Spring 2025
Up The Narrows
The Man from Mongolia
Competition to win Hergest Croft Garden Season Tickets
Carers Corner
And More!
CONTACT DETAILS
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2025 MidBorder NewsAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of certain non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
PRINTERS
FRONT COVER
View from Offa’s Dyke near Presteigne looking towards Pilleth. ©CJR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful for support from Kington Town Council and to all the contributors including Blogswallop for the funny bits.
Huge thanks to everyone at Signworx for all the help and support with publishing the MidBorder News.
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
Oh wow, what a whirlwind these past few weeks have been! I’ve been busy putting together your spring edition of MIDBORDER NEWS and I hope you like the new formatting. Inside, you’ll find local charity event reports, a history piece on The Narrows in Knighton and a feature on my house guest—the man from Mongolia!
There are changes to the directory to make room for extra content, including the new Carers Corner. The website has had great feedback—check it out and let me know what you’d like to see! Dog Blog has begun, featuring Sasha the Dog in a puddle on the cover, with a stunning Offa’s Dyke view. Here’s hoping for better weather this year!
All the best, Carla
WE ARE GIVING AWAY TWO PAIRS OF SEASON TICKETS TO THE FABULOUS HERGEST CROFT GARDENS IN KINGTON AND COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY TO THE SPRING PLANT FAIR ON MONDAY 5TH MAY!
With stunning views towards the Black Mountains and next to Offa’s Dyke Path, these horticulturally important gardens contain more than 5,000 rare trees and shrubs.
The 70 acre gardens hold the National Collections of Maples and Birches plus over 130 ‘Champion Trees’. As a Season Ticket holder, you are able to access the gardens 365 days of the year and have complimentary entry to the Spring and Autumn Plant Fairs 2025!
The gardens, tearooms, gift shop and plant sales are open daily from 29th March until the 2nd November 2025.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of season tickets to Hergest Croft Gardens, just answer the following question correctly:
CONTENTS
Competition to win season tickets
Books at Kington Friday Market Presteigne news
Kington Town Council
Kington Golf Club raises money for charity
Repair Café in Presteigne Up The Narrows and some local history
The Man from Mongolia – a house guest with a difference
Entertainment – music and movies
Samaritans’ volunteers needed and Kington Community Shop diary
Carers Corner invites you to write in
Q: How many acres of gardens hold the National Collections? Email info@midbordernews.com by the closing date of Sunday 27th April 2025 with Hergest Croft Gardens in the subject. In your email you should include your full name, address and telephone number.
Closing Date, Sunday 27th April 2025.
T&Cs: Valid for 12 months only. Non transferable and not not exchangeable for cash or goods. Your SeasonTickets will be posted to the winners adfter the closing date and in time for the Spring Fair on Monday 5th May 2025. Usual rules apply. Please
T&Cs
Presteigne Flower Club
Our next demonstration of floral art is on Wednesday 12 March at 7.00 pm in Presteigne Memorial Hall. The demonstrator will be Dean Sharp, with his title ‘Be Different’. The arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening. All welcome, visitors £6 on the door. The April meeting is our AGM and a lunch, when the new programme of demonstrations and workshops will be available.
For further information contact our Secretary Ann – 01544 340453
FLOWERS FOR FUN: the informal flower arranging classes in Whitton Community Hall continue on Thursdays,
12.00 – 2.00p.m 6th , 20th, 27th March
In April we have a week’s lease of the Kington charity shop, then classes will resume from 1st May. Phone Ann as above, for dates and more details.
News from Kington Town Council
Meetings, Committees and Councillors
February 2025
Damp and dark the days of February do drag, but snowdrops and winter aconites peeping from the grass show that spring isn’t too far off. And it is forward we look at Kington Town Council.
Crooked Well
At last we are approaching the end of the Crooked Well saga – we expect to take possession from Herefordshire Council shortly. A few remaining pieces of administration need to be completed and then this plot of land will become the responsibility of The Recreation Ground Trust – which is managed by your town Council as sole trustee. Our team is working on a management plan for the new accession and coordinating it with the plan for the Recreation Ground. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions please do get in touch with us or any of the Council members. We’re keen to hear from you.
