MidBorder News Winter 2023

FlyKington the Walking of Kington FoodDog & Drink Festival Sleeping Update A BriefDragon History of Pembridge Armed Man Performance in Presteigne Lots of Christmas Events Village Events News Community The Arthur Stone Talks & Films The Open Arms Council NewsKington

FlicksNews in the Sticks Council Business Directory Open Gardens and Many More Summer Events 1

Advertising

Acknowledgements

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 the cover. May the bluebird of happiness fly over you all.

Our ad prices have remained the same for three years, but we are sorry that we are now obliged to increase them to cover printing costs. Where possible we’ve rounded them down, so the increase is 10% or less. We have also added a smaller size advert: 1/8 page, to offer more choice for those on a tight budget.

Cover: winter sunrise by the editor. Funny bits: Blogswallop

Editorial My goodness! So much going on at Christmas. Sorry if we haven’t had the space to include your event, we were inundated. Our Facebook page is updated almost daily, so ‘like’ us to keep up with what’s on where; we share lots of community news and local businesses, plus a few funnies (well, they make us laugh, anyway). We are fortunate to have many small, independent shops in our High Streets in the three towns; why not make a point of buying your festive presents, food and drink locally, instead of ordering it all online or going to a big supermarket? Judging from the frequent plaintive Facebook posts from people asking if anyone knows where their parcel has been delivered, it might be less stressful! As we all know, if we don’t use our local businesses they might disappear. To that end, you may have read in the news that Kington Post Office has been active in trying to keep road tax services available.

Well done postmaster Tim Allen, his petition is here

MidBorder News is available online (the link is sent out to our mailing list), as a pdf and on our Facebook page as well as the print edition being distributed to many venues in and around the three towns.

So if you need to tell people about your special 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.

https://www.change.org/p/save-post-offices-stop-the-dvla-fromwithdrawing-road-tax-services?signed=true

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

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and health & happiness in the coming year.

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

Annie Vickerstaff, editor

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 social media, website or email address. And if you take out an advert you’ll get a free Business Directory listing.

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

E: midbordernews@gmail.com Online issues: https://issuu.com/midbordernews/docs/

Copy deadline Spring 2024 (March, 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.

SIZE Business Directory: up to 40 words

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Music in New Radnor Saturday 9 December. The Mellstock Band: Christmas in Mellstock. Tickets £15 (under 14s, £3) Dave Townsend - concertina, fiddle, vocals; Phil Humphries serpent, vocals; Tim Hill -clarinets, vocals; Caroline Butler fiddle, vocals. Get into the Christmas spirit with The Mellstock Band’s Christmas show. With their unique combination of instrumental music, singing and the spoken word, built around the descriptions of Christmas festivities from the works of Thomas Hardy and his friend the Dorset dialect poet William Barnes from deepest Wessex. Expect strange visitors, pious beasts, supernatural visions, harmonious song, and the curious musical instruments of the nineteenth century including fiddle, clarinet, concertina and serpent.

Well Done Alena!

www.davetownsendmusic.com/the-mellstock-band/

My name is Alena Johnson and I live in Dilwyn. In October I took part in Prostate United to raise money to help beat Prostate Cancer. Why? Because Prostate Cancer kills one man every 45 minutes, that’s half a football match. I chose to cycle each day come rain or shine and storms. The challenge was to cycle 10km/6 miles a day, however I set myself a different challenge to cycle the distance from Hereford FC - Old Trafford Manchester and back equalling 274 miles, I completed 288.6 miles , and raised £310.

And a challenge it was; it took a lot of grit and determination, getting up at 4.30 in the morning some days to cycle before I went to work, often cycling in the dark and pouring rain.

There were times when I thought I couldn’t continue, especially when I came off the bike 13 days into the challenge hurtling my back, but then I would remember all the good luck wishes and people who had donated, some strangers to the cause, that’s what spurred me on to continue. It wasn’t all bad: I lost a stone in weight and have toned up and feel fitter than ever. Also riding out into the beautiful countryside, visiting many villages such as Weobley, Eardisland, Lyonshall, Shobdon and Pembridge and being grateful I live in such a picturesque area.

Although it was a tough challenge it’s one I’m pleased I completed. Thank you for reading.

You can donate to Alena’s Justgiving page here: Alena Johnson

Saturday 10 February. The Kassia Trio. Tickets £15 (under 14s, £3) Chloe Percy-Smith and Emma Jones - saxophones, Amy Bladon – piano. Named after one of the first mediaeval women to have written under her own name, The Kassia Trio is a modern reinvention of the typical piano trio with two saxophones and piano. This versatile ensemble offers a lively and varied programme, from modern pieces written for their specific instruments, to classical transcriptions and lighter well-known musical classics. www.thekassiatrio.co.uk/home

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 7.30 pm (doors open at 7.00 pm). 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.

is fundraising for PROSTATE CANCER UK

Brilley Flicks in the Sticks Thursday 7 December: Belle. The true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.

