BROAD SHEEP - FEBRUARY 2026

BROAD sheep

february 2026

BROAD

Contents

Small Ads

Philosophy

Hugh’s bit

Art

Art workshops

Cinema

Dance

Food

Music

Music workshops

Band directory

Theatre

Word

Grass roots

Comp therapies

We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein

BROAD SHEEP,

The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP

Tel: 07786 131159

Email: info@broadsheep.com

Murmurs from the Sky

THE theory is that Trump embarked on this latest round of military outrages to distract from the painfully slow release of the Epstein files and numerous other bubbling political and financial scandals. That maybe the case but I have another theory. I think Trump himself is a ruse. A ruse by the tech giants to distract us from the actual major threat posed by the internet and its pal Ai. Now the web has successfully integrated itself into pretty much every facet of our lives the possibility of blackmailing the whole world has become real and relatively straight forward. Who cares about bombs and drones when at the click of the appropriate bunch of switches some malevolent organisation or freak weather could shut down the whole show.

Take Presteigne for example. Since storm Goretti hit town we have been without our modems for a few days and the consequences have been cataclysmic. Can you imagine, they actually had to close SPAR!!! Do you realise what that means? Since the banks in town closed SPAR has the only cash machine and, as the Post Office in Premiere had to close as well, that means no money. No gossiping in the queue, no cheap red wine, No Guardian!

The roads were covered in ice and snow so it was too dangerous to try escape to Tuffins. The only option was to stay at home but of course no internet and no streaming & Netflix etc. Worse than that there was no way of checking up on my current obsession Itchy Boots and her motor bike travels in Eastern Europe on YouTube. She is currently in Kyrgyzstan and has just visited two fantastic festivals and has posted bits of film involving trained eagles, a yurt speed building contest and a particularly wild game of football on horseback with a dead goat carcass as the ball! Despite having 3 million followers I am sure she will be devastated if I don’t clock on for my daily fix. What’s worse, I can’t send Clare this latest editorial in time for publication unless I can somehow persuade my dusty, unused mobile phone to open a “Hotspot’ and I can learn how to tag this computer to it.

Okay you say, although Presteigne is the centre of the known universe it’s not really that big a deal, but listen. If you think of the way computer systems have inveigled their way into every part of the modern world imagine what happens if they all shut down. No hospitals, no banks, no trains, no radio, no TV, no gas, no electric, no food, no stupid news stories about Donald 24/7 (every minus has a plus).

I had resorted to actually reading a book at breakfast, instead of the newspaper, but some kind friends took pity on me and hauled me off into the freezing countryside to witness what they described as one of the ‘greatest shows on earth’. Somewhere between Kington and Llandod, down an icy single track road, I was forced out of the car and marched down to an unprepossessing bit of open land next to a forest, where apart from a couple of sheep and a wheeling buzzard, there were no signs of life. We stamped our feet, blew on our gloves, drank hot apple juice from a thermos and scanned the horizon.

Eventually as dusk began to close in - they came. Flying in low in perfect formation a couple of hundred starlings came over the low hills in the west and began to circle the small forest of trees in front of us. Then a few minutes later another contingent joined them and it became obvious they were all moving to some complicated ballet music (avine headphones?) Although we heard nothing except the faint murmur of their wings. And so it went on every 2 or 3 minutes another gang would come swooping over the hill to join the troupe until there were thousands and thousands wheeling above us to their own silent disco. Occasionally a bunch would land in the field opposite us turning the ground dense black before peeling off again like rolled up carpet to rejoin the dance until at the blast of a silent whistle they all drop down together into the trees to get a bit of shuteye.

Why do they do it? Google says, as protection against predators, for warmth when roosting, to share feeding sites. These are hypotheses, however, and despite applying the latest technology, the reason and methods driving murmurations have continued to stump biologists, physicists, engineers, and mathematicians. The nearest equivalent might be the way large schools of small fish move, although for some reason it reminded me of gangs of young footballers who instead of looking for space to receive the winning pass all chase after the ball in one joyful crazy mass.

Photo by Alex Ramsay (spot the buzzard)

small ads

cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more.

park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved machine

Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car

Tel: 07527 298199. Hay’s Headline Making Independent

Backfold, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EQ.

HAYSTACKS MUSIC,

ELIZABETH CASSON - GOLDEN BEE CELEBRANT

Ceremonies for the unique, the brave and the wonderfully different. Celebrant led weddings, vow renewals and naming ceremonies. If you’re ready to plan something extraordinary, get in touch. https://elizabethcassoncelebrant.co.uk/

Email: info@elizabethcassoncelebrant.co.uk

Tel: 07807 531151.

CHANCE TO VISIT GEORGIA - THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. For a wonderful foreign adventure in 2026, consider joining a small-group tour led by Georgia experts Christopher and Mzia who will show you this little-known country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the ancient Silk Road, which boasts the highest mountains in Europe, is rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites and folklore traditions, is the cradle of wine, and has a fabulous cuisine. You will be following in the footsteps of other intrepid local residents and national treasure Joanna Lumley who described Georgia as “simply spectacular!” For more information see www.georgiawineroute.com or contact Christopher and Mzia at mziag@hotmail.co.uk

NEW LEAF SUPPORTED LIVING offers a modern and innovative method of care, we are currently recruiting for experienced Support Workers, if you feel you can offer a person-centred approach then we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV to: ann.connors@newleafsl. co.uk poppy.jadecheney@newleafsl.co.uk

JOIN OUR SMALL GROUP TOURS TO TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA We travel in small groups of 6-8 people to remote locations, live in villages and experience culture and rural life. We walk, cook, dance and take horse and cart! Tour dates: 2-9th of June and 1-8th of September 2026. For more information visit www.experienceukraine.co.uk or call Nataliya on 07963 090838. Nataliya Cummings, Experience Ukraine & Beyond.

GUITAR WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN Taught by Vera van Heeringen. Bringing women together in a friendly and encouraging environment to learn, improve and be inspired. www.guitarforwomen.com veravanh81@gmail.com 0781 052 1234.

CLASSIC AND DESIGNER HANDBAGS WANTED URGENTLY. Instant decisions and payment. Will travel. Please Whatsapp or message with photos: Mary 07813 151398.

BABY MASSAGE CLASSES at Ludlow Assembly Rooms (Studio 2) every Wednesday 10.00-11.00 - £8.00 per session (includes massage oil), if interested please contact Mary Hatt on 01568 770100 or email: maryhatt@phonecoop.coop

FIND YOUR TRUE VOICE with Darren Clarke. Free your breath, free your voice! A holistic yet classical approach to singing lessons. Discover vocal freedom through breath work and body awareness. Ages 16 and above. Call 07971 880794 or visit singing.org.uk

PIANO LESSONS IN LEOMINSTER Classical and jazz, ABRSM grades or just for fun. Mature adult pupils welcome. Also mentoring help with composition and songwriting. ANDREW MORRIS 07779 380483 andrewjmorris@mac.com

VIOLIN TUITION with Ron Colyer, MusB, MSTAT. I am a very experienced teacher and performer (ex Philharmonia and BBC Symphony Orchestras, soloist and chamber musician), now giving lessons to students aged 5 to 18 in Worcester, Ledbury, Malvern and surrounding areas. Past students have gone on to specialist music schools, conservatoires, and into the music profession. Success and satisfaction in your playing depends on securing the foundations of technique, learning how to practise, and how to listen: and it really can be fun and inspiring! Contact me on 07733 253056, or email alextechwithron9@outlook.com

VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information.

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £85.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164, 07376 909291.

GUITAR SETUPS AND REPAIRS. Electric and Acoustic guitars. Based in Ludlow. Neck relief, action height, saddle radius, bridge adjustment, intonation, fretboard treatment, fret levelling, dressing and polish, pickup height, electrics service, electrical screening (to reduce hum), cleaning etc. Friendly professional service, fast turnaround. Can collect. Call 07770 321 904.

APPLE MAC COMPUTER REPAIRS UPGRADES AND TUITION All Apple computers. On site service only. Any distance. Call or Email Lee on 07875 267790 mail@applemacmechanic.co.uk

CO-WORKING SPACE IN LUDLOW Desks available for a few hours, a day, or longer at WorkPlace at the Ludlow Mascall Centre. Includes Wi-Fi, parking, and tea and coffee. Designated desks also available on a monthly basis. Contact director@ludlowmascallcentre.co.uk or 01584 873882 for details.

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS Interested in keeping bees but unsure of how to start? Our weekend ‘Bee Ready’ courses are run on our family smallholding near Bromyard, and aim to give you the information and confidence you need. Now taking bookings for our first course on May 9th/10th. For further details please email woodruffbank@ btinternet.com

CHAIR REPAIRS: seats rushed & recaned. Also Danish cord & Habitat sheet cane seats. Paul Richards, 01544 209140. Email - paulrichardsft@gmail.com

PIANO LESSONS IN PRESTEIGNE. All ABRSM grades or simply for fun. Contact Mzia 07981 752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk

P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/ business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katy 01547 520328.

LOST FOR WORDS? Experienced magazine, newspaper and book editor, advertising copywriter, journalist, author and longstanding Broad Sheep contributor can edit, re-write, proof read, research or write from scratch, whatever you need word-wise. Modest fees, quick turnaround. williams.mark1@gmail.com

WANTED: Gentlemen’s clothing and accessories –good quality & vintage. Cash paid. Peter: 07980 693980.

BROAD sheep sheep BROAD

check out the website www.broadsheep.com

Advertise in BROAD SHEEP and you will automatically appear in the online magazine as well. Listings are free.

DEADLINE 15th OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

Nearly 5000 Broad Sheep magazines are delivered throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire & Powys.

ADVERTISING RATES FOR BOX ADVERTS 2026

1/16 page

1/8 page b&w

1/8 page colour

1/6 page b&w

1/6 page colour

1/4 page b&w

1/4 page colour

1/3 page b&w

1/3 page colour

1/2 page b&w

1/2 page colour

Full page b&w

Full page colour

£25

£45 - 7.3cm across x 5.5cm high

£50

£65 - 5cm across x 11cm high

£70

£80 - 7.3cm across x 11cm high OR 15cm across x 5.5cm high

£90

£95 - 10cm across x 11cm high

£100

£130 - 7.3cm across x 23cm high OR 15cm across x 11cm high

£160

£220 - Page size 176mm wide x 250mm high PLUS 5mm bleed

£260

If you are making up the advert yourself, please email the advert as a high resolution (300dpi) jpg or pdf attachment. Alternatively we can make up the advert for you at no extra cost, just email text as a word document and attach any pics/logos, again, jpg or pdf attachment.

To be included on the Food Bytes Directory, Band Directory or Complementary Therapy Directory, the cost is £45 for the whole year.

To be included on the Small Ads Page, the cost is 20p per word. Have Broad Sheep delivered to your door - only £27 for the year (covers p&p).

All cheques payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ Post details with cheque to: BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159 or email: info@broadsheep.com

Like a Dog with a Bone philosophy

TWENTY years, that’s how long it took Paul Tillich, the German theologian and philosopher, to complete his monumental Systematic Theology. [I can sympathize. It’s taken me much longer than that to finish painting the garden shed - more accurately, to think about painting it.]

Tillich explains: “It has always been impossible for me to think... in any other than a systematic way. The smallest problem, if taken seriously... drove me to all other problems...”

Which brings us today’s topic: HOW TO THINK LIKE A PHILOSOPHER. But first at the risk of appearing to have completely lost the plot, I’m going to tell you about a man plastering a ceiling, and then about a swimming pool.

My office at work was situated on a long corridor whose ceiling was being re-plastered. The plasterer made it look easy. He insisted that it WAS easy and invited me to ‘try my hand’. Like a lamb to the slaughter I took up his invitation. He handed me his trowel and held the ladder. Guess what. Not an ounce of plaster got anywhere near the ceiling, but a great deal of plaster found its way into my hair, down my trousers and onto my shoes. He roared with laughter. When I questioned his use of the word ‘easy’ he assured me that it WAS easy - after about five years.

For me, two of the many horrors of secondary school life were football and cricket. Whereas football was merely boring, cricket offered the possibility of being injured, rendered unconscious or worse. To stand there at the wicket while someone who probably hated you hurled a small cannonball in your direction was not, in my opinion, conducive to either enjoyment or a long life. However, these horrors paled into insignificance compared to our visits to THE SWIMMING POOL.

Situated in a local park, it was more of a pond than a pool, and as cold and unpleasant as the games master himself. It was shallow at one end but alarmingly deep at the other. The games master claimed not to remember which end was which since the whole pool was covered with a layer of rotting leaves and probably even more unsavoury detritus. We were ‘invited’ to jump in and ‘give it a go’. Health and Safety had not yet been invented.

Unlikely as it might seem, these two anecdotes - the plaster and the swimming pool - provide some useful insights into the nature of thinking like a philosopher.

The first thing to realize is that, like plastering, it takes determination and lots of practice. Not your five minute job. You have to keep at it. Not let go. To borrow Iris Murdoch’s phrase - you have to be ‘like a dog with a bone’. Philosophy involves a gradual deepening of our thinking on any given subject, together with a

recognition that there are going to be further depths still to be explored. A philosophy book I recall had a striking quote on page one: ‘Whatever you think, it’s more than that’.

Philosophy is not the preserve of a few eccentrics with too much time on their hands: it’s a basic human activity. The big questions - does life have a purpose? What is a just society? How should I live my life? What is beauty? Is war ever justified? Is there life beyond death? What is religion? What is consciousness? Is there free will? - are always there, and from time to time occupy our minds and generate opinions.

Thinking philosophically about such topics requires us to ask yourself some basic questions, for example: do I know enough to support my opinion? What else might I need to know? Where have my opinions come from? How can I be certain I’m right? What counts as evidence? What counts as proof? Are any of my opinions self-contradictory? Why do some people have opinions so very different from my own? Do their opinions have any merit? Is reality just a matter of how you see things?

Like plastering, refining these skills gets easier with sustained practice - but, ironically, at the same time gets harder. Why? Because as you dig ever more deeply into a topic, you see further questions looming large on the horizon. Like the swimming pool, there’s shallow and there’s deep.

These themes - justice, happiness, certainty etcmatter, being of crucial importance in all our lives. How we respond to them also matters, because our opinions inevitably get translated into our actions, there being no clear cut-off point between what we THINK and what we DO. The one is a reflection of the other. World events make that all too clear.

So, 2026 begins. Let it be the Year of Deep Thinking. Embrace philosophy. Enjoy the adventure.

Witness Statement

I had been told that on 29th November at 1pm Mark Levene was going to go on his own to the centre of Presteigne to protest on behalf of Palestine Action which our Government has declared illegal. I walked up to the steps of the Assembly Rooms just after 1pm to see if he wanted any support. Of course, he had already been joined by Angie Zelter and Jasmine Grassi who like Mark, had made placards out of cardboard. As it is now illegal to display placards in support of Palestine Action, all three were breaking the law. Besides myself, several other local people had arrived in support of the three activists and to bear witness to yet another application of this undemocratic law.

The Presteigne people who spoke to us said that they too were horrified at what has been happening in Gaza but felt helpless to do anything about it.

In due course a young policeman arrived. We spoke to him about our concerns and he listened carefully and agreed with us that the atrocities in Gaza were awful. But he wasn’t sure what to do. He contacted his headquarters to find out. After some time, they rang back to ask if we were displaying Palestine Action placards. Half an hour later more police officers arrived and ultimately a police van. The officers were very polite but explained that they had to arrest the three holding placards. They read the well known statement to each of them in turn and then invited them to walk over to the van. Both Mark and Angie refused to do this and the officers had to carry them to the van. They were very careful to do this as gently as possible. Jasmine said she would walk and was put into a separate police car.

They were taken to Newtown police station and held there until about 10pm. After this they made their way home by taxi.

In the UK we have the right to protest. The arrest in London of thousands of Palestine Action protesters is a frightening attack by Keir Starmer’s Labour Government on the democratic right to protest and to free speech.

June Coveney

How many coppers does it take ...

The Land that Time Forgot

THE friendly, canny, mistrustful tight-knit Welsh congregation has been the backbone of rural Wales for millennia. The families are related, hence the limited number of surnames, and they occupy three quarters of the Nation. Despite being forced to call themselves Welsh in their own land - Wales means “foreigners” in Welsh, - they have resisted successive Roman /Viking /Norman /English and South Walean attempts to barricade them in with wooden walls (the Romans), dykes (Offa) and castles (The Normans), to suppress their language (the Victorians) subvert their beliefs (the Church of Wales) and their economy (The Welsh Government). They managed to fend off the notorious 19th C. clearances that emptied the Highlands of Scotland. No mean feat to maintain their solidarity, their way of life and their attitudes to their lands for so long. They are bonded to the land - cynefin and hierath - while the English only think they own it. How green is my valley. With the advent of World War II the powers-that-be in Whitehall finally thought of bribing them. The resulting agrarian revolution transformed the farms. The gospel of maximum production, land improvement, petrochemicals, forestry and subsidies mortgaged the hill farmers to fertilisers, internal combustion engines, sheep and conifer monocultures, and brought on better standards of living and subsidy dependence. They got rid of the upland cattle and hill ponies that were essential to the old seasonal rotations and bracken suppression, ploughed up the species-rich sward for new grass, and replaced the ffridd with monocultural conifers, sacrificing the low input, low output pasture and its precious ecology that had been the base of the system, in the name of profit and progress. The new regime also eliminated the farmers who couldn’t farm the paperwork. According to Carwen Graves’ excellent book “Tir: a history of the Welsh Landscape” a balanced system of paperless organic production and its specific ecology had been in operation for millennia. But now the mortgages are overdue. There are financial and green pressures to stop using chemicals and reduce meat consumption, plus the impoverished government sits astride a sort of fatberg of undeliverable command-and-control regulation and taxes and reduced subsidies, and there’s an ageing population of childless bachelor farmers with a high suicide rate. Sheep may be symbolic of Wales but they are an insignificant part of Britain’s economy or food security. It’s hard to make money. It’s hard to find a wife. The price at market may not cover the cost of production. The wool barely covers the shearing of it. The subsidy is essential for many farms, but supports a form of agriculture which no longer maintains biodiversity, today’s new priority, never mind how green the nitro-grass looks to the holiday makers.

Whisper it abroad - sheep are an enemy of trees and biodiversity, and promote global warming. They keep the landscape bald, and prey to the ever expanding plagues of bracken and bureaucracy. The Welsh flock produce 70 million kg of methane per year, while compacting the ground with their little hooves, which causes run-off and flooding, for instance in Crickhowell 2021 and Monmouth

2026, and they eat off all the self-seeded saplings. Bracken is taking over the better land at 3% per year. We subsidise this pattern through a truly byzantine bureaucracy that Kafka, Joseph Heller and Stalin would be proud of. An expensive joke on the public purse. The indigenous farming population, the natives, one of the oldest craft traditions and tribal groups in Europe is in difficulties, misunderstood, and digging its heels in - a non-conformist congregation who have been on the land, intermarrying, speaking their own language and proudly maintaining their way of life for more than a thousand years despite the cultural, military and economic predators from the Vikings to today’s rootless bureaucrats. After its industry and agriculture has died Wales’s only hope, and a bleak one at that, is to separate from England and be forgotten as a museum piece behind a new Offa’s Dyke, to become a Nature reserve and a Reservation, a giant Area of Outstanding Natural Bureaucracy pensioned off as a rewilded landscape, one big national Parc Cymru, where the keepers talk a different language from the visitors, a carbon sink and a haven of biodiversity to fulfill net zero targets, a picturesque backdrop for outdoor pursuits, and a national treasure to be romanced by nature-deprived city-dwellers on their holidays. A sepia sunset awaits Hen Wla Fy Nhadau - the land of our fathers.