Kington Economic Development Plan
Herefordshire Council’s Economic Development Team have begun work on the Feasibility Study for Kington’s Economic Development Plan, and we have been coordinating with them in the selection of consultants. Herefordshire Council selected (with our input) the joint team of land use consultants, Barnes Walker and urban specialists, AW Architects. They made their first visit to Kington on 7th February to engage with us and other key stakeholders. They are looking at parking provision in the town, the use and possible development of the Market Hall and land use options for the Police and Fire Stations. Whilst this is not a Town Council project – we thank Herefordshire Council for their prompt and active engagement with us and their willingness to listen to the real needs of the town. We will keep you posted on developments and encourage you to interact with the project as and when it is open for public consultation.
Meeting with Paul Walker, CEO,
Council.
The meeting with Paul Walker which was postponed in January will now take place at the end of February. This is a private meeting between the Council and Mr Walker, but we will report as appropriate on the result. Our goal is to bring areas of concern from the town directly to Herefordshire Council senior leadership and to listen to their plans for Kington and the surrounding area.
Herefordshire
Local Community Grants
There are two opportunities for local community groups and charities to apply for small grants from the Town Council during each financial year (with one application per group per year). The final grant round for financial year 2024/5 is now open with applications to be submitted no later than 9th March with a view to payments being agreed at our meeting to be held on 17th March. Full details are available on the town council website, as are an application form and guidance notes. Meetings, committees and councillors. We have changed our meeting schedule so that the Council now meets on the third Monday of every month. Our upcoming meetings are:
17th March @ 18.00
21st April @ 18.00
19th May @ 18.00
All our meetings take place at the Old Police Station and are open to all members of the public. We welcome your participation and there is a part of the agenda dedicated to comments from the public.
We have streamlined our committees from five to three. The two main committees now are Environment and Planning, and Finance, General Purposes and Personnel. Scrutiny remains as a distinct entity. Whilst the clue to the responsibility of each committee is contained in its name – we have tried to combine areas of similar interest to make the committees more efficient and individually productive. So far, this seems to be working well. These committees meet at various times during the month (and not every month), and we advise you to check the notice board or websites should you wish to attend. You are very welcome.
The other body which is part of the Council is (as referred to above) the Recreation Ground Trust. This Trust meets every two months before the main council meeting. The Trust is responsible for the management of the Recreation Ground and (soon) Crooked Well. It is also open to attendance from the public.
Kington Golf Club Drive In 2025 NEW CAPTAINS DRIVE IN TO OFFICE
On Sunday 12th January on a bright sunny day, Kington Golf Club celebrated the Drive In for their Captains of 2025 whilst thanking the outgoing Captains of 2024 for their fantastic year in office.
After the official Drive Ins, chairman Phil Jones invited all in attendance back into the clubhouse where the formalities of the day were expressed whilst thanking the outgoing Captains for their tremendous fundraising efforts for their chosen charity, Midlands Air Ambulance. The amount raised was £18,368.80, which is the equivalent of 11 lifesaving missions for the charity. Kate Bristow, Herefordshire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “It is thanks to those in the local communities we serve, just like Kington Golf Club, that we are able to keep our rotors turning and continue to provide a lifesaving helicopter-led service. A huge thank you to every single member of Kington Golf Club for their outstanding support and for helping us to make future missions possible.”On Sunday 12th January on a bright sunny day, Kington Golf Club celebrated the Drive In for their Captains of 2025 whilst thanking the outgoing Captains of 2024 for their fantastic year in office. The event was very well supported by past Captains, club members and their friends and families.
From left to right: Ladies’ Captain – Kay Taylor, Men’s Captain – Tom Ammonds, Junior Captain – Josh Alderton, Seniors’ Captain – Chris Amass
From left to right: Josh Alderton, Rob Price, Kate Bristow, John Cossburn.
