Broad sheep April 2018

BROAD sheep

april 2018

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

NOAM CHOMSKY / ANNA SOUBRY / EMMA SULKOWICZ / DIANE ABBOTT / NEIL STRAUSS / JOHN MCWHORTER / GUY STANDING / WARREN ELLIS / SOPHIE FIENNES /

MARTHA FIENNES /ANDREW ADONIS / PETER TATCHELL / ROWAN WILLIAMS / LIV BOEREE / BROOKE MAGNANTI / DEIRDRE MCCLOSKEYAND MANY MORE..

HOT CHIP (DJ) / THE ORB / ANA MATRONIC / CAMILLE O'SULLIVAN / BADLY DRAWN BOY / NERINA PALLOT / SAM AND THE WOMP /

LAURA WRIGHT / THE CORRESPONDENTS / FYFE DANGERFIELD / LUKE SITAL-SINGH / LYNSDAY EVANS / TANKUS THE HENGE / BLAIR DUNLOP / TSAR B / THE TURBANS /

THE CARNY VILLAINS / UNDERCOVER HIPPY /

AFRIQUOI (DJ) | PHILIP JEAYS | KIZZY CRAWFORD | SPIRO AND HUNDREDS MORE!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY

sheep

BROAD The Committee

Contents Small Ads

Hugh’s bit Letters Art Art workshops Cinema

Dance Food

Music Music workshops Band directory Theatre Word Grass roots Comp therapies

4 6 8 10 16 20 24 26 28 42 48 50 54 58 60

We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein Clare Edwards The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ Tel: 01432 850444 Email: info@broadsheep.com Website: www.broadsheep.com

I

HAVE had the misfortune to go to three committee meetings this week.

Of course none of them were like this one, the minutes of which I found in a dustbin outside the Church Hall.

Minutes of the Winbury on Wye Fete Committee 10th March 2018, 7.30pm.

Church Hall. Secretary - Mary Major. Chairman - Gillian Bishop.

Present Mary Major, John Williams, Daphne Smallbridge, Rufus De Ville, Gillian Bishop, Commander Blakely, Brian Bishop.

Confirm Minutes The Minutes of the December meeting were confirmed by Gillian Bishop and seconded by the Commander.

Chairman’s Report Gillian Bishop reported everything was tickety-boo. She said Winbury on Wye was a well oiled machine. She thanked Mary Major for having got the licence and said she was grateful to Colin Graves for lending us his field for the event. The stall holders from previous years had been contacted and asked to attend apart from the man with the rather rude t-shirts. The only loose ends were 1. A celebrity to open the show.

2. The musical entertainment.

3. The food stalls.

Food Stalls Mary Major reported that Betty’s Buns had gone to Liverpool to look after her mum, and Sam’s Burger Van had lost it’s licence due to a minor outbreak of food poisoning at the Builth Wells Motobike Rally. Brian Bishop said that was damn right and that his mate Mental Mike had attended the event and subsequently spent an unhappy two days on the khazi. Brian’s mum said we didn’t need to hear the details and when the Commander began to recount a similar experience serving in Afghanistan she also told him we didn’t need to hear his toilet stories while they were trying to have a meeting. The Commander said he was a man who called a spade a spade and if he wanted to talk about his shit he would. Gillian said I didn’t need to take that down and that we should move on swiftly and concentrate on finding a replacement food vendor.

Rufus de Ville said he liked sushi but Daphne Smallbridge said she couldn’t stand all that foreign muck. John Williams said that was a very sweeping statement and the current trend for street food offered an ideal opportunity for the fete to spread its culinary wings and imbibe some exotic cuisine. Mary said she might be able to find a local hot dog stall or chip van to fill the gap.

The Commander said could they get on briskly to the other topics as he had a pressing appointment with a pork pie and a large Scotch at The Feathers. Daphne said she didn’t like Scotch. The Commander said if she hadn’t got anything useful to say she should bloody well shut up. Daphne said she didn’t like the Commander either, so there.