Thursday 4 January: The Old Oak. Ken Loach’s latest film follows TJ Ballantyne, a pub landlord in a previously thriving mining community. The Old Oak is the one community meeting place - and it is in dire need of refurbishment. His regulars are seething with rage at the collapse in house prices and brooding over YouTube videos about immigrants. Then a busload of terrified Syrians arrives in town and the tension gets worse.

Sat 24 Feb: Spilt Milk Dance present Desert Island Flicks.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Noson Allan / Night Out scheme, whose support is invaluable to all small promoters in Wales.

@NosonAllanNightOut #NosonAllanNightOut #ArtsWales #Cel

fCymru #RuralTouring

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

Panto: Aladdin It's panto time again! For this production, Teme Spirits will be performing the pantomime Aladdin on Friday, 19 January (evening performance) and Saturday 20 January (matinee and evening performances).

Advance booking only - please book and pay for your tickets online at pay-brilley.co.uk - please note that if you do not get an almost immediate email confirmation, then your payment has not gone through and you will need to try again! Doors open at 7pm. Don't forget to bring your own refreshments!

Tickets are on sale from Thursday 14 December at 10am from Teme Treasures, Knighton (also available from The Tower House Gallery on selected days). Tickets will be £10 per adult and £6 per child (primary school age). Sorry no children under 4. We look forward to seeing you there.

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. These take place every third Friday of the month, 10-12am in the Village Hall. They are 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.

Banking Beyond the Branch Learn more about banking from home, at the Post Office or other alternatives to visiting a branch. HSBC event on 7 December, 10am to 3pm, at Knighton library, Bowling Green Lane, LD7 1DR.

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A Brief History of Pembridge One thing you’ll notice when you travel through Herefordshire is that its history is everywhere you look. You’re practically tripping over it wherever you go. There are castles everywhere, neolithic bits and pieces, sites of infamous battles and of course its Black and White villages. There’s even a 40-mile trail of these villages, starting in Leominster and taking in Dilwyn, Weobley, Eardisley and Eardisland, Kington and finally Pembridge.

Pembridge has a mention in the Domesday Book commissioned in 1086 by that loveable Norman William 1st. The hamlet was held

by Earl Harald until his death at the battle of Hastings. Following the conquest, it passed into the hands of Alfred of Marlborough, and then to William of Braose – you’ve guessed it, another Norman! The name probably comes from the old British ‘Penn’, meaning headland or enclosures and the old English ‘brycg’; bridge or causeway. Pembridge church was built in the 14th century probably by the Mortimer family, most likely on the site of an earlier 13th century building. The bell tower stands separate from the main church and was built in the early 13th century. To the south of the church can be seen the remains of the original Pembridge Castle which stood here for hundreds of years until as recently as the 17th century. An archaeological dig some years ago found the remains of stone walls, and there was evidence of fire, suggesting that the castle had been destroyed and rebuilt possibly more than once.

Sir Richard of Pembridge 1320-1375 fought at the Battles of Crecy and Poitiers and was one of the first knights of the Order of the Garter; he is buried in Hereford Cathedral. The right leg of his effigy was damaged during the Civil War in the 17th century and a wooden replacement was made. This new leg however was carved including his garter – big mistake! So a new correct ‘third’ leg was made in alabaster. His wooden leg sans body is displayed next to his tomb.

Pembridge was a thriving and busy market town in the middle ages and was first granted a charter for a market and two fairs in 1239. Most of the timber framed ‘black and white’ houses you can see today date from the Tudor period of the 15th century.

Dendro-chronology (tree ring) dating of a number of houses in the village showed that there was a major period of house building taking place between 1425 and 1525. One of the most prominent features of the village today is the early 16th century market hall. It has 8 substantial oak framed posts supporting the tiled roof and is a testament to its history as a market town. Well worth a visit!