Images ©
Andy Compton 2025
REPAIR CAFE
When Presteigne Repair Café started in 2019, we were the 7th venue in Wales – now there are 125! Thanks to Repair Cafe Wales, supported partly by the Welsh Government, many have been set up, including some in England. Others are run by local groups. Presteigne isn’t a traditional café due to space but benefits from nearby cafés. Our goal is to boost confidence in repairs, with our skilled fixers sharing their expertise and encouraging owners to get involved while tackling a variety of household items. Repairing items saves money, reduces landfill waste, and supports the Repair and Reuse movement, contributing to a Circular Economy. This approach prioritises sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling to extend product life and minimise waste. It also challenges planned obsolescence – where products are designed with a limited lifespan – which the European Parliament is addressing.
In the UK, campaigners like RESTART promote the Repair and Reuse Declaration, advocating for:
1. More affordable repairs via tax cuts and repair vouchers.
2. Stronger right-to-repair laws covering all consumer products.
3. A repair index to guide consumers toward durable products.
4. Policies prioritising repair and reuse over recycling, with investment to support this.
5. Training, accreditation and apprenticeships to grow the repair sector.
VISITORS
David Chadwick, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor, and Cwm Tawe, visited in January with his 3-year-old son, William (pictured right), after signing the Reuse and Repair Declaration last year. We shared our experiences, highlighting the need for legislation and addressing repair barriers like limited spare parts. William enthusiastically ‘helped’ with a toaster using a large screwdriver! Engaging children early in repair skills is key and this visit was a great opportunity.
Following the visit, we requested David Chadwick to write to the DEFRA minister regarding the Circular Economy Task Force. It’s vital for MPs, the public, and organisations to show their support for repair and reuse initiatives.
WHO WE ARE
The Presteigne Team consists of volunteers handling reception, PAT testing, and skilled fixers tackling textiles, small electricals, ceramics, clocks, toys, garden tools, and more. Our Repair Café is a welcoming space for skill-sharing, learning and promoting sustainability by reducing consumption.
We’re open every 3rd Saturday (except December) and host extra events, including:
• Clothes Swap with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust youth group, featuring upcycling, stitching, crochet, knitting, and beading.
• Toy Hospital (March 1st, 10–12 PM, Presteigne Library) – Kids can bring broken toys for repair.
• Bike Maintenance Morning (April 19th) This will be running alongside our usual session, encouraging all ages to learn bicycle care.
See our Facebook page for more information: Friends Of Norton Radnorshire Tel: 01544 260766
Visitors first arriving in Knighton cannot fail to notice the iconic clocktower in the middle of the town but what they may not spot is that the road called High Street which leads away uphill from the clock tower, is actually inaccessible to vehicles and can only be explored on foot. Locally, this street is known as ‘The Narrows’ and is a hidden gem in this ancient town of Knighton.
Situated on both the Offa’s Dyke path and the official start of the Glyndŵr’s Way, Knighton has a rich military and political history but often the social history aspect is overlooked in the tourist guides. Fortunately, The Narrows and its architecture offers evidence of how the people of our past lived their daily lives.
Originally, Market Street at the top of the hill was the centre of Knighton and the High Street led down to where the clocktower stands and the road out of town. Some surviving architecture in The Narrows gives clues as to how it may have looked in days past and ironically, it was not narrow. The old frontage of many of the existing buildings is actually some feet behind where some shops now stand (see inset image). As their wares spilled out onto the street, canopies and extensions were added to provide shelter and eventually, these became permanent structures.
Slater’s Trade Directory from 1880 offers a fascinating insight into the trades that were listed in Knighton. It paints a picture of a bustling
A peek into history - a surviving piece of 17th century architecture showing where the original frontage has been extended.
shopping and trading town with approximately 200 retailers – 43 of these being located on High Street. (see back cover)
Whilst many of the shops up the Narrows have been converted to houses, a group of independent shop owners currently located in the old High Street, have come together to try to revitalise this once busy part of town. They have formed a small group beyond the existing town’s Independent Retailers group with the aim of encouraging new businesses to locate to the hillside trading spot.