I already live in one of the reservations, a national park. To leave here for the ugly, noisy, smelly, unfriendly, grey-scale, overcrowded, narcissistic, over regulated, alienated, neurotic, hazardous, rude, bio-negative, carbon emitting, rootless, soul-starved, short horizons and sunless indoors of the concrete English towns, where Nature is buried under the tarmac is a worse prospect than living within the boundaries of what will become a postindustrial Arcadia, frozen in time, its people getting away with all they can under the noses - but beneath the notice - of a digitally congealed bureaucracy. On the backroads, in the pubs the economy is darkening already to several shades of grey, and reverting to an unrecorded law unto itself. The original Biblical Paradise was conceived as a walled garden, an artificial version of arranged Nature, a nostalgic haven, a delusion of origins and innocence until Attenborough brilliantly relocated those riches to the endangered wilderness outside the walls of the Garden of Eden. The real world effect of the resulting urban dream of Nature is to create national theme parks, visitor centres, language islands, woodchip paths, explanatory notice boards and pet Sites of Sacred Scientific Interest. Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, the Pembrokeshire coast. A new area is to join them: the Glyndwr National Park covering Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham county and Montgomeryshire. The rest will follow. I foresee all of Wales north of the Heads of the Valleys bypass being pensioned off as one huge Parc Cymru, - the land that time forgot.

I am, on balance, happy to be among the forgotten. © Hugh Colvin 2026

POWYS

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 www.orieldavies.org

Until 21 Feb ‘Dialogue’. In response to loans from Amgueddfa Cymru including Augustus John, Vanessa Bell, Evan Walters and Matthew Smith. Featuring works by SHANE RHYS JAMES, SUE HUNT, JEANETTE ORRELL, ELERI MILLS, CATRIN DAVIES, ANN THOMAS & ANYA PAINTSIL.

Until 21 Feb ‘Make now, Think Later!’ ALEXANDRA REINHARDT.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East Street, Rhayader LD6 5ER 01597 810561 www.carad.org.uk

Feb Closed, but will have a winter programme of activities, please see website or social media for details: www.carad.org.uk, FB CARADTimeScape Rhayader.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513

The museum houses an art gallery with varied exhibitions and events.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079

Until 9 March ‘The Art of the Book’. CLIVE HICKS-JENKINS - drawings, paintings and illustrations. £7.50 castle entry to the exhibition, 10am-5pm.

Chatwood, Celf gan Osian Gwent (Art by Osian Gwent), No. 6 Long Bridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EE 0800 999 1953 www.osiangwent.com

Exclusive and original paintings by Welsh contemporary artist OSIAN GWENT. Luxury works of fine art, paintings and limited edition fine art giclee prints. Open Wed 10am-2pm, Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri & Sat 11am-3pm. Ardent Gallery, 46 High St, Brecon, LD3 7AP 01874 623333

A wide variety of artwork. Open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm. The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864

Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900

Showcasing artists from Wales and the Borders. 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High Street, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530

Gallery, shop, cafe.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes SY18 6BY 01686 413467

28 March - 18 April Vintage Style Fair. Clothing, jewellery, books, household items and furniture. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

Feb ‘Wyeside Works – Our Future Vision’. Wyeside will be 150 years old next year. To secure Wyeside’s future we’ve embarked on an ambitious project to sympathetically renovate and improve our centre. This exhibition is a chance to share our future plans with our local communities. Open theatre times.

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Until 21 March ‘Echoes of Skomer’. HELEN INGHAM.

Until 21 March ‘The Vardre’. TERRY DUFFY.

7 Feb - 11 April ‘The Sea’. The Tabernacle Collection.

7 Feb - 11 April ‘The Picturemakers: Boundaries’. Open Tues - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Road, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777

Until 19 Feb ‘Pockets of Happiness’. Solo exhibition by RACHAEL BLAKEWAY.

24 Feb - 9 April BOB & ANDREWphotographs. Tues-Thurs 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-12pm.

Frogmore Gallery, 20 Frogmore St, Abergavenny NP7 5AH 07474 34887

thefrogmorestreetgallery@gmail.com

Black Mountain Circle makers and artists. 28 craft people, makers and artists. Regular programme of monthly exhibitions and workshops. 11am-4pm. Talgarth Mill, The Square, Talgarth LD3 0BW 07832 972624

6 Feb - 13 March ‘Prints of Wales’. New show by AIDAN SAUNDERS. Cheese and wine at 6pm on 6th Feb. Open Wed-Sat 9am-4pm.

Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538

Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE

Made in Ross, Market House, Ross on Wye, HR9 5HL www.madeinross.co.uk

A co-operative of local art and craft makers. Open 10am-4pm.

Lyde Court, Hereford HR1 3AE 01432 357753 www.lydecourt.com

1 Feb Artisan Market 10am-4pm.

8 Feb Flea Market. Vintage, retro decor and collectables, 10am-4pm. 14 Feb Biker Night, food, conversation, 5pm-8pm.

15 Feb Farmer’s Market, local produce, 10am-4pm.

22 Feb Sunday Market. Crafts, vintage goods and local produce, 10am-4pm.

The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford 01432 340555

Until 2 March ‘Sense of Place’. ALLOY, a collective of contemporary jewellers and silversmiths who live and work in Herefordshire. Alloy makers will be running various artist talks, workshops and tours throughout the duration of the exhibition. Alloy Herefordshire CIC, is celebrating 33 years of being a local jewellery and metalwork collective. There will also be contemporary jewellery and metalwork from current and past members shown. Set up in 1993 by Mike Gell, Alloy has been an incubator and encouragement to jewellers and metal-based makers through community, connection and shared workspace. Alloy-uk.org

21 Feb Contemporary Jewellery Fair. Herefordshire Jewellers, in the Nell Gwynne Studio.

@alloy_hereford Open theatre times. Tinsmiths, Tinsmiths Alley, 8a High St, Ledbury HR8 1DS 01531 632083 www.tinsmiths.co.uk

Feb A unique range of natural fabrics, homewares, stationery and artisan ceramics. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm.

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLIN - jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

‘Wyeside Works’, Wyeside, Builth Wells

Ann McCay, Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge

Tamsin Abbott, Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge

Kim Davis, The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm Shop, Bromfield

Pip Jones, The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm Shop, Bromfield

Laura-Jayne Grey, The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm Shop, Bromfield

Gallery 54, 54 High Street, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917

Feb Gallery artists featuring STUART ELLIS, STEPHEN RIPPINGTON, JOHN MAXWELL STEELE and TESSA HOUGHTON. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Take 4 Gallery, 30 The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1BT www.take4gallery.com

Arts and Craft gallery run by a cooperative of 22 artists and makers including blacksmiths and basket makers, painters and photographers, sculptors and ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists. Basket maker HELEN MUNDAY, blacksmiths STEPHEN MCRAE and SADIE SNOWDROP STAR, ceramicists CLAIRE BILLINGSLEY, STEVE FREER, RUTH BUSBRIDGE and FIONA O’NEILL, mixed media artists CHERYL HEWITT and HELEN NORMAN, jewellers SAM HEMMING, SUSAN WILKINSON and HAZEL MATHIOT, painters DAVID COPE, IVAN JONES, TRUDI FOGGO and JO DEWAR, photographer CRAIG DODDS, sculptors ALAN RICHARDSON and NICK HELME, textile artists SARAH FREER and DI WEISSBERG and wood turner KEITH BRITTEN. Open Mon–Sat 10-5pm. Walenty Pytel Gallery & Studio Tour, near Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7SB 01531 634102 walentypytelgallery@ gmail.com www.walentypytel.com

You will receive a printed guide to all of Walenty’s outdoor sculptures in Herefordshire to visit at your leisure. Bronze and original steel sculptures can be purchased in the gallery as well as signed limited edition prints, cards and his book Walenty Pytel Life/Art/ Sculpture. By appointment only. Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk Pots, prints, jewellery, willow and wood. Handmade at Wobage workshops. Part of Forest and Rivers Open Studios Arts Trail and Herefordshire Art Week. BEN CASSON - furniture and kitchenwood. LYNN HODGSON - wood carving and kitchenwood. PATIA DAVIS - slip decorated earthenware and porcelain. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed stoneware and porcelain. PETRA STEWARDwood-fired salt-glazed stoneware and collagraph prints. CLYDE JEFFERSON - willow basketry. CLAIR HODGSON - gold, silver and semi-precious stone earrings.

Bocam Gallery, Space 10, Bastion Mews, Union St, Hereford HR1 2BT 07929 206707 www.bocamgallery.com

Modern contemporary, pop, street art, prints. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460 Feb Village Arts Group, LIz Watson. Mixed media by talented local artists. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, Sat 9.30am2.30pm Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral 01432 374200 www.herefordcathedral.org

Until 21 March ‘Sacred Creatures’. Exhibition by Jeanette McCulloch MA (RCA), that explores the relationship between humans and animals with a focus on British wildlife. Until 23 Feb ‘Re-interpret’. A curated exhibition of contemporary craft, jewellery, textiles and artist blacksmithing. Featuring work from the degree students of Hereford College of Arts. Located in The Crypt of Hereford Cathedral.

Mon-Sat Cathedral Tours 11.05pm & 2.15pm, £10 per person, under 16s £5, students £8.

Selected dates Tower Tours. Contact office for details, £10 adults, £5 for children under 16, £8 full-time students. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, East Street, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk

Feb Regular gallery artists and makers showing through February with a hint of romance to celebrate St Valentine’s Day! Featuring a gorgeous collection of Fine Art and Craft, perfect presents for the love in your life, including jewellery by CHRISSIE NASH, GAIL KELVIN, ROZIE KEOGH, ELIZABETH TERZZA, LEOMA DREW, ANN FARAG, MARIAN WATSON, TRACEY BIRCHWOOD, RACHEL BAILEY. Ceramic sculpture, fused and stained glass, studio ceramics, metalwork, textiles, silk velvet cushions and scarves, jackets, coats and wraps, hand made cards and much more.

Throughout the year ‘Splendour in the Grass’. Featuring an ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including stone, bronze & iron resins, ironwork, mild steel, carved stone, glass and stainless steel. Including sculpture by RACHEL RICKETS, MYLES MANSFIELD, ANGELA PALMER, HELEN SINCLAIR and more. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Bromtrees Hall, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HZ 07977 574383 info@greenstagegallery.co.uk www.greenstage gallery.co.uk Open by appointment.

SHROPSHIRE

Gallery & Gift Shop, The Giving Tree, 1 The Cobbles, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 18 - 22 Feb Local artists. Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

Gallery Eighteen, 18 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5BN www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 18 - 22 Feb ROB CORFIELD. Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

The Poppy House, 20 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 18 - 22 Feb BISHOP’S CASTLE ART SOCIETY & TEME ARTWORK. 19 Feb Meet the artists, 2-4pm. Open 10.30am-3.30pm.

The Chai Shop, High St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 18 - 22 Feb TAHIRA PAUL. See website for opening times. Artists’ Open Studios, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 22 Feb Open 10am-4pm. SARAH GILLARD & LIV GOODEpaintings. Yarborough House, High St. DRUSILLA COLE - prints, JANE PICKETT - ceramics. Bull St. JENNY JONES - paintings. The Porch House, High St. JULIA BATH - paintings, JANE ALLWARD - weaver. The Old Bakery, Church St.

MARION WATSON - handmade silver & gold jewellery, paintings. Chapel View, Station St. DI & ANDREW DOUCE - paintings. The Old Manse, Station St. TIM PHILLIPS - paintings, KATE EVANS - ceramics. St Cleopas, The Cabin, via Welsh St.

ANNE STEPHENS - jewellery & crafts. The Garden House, Laburnum Alley, Union St.

ROBERT FOWKE - 70s Sci-Fi art. Studio Room, The Barn, rear of 23 High St.

HELEN ROBINSON - stained glass. The Old Vicarage, Church Lane. GEORGINA of Snailhouse Stitching. 4 Union St.

NINA ARCHER - abstract paintings. The White Cottage, 14 Golden Grove, SY9 5LD. Admission free.

The Stars Shop, 70 Church St, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AE www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

20 - 22 Feb ‘Affordable Art’. CASTLE ARTISTS, paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, photographs, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and cards. Open 10am-5pm.

Weighbridge Railway Museum, Station St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 Feb Open day with hot drinks and cakes available. Open 10am-4pm, free admission, donations welcome.

House on Crutches Museum, at the Cobbles, next to the Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

20 - 22 Feb Displays illustrate the story of Bishop’s Castle. Activities for children. Open 1.30pm-4.30pm, free.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

7 Feb Antiques & Flea Market. 9am-4pm.

18 - 22 Feb Miniature Art Machine. Selling tiny pieces of art for £1.

Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. 22 Feb Artisan Market, 10am-4pm. Until 24 Feb CATHERINE JONES.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

Feb OLIVER WILKINS - Wet plate collodion and Tintype photographs. Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm.

Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com

March Aardvark Books March Sale. Huge discounts off everything in the shop, plus big 50p sale in the barn. Open Tues-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-4pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow 01584 878141

Until 3 March ‘Art as Light’. FRANCES CLARKE, an esoteric contemporary visual artist and features Giclee prints from her Blue Pearl Series. 13 March - 2 May DAISY DIXON & RHIANNON HOOSON explore our differing relationships with the world. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm.

Studio & Gallery, Quality Square, Ludlow SY8 1AR 01584 751277 www.abigailhumphriesart.com

ABIGAIL HUMPHRIES - mixed media, figurative pieces and some traditional oil paintings. Open Tues, Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm, Mon & Wed appointment only.

The Gateway Gallery, Chester Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB gatewaygallery@gmail.com

Until 12 March Collage Now! NICK B, ISABEL BRADLEY, TIN CITY, TRICIA CROWTHER, STEW HARRISON, JOY POLLOI, CARLY WILLIAMS. Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Thurs until 8pm during term time.

Alice Draws The Line, The Old Forge, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH www.AliceDrawsTheLine.co.uk Cards, tea towels, mugs, gifts. Open when the lights are on!

The Willow Gallery, 56 Willow Street, Oswestry SY11 1AD 01691 657575

Until 28 Feb New Year Open 2026. An open exhibition, featuring all media. 7 March - 25 April Spring Open Exhibition. Featuring PED4IR MON photographic collective. 10am-4pm, closed Sun/Mon.

Nina & Co, 10 Church St, Ludlow SY8 2JH 01584 877792

Decorative antiques and vintage. Open 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

The Artists’ Gallery, Upper Floor, Ludlow Farm Shop (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk Instagram @galleryrunbyartists Facebook The Artists’ Gallery Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist. PRISCILLA HANNbronze sculpture. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. PAUL BURTON - sculpture in steel, glass and stone. PIP JONESwatercolours. SARAH BILLINGHAMpottery. ALICE SAVERY - watercolour and pen botanicals. LAURA-JAYNE GREY- jewellery metalsmith. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881 Feb Archaeology, geology and fossils, decorative arts and ceramics, social and industrial history. 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Art Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £45 per year.

JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING

Workshops, half and full day classes, demonstrations to groups/societies, by NOELLA PLASMAN-JONES, NAFAS NATIONAL TEACHER OF IKEBANA (OHARA School). Gift Vouchers available. Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com or message me on 07379 499984.

STONE CARVING WITH LOTTIE O’LEARY

Weekend courses for 2026 will be announced soon, also regular Tuesday classes will be back this year after Easter at her workshop in Knucklas. 01547 528 792 www.lottierolearystonecarver.co.uk or email Oleary.lottie@gmail.com

KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP We meet Monday daytime at the Civic Centre, Knighton (near the Clock Tower) during spring and autumn terms. We have weekly topics with friendly tuition. All abilities, beginners welcome. Learn at your own pace. Discover new skills and increase your confidence. Own choice of art materials. Contact artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

CREATIVE BREAKS

Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors, all based in beautiful countryside with outstanding views and local produce. We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Upholstery, Felting, Rag Rug Making, Sculpture, Stone Carving, Dichroic Glass, Plant Dyeing, Natural Dyes, Herbal Medicine, Suminagashi, Rush Basketry, Creating a Sketchbook, Jewellery, Glass Fusing, Hand Bloc Printing, Sewing, Stained Glass, Weaving, Linocutting, Painting and Drawing, Japanese Woodblock, Printmaking, Weaving Wire, Woodcarving and Pottery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it hometreasure it - or give it with pride!

MOOR HALL STUDIO - BOBBY BRITNELL

Inspirational art and textile related courses delivered throughout the year by highly qualified tutors. Some courses are online and others face to face. Refer to www.bobbybritnell. co.uk for further information and details of all courses. Contact Bobby Britnell on 01547 510664 or email at bobby@bobbybritnell.co.uk

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS

Monthly in Llangarron, HR9 6PH. Come along and learn to carve stone with an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience. Tuition, tools, refreshments and safety equipment provided, small piece of stone included in every “Beginners Day”. Gift Vouchers available. Contact frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk 07917 522253.

Sat 7 February

INSECT PUPPET WORKSHOP

For ages 7+. Spaces limited and registration required. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 10.30am-12pm, info@midborderarts.com

Wed 18 - Sun 22 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

18 Feb - Willow Weaving Workshop with Sophie Francis and Phi Evans. Methodist Hall, 10am-4pm, £70. 18 Feb - Textile Applique with Meg Hemmings. Stars, 70 Church St, 10.30am-12.30pm, £5. 18 Feb - Gelli Printing Workshop for young people. The Town Hall, 10.30am12pm, children free, but donations welcome. 18 Feb - Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop for ages 14+. The Old Vicarage, Church St, 11am1pm or 3pm-5pm, £25. 18 Feb - Gelli Printing workshop for adults, 1pm-3pm, £14. 18 Feb - Painting with a Straw with Sue Percy. Town Hall, from 2pm, drop-in, free for children. 18 Feb - Life Drawing with Liv Bargman. The Porch House, High St, 5pm-7pm, £15. 19 Feb - Ways with Weeds - Going Wild workshop with Sarah Jameson. Enterprise House, 10am-2pm, free, but please book. 19 Feb - Landscapes in Embroidery with Sue Percy. Methodist Hall, Station St, 10.30am, £5. 19 FebColourful Calligraphy workshop with Alice Savery, 10.30am-12.30pm, £40. 19 Feb - Mono Printing workshop with Catherine Jones, suitable for ages 14+. Border Lights Gallery, High St. 10.30am-12pm, £12. 19 FebLinocut Printing workshop with Catherine Jones, 2pm-3.45pm, £35. 19 Feb - Still Life Painting workshop.

The Porch House, High St, 5pm-7pm, £15. 20 & 21 Feb - Children’s Painting Session Drop In. The Library, Enterprise House, Station St, 10am-12.30pm, free. 20 Feb - Wild Horses Art workshop with Catherine Jones for ages 14+. Border Lights Gallery, High St, 10.30am-12pm, £13. 20 Feb - Sterling Silver Earrings workshop with Kathy Taylor of Katie Flutie Jewellery. Town Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, Sterling Silver Pendant workshop, 1.30pm-3.30pm, £18. 20 Feb - Scraptastic workshop with Liz Still, 1pm-3pm, free, SpArC Theatre. 20 Feb - Watercolour Painting workshop with Sue Percy. Methodist Hall, Station St, 2pm, beginners, 3pm, improvers, £5. 21 Feb - Needle Felting workshop with Clare Linford. Town Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm, £10. 21 Feb - Lego Club Challenge. The Library, Enterprise House, Station St, 10am-12.30pm, drop in, free. 21 Feb - Abstract Watercolours with Catherine Jones for ages 14+. Border Lights Gallery, High St, 10.30am-12pm, £13. 22 Feb - Pottery Workshops with Jonathan Franklin. Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, Station St, 10.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-4pm for ages 9-15, £20. Please book at the Town Hall or www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 20 February

SCRAP TASTIC

Creative load of recycled materials to make whatever you can dream up. All welcome, under 9s must be accompanied. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 1-3pm, free, 01588 638038.