Old Peculier Sources and photo: http://mediaeval-pembridge.com/history/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembridge https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-virginpembridge

Citizens Advice Herefordshire CA Herefordshire is extending its service across the whole county of Herefordshire to meet the extraordinary increase in demand from people for help and advice that has followed the covid pandemic and now the cost of living crisis. Our aim is to make it easier for people to access free, independent, impartial and confidential advice in person, closer to the area in which they live.We currently provide pre-booked face-to-face appointments in Hereford, Kington, Leominster, Bromyard and Ross-on-Wye in addition to our telephone and email advice service. There are also drop-in advice sessions in our main Hereford office, in Leominster, Bromyard and at the Hereford Veterans Support Centre. For more information see Get advice

about advising and main enquiry areas. I started shadowing advisers as they met with clients in Hereford and Bromyard and as they responded to phone calls and messages. I am now starting to make and take calls on my own with close support and supervision from our trainer. I have no idea what will crop up when I am next in the office. However I do know I will be working with a great team of skilled and caring advisers ready to help me and the clients seeking their wisdom and practical advice.”

– Citizens Advice Herefordshire (herefordshirecab.org.uk)

We are helping record numbers of people with energy debts before winter has even begun - and the size of the debts people face is rising. New research shows almost eight million people had to borrow money to pay their energy bills in the first half of 2023, a number we forecast will rise over the coming months. We are seeking volunteers to help meet this demand through roles in Generalist Advice, Admin / Reception and Research and Campaigns. To become a volunteer with Citizens Advice, you need to be able to commit 5 – 10 hours per week depending on the role, be good at listening, able to work in a team, be open-minded and non-judgmental and have basic computer skills.

One of our volunteers, Rich, spoke about his experience, “After retiring, I faced the challenge of filling that void. I wanted to be with people, helping people; finding new interests and experiences. The opportunity to volunteer with Citizens Advice and train to become an Adviser seemed perfect. For 3 months, I joined a group of other trainees one day a week, learning

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice Herefordshire, please email recruitment@citaherefordshire.org.uk

Services are made possible through funding from Ross-onWye Town Council, Bromyard and Winslow Town Council, The Hope Centre, Hereford City Council, Herefordshire Council, Talk Communities and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Citizens Advice Herefordshire is most grateful to NMITE for their sponsorship of a beautiful training venue.

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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: 18 September, 21 October, 18 November, 9 & 16 December, 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 1pm.

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

Clun Valley Jazz Festival When, in 1895, the poet A.E. Housman wrote in A Shropshire Lad, “Clunton and Clunbury, Clungunford and Clun, Are the quietest places Under the sun” he would have been surprised that 124 years later one of the quietest places would now be at the centre of world class performances at Clun Valley Jazz (CVJAZZ). Since the first performance in 2019 this contemporary jazz promoter has hosted some of the most renowned contemporary jazz musicians at the SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle Shropshire.

Presteigne Youth Club

“For me, the musical highlight of 2023 was the chance to play two consecutive gigs with my 12-piece band Dodeka at the CVJAZZ festival. The audiences were in rapt attention - as a performer I absolutely relished the warm and unique feeling I took away with me after playing these concerts. Promoter John Davies has managed to create an oasis for music lovers in this beautiful corner of the Shropshire Hills”.

Ivo Neame

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.

Presteigne Flower Club

“CVJAZZ is one of the most dedicated promoters I have ever come across in my forty plus years of playing jazz. It is promoters like him who keep the music alive”.

Mick Hutton

An invitation to join us for our Christmas demonstration on Wednesday December 13th at 7.30. We meet in Lingen village hall SY7 0DY while our Memorial Hall remains closed.

The demonstrator is prize-winning Donald Morgan. His title is simply ‘It’s Christmas’ – it will surely be a special show of floral designs, which will be raffled at the end of the evening.

Light refreshments available. Visitors are welcome for £6 on the door. Further information from Ann 01544 340453

“This is simple. It’s the best world class jazz this side of Berlin, Paris, London and New York and it’s on your Shropshire doorstep.”

Jamie Cullum BBC Radio 2

Walton Village Hall

And from the audiences “The effect of listening to such beautiful and amazing jazz, while watching the hills from the Town Hall's large window slowly deepen their colour as dusk sets, was one of the most sublime moments of my life. Something never to forget, unique and total bliss. An opportunity to experience sheer transcendence.”

Lorraine (Bishops Castle)

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.

“Heartfelt thanks for a most wonderful evening of music, I’m not sure I’ve ever had such a sublime experience of jazz before. The poetry, the subtlety and the use of silence all combined with that glorious musicianship to give us an experience I’ll never forget.”

Anna (Much Wenlock)

Kington Food Bank Every Friday between 2pm and 3pm at the Baptist Church, Bridge Street. Donations can be dropped off from 1.15pm until 2pm, also at any of the local churches. There is also a trolley at the Coop where items can be dropped off or if people contact Pat Roberts she can arrange where to drop them.