Although The Narrows can only be accessed via foot (and be warned it is a steep walk for those with mobility issues), you can start off slowly – after sampling the goodies in the ‘Tower House Gallery’ or be inspired by popping into ‘Sandra’s Sewing’ shop then step back in time and browse clothing and accessories from ‘W.E.Prices’ where gloves are in a display cabinet and handkerchiefs are pulled out from wooden drawers. Next on the stop you should head up into the crooked building that is ‘Walkmill Antiques’, grab a sandwich from ‘Border Bites’ to fuel the journey uphill or if you don’t fancy a walk, stay at the bottom and ask Serena at ‘Serenity’ how yoga can be of benefit for a healthy lifestyle. If shopping isn’t your thing, look for the architectural clues that hint at a different era. Take note of the steep steps that used to lead into a pub and be grateful that sewage no longer runs down the paving. If none of that is of interest, there’s also pub and a fish and chip shop to drift into, a hairdressers if you need a haircut, the start of Glyndŵr’s Way to remind yourself you’ve done a bit of a walk, and if you make it to the top of the hill, there’s a Chinese takeaway. Definitely something for everyone but don’t eat too much or you’ll have to squeeze yourself back down The Narrows!
W.E. Prices have been in the Narrows for 70+ years and sells ladies fashions, haberdashery, wools, materials and bedding. We provide a curtain making and soft furnishings service along with clothes alterations.
We have a toy shop and sell baby clothes in the shop across the street.
Have a read of ‘The Story of Knighton’ by Keith Parker and published by Logaston Press for more history about the area.
Sandra’s sewing and alterations came about as a way to connect with a new community. I’ve always loved sewing and enjoy sharing my skills in both providing a repairs and alterations service and lessons for individuals wishing to learn. I stock a wide range of fabrics, patterns and haberdashery. I’m particularly fond of the Liberty fabrics Tana lawn and the large range of quilting and craft cottons. A warm welcome is always here.
See back page for a list of the old trades in Knighton and the Narrows
At Walkmill we pride ourselves on providing a truly unique and exciting shopping experience for our many returning customers and the new ones we have yet to meet.
Whether it is Home decor, Antique and Vintage or right up to the minute style we have it covered.
From Cards to Candles, Metal signs to Vinyls we have something for everyone.
A small but perfectly formed shopping experience, a truly unique and independent surprise awaits.
The Man from
Last year, as an inquisitive editor, I answered a Facebook post from a PhD student looking for a placement on a Welsh farm; as he is a Mongolian herdsman studying pastoral systems in Britain, I couldn’t resist the temptation to meet someone from an extraordinary culture I know little about.
My guest, Dorjraa Purvei will arrive just as this magazine goes to print and my landlord Colin Pugh, his family, farmworkers and all the neighbours will have been showing off Cwm Whitton Farm and making him feel welcome to our little patch of Wales on the borders with England. The farm and my cottage are a world away from a yurt (or ger) on a Mongolian steppe but we have sheep and cattle in common and open views across hills towards the mountains in the distance. Dorjraa can learn about the potatoes Colin grows and they can discuss lambing and cattle herding with Dorjraa mucking in when an extra pair of hands is needed.
I have offered board and lodging but the only thing I know about Mongolian cuisine comes from a night out in Twickenham, SW London in the late 1990’s when a group of us went to a new restaurant – The Mongolian Barbecue. I vaguely remember a buffet style set-up with dishes of raw meat to be cooked on a hot plate by a chef and then drenched in some type of sauce. Not sure I can stretch to that but maybe macaroni cheese will fill the gap?
Before arriving, Dorjraa sent me a presentation he delivered to the farming community in Pembroke where he has been staying for a while and the following extract overleaf offers some advice for my upcoming supper dishes.
The presentation goes on to explain the significance of the parts of meat that are eaten, as well as providing a fascinating history of Mongolia and an insight into Dorjraa’s life and research.
If you are a farmer and would like to contribute to Dorjraa’s research in some way, please contact me at: info@midbordernews.com to be put in touch with Dorjraa.