Sat 21 February

MARCHES SCRIBES CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

‘Home-grown’ workshopsMorning: planning and laying out large pieces of work. Afternoon: mounting and framing. Monkland Village Hall, Leominster HR6 9DD, 10am-4pm, £20 members, £25 visitors. For further details/to book please ring 07858 459236.

Sun 22 February

CREATIVE WORKSHOP

Calligraphy. The Oxford Arms, Kington, 2-4pm, suggested donation £5, bar and cafe open 12pm-4pm, www.openarmskington.co.uk

Wed 11 & Wed 18 March

PYSANKY UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG DECORATING WORKSHOP

Will take place in Artist home in Kingsthorne, Herefordshire,10am to 1pm. Led by Helena Orlowski and Nataliya Cummings, in a calm and friendly atmosphere. Make traditional wax-resist Ukrainian Easter Egg etched with vinegar. Includes an introduction to the Ukrainian Pysanky tradition and other ways of making the traditional Pysanky egg. All materials supplied, traditional Ukrainian lunch, herbal tea and cakes (suitable for vegetarians) £45 per person all inclusive. 10% of profits will be donated to grassroots organisations in Ukraine. Complete 2 eggs in 2 techniques during this 3-hour session. Contact Nataliya on 07963 090838 to book or visit www.experienceukraine.co.uk

Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Egg

GEORGINA FRANKLIN

JEWELLERY

Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times. www.georginafranklin.co.uk

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8EA Phone 01584 810085

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE

Website: www.aardvark-books.com

50,000+ titles; North Herefordshire’s largest indie bookseller; We buy books

Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road. Tel: 01547 530744 aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com

Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays.

YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP

Market Square Bishops Castle SY9 5BN

3000 classical CDs many reduced.

4000 secondhand books varied subjects and literary fiction.

Cards by local artists.

Cafe serving teas, coffees and homemade cakes

Open Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 10.30am until 4.30pm

Friday 1 March - Saturday 4 April

AARDVARK BOOKS MARCH SALE

Huge discounts off everything in the shop during March, plus big 50p sale in the barn!

Saturday 4 April, 10am-4pm

AARDVARK EASTER EVENT

Fantastic plants from the Cottage Herbery and tons of stalls. Live music and hot food.

Sat 21 March

RAG RUG WORKSHOP

Progging & Hooking, vintage fabric recycling techniques to make decorative and useful items. £75 includes beverages and hessian. Venue at Country Bus Station and near train station. 10am-3.30pm Rose Tinted Rags, Hereford, HR1 2EP. Email jenni.ragrugs@freeuk.com, or 01568 750229 for info and bookings.

February

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

Wed 18 Feb - Kids Crafts. A fun selection of art and craft activities for ages 6-11 years, 10.30am-12pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

February

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

1st Thurs of the month - Ludlow Arts Society, 7-9pm, members free, guests £3, www.ludlowartsociety.org.uk

Fri - Painting and Drawing Classes in the Studio, for all abilities, 2-4pm, £20 per session, contact Helen 07949 745604.

February

MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

Every Thurs - Pottery Workshop, 2-4pm or 7-9pm, £15, students £10. Every Fri - Pottery Workshop, 10am-1pm, £20 or 11am-1pm, £15, students £10 and 2pm-4pm Monthly (usually 2nd Sat, but please check) Family Pottery Workshop, 2.30pm-4.30pm, £15, children £10. Life Drawing Class - Monthly (7 Feb), 10am-1pm, £20, students £16. Every Wed - Talking Art, 2pm-4pm, free. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

February & March

ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY

10 Feb - Artist Networking event, email cymru@engage. org for more info. 24 Feb - ‘Are we innocent when we dream? Storytelling, puppetry creative workshop for ages 18+, 10am-4pm. 27 Feb - LATES - Maya Jordan, ‘Chopsy. New book launch and film screening ‘Gentle as Moss on Stone (2025) by boredom research. Check the website for upcoming events. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041, www.orieldavies.org

February CUP CERAMICS

Mondays - Creative Youth Club - a free creative workshop for 11 - 17yr olds. Sat 7 Feb - Pottery Taster - This course is for individuals, couples, families and friends and is a fantastic opportunity to get your hands in some clay as well as making something fun and functional. For ages 14+ when accompanied by an adult on the course and 16+ without adult supervision. - £70 (includes fired and glazed pots). Thurs 12 Feb - 4 Week Throwing / Handbuilding course - Develop your skills under expert tuition with additional 4hr a week studio membership for extra practice - £295. Mon 16 Feb - Kids @ CUP - Design and make your own creations - £15. Sun 22 Feb - One Day Intensive Pottery CourseIf you are new to clay this course will introduce you to making pots on a wheel - throwing, and hand-building pots . If you already have some experience this course will enable you to practice what you already know and extend your knowledge.- £125 lunch and fired items included. 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford. Bookings via www.cupceramics.com

February EASTNOR POTTERY

INTRO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £60 per person. Perfect indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions take place 6, 14 and 19 Feb. Please check availability and book online. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 7, 18, 21, and 28 Feb. Day £180. Weekend £340 per person. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Please book online.CLAY MODELLING 17 Feb, 11am. £40 per person. Themed Pottery Fun for all the family at Eastnor Pottery. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Check and book online, www.eastnorpottery.co.uk admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or 01531 633886.

February

SIDNEY NOLAN TRUST

MAKE - Weekly Art Club for 7-11 years. Presteigne Youth Centre, 3.30pm, free. - Cultivate - Monthly Youth Arts Programme for 11-18 years, 10am-2pm, free. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, www.sidneynolantrust.org

February

BLEDDFA CENTRE

Last Fri of each month - New Accessible Art Sessions. Friendly, creative workshops that support health and wellbeing. All ages and abilities welcome. The sessions are Dementia and memory issues-friendly, carers welcome, 11am-2pm, £5. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01544 260149.

February

SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

First Fri of every month until 5 Dec - Home Educators. Hands on history, science and art workshops for ages 7-11 years, 10.30am-12pm. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 01743 258881.

February

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

10 & 24 Feb - Lego Club, 3.40pm-5pm, free. 19 Feb - Messy Church. An afternoon of craft activities suitable for the whole family, 12pm-2pm, free, drop-in event. Thurs (term time) - Cathedral Seedlings new toddler group for ages 1-3 years, 10am-11.30am. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374202. www.herefordcathedral.org

February

SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE

16 - 20 Feb - Dinosaur Discoveries, February Half Term activity. Make a dinosaur skeleton to take home, plus other dinosaur theme crafts and more! 1pm-3.30pm, £5 per child, must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential. 13 Feb, Rainbow windsocks & 27 Feb, Minibeast bead keyrings - Girls Youth Group, for girls aged 9-14 years. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

February

THE COURTYARD

23 Feb - 30 March - 6 Week beginner and Improver Silver Jewellery Making Course, £185. Every Thurs - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm. £10. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

February & March

ONLINE ART COURSES - ABERYSTWYTH

19 Feb -NHI: Collectors and Collections, £140. 20 Feb - NHI: Succulents, £80. 19 March - Painting Pollinators, £140. 19 March Abstracting the Landscape, £140. 19 March - Illustrating the effects of Climate Change, £140. All online short courses running over several weeks. Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580, www.ac.uk/learning

February, March & April

ART COURSES - ABERYSTWYTH

10 Feb - Woodland Landscapes, £140.

11 Feb - Botanical Illustration 2, £140.

3 March - Towards Abstraction, £140.

28 March - NHI: Mosses Lichen Liverworts, £80.

8 April - Paperclay: Pushing Boundaries, £140.

13 April - Introduction to Printmaking, £170.

All short courses running over several weeks and held in Aberystwyth. Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580, www.ac.uk/learning

February & March

ALICE DRAWS THE LINE

25 Feb - Draw the Line (beginner’s drawing workshop), 10am-12pm. 6 Feb & 10 March - Brush Lettering (modern calligraphy with paintbrush and ink, 10am-12pm, March date 3pm-5pm. All at The Old Forge, Brampton Bryan, SY7 0DH, each workshop £40 and booked via www.alicedrawstheline.co.uk

2026 STAINED GLASS COURSES

With Nicola Hopwood. Long weekend workshops for beginners and those with some experience, in a lively and supportive atmosphere. Brilley, near Hay-on-Wye.

11-14 April, 23-26 May, 19-22 Sept and 24-27 Oct. £300 per person including materials, 01497 820177, www.nicolahopwood.co.uk

Wednesdays

INFORMAL ART GROUP

All welcome, help given if required. The Old School Community Hub, New Radnor, 2-4pm, 01544 350242.

Films about falconry are not that uncommon – 2016’s marvellously energetic and uplifting The Eagle Huntress springs to mind and of course there was Ken Loach’s 1969 groundbreaker, Kes but here we have a bird of prey as an antidote to grief. In this case it’s a goshawk which Clare Foy’s academic, Helen, buys after the death of her beloved and mischievous photo-journalist dad, Brendan Gleeson, and director/co-writer Philippa Lowthorpe follows her path to re-fuel her life with meaning. In fact Mabel the goshawk only appears after another aspect of her life falls apart, a relationship with a handsome art dealer (Arty Froushan) and one of the film’s attractions is how Mabel, or rather the several avian thesps who play her, displays subtleties matching those of the human ones! However Lindsey Duncan as Helen’s mum who finds her daughter’s obsession as more of an emotional sticking plaster and her equally concerned bestie, Christina (Denise Gough) are both on excellent form.

Reviews

by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 14 Feb

HAMNET (12A) 4, 11 Feb THE TALE OF SILYAN (12A) 5, 6, 13 Feb SAIPAN 6, 12, 16,20 Feb SENITMENTAL VALUE (15)

14, 16 Feb THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: THE SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS (PG)

17 & 21 Feb MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON A Grateful Dead soundtrack and extreme sportspeople in amazing neon settings/photography (12A)

18 Feb ROMEO AND JULIET (1968) 13, 19 Feb AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH

20, 25 Feb MARTY SUPREME

23 Feb THE WILD GEESE

23 & 27 Feb THE HISTORY OF SOUND (15)

24 Feb 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (18)

28 Feb DRAWN TO LIFE: ANIMATED SHORTS (15)

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 878141

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

2 Feb MY FAVOURITE CAKE (12A)

2 March BLUE ROAD: THE EDNA O’BRIEN STORY (12A)

7.30pm, Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. 01874 620642 BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON

6 March BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Red Film Programme.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

Until 5 Feb HAMNET (12A)

Until 5 Feb SENTIMENTAL VALUE (15)

2 - 6 Feb BECOMING VICTORIA WOOD (15)

Until 3 Feb THE HOUSEMAID (ctbc)

Until 5 Feb CHRISTY (ctbc)

2 & 4 Feb FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956) (U) Shake it Up Season

11 & 12 Feb RAN (1985) (15) Shake it Up Season

16 Feb DAISIES (1967) (15) Radix Film Club

Until 20 Feb SONG SUNG BLUE (12A) Until 23 Feb NUREMBERG (15)

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE

2 Feb WE LIVE IN TIME (15)

5 Feb SILENT SYNCHED (12A)

R.E.M. X Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. Pairs classic silent movies with epic rock music.

9 Feb HAMPSTEAD (12A)

23 Feb GREENFINGERS (15)

2 March BRIDGET JONES - MAD ABOUT THE BOY (15)

5 March WELCOME TO THE ORCHARD OF ENGLAND (15) (double bill).

5 March THE NETTLE DRESS (12) (double bill).

9 March WILD MOUNTAIN THYME (12)

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

FIVE VILLAGES FILM FEST.

7 Feb ISLE OF DOGS (PG) Linton VH, 6.15pm

14 Feb THE WAY WE WERE (PG) Huntley VH, 2.15pm

19 Feb MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Gorsley VH, 6.15pm

27 Feb SHOPLIFTERS (15) Cliffords Mesne VH, 6.15pm £5 per film. Book online TicketSource. co.uk/FiveVillagesFilmFestival and availabe at usual village outlets

Mountains of the Moon

H IS FOR HAWK (12A) – 148MINS

2 Feb A BUNCH OF AMATEURS (15) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043

2 Feb WE LIVE IN TIME (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

4 Feb DRIVING MUM (12) Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

4 Feb THE ROSES (15) Cardington VH 01694 771295

5 Feb BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS (PG) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

5 Feb LEE (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227

5 Feb THE SEEDS OF VANDANA SHIVA (ctbc) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503

6 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860567

6 Feb MR BURTON (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

7 Feb FOUR MOTHERS (15) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

9 Feb HAMPSTEAD (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

10 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574

10 Feb MONSTER (2023) (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

11 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

11 Feb THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE (15) Diddlebury VH 07396 730342

12 Feb THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

13 Feb WHEN AUTUMN FALLS (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

14 Feb A ROYAL NIGHT OUT (12A) Cawley Hall, Eye 07771 798712

14 Feb MR BURTON (12A) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 872096

14 Feb BRIDGET JONES - MAD ABOUT THE BOY (15) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273

17 Feb THE SECRET GARDEN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

And coincidentally, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao’s (Nomadland) adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s hit novel of the same name has a hawk bringing a young Will Shakespeare – still working as a latin tutor and glove-maker – into the ambit of the almost feral Agnes causing an instant, if combustible bond. Following slight disapproval by Will’s mother (Emily Watson), they’re quickly married after Agnes becomes pregnant, first with a daughter and soon afterwards with twins, but Agnes must come to terms with Will’s writing ambitions and whilst he’s away in London pursuing them, a tragedy occurs which neither will fully recover from. It’s the consequential and potent brew of hope, loss and attempted redemption that lies at the heart of the film’s appeal, with a hefty sideserving of the chemistry between the two charismatic leads. Mescal (After Sun) and Buckley (Wicked Little Letters) have a palpable on-screen chemistry and the latter’s extraordinary, almost wordless performance in the final scenes will have you reaching for your tissues.

18 Feb SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (1974) (U) Leominster Community Centre 01568 616411

19 Feb SWEDE CAROLINE (15) Pencombe & Little Cowarne Parish Hall 07960 726717

19 Feb WELCOME TO THE ORCHARD OF ENGLAND (ctbc) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

19 Feb WELCOME TO THE ORCHARD OF ENGLAND (ctbc) Pencombe & Little Cowarne Parish Hall 07960 726717

19 Feb THE ROSES (15) Norbury VH 07929 366745

19 Feb THE MARCHING BAND (15)

Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503

20 Feb TOUCH (15) Ryton VH 07835 928069

20 Feb THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333

20 Feb FLY ME TO THE MOON (12A) Marton VH 01743 792790

21 Feb NORTH BY NORTHWEST (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 07810 393163

21 Feb SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE (12A) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

21 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Leominster Community Centre 01568 616411

21 Feb SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12) Bicton VH 01743 850551

23 Feb GREENFINGERS (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

23 Feb OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH (PG) Claverley VH 07967 540531

26 Feb THE ROSES (15) Goodrich VH www.goodrichvillagehall.co.uk

27 Feb PLEIN SOLEIL (PG) Hafan Yr Afon, Newtown 07939 273525

27 Feb A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

27 Feb I’M STILL HERE (15) Colwall VH 07891 668124

27 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Clungunford VH 01588 660159

28 Feb THE COURIER (12) Callow End VH 0333 666 3366

HAMNET (12A) – 125MINS

And falconry aside, we find ourselves marvelling at another fringe sport – table tennis –through the ambitions of a cocky 1950s New York shoe salesman Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet – outstanding as ever). Mauser has ambitions far beyond his uncle’s run-down shoe store and the seedy ping-pong dives oddly reminiscent of The Hustler and his determination and obvious skill take him nearly all the way to world domination but his deceits, conceits and double-standards get in the way. These include latching onto an equally smart-mouthed but faded movie star (Gwyneth Paltrow), her wealthy husband (Kevin O’Leary) who wants him to throw exhibition matches in Japan and a married girlfriend (Odessa A’zion) who he may or may not have impregnated. The performances are universally astute, especially those of A’zion and Paltrow but arguably the addictively frenetic pace and look of the film, which arguably owe much to director/co-writer Josh Safdie’s (Uncut Gems) admiration for early Scorsese works like Mean Streets, that make it a serious Oscar contender.

THE HAFREN, NEWTOWN

25 Feb YESTERDAY (12A)

The Hafren, Newtown, 01686 948100

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY

11 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY THE GRAND FINALE (PG)

13 Feb WHEN AUTUMN FALLS (12)

subtitles

27 Feb A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (15)

Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB

12 Feb SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES (15) Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 01686 668442

OLD MARKET HALL, SHREWS.

Until 5 Feb HAMNET (12A)

6 - 12 Feb RENTAL FAMILY (12A)

7 - 21 Feb STITCH HEAD (U)

13 - 18 Feb GIANT (15)

13 - 19 Feb THE HISTORY OF SOUND (15)

15 Feb THE WORLD OF HANS ZIMMER (PG)

13 - 21 Feb KANGAROO (PG)

19 - 22 Feb PAUL MCCARTNEY: MAN ON THE RUN (15)

20 - 26 Feb H IS FOR HAWK (12A)

27 Feb - 4 March WUTHERING HEIGHTS (15)

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PEMBRIDGE PARISH HALL

27 Feb STILL LIFE

Pembridge Parish Hall, 7pm. www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk

PHOENIX THEATRE, R-O-W

4 Feb DRIVING MUM (12) Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 01989 564570

PRESTEIGNE ASS. ROOMS

18 Feb LILO & STITCH (U) www.midborderarts.com Assembly Rooms, Presteigne.

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

6 Feb DREAMS (15)

20 Feb THE KINGDOM (15)

6 March BUGONIA (15) www.presteignescreen.org.uk Assembly Rooms, Presteigne.

REGAL, TENBURY WELLS

2 Feb HAMNET (12A)

6 Feb SONG SUNG BLUE (12A)

21 Feb THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS (U)

21 Feb RENTAL FAMILY (12A)

28 Feb KANGAROO

Regal, Teme St, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

Until 5 Feb HAMNET (12A)

1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Feb THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: THE SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS (PG)

7 - 12 Feb MARTY SUPREME (15)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SHREWSBURY FILM SOCIETY

6 Feb CEDDO (12)

20 Feb JOYLAND (15)

6 March THE MEASURE OF A MAN (PG)

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

17 Feb THE SECRET GARDEN (PG)

19 Feb THE ORCHARD OF ENGLAND Film screening, live readings, poems, song and cider, 7pm. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

THEATRE

SEVERN, SHREWS

3 Feb & 5 March THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

6 March 100 YEARS OF LAUREL & HARDY Presented by Neil Brand, exponent of silent film and improvised piano accompaniment.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 Feb ON FALLING (15)

1 Feb AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (12A)

Until 5 Feb 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (18)

Until 5 Feb SONG SUNG BLUE (12A)

6 - 11 Feb H IS FOR HAWK (12A)

6 - 12 Feb RENTAL FAMILY (ctbc)

7 & 8 Feb PUT YOUR SOUL ON YOUR HAND AND WALK (12)

13 Feb - 1 March STITCH HEAD (U)

14 - 22 Feb KANGAROO (PG)

24 & 25 Feb ELEANOR THE GREAT (12A)

28 Feb - 1 March THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB (15)

28 Feb - 5 March THE HISTORY OF SOUND (15)

6 - 12 March SPLITSVILLE (ctbc)

13 - 19 March COLD STORAGE (ctbc) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

3 Feb HAMLET

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

6 Feb THE FIFTH STEP

National Theatre. Garway Village Hall, 7pm, 01981 580215.