Musical Entertainment John Williams said he had been successful in finding a local choir, The Sharps and Flats who were willing to perform their medley of Abba hits for very little money. As their name suggested, their intonation was a little suspect, but they were full of brio. Daphne said she liked Abba. John said he was also negotiating with an experimental Afro-jazz free music band. Daphne said she didn’t like all that foreign music. John said did she not realise Abba were foreign? Daphne said she didn’t mean that sort of foreign and anyway weren’t Abba from London?

Gillian interrupted to suggest they use the local talent of her son, Brian’s band, ‘Doom’. John asked what kind of music they played and Brian said it was a sort of amalgam of Death Metal and Thrash Metal if you know what I mean.

Daphne asked if they played ‘The Birdy Song’ or anything she might recognise. Brian said their most famous cover was ‘Hammer Smashed Face’ by Cannibal Corpse.

The Commander said nobody in their right minds wants to listen to that racket. Brian said the Commander was a stupid old twat. The Commander with a surprising show of agility jumped over the table and grabbed Brian round the throat while shouting “I’ll have you know I did two tours in Helmund Province”. He was restrained by John Williams and Brian’s mum. Brian ran out of the room. Gillian tried to restore order and move on to the next item on the agenda, but a visibly shaken Rufus said he didn’t want to be on the committee anymore if the Commander was going to go around assaulting people.

Brian re-appeared with Constable Brown who said “Hello, hello, hello, what’s going on here? Has the Commander been up to his tricks again?”

Gillian said it was nothing to worry about, everything was tickety-boo and they should just clear up the problem of finding a celebrity and they they could go home.

Constable Brown said ‘“How tickled I am missus” and revealed he moonlighted as a Ken Dodd impersonator.

Daphne said she never liked Doddy even when he was alive, but Gillian said Constable Brown was good enough for her and the next meeting was in two weeks and they should all go home and get a good nights sleep.

Cover pic: “Dracula: The Bloody Truth”, The Courtyard, Hereford - 27 & 28 April

small ads MALE, EARLY 50S, ATTRACTIVE SEEKS SIMLAR FEMALE Any age for friendship/romance... Many varied interests. Lives north Herefordshire.

Email brendan.ellis@gmx.co.uk CHAIR CANING/RUSHING/DANISH CORD SEAT REPAIRS. Furniture repairs. Advice. Paul Richards 01544 209067.

FLOOR LOOM FOR SALE Much-loved floor loom, approximate dimensions w 56”, l 48”, h 65”. Disassembles for transportation. 4 shafts, 6 pedals. Loads of reeds, sticks, shuttles etc. Buyer to collect from near Ludlow, Shropshire/Herefordshire border. £300 ono.

Contact: Sue Russell Tel: 01568 780559, email peterandsuerussell@btinternet.com EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE & AMENABLE GARDENER AVAILABLE. Weeding, lawn cutting, hedges, odd jobs and painting etc. £10 per hour. Can also assist with personal care needs if required (CRB checked) and very experienced. Call 07969 699892 or email petercrispin@yahoo.co.uk HAY SPANISH Spanish classes in Hay on Wye on Monday. 10am to 11.30am. Level 1 beginners. Monday and Tuesday 7pm to 8:30pm complete beginners.

Private tuition GCSE and A level. Call for more info Mely 07837 160505.

LEARN GUITAR (ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC) Individual tuition for adults 16 plus, music graduate, professional guitarist. Whatever level, you’ll learn songs or music you enjoy. 07729 059847, 01584 876584, paul.wrightson@gmail.com PIANO TUNER AND TECHNICIAN Based in Llanidloes, serving Mid-Wales. Please contact Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789 or email vicky@mousematt.net 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 Katie 01547 520328.

PEMBRIDGE ALLOTMENT’S ASSOCIATION have several plots to let for the coming season large or small, lovely setting and very reasonable rates, please contact Rosie on 078660 27774 for details. We look forward to welcoming new members.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday.

Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students.

Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams.

Now taking students in Presteigne and surrounding area.

Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, 2 Castle Wall, Hay-onWye, HR3 5EQ. Tel: 07527 298199. Headline making independent music shop only a one minute walk from the main car park. A destination shop packed with new and machine cleaned vinyl records, CDs, books and more.

1000’s of items £4 or less.

4

TREE PRUNING SERVICES From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656.

MANTON CUSTOMS Shropshire based luthier.

Handmade electric instruments and guitar repair services. info@mantoncustoms.co.uk BLACKSMITHING EVENING CLASSES MORNING CLASSES AND SHORT COURSES at Bluefoot Forge.

For details, phone 01544 267810. info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk or visit www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk FIDDLE LESSONS - Friendly, experienced fiddle teacher available for lessons, all ages, all levels. I teach in a fun and relaxed way. I will help with confidence, flow, technique, bowing, style and tune repertoire. My focus is mainly on the Irish tradition. Please get in touch.

Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Gloucestershire area.

Caitlin - cait@globe-ents.co.uk 07912 014636.

WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc.

Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247.

Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught.

John Hymas 07969 440183.

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.

WORKSHOPS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC: Get ready for GDPR, a practical workshop aimed at small businesses and organisations. 10/4 in Malvern.

Mailchimp Masterclass 18/4 in Malvern. Visit our website at www.smallbusinessclinic.co.uk for more information or to book or call 07825 987114.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit.

SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail.com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363.

A STITCH IN TIME Careful repairs & creative alterations to well-loved clothes. Vintage a speciality. Anne 01544 267997.

COURTYARD ANTIQUES, HIGH ST, PRESTEIGNE. A most unusual shop offering an eclectic and interesting collection of fine quality antiques, decorative and quirky items, Staffordshire pottery, country furniture and books.

01544 267033. aeleavis@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/courtyardantiquespresteigne

01432 850444

£80 £90

hugh’s bit

Ground Control to Elon Musk E LON Musk has put a Tesla S into space, a converible with the hood down. There’s a space-suited mannequin at the wheel, Asimov’s Foundation in the glove compartment and Bowie’s Space Oddity playing on the radio. But actually it’s not, because there is no sound in space, just as there is no tarmac, not to mention that here on earth you can’t buy a Tesla convertible anyway. The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’s Don’t Panic is inscribed on the dashboard but nobody back home is panicking at this self-indulgent Trump-era advertising stunt. With the enormous resources available to him, the best Elon Musk could come up with to top his big dick Space-X rocket was, in effect, a special FX photoshop clip from an American boy-teen sci-fi Marvel movie. Far from being futuristic, far-seeing, original or universal the image is a combination of retro icons from half a century back, the open top car, Bowie etc..

If you are going to self-advertise then it’s a good idea to consider what you’re going reveal about yourself.

Musk could have developed any number of scientifically significant and or culturally imaginative projects, but what did he come up with? - a “Look at my Willy” moment.

His prequel was a sell-out limited edition of Elon Musk ejaculating flamethrowers, at $1500 a throw, just cos he can. What is revealed is his genius as an engineer and an egotist, and the poverty of his imagination in any other sphere.

From the dawn of human consciousness the scale and mystery of space has created a deepening of awareness in mankind. God is in the heavens. Stone and wood astro circles, even circular cities aligned to the heavenly bodies, created the first reliable calendars - vital to the success of early cultures. (One of the largest woodhenges was near New Radnor). Priest astronomers ensured the power of organised religion over society. Galileo used his equivalent piece of new astro-technology, the telescope, to demonstrate that the Earth went around the Sun, and not vice versa. This had huge repercussions far beyond the science involved, destroying the allegedly natural order of hierarchies and demonstrating that we were neither at the centre of any universe, nor at the top of any pyramid of Creation. No wonder that in 1633 the Catholic Inquisition wanted to burn him as a heretic. It took Rome until 1992 to officially admit that he was right. The most important things to come out of the 60’s and 70’s moon missions were not the invention of Teflon, memory foam, American pride or the moon rock samples, but the revelatory images of our solitary blue planet spinning in deep space. Earth-rise. Our one and only life-boat. Astronauts come back from space spiritually deepened, astronomers develop a life-long sense of awe and humility. But not Musk. He sees space as a backdrop for his earth-bound grandiloquence.