Money can be donated to Kington Churches Together Food Bank, please contact Pat for further information. Items required:

The CVJAZZ 2024 sessions offer 12 performances from 50 world class jazz musicians from around the world. The winter sessions start with two giants of Nordic Jazz: 20 January - Oddgeir Berg Trio 17 February - WAKO Quartet

Tinned potatoes Long life milk Tinned meat products Biscuits Tinned meat products corn beef etc Tinned vegetables Any tinned produce Eggs Nappies Toiletries Cleaning products Washing powder

Visit www.clunvalleyjazz.com for all performances and booking details, you can subscribe to the newsletter. If you have attended our sessions in the past, thank you. If you haven’t, you’d be welcome to come and experience this phenomenal music when and if your busy life lets you!

Knighton Museum AGM 7 December, 7pm, Knighton Community Centre bar, followed by refreshments and an ‘illuminating’ talk by museum trustee Chris Franklin: How our Ancestors Lit their Homes.

Thank you. Pat Roberts 01544 231000 7

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Farewell Exhibition Made in the Marches, the Kington based artisan co-operative, which has brought you beautiful work from local artists and makers since 2017, would like to say “Thank you!” to all our friends and visitors for their support over the last seven years. Visit us this December for our final exhibition, including ceramics, paintings, prints, clothing, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, ironwork, basketry, cards and gifts.

This Farewell Exhibition, curated by Tessa Gavin, features creations from Rachael Blakeway, Sarah Fisher, Anna Lonsdale, Patricia MacCurrach, Jude Piper, Katie Welsh and Lea Williams, alongside work by our cooperative members: Nicki Cornish, Rebecca Finney, Jo Fletcher, Nancy Frost, Freya GambleMapes, Tessa Gavin, Jane Keay, Celia Kibblewhite, Sue Leavett, Clare Lester, Clair Murphy and Helen Smith.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 4pm, and Christmas Eve 11am-3pm www.madeinthemarches.com

MidBorder News is very sorry to see that this wonderful gallery is closing. It has been an asset to Kington, showcasing high quality art and craft, always beautifully displayed and offering a wide range of unique pieces. Special mention to Annie Gamble, whose inspiration, dedication and hard work made it possible, and to the co-operative team who put in so much time and energy.

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News from Kington Town Council Christmas is nearly upon us – where did the year go?

Christmas Lights Wednesday 29 November will see our grand Christmas Lights switch-on and town Christmas party.

The Council and the Chamber of Trade have once again collaborated to make the dark days of December a little brighter for us all. and maintenance of the Recreation Ground. Crooked Well is an important green space for the east side of the town and its ownership by the Recreation Ground Trust will mean that it is both protected for the future and managed by the community which uses it. Your input into the plan and maintenance of Crooked Well is much appreciated now and in the future.

Alongside the grand switch-on of the lights we will have a party with hot gin and tonics, hot chocolate, pizza, entertainment, snow machines, and of course, Father Christmas will be there with special presents for the children. Please join us on the evening which starts at 5.30pm with the switch on planned for just after 6pm.

Road safety We hope you were all delighted to see that the speed limit on the bypass has been reduced to 50mph and that there is now new signage and road furniture in place. But it’s not enough, news of another fatality near Kington Surgery has only reinforced our view that the speed limit on these roads remains too high.

Crooked Well Meadow We’re in the last stages of taking over the ground at Crooked Well Meadow from Herefordshire Council.

It’s been a long road, but the end is in sight. Once the paperwork is signed and the transfer has happened, we will be developing a management and maintenance plan for the site along with working out how best to integrate it into the management

They are effectively urbans streets, with many pedestrians, but are treated as highways. We’re strongly supportive of the work our Ward Councillor, Terry James, is doing to further reduce the speed limits and improve safety.

We’ve also discussed at length the problem of parking on double-yellows in the High Street, Duke Street and Mill Street. Whilst parking regulation enforcement is not the responsibility of Kington Town Council, we are making strong representations to Herefordshire Council that they focus their parking enforcement not just upon the levying of fines in the town’s car parks but also the impact on road safety of cars parked on double yellow lines or, in some cases, on the pavement. Please don’t park on double -yellow lines.

24-hour licencing for Kington Supermarket.

We have made a formal objection to the application for a 24-hour licence for Kington Supermarket (Nisa/Morrisons). We will be represented at the public hearing on 13th November where we will be making the statement of objection for the public record.

We believe that there is no need for a 24-licence in a town of fewer than 3000 people and that granting of the licence could cause significant noise and disturbance to the many residents of our High Street.

We will report to you the result of the licence application when we know it.

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Council services November-January.

Our wonderful clerk, Liz Kelso, will be on medical leave from next week. She will probably not be able to return to full duties before the middle of January at the earliest. We all want her to take the time to get back to full health, so the date of her return is not set. We wish her well with the procedure and a swift recovery – we’re sure you do too.