9 Feb WOOLF WORKS

Royal Ballet & Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401.

Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281. The Gateway Cinema, Ross on Wye, 7.15pm, 01989 552166. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm, 01584 878141. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

10 Feb HAMLET

National Theatre. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

11 Feb HAMLET

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am, 01432 340555.

15 Feb WOOLF WORKS

ROH. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 2pm, 01885 488575. The Hafren, Newtown, 2pm, 01686 948100. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 638038. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

19 Feb HAMLET

National Theatre. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

26 Feb THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281. The Gateway Cinema, Ross on Wye, 7pm, 01989 552166. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

27 Feb THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

28 Feb THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, 01989 564570.

3 March GISELLE

Royal Ballet and Opera. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.15pm, 01686 948100. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281. The Gateway Cinema, Ross on Wye, 7.15pm, 01989 552166. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.15pm, 01874 611622.

5 March THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 11am, 01743 281281.

6 March THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

8 March OTHELLO

National Theatre. The Hafren, Newtown, 2pm, 01686 948100. 10 & 14 March TURNER & CONSTABLE

Exhibition on Screen. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 11am, 01743 281281.

WORKSHOPS

Every Tuesday YOUTH CAFE

Young people (8-16) can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970 Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB

For ages 11-17. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-7.30pm, £82 per term, 01432 340555.

The Audience

dance Dance Performance

Sat 28 February

TAP FACTORY

Eight extraordinary male performers deliver a sensational blend of dance, acrobatics, music and comedy, creating a show that delights audiences of all ages. The Courtyard, Herfeord, 4pm & 8pm, 01432 340555.

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £45. Thurs 19 February

THE COURTYARD’S SPECTACULAR TEA PARTY

Dementia-friendly celebration tea dance with music from yesteryear, gentle dancing with friendly students and welcoming environment for all. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 20 & Sun 22 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

20 Feb - Dance Like a Tudor. With Roth and Mark Goodman. Previous dance experience not needed, 2pm-3pm. 22 Feb - Morris Dancing workshop with Martha Rhoden’s Tuppenny Dish and Shropshire Bedlams, 12pm-2pm. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, donation to festival funds. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

ASSEMBLY ROOMS DANCE CLASSES

Weekly - Circle Dancing, no partner required, 1.45-3.45pm, £5, contact Kathryn 01584 877446. Weekly - GKY Dance. Dance and acrobatics for children, various classes, 4-8.15pm, £4.75-£6.25, contact Grace Young 07939 638637. Weekly - Learn 2 Jive, beginners 7.30-8.30pm, intermediates 8.30-9.30pm, no partner needed, £6, contact Matt info@coolmovesdance.co.uk. Zumba - Tues, 6-6.55pm, £8, contact Julie, 07753 197097. Adult Dance Classes with Hollie Victoria for ages 18-80 - weekly, 7-8.15pm, £10, email Hollievrobertson@aol.com Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

DANCE CLASSES AND STUDIO HIRE WITH 2FACED DANCE AT THE CENTRE FOR MOVEMENT, GAOL STREET, HEREFORD HR1 2HU.

Wee Movers: Age 4 - 6, Mon 16:30 - 17:15, Mega Movers: Age 7 - 10, Mon 17:20 - 18:20, Adult Contemporary Flow: Age 18 +, Mon 19:20- 20:50 Teen Contemporary: Age 11+, Tues 17:00 - 18:00 2Faced Youth: Age 11+ (audition only), Tues 18:0021:00. The Kin Project: Boys age 9+, Wed 18:15 -19:30

K-Pop Kids: Age 6 - 10, Wed 4.45-5.45

K-Pop Youth: Age 11+, Wed 5.45-6.45

K-Pop Perform: Age 11+ Wed 6.50-7.50 www.2faceddance.co.uk / 01432 620032 / admin@2faceddance.co.uk

PINSLEY MILL MORRIS

Women’s Northwest Morris and clog, are looking to welcome more dancers. We meet every Tuesday at 8pm, Kingsland Coronation Hall, HR6 9SQ. No experience necessary! Email PinsleyMillMorris@gmail.com for more details, or just turn up. Come and join Herefordshire’s newest Morris side!

DAYTIME ADULT BALLET AND TAP CLASSES

Ballet 4All, Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 at RNCB, The Point4, Venns Lane, Hereford. Tuesdays; 1-2pm Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 2:15-3pm Low Impact Adult Tap at The Larruperz Centre, Ross-On-Wye. Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, beginners are welcome, PAYG £8. Tel Ruth; 07854 793 960 Email; creativefitness20@gmail.com www.creativefitness.org.uk

DANCE WITH ALANYA

Mondays at Kingswood Village Hall, HR5 3HE: 11.00am12.00 noon Move with the Groove Classic tracks from Disco to Swing - follow-on steps or do your own thing. All welcome. £8.00 drop-in/£24.00 per 4-week block. 12.15-1.00pm Belly Dance Basics Beginner Level Belly Dance, no experience required. £6.00 drop-in/£18.00 per 4-week block. 1st & 3rd Saturdays at Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB: 1.00-3.00pm Shimmy Central Open Level Belly Dance, all levels welcome. £14.00 per class, bookings by the previous Wednesday.For full information, visit www.alanyadance.uk or contact Abbie at alanyadancer@gmail.com or on 07962 161081.

LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES

Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, 7.30pm. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm. Tues - Pembridge Village Hall, 7.30pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. Claines Parish Hall, Worcester, 7.45pm. Wed - . Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, 7.30pm. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street, 7.30pm. Abberley Village Hall, 7.30pm. Penybont Community Centre, 7.30pm. Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, 7.30pm. Thurs - Lindy Hop Introductory 6 week course, Bodenham Parish Hall, 8pm. Fri - Gentle Jive, Bartestree Village Hall, 10.15am. Sun - Eardisley Village Hall, 6.30pm. For more information please e-mail info@coolmovesdance.co.uk Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

Mon - Boogie with Baby, 1pm-1.45pm, £6.50. Mon - Dance Blast Mondays, 10.45am-11.30am, £7. Tues - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 11am-11.45am. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1pm-1.45pm. Thurs - Music and Movement for the Mind, 2pm-2.45pm, £7. Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15am-11.15am, £7. Fri - Dancing Tots, 11.30am-12.15pm, £6.50. Sat monthly - Line Dancing, 6.30pm-7.30pm, £7. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays, Thursdays - Saturdays MID WALES DANCE

ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE

Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7-8.30pm.

Mely 07837 160505.

Fortnightly Sunday HIGHFLYERS YOUTH DANCE

COMPANY For ages 11-18 with disabilities or additional needs and their siblings. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2-4pm, 01743 234970 or email Rachel youthsidance@gmail.com

W CSONS, The Pavilion, Castle Green, Hereford

ERE Mr Pernickety a plant, he would be an Helianthus annuus, a kind of whopping yellow daisy that looks permanently to the sun for its happiness and well-being. Any dreariness in Mr P’s daily life exists in direct proportion to the shortness of daylight time; throw in clunches of hard and jagged snow underfoot and, overhead, a sky the consistency and hue of cold porridge and he recognises the ingredients of downright gloom. These times are the only weeks of the year when he wishes he lived on the Southern Mediterranean and not on the Welsh Marches.

However, in these perennial periods of darkness Mr P has often found the best antidote to glumness is the consumption of truly delicious, original and uplifting food. As it happens, there is, in our lovely region, a surprising number of creative and innovative skillet-wielders to be found, some of whose cuisine Mister Pernickety has been lucky enough to sample during past year. The Black Bear near Usk comes to mind; L’Ecole des Amis in Credenhill and the Griffin at Felin Fach were also notable taste-bud titillaters.

Just after Christmas Mr P and the LC joined lively young friends to eat within the wacky idiosyncrasy of The Angel in Ludlow to say farewell to the talented but unpredictable Martyn Emsen with a flourish and a paella well-filled with scallops and big fat garlicky gambas. Regrettably, Martyn, who is taking a belated gapyear before retiring, didn’t come up to say goodbye. Nevertheless, Mr P is sorry that The Angel is now closed. Those customers who in the past have received either a tongue-lashing from the temperamental chef, or a bill that had grown like Jack’s beanstalk will be less so.

In the meantime, other, especially talented younger gastro-artistes in the region are truly worth following: The Beefy Boys with skill and commitment to the best possible ingredients have created hamburgers that make Mr P’s teenage Wimpy burgers look like dog-biscuits and have produced an establishment of which Herefordians can be proud. Also exciting and original are the Crouch brothers from Ludlow. who have recently opened their fourth restaurant, CSONS in the Pavilion on Hereford’s Castle Green. Since they opened their first on the Teme at Ludlow, they have consistently shown their talents as creators of amazingly unusual, unexpected combinations of tastes and textures that make their venues always exciting places to eat.

There is extra excitement in visiting their new premises. A sat-nav will have trouble pronouncing Csons – not being smart enough to understand the pun. Mr P and the LC approached the restaurant through an alleyway off Castle Street, by way of a long path between the dark trees of Castle Green. The Pavilion is in a peaceful spot,

right on the Green beside the Wye. The dining space is uncluttered and chic in blue and grey, easily surpassing the LC’s high visual standards.

The Crouch brothers have evidently been confident enough to make a big investment in their new venue and Mr P predicts that they won’t regret it. They do what they do exceptionally well and at a fair price. The dishes on offer are all special, served on small or large plates, allowing a punter a wide choice from this wonderful menu. Mr P’s joyful anticipation of dinner was enhanced when he and the LC were joined by Mr & Mrs C, old friends from deepest Herefordshire who hadn’t yet experienced the clever Crouch bros’ cuisine.

Mrs C chose a dish of free-range chicken Shawarma with mint yoghurt, harissa, nut & sesame dukkha and pickles, cous-cous, pomegranate and roasted red peppers – a cornucopia of tastes which she pronounced deliciously tender and well-spiced. Mr C, who last accompanied Mr P to the Black Bear, had Hake Tandoori, which he awarded a fulsome 10/10 for freshness and texture. The LC smiled happily over her Pork Belly with cider, lovely crackling, chestnut, chuckle berry, celeriac and potato boulangère, lardons and apple. Mr P envied her choice, despite being delighted by his succulently presented pheasant with herb stuffing, bacon, pear, redcurrant, venison sausage, parsnip and charred leeks – each mouthful more exciting than the last, helped by a good glass of Ciu Ciu Bacchus Montepulciano.

To finish, Mr P and his guests shared a bowl of Mincemeat Bread’n’butter Pudding with Brandy Custard – a fine, honest coda to the wonderful mains.

Mr P considered the whole menu a triumph, a work of art, even offering drink suggestions with each plate (which he didn’t notice until after the event.) No matter; there will be a next time, no doubt several, if he remembers to book early.

Mr Pernickety

EVENTS

Sun 1 February BURNS NIGHT SUPPER

Haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by cranachan. With readings by Hugh Farey. Vegetarian options available on request. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, £20, 01885 488575.

Fri 13 - Sun 15 February VALENTINE’S ALE MASSACRE

20+ ales, lagers and ciders, plus street food: (Fri - The Pizza Girls, Sun - The Beefy Boys Pop Up). Stand up comedy, live music. Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, From Fri 11am- Sun until 8pm, 01584 873291.

Sat 14 February VALENTINE’S BANQUET

Three-course menu celebrating seasonal and local produce. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm-10pm, £60 per person. Booking essential, 01432 357753.

Fri 20 February SHROPSHIRE LAMB SUPPER

Local Shropshire Lamb with bold Mexican flavours. 3-course, 7pm, £33pp, jugs of table wine at £10. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. Booking essential.

Sun 22 February SOUP KITCHEN AND TEA ROOMS

Bank House, 4 High St, Bishop’s Castle, 11am-4pm. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. All funds raised go towards SpArC projects. Donation of cakes welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 27 February FARMERS MARKET

Local bread and pastries from Alex Gooch, seasonal vegetables and locally sourced produce and handcrafted goods. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 9am-2pm, free entry, 01982 552555.

Every Saturday LUDLOW COUNTRY MARKET

9am-12pm at The Womens Centre, Ludlow. Local produce, handicrafts, plants & veg, cut flowers, cards.

First Saturday of every month (except January & July) VILLAGE MARKET & CAFE

Bacon rolls, cake, hot drinks. Regular stalls selling pies, cakes and baked goodies., honey, floral designs, crafting supplies and more. Cedar Hall, Dilwyn, 10am-12pm.

First Saturday of every month (except August) FARMER’S MARKET Produce, craft, gifts, kitchen cafe open. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm.

First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm. The best collection of artisan food producers in the area.

2nd and 4th Saturday of every month KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 07751 221487.

2nd Saturday of every month BRECON FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET Brecon Indoor Market Hall, 9.30am - 4pm. 07926 196714.

2nd Saturday of every month LEOMINSTER FARMER’S MARKET Corn Square, 9am-1pm, 01568 797427.

Third Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01547 520332.

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023. Last Wed of every month NEW COMMUNITY CAFE A friendly, safe space, to learn, share and enjoy food. Learn basic food, foraging, preserving and recipe ideas or just drop in for a tasty affordable bite. The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-2pm, 01544 260149.

1st Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET

The Barn, Ledbury, 6-8pm. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org

Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET

Regular stalls on the lower floor. First Thurs of the month, using both floors with community cafe. Open 9am-3pm, www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/market 07790 100462.

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-2.30pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043.

Every Friday KINGTON PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET

Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £45 per year.

AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc. Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays.

THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865

Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Tues-Sat 9.30am-3pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

LEON’S SUPPER CLUB, 14 HIGH STREET, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS LD8 2BA (ABOVE THE SALTY DOG). TEL: 07805 727486 OR VIA FACEBOOK Open every Friday and Saturday 6pm to 9pm. Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas. Bring your own drink.

LOCKDOWN DHABA - EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

Specially curated 3 course vegetarian and vegan menus designed to take you on a journey exploring traditional & contemporary Indian food. Pre-order and we will cook your meal fresh in our home kitchen, quickly chill it and deliver it to your door. lockdowndhaba.com or instagram/facebook @lockdowndhaba

THE ORGASMIC CIDER COMPANY, GREAT PARTON, EARDISLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR3 6NX 01544 327244 or 07773 037448 Craft cider and perry off licence and gift shop with local products. Open Friday and Saturday 12 to 5pm. Group tours available.

RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & wholefoods. The Old Garage Shop Knighton LD7 1EN. Wed. - Fri. 9 - 4, Sat. 10 - 2. Free parking. Organic veg boxes delivered to collection points in Presteigne, Knighton and Beguildy. rhosorganic@outlook.com www.rhosorganic.co.uk

THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm.

YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP, 5 MARKET SQUARE, BISHOP’S CASTLE 01588 638318 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm and every Bank Holiday. Teas, coffees, cappuccino, latte, home made cakes. Also 3000 classical cds many reduced. 4000 books and artist’s cards.

YE OLDE TAVERN, KINGTON 01544 231417

Food served Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-8pm. Thursday Steak Night, 8oz Rump and a drink, £14.50.

FEBRUARY

Sun 1 February

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Squirrel, Ludlow, 9pm. Please book your slot, email markianrichards@hotmail.com.

CANDLEMASS BY CANDLELIGHT

Choral service led by the Priory Choir. Leominster Priory, 6pm.

MR G & THE FAITH HEALERS

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 4pm.

WILL KILEEN

King of the slide guitar. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm, 01531 632250.

Mon 2 February

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 07909 290942. Bring drink/glasses.

OPEN MIC

The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, www.thelostarc.co.uk

AIDEN THORNE & JAMES CHADWICK

Welsh folk tunes reimagined. Bill’s Kitchen, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, £12/£28, 01584 878141.

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Tues 3 February

COMMUNITY BINGO FUNDRAISER

Grab your dabbers and bring your lucky charm. Two special games will be available to purchase on the night with Line and House prizes, snacks, drinks and dabbers. Families welcome. The Courtyard, Hereford, eyes down at 6.30pm, 01432 340555.

JAM NIGHT

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

Thurs 5 February

HARRY KNEESHAW & CHOLE

DUMOULIN

Violin and piano. Programme includes Brahms, Beethoven, Elgar and Sarasate. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7pm, 01873 850805.

THE RADIOHEAD PROJECT

The sound and spirit of Radiohead. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £33, 01743 281281.

JOE H HENRY

Blending influences of early rhythm and blues, soul and country roots with a lyrical depth of folk, highlighted by his stunningly powerful and expressive vocals. Priest Weston VH, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, early bird £10, admin@ priestweston.org Arts Alive.

ALBERT HATES KARAOKE

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 10pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

POP MUSIC QUIZ NIGHT

Hosted by Roddy Hankins. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £5 entry with cash prizes, 01432 357753.

Fri 6 February

SHEF LEPPARD + EXTREMELY

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

THE FOGHORN STRINGBAND

Rhydycroesau Village Hall, 8pm, £15, 07796 694191, no bar, bring your own drinks!

The Foghorn String Band

Fri 6 February

THE ROAD KNIGHTS

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford. LADIES THAT LUNCH

Join Calon Hearts UK Charity. Prosecco upon arrival, live music with a Michael Buble tribute, gin tasting and a two course meal and charity auction.

The Oak Inn, Staplow, HR8 1NP, 1pm, £40, please book, 01531 640954 or www.theoakinnstaplow.co.uk

BIG BAND OF BOOM

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 1

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

JOE H HENRY

See 5 Feb for details. Escleyside Hall, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, early bird £10, 01981 510116. Arts Alive.

THE AYOUB SISTERS

Transformative music blending Western classical, Arabic and Celtic traditions.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £20/£15, tickets via Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 01584 878141.

BRAHMS TRIO

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm, free.

FIDDLEBOP

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 7 February

THE INNER VOICES: HARMONIES ACROSS WALES

A live concert celebrating the rich culture of vocal harmony and singing with a fresh modern acappella take. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £18, 01982 552555.

HOTROX

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

THE DOORS: AN EVENING IN LAUREL CANYON

Performed live by a 6-piece band with vocals. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £23, 01584 878141.

THE FILM STRING ORCHESTRA

From Romeo & Juliet to Wallace & Grommit, an evening of orchestra and choral film & TV music and song with a romantic twist! St George’s Church, Barbourne, Worcester, 7pm, £18, under 16s £15, 07590 431965 or www.thefilmorchestra.com

ALICIA GARDENERTREJO QUARTET

With strong influences from the world of jazz and folk. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £25, under 22s £12, 01743 234970.

MARTIN KEMP

80s DJ set. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

THE KAST OFF KINKS

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805.

THE SKA BEATS

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MAN OF THE WORLD

‘The Music of Peter Green’. Founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. With guitarist Remi Harris, vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £18, 01952 728911.

SUZY ST CLAIR

Organ recital. St Mary’s Church, Ross on Wye, 2.30pm, £10 at the door, (interval refreshments included).

SCOTT LAVENE

The Globe, Hay on Wye 01497 821762.

JOE H HENRY

From Nova Scotia possesses a powerful voice and delivers his blend of early rhythm and blues, soul and country. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £12, 07967 517125. Arts Alive.

THE MISS RACHEL EXPERIENCE

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 11am, 07498 966606.