Herding sheep on a Mongolian steppe
Mongolia
“… meat and dairy food are the staple diet of pastoral communities thereby in the common sense, food without meat is not a food, tea without milk is not a proper tea at all. Let’s take a look at meat consumption. Every part of the animal is consumed in various ways, with the simplest and most common meal consisting of boiling meat cuts (including bones) in water with salt and cooking noodles in the resulting broth. Bones are considered just as important as meat and also feature in kinship terminology, distinguishing between ‘bone kin’ and ‘flesh kin’. However, an elaborate ethical framework governs the consumption of livestock meat, in which meat, bones, and organs carry specific meanings in particular contexts, such as social and kinship organisation, divination, entertainment, and worship. For example, the fore flank bones of sheep are exclusively served or presented as gifts for elderly females, showing their respectfulness, while the ankle bones are served to young female guests, symbolising their future fertility.”
Head over to our website where you can access the presentation and accompanying text and keep an eye out for the next issue where you will read more about the Man from Mongolia!.
Brilley Flicks in the Sticks
Conclave (cert 12a)
Thursday 6th March at 7.30: £5.50 (screening as part of Borderlines Film Festival)
The pope is dead. The throne is vacant. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini star in the sensational Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris’s bestselling novel about one of the world’s most mysterious and ancient events – the selection of a new pope.
Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with running the covert process after the unexpected demise of a beloved Pope. But once the world’s most powerful Catholic leaders have gathered and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy, with an incendiary secret that could shake the very foundation of the Church.
“An entertainingly juicy adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel” The Guardian
My Favourite Cake (cert 12a)
Thursday 13th March at 7.30: £5.50 (screening as part of Borderlines Film Festival)
A 70-year-old widow takes a second shot at love in this radiant tragicomedy from Iran. Mahin has lived alone in Tehran since her husband died and her daughter left for Europe. One afternoon, a conversa tion with friends inspires her to break out of her solitary routine, and what begins as an unexpected encounter with Faramarz quickly evolves into an unforgettable evening.
This delightful film is a defiant artistic statement about the complexity and individuality of older women’s lives.
“Wonderfully sweet and funny…a charming portrayal of a 70-year-old Iranian’s appetite for romance”
The Guardian
The Outrun (cert 15)
Thursday 3rd April at 7.30: £5.00
Fresh out of rehab, Rona returns home to the wild, beautiful Orkneys. After over a decade in London, where she both found and lost love, and where her life was derailed by alcoholism, Rona, now 30, attempts for the first time to reconcile with her traumatic past amidst the majestic landscape of her youth, surrounded by ferocious gales and a stormy sea. Both visceral and delicate, The Outrun is a moving and complex portrait of one individual’s path to recovery, and of a troubled mind seeking to heal. Starring Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan as Rona.
Advance booking only - please book and pay for your tickets online at pay-brilley.co.uk
Brilley and Michaelchurch Village Hall (HR3 6JG), doors open at 7pm. Don't forget to bring your own refreshments!
Kington Friday Market Bookstall
Starting as a fundraiser for Knighton & District Refugee Support Group (KDRSG) in 2021, this second-hand bookstall is now a Friday market staple, offering a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Last year’s sales reached £570—thanks to Nancy, stallholders and customers!
KDRSG raises awareness about refugee issues, supporting individuals, organisations, and campaigns. We host an ‘Annual Away Day’ for asylum seekers, refugees, and local supporters, with Knighton Primary School working towards becoming a ‘School of Sanctuary’.
Upcoming Events:
• Ceilidh with ‘Join the Dots’ – Sat, March 29, St. Edwards Hall, Knighton
• AGM – Mon, March 31, 7 PM, Norton Centre, Knighton (includes a talk on Schools of Sanctuary & refreshments)
• Grand Spring Sale – April 5, Assembly Rooms, Presteigne (10 AM - 2 PM)
Contact us: Knightonrsg@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnightonandDistrictRefugeeSupportrgroup
Samaritans welcoming new volunteers
Samaritans is a national charity with local branches in Powys and Herefordshire, providing emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Our free phone service is available 24/7, but demand is high, so we’re always looking for new volunteers. Powys Samaritans is running a training course in Llandrindod Wells from 23rd March, with spaces available. No experience is needed—our comprehensive training and mentoring will help you gain confidence. You’ll never work alone, ensuring mutual support. While the work can be distressing, it’s also deeply rewarding when you make a real difference. Our phones and training suite are in Llandrindod Wells High Street, above our shop. A car is helpful unless you live nearby—mileage and travel expenses are covered.