Her absence means that we will be short staffed during November, December, and January. We are working with our assistant clerk to provide cover and members of the Council will also step in where they can to support. But, even with our best efforts, we will be without Liz’s expertise and experience – so service may be less than we’d like it to be. Please be patient with us – we’re trying our best.

Please accept our wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kington Town Council

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The Walking Hub I started 2023 with a vision board, setting out my hopes for the year. As it draws to a close, I can’t help but marvel at how everything has come true. Even bizarre miraculous things like fixing my subtalar joint in my foot which has been a chronic problem for years. I’m here to tell you that setting a vision is a very powerful thing and to be honest, probably essential for success. When I pinned a picture of the front of my shop alongside a road sign with success ahead, how could I ever have imagined this would lead to being on Radio 4 with Clare Balding and opening up a brand-new location for my shop?

This business has always been about personal growth, about opening doors and inviting uncertainty in. Too many times we pass life by, trying to achieve a certain goal, ignoring the lessons and small achievements along the way. When the pressure is off to attain that goal, deciding instead to enjoy the journey and not just the destination, all sorts of amazing things happen. I know this isn’t revolutionary stuff, plenty of others have touted the same wisdom but now, having experienced the benefits personally, I feel more qualified to confirm this belief.

It’s also been about fitting in to a much bigger picture, about finding my tribe and belonging to somewhere. That’s why I want to thank Kington for giving me a safe place to land and all of you, my loyal customers and friends for your support and allowing me this success.

Artist Residency at Hergest Croft Gardens As the year begins to conclude so does my Artist in Residence at Hergest Croft Gardens 2023. My role as resident artist has been to document the changing seasons throughout the course of the year. This documentation has taken the form of painted diaries - pencil sketches, watercolours, written observations, comments on gardening duties, natural history, poetry and my own personal reflections. Each month from the sketchbooks I have produced two paintings, displayed in Maples Tearoom at the gardens. Guided walks and talks plus Wednesday afternoon 'meet the artist' sessions have also been a feature of the programme. The journey has been an extraordinary discovery and adventure, witnessing nature's subtle transformations; sitting quietly amongst the foliage sketching, not only the magnificent flora, but birds, insects and mammals too. These unique gardens hold a wealth of history which I am so fortunate to have been able to access. Excitingly, Spring 2024 will see the launch of my book based on my year's residency. Details of this can be found at the Kat and Fiddle Studio, 37 Church Street, Kington.

In the New Year I want to invite all of you to a Grand Gathering, to celebrate not just the opening of my new shop but also all of our own individual successes. And why not, while we’re gathered, allow the power of collective thought to help visualise our dreams and aspirations for 2024 and beyond. A vision board on steroids. Wow - I wonder what’s possible? Please wear or bring anything you’ve bought from The Hub over the years and we’ll capture the moment with a big photo of all of us. Tell all your friends and let’s make this a real gathering.

Can’t wait!!

Cheers, Ali & Roo of The Walking Hub

www.kathrynmoore.co.uk www.hergestcroftgardens.co.uk

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Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Talks Kington Butterfly Safari, Andrew Fusek-Peters, 7.30-9pm Monday 4 December Andrew Fusek-Peters is a poet, author and wildlife and landscape photographer, he is on commission to the National Trust on the Long Mynd and Stiperstones. His photographs regularly appear in the national media. His five years of work on UK butterflies, Butterfly Safari has just been published.

Admission £5 Martin Wilkie, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, 7.30-9pm Tuesday 30 January 2024 Martin is Head of Reserves and Land Management at RWT. His background centres around the restoration of protected landscapes, with the emphasis on evidence-based conservation and extensive grazing management.

1MetreMatters

Curlew Conservation, Nick Myhil,l 7.30-9pm Tuesday 27 February Nick is a farmer and conservationist who is working to protect curlews through a range of actions, from habitat restoration to predator control.

All meetings are held at Kingswood Village Hall HR5 3HE and commence at 7.30pm

Here at On The Verge our focus is to create wildlife habitats, in all sorts of places to increase the number and range of pollinators. The whole subject of insects, pollination and climate change can feel overwhelming and it can be difficult to see what we can do to make a difference in our everyday lives.

This is why On The Verge has launched 1MetreMatters.

The overriding emphasis of 1MetreMatters is to help people to focus on choosing 1 metre of their space: indoor; patio; garden; nearby verges etc. We have the information you need to make a difference: every step will be guided by regular content on our website.

Weobley Farming with Nature, Ben Andrews. 7.30pm Thursday 7 December.