FOGHORN STRINGBAND

Welcome return from Pacific N.W., the top US Stringband performing down-home, foot stomping lively music from Old Time Appalachian, Cajun, Bluegrass and Country. Unmissable. Come watch and dance. The Lost Arc, Rhayader 8pm £12. Tickets from List Arc website or phone 01544 350407, 07989 898771.

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

A HEAD FULL OF COLDPLAY Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Joe H Henry

Alicia Gardener Trejo Quartet

Sun 8 February

CYNEFIN

Owen Shiers, the creative vision of musician, grain grower and cultural historian. Seasoned songs, poems and stories. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15, under 25s £10 from The Workhouse Gallery Presteigne or www.midborderarts.com Mid Border Arts.

SALON CONCERT

Simon Lewis, renowned violinist and former leader of the WNO and English Chamber Orchestra with Sharon Richards, piano. Programme includes Bach, Mozart and Massenet. The Hub, School Lane, New Radnor, LD8 2SS, 3pm, donations please, 07870 752325.

Mon 9 February

JOY CLUB

Hereford’s inclusive adult rave for adults with learning disabilites. Rave with DJ Andy in the studio, glitter and glow sticks included. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 10 February

JAM NIGHT

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

Wed 11 February

LOGAN MCKILLOP & CALEB TOMLINSON

Logan is a folk/roots singer-songwriter and storyteller from Canada. Caleb performs crafted and lyrically driven Americana and roots music.

The Hanging Gardens, Bethel St, Llanidloes, 7.30pm, tickets, www.tinyurl.com/logancaleb BEANS ON TOAST

Book Social with stories and songs. Plus Parakeet performing at 9.15pm. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £17 online, £18 on the door, students £10, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Thurs 12 February

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

Hosted by Roddy Hankins. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £5 entry with cash prizes, 01432 357753.

ALBERT HATES KARAOKE

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 10pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

JAZZ CLUB FUGUE AND GROOVE TRIO

With solos showcasing their individual virtuosity and seamless interplay, they create a dynamic experience, ranging from evocative ballads to fast, driving swing. The Corn Exchange, High St, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, £12 in advance 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange. co.uk

GERARD FLOTATS & JULIAN CHAN

Cello and piano. They will perform works by Cassado, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Brahms and Messiaen. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £22/£7, 01584 878141.

SWING FROM PARIS

Parisian-flavoured music. Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington, 7.30pm, £18 from www.swingfromparis.co.uk

ANKORA

8-piece ensemble featuring the future stars of British jazz. The Marr’s Bar, Pierpoint St, Worcester, 8pm, www.musicspokenhere.club

Fri 13 February

THE RIGMAROLLERS

A joyous take on the blues, blending vocals, harmonica, guitar, sousaphone and percussion. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, 01952 728911.

LOS PACAMINOS

Featuring Paul Young. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. Hundred House Inn, Purslow, 8pm. Please book your slot, email markianrichards@ hotmail.com.

KROP FANTASY

A high-energy theatrical celebration of the global phenomenon that is K-pop. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

AUDIO THIEVES

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

JOIN THE DOTS

Ceilidh/barndance. A lively and energetic crowd for some easy to learn dances or just come and listen. In support of Black Mountain College. Talgarth Town Hall, 7pm, bar, bring a shared buffet, donation on the door, 07731 194797.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 2

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MONMOUTH BIG BAND

‘Down Lovers’ Lane’. Valentine’s concert. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £16/£12, 01600 772467.

Sat 14 February

NOT-VALENTINE’S PARTY

For anyone who wants to escape Valentine’s day, an alternative party! The Oxford Arms, Kington, from 6pm, free, www.openarmskington.co.uk

AFTERNOON MUSIC

Peter Dyke, a short concert played on the Father Willis organ. Hereford Cathedral, 3.15pm, free with retiring collection.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

Trevor’s farewell tour. Rock ‘n’ roll, pop and comedy, featuring timeless hits from the 50s through to the 80s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

KARAOKE & COCKTAILS

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

LOVE FROM, CONTREPOINT

An evening dedicated to love, from swooning renaissance madrigals to much-loved choral classics. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, to book, 01432 374202 or www.herefordcathedral.org

VO FLETCHER

One old hippy, one voice, one guitar (well, maybe two). No backing tracks, no loopers. An evening of all time favourite songs from the Summer of Love. Brampton Abbotts Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, early bird £10, admin@bavhall.co.uk Arts Alive.

Vo Fletcher

TWO PUSH CHARLIE

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

SCOTT LEVENE

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 8pm, info@wmsc. org.uk

MARK HARRISON BAND

Blues, roots and folk collide with one of the UK’s most original music acts. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £17, 01584 878141.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBERMOTOWN SHOW

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

GLITTERBALL DANCETHE NON VALENTINE EDITION

Come however you are - dressed to the nines or dead casual; alone or together; happy or sad. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15 from The Workhouse Gallery Presteigne or www.midborderarts.com

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR

Trio Sonoro ‘A Time Traveller’s Pilgrimage’. Music from the 9th to the 17th century via the music of Josquin des Pres, Guillaume Du Fay, Francesco Landini, William Byrd and more. New Radnor Community Hall, 7.30pm, £15, under 14s £3, 01544 350746 or 07493 940683.

Sun 15 February

THE SOUNDS OF PHILADELPHIA & MOTOWN

Former Drifters member Roy G Hemmings. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £33, 01743 281281.

HAY MUSIC

Featuring Solem Quartet. Programme includes Haydn, Latimer and Dvorak. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 5pm, www.haymusic.org

Mon 16 February

MUSIC QUIZ NIGHT

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm.

Tues 17 February

JAM NIGHT

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

Wed 18 February

RAPSQUILLION AND WILDWOOD

JACK

Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, 8pm, £12, book at The Town Hall or www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

K-POP SUPERSTARS

Tribute show for the family. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, £19/£17, 01600 772467.

FIDDLEBOP

Live rehearsal. The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, free, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

Thurs 19 February

ALBERT HATES KARAOKE

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 10pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

ORGAN RECITAL BY MIKE PLUNKETT Programme includes Rheinberger, Schumann, JS Bach, Handel, J Stanley and CM Widor. St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle, 12.30pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

A CONCERT IN TWO PARTS

Part 1 - Allgold Chamber Choir. Part 2 - Chris Lacey & Richard Silk. The Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £13. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

JESS TUTHILL

Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, 01584 878141.

Fri 20 February

SMALL CHANGES

An acoustic trio of singers playing guitar, cello and violin. Pop, rock, folk, neo-classical and jazz. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, 01584 878141.

STICKY WICKET

Latin Jazz Experience. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £15. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

GLASBURY ARTS

GLASBURY ARTS HARP SUMMER SCHOOL

26 – 29 August 2026 at Gwernyfed High School, Three Cocks, nr Glasbury, Powys LD3 0SG

As we approach our 14th Harp Summer School, we have made some changes to the structure that we hope will broaden the scope of the event by adding an additional group specifically for players of the traditional Welsh Triple Harp as well as our Advanced, Intermediate and Beginners for players of lever and pedal harps.

Tutors are Eleri Darkins, & Manon Browning, Co-Directors of Music, Emily Harris one of our core team and guest, Scottish folk harpist, Ailie Robertson. Together with our four associate tutors, Rose Graham, Mistletoe Chapman, Bethany Coggon and Gareth Swindail-Parry. We will be aiming to provide an exciting and fun musical experience for players, if you would like to join us, full details are on our website at: www.glasburyarts.co.uk

Fri 20 February

BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 3

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm. Please book your slot, email markianrichards@hotmail. com.

THE UK CLASSIC ROCK EXPERIENCE

Classic rock anthems. Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, 8pm, £15, 01584 873291.

SMALL CHANGES

Acoustic trio of singers playing guitar, cello and violin, performing an eclectic range of music. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, 01584 878141.

FLAT MOON

Funky music and six freaky people. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £8, www.thelostarc.co.uk

THESE SMITHS

Tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

THE FORFEITS

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

JOY CLUB JUNIORS

Dance with DJ Andy and experienced arts practitioner Toni Cook. Designed for you people with additional needs and disabilities. Glitter, glow sticks and plenty of energy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, 01432 340555.

THE HUSH

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 21 February

HOPE CRAMSIE

An evening of classical guitar. Music by Mompou, Poulenc and Barrios. Llanwarne Village Hall, 7pm, 01981 540721.

MARCHES TRAD SESSION

An informal afternoon of music and dance from the French, Breton and European traditions. No partner needed. Cawley Village Hall, 2pm-5pm, free entry, donations, 07731 194797.

70S DAY PARTY

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

EMO CLUB NIGHT

The Foundry, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

BISHOP’S CASTLE ORCHESTRA

Afternoon concert, 1.30pm, all welcome, no need to book. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. Refreshments available. Donations to Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival.

JOIN THE DOTS CEILIDH BAND

Ceilidh/barn dance. An evening of lively music and easy to follow dances, no need to bring a partner. Yarpole Village Hall, 6.30pm food, 7.30pm ceilidh, £10 for dance only, £18 for dance and food, 01568 701996 or 07531 599700.

CEILIDH WITH THIS WAY UP

An evening of music and dancing. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12, children £3, 01588 638038.

TRIGGER - THE STADIUM ROCK EXPERIENCE

A full-throttle, stadium-sized, face-melting rock spectacle. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

ALEX HART

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 8pm, info@wmsc.org.uk

Sun 22 February

CHARM OF FINCHES

Australian sister duo delivers intricate folk-pop that is simultaneously graceful and darkly bewitching. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £15, 01743 234970.

BILLY SHANNON & BAND

The Dr Hook Songbook. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 5pm, 07498 966606.

QUIZ NIGHT

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm. ORIGIN VOICES

Young choral group from Cardiff performing established and contemporary pieces. 3pm at St. Edward’s Church Hall, Tref-y-Clawdd/Knighton. Tickets £15/£2 students/children on the door, cash only www.knightonconcerts.co.uk

WYE VALLEY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Music by Vaughan Williams, Bridge, Imogen Holst and Britten. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 3pm, www.wyevalleyfestival.com

Charm of Finches

Tues 24 February

JAM NIGHT

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

Wed 25 February

CLUN ACOUSTIC FOLK SESSION

The Sun Inn, Clun.

Thurs 26 February

BOWJANGLES

Genre defying string quartet bring their mix of physical comedy, improbable dancing, soaring vocals and virtuosic string playing. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 878141.

ALBERT HATES KARAOKE

Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 10pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

RACHEL NEWTON

Singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton draws on poems and ballads, working them into her contemporary style. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

TIM DALLING

‘Help I Think I’m Turning into Ivor Cutler’. Rhydycroesau Village Hall, 8pm, £13, 07796 694191. No bar, bring your own drinks.

ABACUS

Four-horn fronted sextet of familiar faces on the Birmingham scene combining concepts from small group to big band jazz. The Marr’s Bar, Pierpoint St, Worcester, 8pm, www.musicspokenhere.club

Fri 27 February

THE GLENN MILLER AND BIG BAND SPECTACULAR

Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Featuring Queen’s biggest hits. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £18, 01686 948100.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 4

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MARTIN TAYLOR MBE

Morgan Motors Experience Centre, Malvern, www.versatilearts.co.uk

COLDPLACE

Coldplay tribute. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

THE INSTITUTIONS

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

BIRDBROTHER

A duo featiromg Philip Stapley and Paul Beadle. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £14, 01584 878141.

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE FOLK FUNDRAISER

Very rare opportunity for mid Wales folk audiences to see and hear exceptional performers at the top of their game. Pete Coe’s not played in mid Wales for decades - 2026 may be his last year touring, too. The three younger voices of Culverake produce stunning acapella harmonies. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16. Tickets https:// wyeside.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows/873678150

Peter Coe, Wyeside Fundraiser

Sat 28 February

IAGO BANET

Master of the guitar, ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, Country, Dixieland to swing, pop and folk. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £10, 07967 517125.

CHERRY REELS

Gordon Bennett’s Bar, Hereford.

THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA

The Globe, Hay on Wye, 01497 821762.

ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT

Featuring Penybontfawr Male Voice

Choir and Meibion Goronwy Male Voice

Choir. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01743 281281.

ROCK THE EIGHTIES

Six musicians, each bring their own style and influences, performing the greatest 80s anthems. The Corn Exchange, High St, Ross on Wye, 7.45pm, £15 in advance 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

THE BOHEMIANS

Queen tribute band. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £29.50, 01584 878141.

THE JAM’D

Tribute band. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26.50, 01743 281281.

THE BLACK RAT EFFECT

The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

IVAN MOULT

‘Stood Out in The Storm’. A seamless blend of 1960/70s folk and blues infused with modern textures. With support from Jessica Rising and Jakey Boy Hughes. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £15, under 25s £10 available at The Workhouse Gallery Presteigne or www.midborderarts.com

THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS

Live at the Country Bunker. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

MARCH

Sun 1 March

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Squirrel, Ludlow, 9pm. Please book your slot, email markianrichards@hotmail.com.

CANTORION Y GELLI

Concert for St David’s Day. Cantorion Y Gelli is Hay’s mixed-voice, Welsh language choir. The Great Hall, Hay Castle, Hay on Wye, 6.30pm, £12.50, www.haycastletrust.org

CHORAL EVENSONG

Leominster Priory, 6pm.

LINDISFARNE

Legendary Tyneside folk-rock pioneers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £32.49, 01743 281281.

BUILTH MALE VOICE CHOIR

St David’s Day Concert with Megan Reece, award winning singer/songwriter. Strand Hall, Builth Wells, 4pm, £10 on the door or 01597 851427.

Mon 2 March

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 07909 290942. Bring drink/glasses.

OPEN MIC

The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, www.thelostarc.co.uk

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Tues 3 March

IRELAND THE SHOW

A sensational celebration of all things Emerald Isle. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £30, 01743 281281.

Thurs 5 March

ROB LAMBERTI

‘Perfectly George Michael’. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER & JOHN DOYLE

Top class folk music from the celebrated trio. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £23.65, 01743 281281.

ROKAS VALUNTUNIS

Piano. Programme includes Schumann, Grieg, Schubert/Liszt. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7pm, 01873 850805.

Fri 6 March

REGAL FOLK FESTIVAL

Featuring James Yorkston. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442.

T.REXTASY

Tribute band. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, 01873 850805.

THE HEREFORD PASSION

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £10, children £6, www.herefordcathedral.org

QUEENZ

Get ready for an electrifying live vocal drag-stravaganza. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £30.80, 01743 281281.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Semi Final. The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

QUO CONNECTION

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

STEADY EDD TRIO

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 7 March

T.REXTASY

Tribute band. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, 01873 850805.

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

The best from Broadway and the West End. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £27.50, 01743 281281.

CRAVEN ARMS BIG BAND

With an 18-piece line-up, the band’s repertoire ranges from swing classics of the 30s and 40s to more modern Latin and jazz/rock standards. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15, 01584 878141.

SOUNDS OF SEATTLE

Plus support by Vendetta Deluxe. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

THE ALEX VOYSEY BLUES BAND

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £16, 01952 728911.

THE WONDER OF STEVIE

The ultimate celebration of the genius of Stevie Wonder. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £32.50/£29/50, 01600 772467.

Cantorion Y Gelli

THE HEREFORD PASSION

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £10, children £6, www.herefordcathedral.org

NUADHA JAZZ QUARTET

Garway Village Hall, 8pm, bar and food available, £12/£6, 01981 580215.

JON POLLARD

Plays Roy Harper. West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 8pm, info@wmsc.org.uk

Music Workshops

Sat 14 February

FIDDLES IN HARMONY

With tutor Kitty Greenwood. Traditional tunes with original harmony parts especially composed for folk fiddle players. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS. Meet in the cafe at 10.15 am, workshop: 11am to 12.45pm. Fee: £20 per session - includes pdf sheet music. For information and to book, email Kitty: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com

Wed 18 - Sun 22 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 19 Feb - Drumming Together - What it can do! With Peta. Family workshop for ages 9+. Methodist Hall, Station St, 2pm-3pm, £5. 19 Feb - Community Band Workshop. Grange Road Community Centre, 2pm-4pm, £4, 07837 241757. 21 Feb - Singing Workshop with Rapsquillion. Methodist Hall, Station St, 10.30am-12.30pm, free. 22 Feb - Sing with Shropshire Harmony Quire. Lydbury North Village Hall, Session 1 11am-1pm, Session 2 2pm-4pm, free. Booking via Bishop’s Castle Town Hall or www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sun 22 February

SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

A free workshop for singers and instrumentalists exploring the lively music of the church gallery choirs that flourished from about 1750 to 1850. Led by Andy Watts (Carnival Band). Lydbury North Village Hall, SY7 8AU, 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. Attend one or both sessions. www. shropshireharmonyquire.org.uk

Sat 28 February

SING FOR FUN!

Hereford Choral Society. Workshop for all singers. Rutter Requiem. Broadlands School, Broadlands Lane, Hereford, Registration 9.30am, 10am-1pm, £20 includes score loan and refreshments, under 25s free, 07775 667288, wwwlherefordchoralsociety.org/ singforfun

Sunday evenings monthly

HARMONY TRIBE

Upbeat, fun and welcoming natural voice singing with Sarah Rowe. Wonderful rounds and part-harmony songs from around the world for all levels of experience. No auditions or performances. First Sunday in Ledbury: fourth Sunday in Tupsley, Hereford. Full information including times, venues, bookings and contact details at harmonytribe.co.uk

Mondays

AFRICAN DRUMMING

Djembe drumming class with Landing Mane from Senegal.All ages and experience welcome. At De Koffie Pot, Bridge Street, Hereford, HR4 9DG. Mondays, 7pm-9pm. 07960 851447, info:landing@jamojamoarts.com

THE COURTYARD

Mon - Garrick Singers, 2pm-3.30pm, £7 per session. Tues - Playing Together, 11am-12pm, £5 per participant, £3 siblings, 1 free adult/carer per participant. Wed - term time only Veterens Military Choir, 10am-11am, details 07970 590430. Fri - Singing for Health & Happiness, 2pm-3pm, £5 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

ENCORE ENTERPRISES

Singing for Lung Health Group

– Online and face to face sessions

Specifically for people who suffer from progressive lung diseases. Wellsprings Song-writing course, for 18+ who would like to improve their mental wellbeing. LIVEWIRE Rock and Pop sessions for anyone aged 11-21 yrs who wants to play in a band, write songs. Garrick Singers – Term Time only. For ages 55+, weekly at The Courtyard 2-3.30pm. £7 per session. Encore Youth Music For young string, brass and woodwind players. For upto 21yrs of Grade 1-8 standard. Hereford based. info@encore-enterprises.com

Monday

BANDAMANIA

Bright and breezy traditional and original music. Memorial Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet. com

Mondays

KINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY

Led by inspirational Music Director Simon Harper and accompanist Paul Roberts, KCS is a 60+ strong nonauditioned SATB choir performing several concerts each year in Presteigne and Kington, often with professional soloists and orchestra, plus an annual choral Workshop. Rehearsals most Monday evenings 7pm in Titley Village Hall. Interested? Contact Sandie dsgw@hotmail.com

Monday

REGAL COMMUNITY CHOIR

All abilities and adults of all ages welcome. Singing popular and traditional songs, led by Pete Thorogood. Regal, Tenbury Wells, 6-7pm, £5 per session, wwwregaltenbury.co.uk

Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954.

Mondays, term time only THE MERE SINGERS

An open-access mixed voice, adult choir singing original and traditional acapella songs. No need to read music. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, maryskeith@aol.com

Mondays

CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR

All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. Martin on 01694 722500.