Interested? Visit samaritans.org to learn more. Questions? Leave your name and number at 07907 192590, and Pauline will call you back or email recruiting@powyssamaritans.org.uk
For emotional support day or night please call our free number 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS. Charity number 1165036
Radnor & West Hereford Pony Club
Kington Bowling Club
Lyonshall Village Hall
Evancoyd Church
Kington Walking Festival
Presteigne & Borders Floral Arts
Radnor Arms Community Benefit Society
VACANT
Open Arms Kington CiC - The Oxford
Friends of Staunton-on-Wye Primary School
Almeley Primary School
Old Radnor Church
Walnut Gardens Residents Association
A new group brings fresh stock each week, making this one of the most exciting shops around—you never know what you’ll find! It’s a great example of reuse and the ‘local multiplier’ effect, keeping money in the community. Over 50 local groups raise £60,000 annually.
Our committee rents the shop for all participating groups, covering bills, insurance, cleaning, PAT testing, accounts, and maintenance. Each group contributes (£130) and keeps their designated week in a rolling calendar.
If your group is within 10 miles of Kington, email: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com to join our waiting list.
©Phil King
Samaritans phones waiting for the start of a shift.
Caring Corner
The daughter
I used to be an unpaid carer; now I am a daughter.
My dad has Dementia. It has stopped his memory clock to six-past years ago, when we moved him to the area. His internal compass fluctuates between rural England, where he previously lived, a city where he was born and now a Welsh town. Luckily, for him and his family, Dad’s view of the world has, for most of his life, been in the moment. So regardless of geographical confusion, he thankfully continues to understand that I live nearby, which provides security for us both.
Interestingly, Dementia has not diminished his thirst for knowledge. His love for reading is his constant, yet so are the calls of nature interrupting every World War II tactic he reads about: he is locked into a Groundhog Day lasting 20 minutes, where every adventure, or insight, is interrupted by urgent breaks.
Logically then he counters these potential internal interruptions, with a developed stratagem in this battle: a repulsion for hydrating liquids. The cursed cordial is treated like a tormentor, with the results potentially taking him away from his precious pages. We jovially lock horns on this issue. I do not give way as his body’s response to dehydration, and the effects of antibiotics, was something no loved-one should encounter.
So, my role – at certain points in each visit – is “mothering hen”, encouraging him to drink as he rolls his eyes exaggeratedly, while slurping squash loudly, eyeballing me to ensure I see the funny side of his performance. It’s like an overacted pantomime, where wrestling actors face-off against one another, a fight of wills, which I win. We giggle, bow to each other, kiss and I leave the stage for another day more than aware how lucky I am. Julia
Professional and unpaid carers’ emails
I’m a carer and I love my job. I see the happiness in the eyes of the people I care for and it makes me feel like I am making a difference to the people I care for.
I see a lot of people in families that give up a lot of time for their loved ones. It’s usually just one person doing so much. I like to think that I am there for those people too, making their lives a little easier. I don’t think people realise how difficult personal care can be. We always have to think ahead as well as thinking about what is happening now.
I’m lucky that I can take days off in a week because I’m an employed carer, but when people care for loved-ones, they can’t do that unless there is someone else or a carer that can step in.
I’ve seen the toll it takes when only one person in the family cares for a loved-one and can’t have time for themselves. More should be known about carers and unpaid carers. DS.
Julia’s comments: Thank you for your honesty and for writing in D. Your side of caring is really important to share. Unpaid carers should value professional carers, like you, very, very much.
Unpaid carer
I have been very fortunate that both my parents have been stubbornly independent. They have/ had hobbies and friends.