6

Given that he wants to develop a back-up colony on Mars in case everything goes awry on the old planet you’d have thought he’d have come up with something if

not beautiful, at least useful: a radiation-proof repository of mankind’s vital discoveries, equations, ideas, history, artwork, literature, music, moral and political structures, a time capsule library in digital form to be placed at a stable Lagrange point ready for his new Martian colonisers - or future archaeologists - to refer to if Planet Earth had to be abandoned due to pollution, nuclear war, a new SARS, Yellowstone Park eruption, global warming, the collapse of the world economy, those bankers again, and the succeeding wars, civil and otherwise etc.. Choose your apocalypse; every generation has to have one. Or he could have built a beacon to communicate with ET, broadcasting a message for the Tralfamadorians. Dawkins, Sagan, Thomas and Wolfram have at least tried to come up with extra-terrestrial messages that show the best side of humanity with something deep, true, rational, poetic, and enduring, however western their solutions, (Maths, Bach, Shakespeare, Darwin, Einstein). But as an object to survive the human race and/or to speak to other sophisticated life-forms a Tesla convertible orbiting a devastated planet with a fake spaceman at the wheel is a pathetic legacy statement, truthful though it is about the briefly dominant narcissistic male American culture on Planet Earth around 2000 AD. If it was 1066 we’d have proudly sent a long bow into space, or in 1829 a version of Stephenson’s Rocket or c.3500 BC the latest bronze sickle.

Natural Selection.

An alien approaching Planet Earth might interpret the car parked up at LaGrange 5 as a yellow flag of warning fluttering over a quarantined ship with a contagious disease on board. Danger! Not just from the largest contaminated payload of unsterilised bacteria ever projected into space but from its crude and unstable creator species. Maybe, as Michio Kaku has suggested, the basic attitudes and ephemeral technology represented by the Tesla S will put off the aliens. Or it will advertise us as Easy Meat. I don’t share the enthusiasm of high priests of hi-tec for saying hi to aliens. There seems to be a pervasive euphoric delusion that the aliens will come in peace. When did we ever come in peace? By the Universal law of natural selection they are likely to be just as predatory and xenophobic to us, as we are towards the Earth’s species, including our own. Like us and the Vogons, they may be none too respectful of our different environments or societies, accidentally or on purpose, whatever the basis of their colonising greed - scientific, religious, commercial or military (often in that order) - as they come bearing gifts, weapons, diseases, unnecessary consumer goods and mutually incomprehensible selfbeliefs. Cortez, Clive of India, Rhodes, stand at the head of a very long list of colonialist conquistador explorers who did not come in peace. Do we really want to advertise our presence to their extra-terrestrial counterparts - with a Tesla S? - with Bowie? - or even with Bach? © Hugh Colvin 2018

EDIBLE PLANTS NEAR YOU, DINNER ON YOUR DOORSTEP A TALK BY MARTYN DICKSON Botanist from Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, talented chef and passionate forager, will give an illustrated talk on the edible plants of Britain, including in your garden, with recipe suggestions.

Kington Art Society

Spring Exhibition of Arts & Crafts Kingswood Village Hall (near the Small Breeds Farm)

Sat 5th - Mon 7th May 10am to 4pm

ST LEONARD’S CHURCH, YARPOLE SATURDAY 28 APRIL, 7pm Tickets £9 adults, £4.50 children from Yarpole Village Shop or on the door if still available.

Fundraising event to help a local child travel to the Yukon with the British Exploring Society.

Free entry, children welcome Refreshments available

ARTISTS & MAKERS AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, PRESTEIGNE

SatURDAY 7th april 10AM

to

3PM

artists and makers in the main hall

Flexible and Affordable Local PA

Need a bit of extra help?

prints, paintings, pottery, silver jewellery, hand-dyed knits, handmade papers with tea & cakes, and a selection of vintage & textiles in the green room ENQUIRIES 01544 260777

Visit www.myhelpa.co.uk 7

letters Dear Pete, In the seventies I was one of the “Grapevine”, and then later, “Broadside”, crew publishing a listings and news mag in Birmingham.