Monday

CORVEDALE CHOIR

Community choir led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm. 07805 633615 or ros.crouch@ gmail. com

Chapel Lawn Studio

Recording Studio

Perfect for solo artists & small bands

Do you have a song/melody you want to record? Record it in the beautiful Shropshire Marches, between Knighton & Clun.

Guitars, bass guitar, mandolin, electric Piano, sample drums, and sample keyboard available. Also have a wide range of sample library sounds. I use Logic Pro, and can mix & master your song for CD & radio standard. £25/hour includes sound engineer (me)

Contact: Jeremy 01547-530980

Email: jampotmusic@icloud.com

Instagram: @chapellawnstudio

Tuesdays

LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Liv is leading us in learning uplifting songs. World music, jazz, folk, all in the mix. Come and have an inspiring sing, 7pm-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. ffi 01568 369074 or email: lccatlcc@myphone.coop

Tuesday 1-1 DRUM TUITION/GUITAR TUITION

With Sophie Holliday, from 6pm: The Undercroft, £20 for 30 minutes, £40 for one hour. Booking essential. Pavilion Mid Wales, 01597 258118.

Tuesday

BLUE HILLS CHOIR

Small daytime choir singing classical music led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 10-12noon. 07805 633615 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES

Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427.

Tuesday

WHITTON VOICES

Mixed community choir.Traditional, world and original songs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Call Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet.com

Tuesday (term time)

LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm-1.30pm, £6.50/£6, 07723 016837.

Wednesdays

PLAY IT BY EAR

The Pilgrim Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9NY, 7.30pm9.30pm. Folk musicians meet fortnightly to learn tunes by ear. For full details contact Kitty Greenwood: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com 01584 841564

Wednesdays

CASTLE VOICES

Community choir, songs from around the globe. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm. Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet.com

Wednesdays (term time)

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

For ages 5-9 years. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 4pm-5pm, £20 per term. Email: info@midborderarts.com

Wednesdays

SONGWRITING FOR TEENS

Seven Wednesday sessions in term time for ages 10-18. Mid Border Arts, Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 5.15pm6.45pm, £20 for the term, email info@midborderarts.com

Wednesday

ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR

Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

Wednesday

LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR

Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 6.30pm-8pm. 01584 823604 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

Thursday

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR

Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com

Thursday

CLUN SINGERS

Informal community choir, traditional and original songs taught by ear. 10am, Moor Hall, Bettws y Crwyn. Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet.com

Thursday (Term time) MUSIC TOTS LUDLOW Music activities for children aged 0-4 years. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 9.30am for 0-15 months. 10.30am for 1-3 year olds, 11.30am dor 2-4 year olds. Gersom 07531 120951.

Every Thursday

KINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR

Non auditioning choir, rehearsing on Thursdays (term time) at 7pm-8.30pm at the Burton Hotel, Kington. Come along or email Secretary Teresa at kccherefordshire@gmail.com

Thursday

CANTORION LLANDRINDOD

A non auditioned mixed voice choir early and classical music. Rehearsals currently in Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells. 7.30pm-9.15pm. www.cantorion-llandrindod.org 01597 810601.

Thursday

EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR

Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch, Ludlow Methodist Church, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Ros Crouch 07805 633615, ros.crouch@gmail.com

2nd & 4th Fridays

SINGING FOR FUN

Meets on the second and fourth Fridays at 7pm in St John’s Methodist, St Owen Street. Singing boosts wellbeing, and we enjoy varied music. No musical experience needed. All are welcome. Join us. For details, contact admin@herefordshiremethodists.org.uk

Friday

BUZZY BEATS!

A fun morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £7, 01743 234970.

Friday

CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE

Craven Arms Community Centre.10am - 11.15am. Regularly during term time with some holiday sessions. Join our friendly group to learn traditional djembe rhythms from Africa and samba rhythms from Brazil - Adults £5 (children accompanying their parents can join in with holiday sessions - £1, second child free). Enquiries carol@mkgriffs.plus.com

Friday

LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR

We are a non-audition choir formed 12 years ago with 25+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3.50 per session paid termly, first trial session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. Info: term dates etc: lhvoices.wix.com/ home Facebook: @LittleHerefordVoices

Sessions

First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 8.30pm, 01547 550400.

First Saturday FOLK & IRISH SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

First Saturday of month PICKIN’ AT THE BIRD The Bird in Hand, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 01743 357484, 9pm.

3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

3rd Sunday IRISH SESSION Pandy Inn, Dorstone, 01981 550273.

Sundays FOLK SESSION West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 9pm, free, 07974 725374.

Every Monday AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASSES With world famous drummer, Landing Mane. Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford, 7-9pm, 07494 904066.

Every Monday OPEN MIC NIGHT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury, 01743 344728.

First & Third Monday OPEN MIC The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, 01597 811226.

First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 07909 290942 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

2nd Monday JAM SESSION The Barley Mow, Trefonen, 7.30pm, 07751 420796.

2nd Monday SONGWRITERS CIRCLE

Old Street Tavern, Old St, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 07709 904836.

Every Tuesday YOUTH CAFE For young people to meet and share creative activites. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC King Charles II, Broad St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, 01989 219357.

Every Tuesday TUESDAY JAM SESSION The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8-11pm, 01885 483034.

4th Tuesday UNPLUGGED ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION

Basement stage, Oil Night Long, 31 Castle St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.oilnightlong.co.uk

1st Wednesday OPEN SINGING NIGHT With mic provided. Bring your own backing track on usb or ask the musicians to support. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.30pm, 01531 632250.

1st Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION

Old Brewery Bar, The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm.

Cantorion y Gelli in Concert

March 1st - Hay Castle

March 21st - St Andrew’s Church Presteigne

2nd & 4th Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Red Lion, Llanidloes, 8.30pm.

3rd Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB

The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm, hosted by Paul Townsend and Vicki Edwards, 01952 610888.

3rd Wednesday TRADITONAL FOLK MUSIC SESSION

Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford, 8pm, 07543 327548.

3rd Wednesday AMERICANA SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8pm, 01568 720510

Every Thursday JAM SESSION For all levels. Basement stage, Oil Night Long, 31 Castle St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.oilnightlong.co.uk

Every Thursday OPEN MIC The Volunteer, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 805235.

Every Thursday OPEN MIC West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 9pm, free, 07974 725374.

2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060.

Every last Thursday OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Paul Atwell and Clare Bennett. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.45pm, 01952 610888.

Every last Thursday KINGTON FOLK CLUB at the Old Picture House, Bridge Street Kington HR5 3DW. 8pm start. Simply turn up and sign up to play or just come to listen, all welcome. Donation £3 to cover venue hire, www.kingtonfolkclub.com

1st Friday FOLK SESSION Informal session of all genres of folk music and all musicians are welcome. The Red Lion, Llangorse, 8pm, 07976 308226.

1st Friday JAZZ JAM West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 7.30pm, £4, 07974 725374.

1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

1st Friday LUDLOW SESSION TheThe Unicorn, Lower Corve St, Ludlow, 8:30pm. Contact: Ann Gray 01584 879 348.

2nd Friday FOLK SESSION The Greyhound, Llangunllo, 8pm, 01547 550400.

2nd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Hundred House, Purslow, 8pm, markianrichards@hotmail.com

3rd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm, markianrichards@hotmail.com

band directory

ADD A BAND - Real instrument backing to your own music. Perfect for singer songwriters etc. Studio near Newtown. www.addaband.co.uk, 07515 401635. ALMSHOUSE ALL-STARS. Bring alive the swing era of the jazz age with classic songs and hot tunes featuring male & female vocals, sax, clarinet, flute, guitar, double bass, banjo, harmonica & ukulele. Band member credits include TV & radio, BBC & international music festivals, residencies at major tourist attractions and cruise operator contracts. Email: contact@wysonlanemusic.com. Phone: 07836 773303. Visit the website: www.wysonlanemusic.com/almshouseallstars Check us out on YouTube: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eHhA49c9d60 Find us on Facebook: #almshouseallstars.

BAGPIPES Authentic Highland Music for your event or gathering from Scottish Wedding Awards 2025, “Highly Commended” Piper of the Year Finalist, Keith Wellings. Keith is a former British diplomat, bringing Scottish music to weddings, funerals, parties, festivals and celebrations. Contact by phone 07580 389903, email keiththepiper@ gmail.com, Facebook Keith Wellings - Keith the Piper, Instagram keiththepiper.

BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com

BROADsheep

Band Directory

ONLY £45 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £45 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

Just call Clare on 07786 131159 or email: info@broadsheep.com

DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

BANDEMONIUM Community music group based in Herefordshire playing a wide range of world, country dance and traditional folk music. Bandemonium is available to play at weddings, parties, ceilidhs (caller provided), social and community functions, schools, day centres and charity fund raisers. New members welcome. Contact: Hellobandy1@gmail.com

THE BANDEROS are a dynamic Blues band that effortlessly channels the raw essence and soul of the genre into their performance. Comprising seasoned musicians with a passion for Blues, Country Blues and Hokum, The Banderos deliver a live experience that is given that special sparkle treatment. Call them up. Phone 07710 493468. E-mail: info@newtraditionmusic. co.uk

BEST FOOT CEILIDH BAND The hottest dance band on the borders + caller. Available for weddings, barn dances and parties. Contact: 07969 440183 or john@ johnhymas.com

CALLER AVAILABLE FOR CEILIDHS/ BARN DANCES. Enthusiastic, inclusive calling style with easy to follow dances and gender neutral calling. 25 years of experience with ceilidhs. Can be booked with a band + soundsystem, or just as a caller for your own band. Contact 07731-194797.

FLATWORLD World music from Eastern Europe and beyond. Lively five-piece band with magnificent tunes and kicking rhythms for your arts centre, village hall, festival or party/wedding. Also circle dancing with caller. www.flatworld.band Contact Neil on 01684 569611 or info@flatworld.band

GREY WOLF is a 4-piece, well established, popular Americana/ Old-time folk band from the Welsh Marches. We play banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and double bass alongside fine vocal harmony singing. The band has headlined several of the UK’s Old Time Music and Dance Festivals, performed on radio, at folk clubs, festivals, private parties and has featured at music and literary venues throughout the UK. Traditional, thoughtful and very entertaining, we are renowned for the rapport that we establish with our audiences. WEB : greywolffolk. com Contact : Jim 01584 810000. Email banjojim.allen@gmail.com

LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.” Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email – jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com

THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues. Available for all types of events and celebrations. Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail. com

MELOMANICS A wacky, Shropshire-based Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopolitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out how much fun a ceilidh can be with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For more info call Tim on 01743 719438, 07835 928069, or Rich on 07594 636828. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

MIDNIGHT MAYHEM is a quality covers band ready to kickstart your event. Performing female influenced rock and pop with songs to delight your guests. So if you have a birthday, wedding or event get in touch to discuss how we can meet your requirements. Call or text Elizabeth on 07807 531151. Email midnight4mayhem@gmail.com and find us on Facebook or instagram.

NICK AND JANE – The Poptastic duo bring you the greatest hits of the 60’s, 70’s and more. Great harmonies and infectious enthusiasm to make your event a memorable success. Perfect for parties, pubs, festivals and weddings. Facebook @nickandjane email: nickandjaneH@gmail.com or call Jane on 07512 368433.

RHYTHM THIEVES Funky, folky and fun. Firm favourites at festivals, pubs, parties and events around the Midlands and beyond, Rhythm Thieves are a lively must-see band who deliver an unforgettable and highly entertaining night out. “Full of fire and enthusiasm” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 “Great, super, lovely - our resident band” Genevieve Tudor. BBC Radio Midlands Folk Show. “If they don’t make you smile, you’re probably dead.” Wheaton Aston Folk Festival Tel: 01568 770 134, e-mail rhythmthieves@hotmail.com

SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band with caller. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Matt 01686 412 753 or 07843 440 789. www.sirdancelot.co.uk

THE CHERRYSTONES are Aly (whistles, flute, accordion, vocals), Matt (bass, foot drum, vocals) and Dave (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, vocals) who bring you a mix of original and traditional folk songs and tunes. From thoughtful, well-crafted songs to infectious uptempo Irish whistle tunes, we will warm your heart and stir your souls and soles! Contact: Dave 07817 220016, dgand2@btinternet.com. Find us here Facebook.com The Cherrystones. Website coming soon!

WHISKEY RIVER is a 5 piece electric Americana band that play swamp blues, Cajun, Zydeco and good country music to set the dance floor rocking. To suit smaller venues and smaller budgets, pruned down, slightly folkier acoustic versions of the band are available as Whiskey River (Quartet), Whiskey River (Trio) or Whiskey River (Duo) [once known as The Whiskey River Boys]. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! Contact Martin, phone: 07846 669890, 01432 342018. Email: martin@whiskeyriver. co.uk. Website: www.whiskeyriver.co.uk

VENUES

ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141

BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968

BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670.

BASKERVILLE HALL HOTEL, Clyro Court, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820033.

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540

BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434

THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963

BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000

BOROUGH THEATRE, Abergavenny 01873 850805

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192

CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777

CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813

THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Ludlow 01584 872063

CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575

THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555

THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318

DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408

THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762

THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274.

GORDON BENNETTS BAR, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373

THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330

HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003.

HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487.

LEFT BANK, Bridge St, Hereford 01432357753

LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821

LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277

LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291

MARKET THEATRE, Ledbury 07967 517125

THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712

MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352

NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908

OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020

THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008

THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322

PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118

REGAL, Tenbury Wells 01584 811442

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336

ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720

THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622

THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 948100

THEATRE SEVERN, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797

TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998

VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189. WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

theatre

PERFORMANCE

Fri 6 - Sun 8 February

THE FRESHWATER FIVE

Five fishermen. £53 million worth of cocaine. An ongoing fight for justice. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm & 2.30pm, £17, 01743 281281. Sat 7, Tues 10 & Sat 14 February THE HOME

OPEN SKY THEATRE COMPANY. In the impoverished post war London of 1950s seven year old Uma lives with her working class family and is removed from them and placed in a rural convalescent home... For ages 12+.

7 Feb - Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, 01588 680610, Arts Alive. 10 Feb - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 14 Feb - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £16, students £12, 07967 517125.

Mon 9 - Sat 14 February

BRECKNOCK YFC DRAMA FESTIVAL 2026

A week of laughter, creativity and community spirit. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, Sat 6.30pm, 01874 611622.

Thurs 12 February PARODY OF THE RINGS

What happens when a cinema’s Lord of the Rings marathon goes terribly wrong? Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 12 & Fri 13 February

GAME SHOW SHOW

Your hosts, Ruth and Keith will present a quiz night of trivia, poetry and parody about the place you call home. Do you know the history of your high street? The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, early bird £10, 07506 724572. 13 Feb - Goodrich Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, child £6, early bird £10 bookings@goodrichvillagehall.co.uk Arts Alive.

Fri 13 February

CABARET EXTREME

A beautifully bizarre blend of burlesque, daring drag, extreme stunts and contemporary circus. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 14 February

MY LIFE WITH KENNETH WILLIAMS

An unsparing portrayal of a tormented comic genius. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Mon 16 - Sat 21 February

RADNOR YFC ENTERTAINMENT COMPETITION

The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, finals on Sat, 7.30pm, details and tickets, www.radnoryfc.org.uk

Fri 20 February

INVACUATION INTERVENTION

CONQUEST SPOTLIGHT. A rundown urban classroom. A young history teacher battles a group of students, all failing a subject they dismiss as ‘pointless’... Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 21 February

SLAINE: THE HORNED GOD

A tale of ancient Celtic heroes, villains, monsters, dragons, demons and gods. When Britain was rife with mischief and magic, the show follows the exploits and transformation of the future High King of the Tribes of the Earth Goddess. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15/£12, 01584 878141.

Wed 25 February

MEET FRED

HIJINX THEATRE COMPANY. This darkly hilarious, critically acclaimed production follows Fred, a cloth puppet just trying to live an ordinary life. With biting wit, razor-sharp political satire, and moments of unexpected tenderness. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 26 February

1984

BOX TALE SOUP. ‘To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free: From the age of uniformity, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink... greetings!’ Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, 01873 850805.

Fri 27 & Sat 28 February

THE BALLAD OF MULAN

RED DRAGONFLY PRODUCTIONS AND GRIST TO THE MILL PRODUCTIONS. Woman, warrior, legend. A powerful exploration of gender, war and identity, as relevant and timely today as ever. Expect a little humour, a lot of heart and a refreshing focus on the darker aspects of a familiar tale. 27 Feb - The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, Under 18s £7, 01952 728911.

28 Feb - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, child £5, 01588 638038. Arts Alive.

The Ballad of Mulan

Wed 4 March

PSYCHIC SALLY

The show is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01600 772467.

Sat 7 March

LIBRARY OF SCREAMS

DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR PRODUCTION. Classic spine-tinglers from the Golden Age of Horror are given a new lease of blood in this original stage chiller. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Thurs 5 February

ETERNAL LOVE THE MUSICAL

Steve Steinman returns with a new hilarious rock musical. This unique blend of musical theatre, original rock anthems, classic vampire tales, and the electrifying feel of a rock concert creates a truly unique experience for the audience. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 5 - Sat 7 February

GREASE

Grease follows the journey of Danny and Sandy, as they navigate high school to the unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 7 February

SHREK JR

NYP ACADEMY students bring the magical world of Shrek Jr to the stage. Packed with humour, heart and show stopping songs. The Hafren, Newtown, £14, 01686 948100.

Mon 16 - Sat 21 February

FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY

Get ready for non-stop laughs with your favourite Friends! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm & 8pm, tickets from £31.35, 01743 281281.

Thurs 19 - Sat 21 & Sat 21 & Sun 22 February

MATILDA (JUNIOR VERSION)

OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY & MARKET THEATRE. Packed with high energy dancing and catchy songs, this is a joyous celebration for children and adults alike. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 19-21 Feb, 7pm, 21 & 22 Feb 2.30pm, £16, students £13, 07967 517125.

Wed 25 - Fri 27 February

FOOTLOOSE

GWERNYFED HIGH SCHOOL. Packed with energy, excitement and all the feel-good magic of this iconic musical. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Sun 1 February

ROBIN HOOD AND BABES IN THE WOOD LADS. The classic tale of Robin Hood who might be the best archer in the land but can he escape the clutches of the Sheriff of Nottingham and save the Babes in the Wood? Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, matinees on Sat & Sun 2.30pm, £12, students £8, family ticket £42, 07967 517125.

Wed 11 & Thurs 12 February

PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW

Peppa Pig and friends are back, introducing a new arrival to the family. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 10am, 1pm & 4pm, £22.50-£17.50, under 16s £20.50-£15.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 13 & Sat 14 February

ROBIN HOOD AND THE GREAT CREME EGG HEIST

CASTLE PLAYERS. Robin Hood and his merry men (and cats) roam Sherwood forest, robbing the rich and giving cash to the poor. The evil Sheriff wants all that money to fund his lifestyle. Along comes a magic chicken that lays creme eggs by the hundred... SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, £10, students £5, family £20, 01588 638038.

Mon 16 - Sat 21 February

SLEEPING BEAUTY

ABERGAVENNY PANTOMIME COMPANY. Join the royal family as they face the wicked schemes of the villainous Meladora... Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, 01873 850805.

Wed 18 February

ADVENTURES OF SCIENCE

Science, silliness and the studious application of logic! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, £13.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 19 February

MARK THOMPSON’S AWARD WINNING SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults, Mark’s show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex - generating dustbins and howling jelly beans. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 2.30pm, 01584 811442.

Fri 20 February

DARYL CARRINGTON - OUT OF THE BOX

A family-friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2pm, 01874 611622.