I’m in my 50s now, but I started being an unpaid carer in my 30’s when my mum’s vision suddenly deteriorated (she has several health conditions, but this was when I had to step up the most). I attended medical appointments and drove her where she needed to go. At this point running errands was no problem, it was the emotional support that I gave that was consuming. In my 40’s my father’s health declined so then I was arranging and driving them both to their different appointments. I had to work out how to get their shopping, medications and just general life, all they while squeezed into my own life with a partner and a demanding full-time job. It was a tough time and I know other caregivers will understand. HT
Julia’s comments: Thank you for saying this. People don’t realise that maintaining two homes and working is wearing and can have an effect on physical and mental health:
‘Not being able to access the support they need is taking its toll on unpaid carers, many of whom are worn out and exhausted,’ (CARERSUK, 2023).
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM THE NEXT EDITION ONWARDS, ONLY REQUESTED CLASSIFIED ADVERTS WILL BE INCLUDED HERE. THERE WILL NO LONGER BE AN AUTOMATIC LISTING FOR ADVERTS ELSEWHERE IN THE MAGAZINE.
THIS IS TO MAKE MORE ROOM FOR EXTRA CONTENT!
Apple Mac Computer repairs, upgrades and tuition
Any Apple computers. On site service only. Any distance.
Call or Email Lee on 07875 267790
E: mail@applemacmechanic.co.uk
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. Anna King 07977 978676 or E: anna@akcrafts.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
Flock Gallery & Shop. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm. 12 Church Street, Kington, HR5 3AZ
Hergest Croft Gardens. From 29 March to 31 Oct open daily11am to 4.30pm. www.hergest.co.uk
Huw The Wood. Traditional woodwork and outdoor structures. Huw Morris 07980116847. Huwthewood.co.uk
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
KBS. Kington Building Supplies. Kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, paint, power tools, paving, workwear etc. T: 01544 230081 Also Rhayader Building Supplies 01597 810828. Sunset Yard, Kington HR5 3SF. W: www.kingtonbuildingsupplies.co.uk
Kington Car Club. Be part of the solution! Reserved parking at Love Lane, charging point at Mill Street, membership includes tax, insurance, recovery, maintenance & repairs. E: kingtonkleen@gmail.com
Kington Community Shop. Available for non profit and community organisations to raise funds. E: kingtoncommunityshop@outlook.com
KLEEN. Kington Local Environment & Energy Network. Focused on environmental issues, energy saving and generation. Not for profit organisation. To find out more or to join us. E: kingtonkleen@gmail.com W: www.kingtonkleen.org.uk
Maples Tea Rooms. Open Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun 10.30am to 3.30pm (last orders 3pm). Breakfast, light lunches, cakes and drinks. Please phone Mell on 07970 595 420 for further information or bookings in the tearoom.
Maths and Science Tuition. Primary level to GCSE. Qualified teacher with years of experience with a wide range of abilities and needs. Transform your child’s confidence and outlook. Fully insured and enhanced DBS certificate. Phillip Creasey T: 07449 922639
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
Sandra’s Sewing & Alterations. Quality fabrics for dressmaking/ quilting and crafts, repairs and alterations W: www.sandras-sewingknighton.com Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, time allowing. open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm and Saturday 10am - 5pm.
Signworx. Signage, Vehicle Livery, Banners, Window Graphics, Fascias, Digital & Litho Print, Design Services. Lugg View Ind Est, Moreton on Lugg HR4 8DP. 01432 760700. E: sales@signworxhereford.co.uk
Small Breeds Farm Park. We have 20 plus types of animals, plus a Tea Room and Gift Shop, a great place for all ages. Open all year round from 10.30am - 5pm. Kington, Hereford, Herefordshire HR5 3HF. T: 01544 231 109. E: info@owlcentre.com W: www.owlcentre.com
Timbers Building Company. Restoration, Building, Roofing. Call us now for your quotation. T: 07931 482931 W: www.timbersbuilding.com
Yoga Classes & Yoga Therapy. Individualised, breath-centred yoga in Stapleton, just outside Presteigne. Small group classes. One-to-one yoga therapy, suitable for a variety of conditions. Marie Hudson 07972 492304. E: marieh279@gmail.com W: www.theyogapractice.org.uk