Jamie Audsley, CEO Herefordshire Wildlife Trust HWT’s Goals and Strategy. 7.30pm 4 January Ellie Baggett & Dylan Allman Wye AONB and Hedgehog Project. 7.30pm 1 February Weobley Village Hall, HR4 8SN. 7.30pm.

There will be an opportunity to access links to useful suppliers, information, collaborations, book recommendations etc.

Regular articles from experts in their field will point you in the right direction, enabling everyone to feel that a small action is making a difference and helping to ensure a brighter future for our fellow humans and the flora and fauna of our planet.

In Wales the Environment (Wales) Act – section 6, requires all councils to report their actions to government. On The Verge is currently helping several councils with this process. Please get in touch if you feel we can help.

www.herefordshirewt.org

Film Night: Black Mountains College Sustainable Agriculture: Talk and Film, 7pm, Tuesday 19 December An enlightening conversation between Ben Rawlence, CEO of Black Mountains College, and Patrick Holden, founder and CEO of The Sustainable Food Trust. Their discussion will follow a screening of an impactful documentary, Kiss the Ground, shedding light on sustainable agriculture and its vital role in combating climate change.

E: info@ontheverge.wales. W: www.ontheverge.wales Kinnersley Castle Events

At Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon LD3 7EW. Ticket £10.

Evening supper in the Great Hall, Saturday 2 December.

Come and join us for supper in the Great Hall and dine in decadence on long, banquet style tables surrounded by oak panelled walls and a setting steeped in history. We will be serving up a vegetarian feast of delights, sumptuous salads and accoutrements, all lovingly prepared by chef Simon Whitfield, using both locally sourced and organic home grown ingredients. We have a bar serving locally produced ale, cider and wines. Three course meal £30pp. Arrival at 7pm, meal served at 7.45. To book: kinnersleycastlesup-

Part of Bannau Brycheiniog & Black Mountains College (Coleg y Mynydd Du) series of book talks, films, art workshops and debates about the future of the natural world. To book: https://theatrbrycheiniog.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows/873639785/events/128488130

Knighton Update Friday 1 December Christmas Lights switch on 6pm at the Clock Tower, Knighton. Silver band playing carols and shops staying open into the evening for late night festive shopping, Santa's Grotto at the Civic Centre.

pers@hotmail.com

Willow Workshop, Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 December.

Come and make a Christmas decoration. 10am-1pm or 2pm5pm £35 per session. Booking: 07789 814669 or jayneligo@hotmail.co.uk

Following the success of the Local Places for Nature grant funded planting around Knighton, a new bid is being written to provide even more wildlife and bug friendly spaces. The bonus for all of us is not only helping the environment but having something beautiful to look at too.

Open Arms Kington Winter Opening: Friday 1 Dec: bar open 5-10pm.

Saturday 2 Dec: 10-4pm; 6-10pm, Friday 8 Dec: bar open 5-10pm.

Saturday 9 Dec: bar open 6-10pm.

Friday 15 Dec: bar open 5-10pm.

Saturday 16 Dec: bar open 6-10pm.

Cllr Ben Caine, resigned at the end of October so there is currently a vacant seat in South East Ward.

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North Books This innovative book shop in Hay celebrated its first anniversary in November and continues to expand its services. Alongside ordering overnight (more or less any title) you can also join one of the three established book groups which meet in the shop, pop-in on one of the Friday morning coffee and reading sessions (from 10am-12) or attend an author talk (always at 4pm on a Saturday). Full information is available on the website and author talks are ticketed. The next ‘4 o’clock friend’ speaking on Saturday, 9 December is Aberystwyth based author, Jacqueline Yallop with her latest non-fiction book, Into The Dark, about night-walking in her home town.

Jules North provides a platform for new writers and debut novelists; once a month an author reads from their work at the Friday morning coffee session. This is a good opportunity for new writers to share their work and for readers to offer their feedback. On Friday 1 December new author Nicola Edwards will be signing her debut work, This Thing of Darkness which imagines the missing years of Bronte’s Heathcliff in a gritty, character-led tale of piracy, heartbreak and slave trading. Nicola will be available to chat from 10am-12.

New for December is the Breakfast in the Bookshop gift voucher which enables you to bring a friend to the bookshop before opening (9-10am) and enjoy a coffee and artisan pastry while they select a book of their choice. Vouchers are £30 and you must book in advance. Available Thursday to Saturday – one book is gifted. The vouchers are hand-printed on letterpress and are in themselves a thing of beauty.