Sat 21 February

TINY PLANET

Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes. With breathtaking puppetry, original live folk songs and earthy percussion, uncover the mysteries that keep this little globe turning. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 February

WONDERLAND

Join the Hatter as he brings Alice’s adventure to life with puppets, scenery, lively music and of course hats! At the end you can meet the puppets and make one of your own. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11am & 2pm, £8, 01584 878141.

Sat 21 February

ANANSI & THE LOST SUN

SWALLOW’S WINGS PUPPETRY. A funny, inspiring and entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry and traditional West African music. There will be a workshop before the show at 1.45pm. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3pm, £10, child £5, child ticket + workshop £7 available from The Workhouse Gallery Presteigne or www.midborderarts.com

Fri 20, Sat 21 & Sun 22 February

THREE LITTLE PIG TAILS

GARLIC THEATRE’S classic story is set in Paris, where a grumpy old wolf is a chef who sets out to find some pigs tails for his soup. For ages 3-7 years. 20 FebLeintwardine Commnity Centre, 3pm, £5, 07415 093552. 21 Feb - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 11.30am, £12, students £7, 07967 517125. 22 Feb - Belmont Hall, 2pm, £8, child £6, 01952 382382. Arts Alive.

Three Little Pig Tails

Robin Hood & The Great Creme Egg Heist

Wed 25 & Thurs 26 February

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Through 45 magical, handcrafted puppets, world-class puppeteering and lively original music that invites your little one to play along with their favourite stories! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, £16, 01743 281281.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Sat 14 & Sat 21 February

EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE

1599-1600, As You Like It. This 3-hour session includes an introductory talk, video clips and group discussion, plus coffee and cake. Studio 2, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, £24, 01584 878141.

Sat 21 February

HAWTHONE WILDLIFE ROLE-PLAY

With Jenny Ogden. A fun way for children and adults alike to learn about creatures native to the UK. The workshops features hand puppets together with scripted role-play. Methodist Hall, Station Rd, Bishop’s Castle, 1.30pm-2.45pm, free for ages 7-13, but must be booked. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE

Tues (term time) Little MPYT for ages 10-13 years, 5.30pm-6.30pm, £60 per term, bursaries available. Tues (term time) Big MPYT for ages 14-24 years, 7pm-9pm, £60 per term, bursaries available. 4th Sun of the month MPYT +, for ages 19-29 years, suitable for all abilities, 3.30-5.30pm, £5 per session. Details www.mpyt.co.uk

Visit Ledbury’s purpose built, intimate theatre with comfortable seats, bar and a warm welcome, for a great programme of original drama, music, cinema and live screenings - see listings for what’s on

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

Thurs - Have-a-go Shakespeare. No experience or prior knowledge necessary! Run by Sue Best and Phil Bowen, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7 per session, no booking required. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

Sat (term time only) - Ludwig Theatre Arts for ages 7-17, 1.30pm-3.30pm, contact takepart@ludwigtheatrearts.com Sat - Exploring Shakespeare Study Sessions, 2pm, participatory study sessions, £24, contact shakespeare. courses@gmail.com Assembly Rooms, Ludlow

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 1-6: 5pm, £41 per term. Intermediates & Seniors, Year 7+: 6pm, £48 per term. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. SatPhoenix Kids, ages 4-7, 9.30am, £41 per term. Juniors Group 1 for ages 8+, 10.30am. Juniors Group 2 for ages 8+, 11.45am, £45 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury. Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £41 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £45 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

Mon - Performing Arts for Little Pickles, 10am-12pm, £7.50. Tues - The Acting Circle, 7.30pm-9pm. Wed - About Face Youth Theatre, 9am-3pm, £60.83 per day. Thurs - Drama Tots, 10.30am-11.30am, £6.50, £3 siblings. Fri - Actors Academy: Writing for Performance, 5pm-6.30pm, £96 per term. Sat - Actors Academy: Advanced Performance, 11am-12.30pm, £120 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Mondays (term time) YOUTH THEATRE

For all school age children. Ledbury Market Theatre, 6-10pm, 01432 383663.

Tuesdays YOUTH CAFE

Young people can meet and share creative activities including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE

Sat - Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Sat - Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. Thurs - Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Thurs 5 February

POETRY EVENT WITH ALISTAIR MCGOWAN

Ahead of publication of his second volume of poetry, Alistair will read them aloud, many for the first time. Come and be the poetry ‘jury’: your responses may determine what goes in and what stays out! Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £8, under 21s £6, 01584 878141.

Fri 6 February

HAUNTINGS

A evening of three tales of the supernatural from ghost story writers EF Benson and MR James. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, £18/£15, 01584 878141.

Wed 11 February

BEANS ON TOAST

Book Social with stories and songs. Plus Parakeet performing at 9.15pm. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £17 online, £18 on the door, students £10, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Wed 18 - Sun 22 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

18 Feb - Catch the Poetry Bug with poet Debra Bertulis as she performs some of her silly poems. The Poetry Pharmacy, 36 High St, 10.30am-11.30am for ages 5-8 years, 2pm-3.30pm for ages 9-13 years.

18 Feb - Verbatim Poetry Open Mic with Pat Edwards. The Poetry Pharmacy, 26 High St, 7.30pm, £5 on the door.

20 Feb - Poetry of Borders with Jan Westwood. The Poetry Pharmacy, High St, 2pm-4pm, £15 with coffee and cake.

21 Feb - Shropshire Tales with Val Littlehales. The House on Crutches Museum, next to Town Hall, 10am-11am & 11.30am-12.30pm, £4.

Tickets from Bishop’s Castle Town Hall or www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Thurs 26 & Fri 27 February

MY CAR PLAYS TAPES

A show about rural touring by writer and performer John Osborne. A storytelling show about getting older, driving a car that is about to be scrapped and being unexpectedly reunited with your old cassette collection from the 1990s. 26 Feb - Church Stretton Library, 7.30pm, £10, admin@ strettonlibraryfriends.org.uk 27 Feb - Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, early bird £10, 01746 718642. Arts Alive.

Comedy

Wed 4 February

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE

Justine is back with a brand new show. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 6 February

ROY CHUBBY BROWN

His comedy is not for the faint hearted, so if easily offended, please stay away from this riotous evening. For ages 18+. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £28, 01600 772467.

Fri 6 & Fri 20 February

COMEDY CLUB

Enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. For ages 18+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 10 February

TELFORD COMEDY CLUB

With Kevin Daniel and support. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm, £10, 01952 610888.

Wed 11 February

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE - VITRUVIAN MANGO

What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers - so are we fellas of any use at all?

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 14 February

RIA LINA - RIABELLION

LITTLE WANDER presents the wickedly funny Ria Lina, who explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £19, 01952 728911.

Sat 21 February

ALASDAIR BECKETT-KING

Award-winning stand-up and crumbliest comedian in the game! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Sat 21 February

ALFIE MOORE: ACOPALYPSE NOW

Global warming, AI and Culture Wars are galloping towards us. Are we on the road to hell? Alfie has the antidote to the breakdown of law and order, fake news and the price of baked beans. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £21, 01600 772467.

Alistair McGowan

Thurs 26 February

AMY MASON - BEHOLD!

When Amy Mason got hacked, she lost her number, bank account and social media access. And then the hackers started sending her gifts... A surprising, somewhat filthy dive into connection, intimacy, and the perils of using your dead cat’s name as your password for literally everything. Ages 16+. The Globe, Hay on Wye, £29, 01497 821762.

Fri 27 February

ANDY PARSONS: #@!$ OFF TO MARS Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £19, 01600 772467.

Sat 28 February

THE EDGE COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Christian Reilly, Don Biswas, Mandy Muden and MC Tony Vino. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, (four tickets for the price of three), 01952 728911.

Sun 1 March

SHAPARAK KHORSANDI

Back with her new show called ‘Scatterbrain’. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £20, 01743 281281.

Wed 4 March

MATT FORDE

Leading political comedian presents his latest show, ‘Defying Calamity’. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £27.60, 01743 281281.

Fri 6 March

COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Jarred Christmas, Fiona Allen, Jacob Nussey and compere James Cook. The Corn Exchange, High St, Ross on Wye, 8pm, 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

Fri 6 March

FLAT AND THE CURVES: NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL FERAL

90 minutes of outrageous comedy as the award-winning cabaret girl band Flat the Curves return with their new show. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, 01600 772467.

Sat 7 March

SCOTT BENNETT

Award-winning comedian and award-winning Product Designer, Scott is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible? For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, tickets from £22, 01743 281281.

Andy Parsons

Hari Budha Magar MBE

Talks

Sun 1 February

THE NIGHT SKY SHOW

Adrian West presents an experience for everyone who looks up and wonders. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £32.45, 01743 281281.

Sun 1 February

MBA SUNDAY SESSION: MOWLEY VALLEY PROJECT

What do a former garden designer, farmer, teacher and doctor have in common? The desire to restore and tend a parcel of land in Mowley Valley, five miles outside Presteigne. Through slides and stories they share their progress. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3.30pm, £8 available from The Workhouse Gallery Presteigne or www.midborderarts.com

Tues 3 February

LINGEN AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

‘Hellebores’. A talk by Edward Smith from Credale Nursery. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, membership £20 visitors welcome, £4, 01544 260354.

Wed 4 February

SIMON YATES: MY MOUNTAIN LIFE

One of the most accomplished exploratory mountaineers of all time. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £19.25, 01600 772467.

Wed 4 February

THE TWO EMPEROR COIN

Find out how the Herefordshire Hoard coins reshape our understanding of Alfred the Great and Saxon politics. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 2pm, to book, www.twoemperor.eventbrite.co.uk

Fri 6 February

AN AUDIENCE WITH FRANK BRUNO

Spend an evening with a boxing legend! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £38.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 6 February

AN EVENING WITH STATUS QUO’S JOHN COGHLAN

An intimate evening where John tells the real stories and tales of Status Quo’s iconic Frantic Four years. Hosted by Dave Sweetmore, with special guest John’s wife and manager Gillie Coghlan. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £25, Meet ‘n’ Greet £50, 01952 728911.

Tues 10 February

ARTHURS STONE

‘Arthurs Stone: Focus of a Major Neolithic Monument Complex’. A talk by Prof. Keith Ray. Sutton St Nicholas Village Hall, 7.30pm, £3, refreshments. Cash only. suttonwallscg@gmail.com Sutton Environment & History Group with Sutton Walls Conservation Group.

Wed 11 February

SIX NATIONS SPECIAL

An evening with Shane Williams, Lee Byrne ad James Hook. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £25, under 16s £15, 01600 772467.

Thurs 12 February

AN EVENING WITH HARI BUDHA MAGAR MBE

Pride of Britain Award winner, Guinness World Record Holder and former Gurkha who lost both legs in Afghanistan. The first double above-knee amputee to summit Mt. Everest, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and more. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 13 February

THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER: THE UNDERCOVER DETECTIVE

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £30, 01686 948100.

Sat 14 February

HEREFORDSHIRE & MID WALES HARDY PLANT

SOCIETY GROUP

‘Crocus through the Seasons’. A talk by Anthony Goode. Glasbury Village Hall, 2pm, £5, details email vanessa.doyle!plantingspecialist.co.uk

Mon 16 February

MONTGOMERY ENVIRONMENT GROUP

‘Amphibians’ This talk will describe why amphibians fill such an important role in biodiversity. Montgomery Town Hall, 7.30pm, free, details MongomeryEnvironmentGroup@gmail.com

Tues 17 February

HAMNISH GARDENING CLUB

‘Shady Gardens’, a talk by Ros Bissell. Hamnish Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, all welcome, hamnishgardeningclub@ yahoo.com

Wed 18 February

A WRITER’S LIFE

A talk by Jasper Fford. The Library, Enterprise House, Station St, Bishop’s Castle, 6pm, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Wed 18 February

BIRD MIGRATION: SIMON BOYES

An illustrated talk exploring the fascinating world of bird migration. The Hanging Gardens, Bethel St, Llanidloes, 7.30pm, £3 on the door, refreshments included.

Wed 18 February

REVOLUTION IN THE ART SCHOOL: THE BAUHAUS

Active in Germany from 1919-1933, revolutionised art education by uniting art, design and architecture with industrial production. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2pm, £8, 01584 878141.

Thurs 19 February

LOVE, SEX AND DEATH IN THE NATIONAL GALLERY

A talk by Tom Parsons. Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 20 February

DH LAWRENCE 100 YEARS AGO

A talk by Paul Binding. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 20 February

ATTENTION ALL

SHIPPING: A CELEBRATION OF THE SHIPPING FORECAST

As the shipping forecast embarks on its second century, Charlie Connelly’s hilarious and informative show brings the quirky broadcast vividly to life. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sat 21 February

THE REAL ANCIENT MARINER BY COLERIDGE

A talk by Bob Fowke. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 21 February

TEXTILE HUNTING IN SOUTHWEST CHINA

A talk by Diane Gaffney. The Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 5.30pm, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sun 22 February

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Photos, music and stories inspired by the beauty and mystery of our world. A talk by Keith Whiddon. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £3.50. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Wed 25 February

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

‘William Morris and his Gardens’. A talk by Dr Gavin Stoneystreet. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, free to members, guests welcome £5, 07811 412455.

Thurs 26 February

BORDERS & BOUNDARIES: ARTIST TALK SERIES II

Artist talk series organised by Meadow Arts and Hereford College of Arts. Featuring Maya Rose Edwards, a participatory public sculptor. Main Hall, Hereford College of Arts, College Road Campus, Hereford, 6-7.30pm, free, booking encouraged, donations welcome (suggested £5), refreshments, free parking, https://ow.ly/CIfh50XSmUv

Thurs 26 February

ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS

‘Fashion is My Passion’, with speaker Dr Sally Hobson. The Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £7, 01938 555574.

Thurs 26 February

BEN FOGLE - WILD

Adventures, expeditions and journeys. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Workshops & Courses

Wed 11 February

PUB THEOLOGY

A relaxed and informal monthly gathering. Chat about issues related to God, faith, life, theology, philosophy and anything else. For ages 18+. The Orange Tree, Hereford, 7pm. www.herefordcathedral.org

Wed 18 - Sun 22 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

18 Feb - Writing from Stillness with Sarah Holland, 11am-1pm. 19 Feb - Haiku Moments with David Binham, 11.30am-1pm, £30. 20 Feb - Noticing: A Mindful Writing Workshop with Rhiannon Hosson, 11am-1pm, £30. 21 Feb - ‘Where the Cows Go Bong!’ Illustrating Nonsense Poetry with Liv Barman. Suitable for adults, 11am, £25. 22 Feb - Touch Paper, a poetry workshop with Pat Edwards on the theme of Bells, 12.30pm-2.30pm, £10. All at The Poetry Pharmacy Lab, High St, Bishop’s Castle. Please book at Bishop’s Castle Town Hall or www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

February WORKSHOPS & COURSES ABERYSTYWYTH

All online unless stated otherwise. Professional & Personal Development. 5 Feb - Stress Management, £80. 5 Feb - Calculus 101: Building a Strong Mathematical Foundation, £140, held in Aberystwyth. 2 Feb - Social Media Marketing, £140. 9 Feb - Instagram, £80. 9 Feb - Dialogue debate and design, £230. 10 Feb - Navigating finances and preparation for HMRC self assessment, £80. 12 Feb - How can I make a difference?

Sustainability, £80. 12 Feb - Digital Film-Making using a smart phone, £140. Literature & Creative Writing. 1 Feb - Poetry Writing 2 - Experimenting with Form and Technique, £140. 1 Feb - Writing Through Global Trauma, £140. 1 Feb - Writing for Radio, £140. Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580, www.ac.uk/learning

March AARDVARK BOOK SALE

Huge discounts off everything in the shop, plus big 50p sale in the barn.Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell SY7 0DH, open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm, 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com

Every Wednesday PLACES OF WELCOME

All welcome, to meet a friendly face, a cup of tea and conversation. The Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 10am-12.30pm.

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Fri - Creative Writing for Wellbeing, enjoy and share in a supportive group, 11-12.30pm, £60 for six sessions. Contact Cate 07963 440451. Meeting Room, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

THE COURTYARD WORKSHOPS

Mon - Writing Room, 6pm-8pm, £90 per term. MonWriting Room Extra. Ongoing sessions for writers with some experience, 2-4pm, £110 per term. Tues - Reading Room, 10.45am-12.45pm, £65 per term. Fri - Playworks, 6pm-8pm, £65 per term. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every Wednesday (term time) BABY B!

Storytelling group. From birth to 5 years. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 11am, free, 01874 611622.

Third Wednesday of the month BEREAVEMENT CAFE Old Chapel, Hereford Cathedral, 2.30pm-4pm, run by volunteers, www.herefordcathedral.org

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350

Leominster Writers’ Circle, Leominster Community Centre. Gill Fothergill chair. 07804 879858.

Meet second Tuesday of month, 2pm. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.

grass roots

Cold Snap Draws Knee-jerk Response from Climate

Denialists

AS the first ten days of the year brought bitterly cold weather to much of the UK, it did not take long for the climate change denialist fraternity to start crawling out from under their stones, to announce triumphantly that the freezing conditions meant that global warming was over and done with.

Since I last wrote about global heating, the roll-call of leading denialists has changed a bit. For instance, four or five years ago, Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, was much less prominent.

Farage has said it is “nuts” to call carbon dioxide a pollutant and that efforts to combat global warming are a scam. Nowadays, Reform, buoyed up by some opinion polls, is getting more media coverage, even though we all know that the only poll that counts is the one on election day.

So, for the UK as a whole, the Starmer government has about three years left to make an impact and to give itself a chance of getting re-elected. As I write, in midJanuary, Starmer seems light years away from anything like popularity. He would maybe do his party a big favour if he stepped down right now.

As for Labour leadership runners and riders, Keir Starmer’s cabinet colleagues are a forgettable bunch. Even now, more than a year and a half into this government, I could hardly name a single secretary of state from their mug shot. OK, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, yes, but mainly due to her chopping and changing, and to that tearful day in the Commons.

The only top Labour politician with anything close to popular appeal is Angela Rayner. And she has been put on the naughty step. Fairly or not? OK, she seemed to have cut some corners when it came to her various homes, including that valuable pad by the seafront in Brighton. But, in a year or two from now, I wonder how many people, aside from some opposition MPs, will recall exactly what she did that was wrong.

Then there is Andy Burnham, circling like a shark, around Manchester - and awaiting his chance to go in for the kill? In the May local elections, we will see how Labour is holding up. I am no political pundit, but I would expect the results to be gruesome for Labour, and only a bit better for the Tories and Lib Dems. As for Wales, where I was apparently living, when I last checked, some experts speculate that Labour will not exactly pass its springtime exams with flying colours.

To research this article, I googled some key words and trawled through several articles that popped up. The best I could see was from a corporate-sounding body called SEC Newgate. The author was not named, but had laid out some salient facts, and given some trenchant analysis.

The first thing that Mr or Ms Anon of SEC Newgate did was to update us on Labour’s opinion poll ratings. They are, in a word, dreadful. We are told that Labour’s support is now exactly half what it was in July 2024 – from 34% down to 17%.

Crikey! That’s what pundits might call plummeting! A term I thought was related to the acceleration of a lead weight dropped by Galileo from the leaning tower of Pisa. Reading up on the great scientist, Galileo, I was sad to learn that my teachers had misled me! Signor G had never dropped lead weights or feather bundles from the leaning tower. It seems he was so brainy that he could do the calculation on paper, as a “thought experiment”.

But back to Mr or Ms Anon at SEC Newgate. As he/ she concludes, “…in a political environment where even the strongest policy announcements fail to move the dial, vagueness itself may be becoming a strategy as we head into pivotal elections in May. The difficulty is that elections, particularly local and devolved ones, are poor environments for such an approach. They reward visibility, clarity and local attribution. Councils are judged on outcomes people can see, and devolved administrations on whether power feels effectively exercised.”

