community Support has recently purchased an electric vehicle, funded by a grant from the Welsh Government, which can carry a wheelchair. The trustees thanked Debbie Elvidge in the KDCS office, who obtained the grant and organised the purchase and the ongoing gathering of information for 13 other community transport groups. Well done Debbie! If you need transport please contact 01547 520653.

Electric car points Some good news for the environment: Powys County Council will be installing two fast-charging points in Bowling Green car park. This is part of a roll-out of charging points at four Powys car parks, paid for by the Welsh Government.

The Teme Valley Environment Group has received a grant from Localgiving and Postcode Community Trust to enable them to support the Knighton Show & Carnival to reduce plastic use, improve recycling and raise awareness of how to reduce carbon footprint.

Knighton in Bloom Winners The town council arranged the Knighton in Bloom competition held recently and there was a fine effort 19

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MIDWINTER SOLSTICE At old year’s blackest hour When cold and death hold power The song begins.

To battle bitter dark The voices feed the spark Lest winter wins.

Now chanting builds the loom Where fire and life must bloom Calling the dawn.

Defeated is the night As in a shout of light Sun is reborn!

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Business Directory

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.

KNIGHTON 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

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

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

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

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

PRESTEIGNE 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Border Bean. Independent coffee shop established in 2013. Speciality coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks. A variety of delicious homemade cakes and healthy snacks. A warm welcome and comfortable surroundings await! “A real social hub of Kington." T: 01544 231625. 22-24 High Street, Kington, HR5 3AX. Current opening: Mon-Wed: 9.30am to 2pm, Thurs-Sat: 9.30am to 2.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

E: emmakurrels@hotmail.com T:07495 885653 W: www.emmasdoghouse.co.uk 22

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

3rd Wednesday of every month for coffee mornings School Lane, New Radnor, LD8 2SS. T: 01544 350559 E: ruthwatsonfood@gmail.com HEREFORD Herefordshire Green Network. HGN is an alliance of local green, environmental and Transition Town groups, organisations and businesses. We are a hub for resource and sharing; we host events (called our Gatherings) and workshops on subjects such as: local transport, community hubs, food poverty, retrofitting energy efficiency measures, community engagement techniques.

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

Timbers Building Company. Restoration, Building, Roofing. Call us now for your quotation. T: 07931 482931 W: www.timbersbuilding.com 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

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

Walking Hub, The. For all your walking needs: clothing, boots, maps, socks and so much more. Nordic Walking classes by qualified instructor, lovely B&B dating from 1700s. 26 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX. Please check website for opening hours. T: 07756 172160. E: thewalkinghub@gmail.com W: www.kingtonwalkinghub.com See The Guardian article here: https://www.theguardian.com/ travel/2021/may/05/pole-nordic-walking-weekendherefordshire

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: www.s4il.co.uk call: 01568 616653 or email: contactus@s4il.co.uk

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

New Art & Craft Shop in Kington Collaborative Crafts is a new retail venture for artists and craftspeople which opened in November at 41 High Street, Kington. It's a “rent a shelf” shop, just rent a shelf for a minimum of 1 month. Then what you sell is what you get - 0% commission. It’s a great idea for makers who are just getting started, are trying out a new line, don’t have a high volume of items or who want more exposure in a High Street setting. Run by Daphne Kirkham, the shop aims to offer an outlet for makers who are local to the area. Daphne, her partner and her son all have shelf space so it’s quite a family enterprise. Daphne said, “We have lots of beautiful and original art and craft works, the response has been brilliant and we now have so much on offer. Special thanks must go to Anna King, who organises the Kington Art & Craft Markets who has been so supportive.”

Anything else you'd like to know, call Daphne 07376 279871.

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.

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 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 23

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