As Jules moves the business into its second year she would like to thank everyone locally (and further away) who has supported her independent bookshop in its infancy and hopes they will enjoy the journey as the shop grows and offers new services. Meanwhile you could enjoy a browse at the wellstocked shelves in the run up to Christmas offering a good selection of fiction, fantasy, nature-writing and Welsh literature. www.northbooks.co.uk

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Kington Community 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 50 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.

Eardisland Community Shop Gets Plastic Free Champion Award Eardisland’s community run village shop has attained ‘Plastic Free Champion’ status as part of the village’s drive to become a Plastic Free Community. The Community Shop has been working with Eardisland Parish Council’s Environment and Sustainability group to reduce the sale of single-use plastic, much of which ends up in landfill or littering the beautiful village lanes. To become a Plastic Free Champion the shop identified all the single-use plastic it used and removed or replaced these three items: plastic drinks bottles are no longer sold; plastic soap packaging was replaced with plastic free soap bars; some plastic food packaging was replaced with glass and card alternatives.

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 who will be offered any vacancies as they arise.

E: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com 6 Dec

Bleddfa Church

13 Dec

Dec Pentre Farm CiC

Xmas

CLOSED

3 Jan

Vacant

10 Jan

Community Shop Fundraising

17 Jan

St. Mary's PCC Kington

24 Jan

Kington Lions

31 Jan

Friends of Gladestry School (FROGS)

7 Feb

Llangunllo WI

14 Feb

St Bede's Church

21 Feb 28 Feb

TBC

The shop is now looking at how to reduce the use of other single-use plastic items, including contacting suppliers to see if they can offer alternatives.

Plastic Free Communities (https://plasticfree.org.uk/) is a community network across the UK that’s tackling single-use plastic from the beach, all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it. It does not expect communities to be totally plastic free. It aims to tackle single-use plastic items like plastic drinks bottles, disposable coffee cups, sachets, bathroom plastics, excessive food packaging and takeaway containers.

2024

The Queen’s Head, Bridge Street, Kington.

Now open!

Kington Local Environment & Energy Network (KLEEN)

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Presteigne News

Performances start at 7.30pm on Thursday 7th, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December at the Ivor Hughes Centre, John Beddoes School. Get your tickets from The Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne (cash only). Ticket prices: Thursday: adult £6, child £4, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £17; Friday and Saturday: adult £8, child £5 child, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £22.

The Community News is an information service from PACDG the Presteigne Area Community Development Group. 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 news@pacdg.org

Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne. New Years Eve - tickets for sale @ £20 pp. This will include a welcome drink, canapés, dancing and a glass of sparkles to welcome 2024. Tickets from Reception.

Pill blister packs. Just a reminder that the recycling bin for blister packs at the Old School (Youth Centre) in Hereford Street has been removed. You have two options - to ensure your blister packs are fully recycled by Terracycle under their scheme with Aldi, sign up to receive prepaid postage labels, fill an A4 envelope with blister packs and post it off for free. Simple!

Wings of Change. Full day Active Hope Workshop on Sunday 3 December at the Assembly Rooms in Presteigne, 10am 5pm. The workshop’s central purpose is to bring us back into relationship with ourselves, each other and with the earth, motivating and empowering us to engage with the social and ecological challenges we face, leading to greater connection, resilience and hope. For further info please visit https://

For full details and to order your labels, go to https://

www.aldi.co.uk/corporate/corporate-responsibility/greener/ recycle Otherwise, if you’re happy for your blister packs to go

to an Energy-from-Waste facility, where they will be incinerated and generate electricity for the National Grid, you can now put your blister packs in your wheelie bin (or purple waste sacks). Please DON’T put them in your red kerbside recycling box.

swiftswoc.wixsite.com/wingsofchange

Presteigne Open Studios will be running a Christmas Market in 2 Radnor Buildings (next to St Michael’s Shop) between 216 December, 10am – 4pm. There will be lots of lovely ideas for Christmas and quite a few bargains too, so do pop along and have a look round. Ceramics, paintings, prints, cards.

Presteigne Hockey Club. Always welcoming newcomers between the ages of 6 and 18 to join our friendly little club. No experience necessary & all equipment provided. We are actively seeking more minis between the ages of 6 & 9yrs to join us in Presteigne Sports Hall on Wednesday evenings for hockey fun with Leanne. Please send us a message if you would like to get involved or receive more information.

Christmas Shopping Evening at the Retreat on Friday 15 December 4-7pm. Silvan Skincare, Kleen Soap on Rope, Pukka teas, organic cotton face cloths, bath mitts, loofahs, body and nail brushes. Gorgeous gift sets, skincare consultations and gift suggestions. Come along, have a glass of something or send your love one with a hint... The Retreat (next door to The Workhouse Gallery), Presteigne Industrial Estate.