This person makes a list of some of Starmer’s achievements, and as he/she does so, you can almost see people drifting off at the at the back of the room. And hear their rhythmic breathing. “The Worker’s Rights Bill has the potential to materially improve the working lives of millions. The Planning and Infrastructure Act, the English Devolution Framework, reforms to bus services and rail governance all promise significant structural change.”

If these are the headlines of his manifesto for remaining Labour leader and prime minister, maybe he should, as I say, throw in the towel now, for fear of being trampled underfoot in the rush to replace him.

Julian O’Halloran

Rayner & Burnham - rivals to unseat Starmer?

Green Events

Sat 7 February

HEREFORD SEED SWAP

Bring saved seed, bought seed, plants, bulbs, edibles and ornamentals, swap for anything on the table. Stalls include Tools for Self Reliance, Culti-Vate (herbs), tool sharpening, Hereford Wildlife Trust and Aspire Growing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-1pm, free entry, information, herefordseedswap@gmail.com

Wed 11 February

FRUIT TREE GRAFTING COURSE

With Tim Andrews. Practical day with some theory and demonstrations learning grafting of apple and pear scion wood onto root stock. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 10am-3pm, refreshments, vegetarian lunch and all equipment provided, £90, 01531 660504, info@hellensmanor.com

Sat 14 February

LEOMINSTER SEED SWAP

Sponsored by Transition Leominster. Bring your seeds, bulbs and ideas to swap and share. Stalls include Tools for Self Reliance, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Leominster in Bloom. Information on Transition Leominster activities. Refreshments available. Leominster Community Centre, 10am-12pm, free entry, transitionleominster@gmail.com

Sat 21 February

BUILD A BIRD BOX OR BUG HOTEL

For ages 9-14 years. Enterprise House, Bishop’s Castle, 11am & 2pm, free for children but must be booked. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 28 February (Presteigne) & Sun 1 March (Kington) BEATING THE BOUNDS WITH MAYA ROSE EDWARDS

Join Meadow Arts and artist Maya Rose Edwards in the ancient folk tradition of beating the bounds. Bring along your own stick, or take one of ours and join a community pilgrimage of town landmarks. Please dress for the weather, free hot drinks provided, all ages welcome. 28 Feb - The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 12-3pm. 1 March - The Oxford Arms, Kington, 12-3pm.

February

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

Mon - Sat - Cathedral Tours, 11.05 and 2.15pm, £10, students £8, under 16 year olds £5. Selected datesTower Tours, £10, under 16s £5, students £8, 01432 374210. www.herefordcathedral.org

Autumn/winter

GOD’S ACRE VOLUNTEERS

Working in churchyards in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Radnor weekly. Come and join us. We aim to manage these areas for wildlife. Using environmentally friendly methods. Our work days are listed on God’s Acre Volunteers – Caring For God’s Acre – the conservation charity for burial grounds across the UK, Facebook God’s Acre Volunteers and email alex@cfga.org.uk

Starting February & March

ABERYSTWYTH LIFELONG LEARNING COURSES

2 Feb - A Guide to Enviromental Impact Assesment, online 8-10 weeks, £140. 10 Feb - Woodland Birds, online, 8-10 weeks, £140. 2 March - Understanding Amphibians, online, 8-10 weeks with one in-person session at Llysdinam, £140. 2 March - Water Justice and Health (Part 1), online, 8-10 weeks, £140. 2 March - Fungal Ecology, online, 8-10 weeks, £140. 2 March - How to Design a Scientific Project, online, 8-10 weeks, £230. Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580 or www.ac.uk/learning

KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP Volunteer with us on our weekly task days to learn new skills. http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/woodland-project Email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374.

KINGTON LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY NETWORK (KLEEN) Encourages community resilience through our Electric Car Share Club, public Orchards, tiny Coppice Woodland, Presentations & networking without borders. Email: kingtonkleen@gmail.com

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm. Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997.

First Saturday of the month LEOMINSTER REPAIR CAFE 10am-12pm Community Centre. Electricals, household items, clothing etc. repaired for free, donations welcomed. Tool sharpening £2. See Facebook and book via website https://leominsterrepaircafe.org.uk/

God’s Acre Volunteers

complementary therapies

Disclaimer: We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practiitioners. Broad Sheep does not endorse any of the practitioners or healing methods listed. We provide no recommendation and take no responsibility for their content.

A is for ACUPUNCTURE with Joanna Bruce RGN, MBAcC at The Body Clinic, Leominster & Richard’s Castle. Treating pain (NICE recommended) and long-term health conditions since 1985. Food intolerance testing. Phone 01584 831 840 or text 07984 460969.

E-booking: www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

ACCREDITED, EXPERIENCED PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COUNSELLOR: One-to-one sessions for adults age 18 upwards, in Hay-on-Wye (HR3) and by online video. Find relief from anxiety and depression; overcome trauma; transform anger and low self-worth; navigate divorce, bereavement, and other difficult life experiences. Contact Sarah Hamilton at HAY COUNSELLING, 07580 482751, www.haycounselling.co.uk.

ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA: I use TCM acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and Tui Na (therapeutic massage) to treat a wide range of health conditions. In Ledbury at my home treatment room on New Street, and in Hereford at Kyrle House Practice (kyrlehouse.co.uk 01432 273234). Acupuncture-Acutherapy Council member. Ruth Busbridge, BSc MSc Dip.Acupuncture. https://rbacupuncture.co.uk/ 07743809466 ruthbacupuncture@gmail.com

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE LESSONS with Ron Colyer, B.Mus., M.S.T.A.T. An Alexander teacher, accredited by and member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, with over 40 years experience, I am currently offering lessons in Malvern and surrounding areas. Alexander work can help with back pain, joint pain, neck pain, as well as enhancing skills, e.g. in performing arts, yoga practice, etc. The lessons help you to become aware of faulty habits of body use, including inappropriate tension or misdirected energy. You learn to help yourself - it’s really a reeducation process rather than a therapy. For more on Alexander Technique visit alexandertechnique.co.uk Contact me on 07733 253056, or email alextechwithron9@outlook.com

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ILL HEALTH? Nutritional therapy can help with: gut issues, IBS, stress, anxiety, degenerative disease, dementia, child autism, hormones and more. Book an initial comprehensive assessment and advice. Call Julie: 07356 248 656. Email: juliehowesnutrition@outlook.com Web site: juliehowesnutrition.com All consultations at The Body Clinic, Leominster. www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE, REFLEXOLOGY & REIKI

HEALING with Clare Stanton ITEC. Book a relaxing treatment with Clare in a calm and tranquil setting to soothe the body and relax the mind.01568 750 055 / 07793532417 clare.stanton@hotmail.co.uk

ARE YOU NEURO SPICEY? Do you have a formal or selfdiagnosis of AuDHD, ADHD or Autism? Would you like to feel better in yourself? Find out how your wellbeing may be directly linked to your lifestyle choices, what you eat, your emotional support and how connected you are to people (in person or online) who appreciate your unique differences. Contact either of us to hear about a new holistic approach available at The Body Clinic Leominster HR6 8EP or call Vicky t: 07790 162067 or Joanna t: 07984 460969.

BODY CLINIC, LEOMINSTER Holistic Therapies and advice for rehabilitation, pain, mobility and long term health conditions. Improve and/or support mental health, wellbeing, women’s and men’s health, fertility, pregnancy and much more. Unsure what’s best for your health issue? Book a Holistic Health assessment so an experienced health practitioner can help you. 17 West St, Leominster HR6 8EP www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 01568 368 907/07493 078 566. thebodyclinicleominster@gmail.com

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES - DR NANCY BANCROFT Are you struggling with intense emotions, feeling overwhelmed, lost or stuck? Make sense of your experience and create lasting change, with a specialist mental health professional. Trauma-focussed psychotherapy ~ EMDR ~ mind-body integration

1:1 therapy ~ training ~ supervision. Online and face-to-face sessions available in Pembridge, Herefordshire.Contact hello@thebodyinmind.co.uk www.thebodyinmind.co.uk

COUNSELLING talking therapy to help alleviate distress. Debbie Andrews, 10 years plus experience of working with adults and young people aged 11 years and upwards. Online and face to face appointments at The Body Clinic, Leominster (book via their website) and The Fred Bulmer Centre, Hereford. Supervision also available. Call or text 07874 828701, email debbieandrewscounselling@gmail. com, www.debbieandrews.co.uk

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), BAoG (Dip), MBIG (Dip) offers a safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their emotional and spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/loss and anxiety. For more information www.thewritetofeel.com.

FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER - Toenail trimmingCallus - Corns - Fungal nails - Cracked heals - Athletes Foot - Foot maintenance - Foot health advice. Contact Leanne on 07479 055027, thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 17 West Street, Leominster HR6 8EP.

GONG BATH SOUND MEDITATION SESSIONS IN & AROUND HEREFORDSHIRE. Soundscapes can aid in the letting go of old emotions & limiting behaviours. I run twice monthly Group sessions, & also offer 1:1 sessions, hen parties, corporate / wellbeing events, retreats. For more info. Contact Lizzie 07870345216 www.lizzieyogahereford.com

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH and BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPIST Juliet Ablett (RHom, MARH, MNCHM, RCST). Holistic health care with experienced practitioner using homeopathy, essences and homeobotanicals, safe and effective treatment for all ages. Also Craniosacral therapy, a light touch, non directive, powerful form of bodywork, also suitable for all ages. Hereford, Garway, Monmouth. www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@mailbox.org

HOLISTIC HEALTH & NUTRITION Different bodies require different approaches. Receive personalised dietary and lifestyle guidance rooted in the ancient Chinese tradition of yangsheng or “nourishing life.” Address specific health challenges or simply work towards optimal wellbeing. Contact Natalie on 07391162202 or visit www.hsnholistic.com

LEARN THE ART OF FEMININE DEVOTION. Emily Martin - 07747 250720 - www.bigasskinkyheart.com

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Kinesiology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Emmet technique. Remedial and Holistic Massage. Counselling inc: Couples and Family, Cognitive Behaviour and NLP Stress Management, Child Birth Issues, Psychotherapy. Telephone 01568 616411 email infoleominstercommunitycentre@ gmail.com Or visit Leominster Community Centre, School Road HR6 8NJ (behind Bridge Street car park).

LADIES, DISCOVER HOLISTIC WELLNESS SOLUTIONS FOR A VIBRANT LIFE. Raj Kumari, founder of Forever Radiant offering Aromatherapy massage in the form of, Deep Tissue or Stress Managing Relaxation. For further info call Raj on 07952 548519, Email info@forever-radiant.com, Web: forever-radiant.com. 1/2 price treatments available with my loyalty card.

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage. Clinic in Presteigne (The Retreat), Presteigne, LD8 2UF. Contact: marian@silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

NUTRITION & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Want to understand what’s driving your symptoms? Nutritional therapy and functional testing can help uncover the root causes and provide clear, personalised strategies. Supporting health and wellbeing in both adults and children. Book a free 30-minute online discovery call Natasha Price, MSc, BANT, CNHC info@natashaprice.co.uk 07970 759789.

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT Infuse your relationships with joy, love, understanding & fun and watch each other heal. Gentle, compassionate, judgment-free guidance with playful, accepting, curious and empathic tools to heal & transform your family dynamic. Georgie Treasure-Evans 07875 50653 healingspirits.co.uk Professional, Experienced, UKCP Accredited

PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COUNSELLOR. Kington based. Face-to-face sessions for individual adults over 18. No couples work. Regain control of your life, restore meaning to your existence and relief from anxiety, sleeplessness and troubled relationships. Penny Cole 07776 146427. http://www.pennycolecounselling.co.uk

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING for individuals & couples (18+), face to face – 15 mins from Ludlow, or online.I am here to listen to you and talk with you through times of difficulty, distress and uncertainty. Mandy Fowler (MBACP) 07494769230 www.mandyfowler.co.uk

SOUND THERAPY, with Gongs, Singing Bowls and other therapeutic instruments to relieve stress and anxiety, restoring mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Monday night ‘Sound Bath’ sessions at The Fold, Bransford in Worcestershire and at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Herefordshire, 1-2-1 treatments in Ledbury, retreats, private groups, workshops, celebrations. Contact Cecilia on 07857 128 082, info@csoundspace.com www.csoundspace.com

SHADOW WORK, COUNSELLING & DEEP PROCESS

PSYCHOTHERAPY - Facilitated shadow work is a form of embodied deep process psychotherapy (DPP). I specialise in long-form in-person sessions, 3 - 5 hours in length. These deep-dive sessions offer an accepting and shame free space within which to explore and transform those habitual, ingrained or unconscious patterns, beliefs or behaviours that trapping you and hold you back from living a full, meaningful and joyful life. This work holds the potential for deep personal growth and deep healing and is the place to turn towards and dive deeply into difficulty and challenge, shame or guilt, your grief, your pain, your fear or rage. The holding I offer you is both sensitive and strong, and you are invited to bring any issue you wish to our work together. Find out more about shadow work and to schedule a free 20-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.uk - Alasdair Kirk - 07792 405 660.

SOUND THERAPY BY EDAN SOUND. Soesen Edan is a qualified Sound Therapist with over 20 years of experience running 1-2-1 and group sessions, teaching and retreats. Sound therapy is excellent for all manner of ailments & disease; regulates heart rate & blood pressure, reduces stress & anxiety and brings people to a deeply relaxed state. Monthly group sessions held in Herefordshire, Malvern & Birmingham. 1-2-1 sessions in Holme Lacy. Extensive experience working with complex disabilities & autism; prison therapeutic education, corporate sessions, team away days, workshops & bespoke sound consultancy. www.edansound.co.uk

WOODLAND ECOTHERAPY AND BIOGRAPHICAL COACHING with Hattie Duke of Hearthlight Nemetona, our beautiful woodland regeneration project in Bredwardine, a special sacred haven, allows you to unwind and de-stress. You might also be feeling lost or stuck, overwhelmed or simply needing to pause. Through biography work we find treasures from your past and notice what patterns have been woven into your life. These sessions will give you more confidence, belonging and conviction to step forwards on your own unique journey.www.hearthlight.co.uk, or call 07947 890855 for a FREE conversation to find out more.

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £45 per year.

Starting Thurs 5 February (3-week course)

YOGA FOR ANXIETY

The emphasis is on moving the body in a slow and mindful way and using the breath to assist with anxiety managment. Each class is 45 mintues with a maximum of 8 participants. Yoga mats provided. Breathe Studio, Upstairs, The Dance Centre, Arlais Rd, Llandrindod Wells, 10.30am, 07518 678032, www.alchemywellbeing.net

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

• Group classes and one-to-one tuition to support well-being. • Vedic chant tuition. • Yoga therapy to help during challenging times.

‘Anybody can breathe. Therefore, anybody can practise yoga.’ (TKV Desikachar)

Marie Hudson 07972 492304

marieh279@gmail.com www.theyogapractice.org.uk

Fri 27 February

NATURAL FACELIFT MASSAGE WORKSHOP

WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN

Learn a facial massage routine you can carry out at home to relax and nourish your skin. Great for calming the mind and improving circulation. £25. Silia Cottage, Presteigne, 11am-1pm. www.silvanskincare.com, 07816 981454, info@silvanskincare.com

Fri 27 February - Sun 1 March

WEEKEND RETREAT

With Gail Calthrop. Featuring meditations, yoga, sound bath, creative activities, mindful awareness and focus, rest and relaxation, self healing dowsing, reflective silence. Meals and drinks. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Near Ledbury, details www.mindfulgail.com/weekendretreats

Fri 6 March

GUA SHA FACIAL MASSAGE WORKSHOP

WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN

Learn how to give yourself a Gua Sha facial massage to contour and smooth the skin. Great for circulation, lymphatic drainage and skin brightening. £25. Silia Cottage, Presteigne, 1pm-3pm. www.silvanskincare.com, 07816 981454, info@silvanskincare.com.

Tues 10 March

FACE YOGA WORKSHOP WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN

10am-12pm. Learn a Face Yoga routine to practice at home to relax and tone your face. Great for improving circulation and definition. £25. Silia Cottage, Presteigne, 10am-12pm. www.silvanskincare.com, 07816 981454, info@silvanskincare.com

Thursday weekly

HEALING ARTS PRACTISE

Join a company of new friends sharing informal healing practises; massage swop, breathe, sound and frequency healing, movement, sharing and dream circles. Leominster and Hereford, £10 drop in more info; Kirsty on 07421453114, email: healingartspractisegroup@gmail.com

MINDFULNESS THERAPEUTIC ART WORKSHOP

A day of self exploration, reflection and release , no art skills needed just a willingness to play. Facilitated by experienced Art Psychotherapist. Brampton Bryan. For enquiries call : 01547 519414

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Fun, flowing, energetic, deeply relaxing & releasing for mind, body & spirit, Georgie’s Kundalini Yoga sessions welcome teens & preteens as well as adults. Seriously good for your physical and mental health! Kington & Brilley, timetable here healingspirits.co.uk.

READY TO RESET?

Join our Fasting & Wellness Retreat in the serene Herefordshire Hills. Experience expert-led fasting, yoga, art therapy, nature, and healing. Led by Grace, BSc (Hons) Genetics and qualified fasting coach. Look and book for June at www.fastingwithgrace.com

OXFORD ARMS BARN

4 Feb - Sunflower Social at Places of Welcome. A hidden disabilities support group and network, 10am-12.30pm, free. 11 Feb - Dementia Matters at Places of Welcome. 10am-12.30pm, free. Oxford Arms barn, Kington, 07301 081444, www.openarmskington.co.uk

HATHA YOGA & SOUND THERAPY WITH BRIDGET ROWAN

90min Yoga classes on Zoom and in Peterchurch HR2 0RS to keep you moving and doing the things you love and to bring a sense of calm, peace and improve your wellbeing. Group soundscapes held regularly in the beautiful St Peters Church, Peterchurch. Individual yoga and sound therapy sessions available. Please see my website for further information www.bridgetrowan.uk or contact Bridget 07904 111334.

First Wednesday BEREAVEMENT CAFE

An informal and friendly gathering. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, 2.30pm, www.herefordcathedral.org

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Mon - Yoga, 10.15am, £8. Julie Burdett 07780 905729. Mon 6pm, Wed 7pm, Thurs 10am - Tai Chi, £10, mikecoffeyemail@gmail.com Mon - Women’s Self Defense, 7.45pm, £10, mikecoffeyemail@gmail.com Tues - Evergreen Pilates, 9am, £8.50, Ryan 079848 16847. Wed - Pilates, 10am, £10 per session. Sarah on 07967 482510. Fri - Mindful Yoga, 11am, £48 per term, Sophie 07930 353118. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

PAVILION MID WALES

Every Tues - Eazy Aerobics with Esme, 11am-12pm, 07711 133720. Every Fri - Pilates with Lucy, 8am & 9.15, 5 week course, £27.50, booking essential. Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 258118.

THE ART SHED, MID WALES ARTS

Every Thurs - Yoga with Karen Booth, 4.30pm-6pm, karentheyoga@gmail.com 07794 337318. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369. THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD Tues - Pilates, 10am-10.45pm. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

SUBSCRIBE TO BROAD SHEEP

Why not subscribe to Broad Sheep and have it delivered to your door every month? It costs only £27 for the whole year (to cover p&p). Interested?

Email Clare - info@broadsheep.com with the name and postal address you want it to be delivered to. Broad Sheep subscription would make an ideal present too!