Winter Sessions: Group 1 ‘Juniors & Badgers’ with Jess at Kington High School Astro Turf, Mondays 6-7pm, £4 per session; Group 2 ‘Minis & Juniors’ with Leanne at Presteigne Leisure Centre, Wednesdays 6-7pm, £4 per session.

Book Stall. Saturday 2 December 9.30 to 12.30 for The Food Bank. Downstairs foyer of the Assembly Rooms. A wide variety of second hand books in good condition, including hardbacks.

Classics, nature, art, hobbies, novels. Ideal for 'green' presents.

Come & have a browse.

Traditional Upholstery drop-in class, now on Fridays 10am1pm at The Old School, Hereford Street, Presteigne. Pay as you attend. £30 for the session. City & Guilds trained Tutor. Contact sowerbysupholstery@gmail.com

Presteigne Methodist Church. Coffee Morning on Saturday 16 December from 10.30 until 12 in the church itself. We will be offering coffee and mince pies, a raffle, lucky dip and a warm welcome - look forward to seeing you there.

Art Club starting soon Tuesday mornings at the British Legion 10am-12noon. Please let Kay know if you are interested 07724 379335 (non-profit making) £5 per session.

Powys Age Cymru. With the cold weather here, a new Winter Wellbeing Programme is calling for local people to become Christmas Angels and help ensure that older Powys residents are not left lonely over the festive period.

PNCS Warehouse. The elves have been busy getting our Xmas grotto filled with lots of wonderful things. Don’t spend a fortune on pointless new ‘stuff’ - look around the Warehouse and grab an early Xmas bargain!

Winter Wellbeing is a new holistic initiative designed to help older people in Powys stay warm, safe, and healthy during the winter months, offering a variety of services, including face-to -face or telephone friendship, free Home Energy Checks, help with the Cost-of-Living, and advice and support on any matter that may be affecting their quality of life.

The Radnorshire Arms is starting a weekly Meat Raffle - tickets sold through the week at £1. The winners will be drawn on Sundays. Proceeds will go to charities - the first few will go towards Sandra's Marathon fundraising and subsequently, the aim will be to donate to local charities, schools or projects.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. Join us! We're creating a youth group for young people aged 13-24 - if you're interested in wildlife and climate and meeting like-minded people, contact us on catrin@rwtwales.org or fill out our online sign-up form:

Christmas Angels play a vital role in Winter Wellbeing by checking in with older people to offer companionship and support, having a cup of tea and a chat, a weekly friendship call, playing games, or simply listening to the older person's stories and memories. Volunteering is beneficial for your own health and wellbeing – doing good makes you feel good!

https://forms.office.com/e/gBuuKfGjqG.

Don't miss this year's Presteigne pantomime, 'A Christmas Squirrel'. When Ebenezer Scrote arrives as Presteigne's new mayor with ideas of developing the town, can the locals change his mind? Can the Scratchitt family prevent Tiny Tim from shrinking away altogether? And will Mrs Thingummy find true love at last? Join colourful characters such as the Artful Codgers and Mr and Mrs Crossdresser and be transported back to a (different sort of) Victorian Christmas.

Signing up to be a Winter Wellbeing Volunteer is easy – contact Age Cymru Powys and they will do the rest: 01686 623707 enquiries@acpowys.org.uk

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& Rangers (14-18 years) across the Division area.

W: www.facebook.com/girlguidingradnorshire

Business Directory KNIGHTON

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

KINGTON 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.

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

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

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

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: 07776146427.

E: penny_a_cole@yahoo.co.uk

Chilvers Country Store. For all your livestock, equine, pet, gardening and country life needs, including clothing and machinery. Find us on the Presteigne bypass next to the Radnorshire Arms car park. T: Andy 07791 096941 E: andychilvers@outlook.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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) 22

Hergest Croft Gardens now closed until Saturday 2 March: weekends only. From 1 April open daily11.30am to 5pm. www.hergest.co.uk

& 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com

LYONSHALL

Kington Folk Club. At Kington Football Club on the last Thursday of the month. kingtonfolkclub@gmail.com

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

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

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

HAY ON WYE

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

Hayhypnosis. Discover how to lose your phobia with experienced Hypnotist John Richards DipCAH; BA Hons.

Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. Call or text now: 07783 916759. W: www.hayhypnosis.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

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

Maples Tea Rooms. Winter opening times: 31st October - 17th December 2023: Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun 10.30am - 3.00pm (last orders). Closed from 17 December, re-opening on Tuesday 16 January 2024. Please phone Mell on 07970 595 420 for further information or bookings in the tearoom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 23

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