In the eighties and until 2013 I was a sales agent travelling round West Midlands and Wales selling art cards and suchlike. I would always pick up a copy of Broad Sheep: not because I ever made it to many of the events but because I really appreciated a comprehensive listings mag.

Last week my girlfriend Helen and I were staying in Kington as a base for walking in the Offa’s Dyke area. I picked up Broad Sheep February in Border Bean. Much enjoyed your editorial (as always). Thought of sending an email about the error in the Architecture page.

The brutalist Birmingham library has been demolished despite a campaign by some fans to save it. (Anyone who worked in it will tell you that it was crap: cold in winter and hot in summer.)

On Friday Helen and I were walking north from Stapleton when we met an unaccompanied dog. He seemed to know where he was going but wanted to get through a gate signed “dogs on leads..” We checked his collar and phoned the number. Helen was confused because she thought his name was Mustill and I was talking about Charlie, but the woman I was talking to said that his owner, Pete, would come and get him as you only lived down the road in Stapleton.

Today, clearing out my office, I came across March 2013 Broad Sheep and stopped to read it: “Pete Mustill.

Mayfield, Stapleton....”

So... I’m sending you this email. I always liked your work, now I like your dog too!

Best wishes, Nigel Holt Hi

I’m sure I won’t be the only person to email you about Nick Jones’ article in February’s Broadsheep. Sadly John Madin’s fine example of Brutalist architecture disappeared from Birmingham’s city centre well before Christmas and is to be replaced by a soulless glass edifice of absolutely no consequence.

Best wishes Bobby Child, Felindre

8

Our Architecture Correspondent replies:My apologies to Mr Child. When I visited Birmingham last autumn, John Madin’s inverted ziggurat was still standing, though looking decidedly shabby (hence my reference to it sulking in the shadow of the new City Library). One small up-date to the February column: not all of Robin Hood Gardens (the East End’s Brutalist monument reviled by its Poplar residents but revered by the Twentieth Century Society) fell under the wrecker’s ball. At the 11th hour, the Victoria & Albert Museum acquired a 5m-wide three-storey section, which it proposes to put on permanent display in the new V & A East, now under construction at Stratford.

Dear Editor Although I enjoy Mr Pernickety’s reviews, I must take issue with his March writing.

I have worked for Bulmers/Heineken for a long time and know some of his points are inaccurate. I do not like it when people knock the company, Heineken are still doing a lot for the county with jobs and beautiful orchards.

We used to give all sorts of free things to help the smaller cider makers such as crates, apples, staff help and other things they would need. Bulmers always helped the smaller cider makers, Symonds was only taken over as a last resort. Ivor Dunkerton was always helped and gave us vouchers in exchange for his lovely restaurant.

Inch’s could not keep up and were also taken over. I have never heard of anything with Westons. Staff were also treated well when it did happen, a lot of ex-Symonds are still working here.

Bulmers/Heineken challenge the government about the tax but always include reducing the tax burden for smaller producers.

I agree about the taste of the old cider but as I was told “you are not the market we are targeting”. Bulmers moved to concentrate fermentations for consistency and storage with the quantity needed to supply. Bulmers cider is still made with natural ingredients and only the minimum of preservative, this means the shelf life is shorter.

The main problem for cider makers is keeping air away from final product to keep the flavour. They have always tried to keep some small quantity “old” drinks and make some craft ciders with no additives at all. GL was always really popular but Bulmers would not sell it other than in three other places, one in a London pub, Cornwall and Worcester.

The problem is success changes things and Bulmers were always at the forefront of technology to stay profitable. Westons are having to change also because you cannot make enough cider the old way.

You have to remember one tank holds 550,000 gallons of strong cider which makes 11,440,000 pints drinkable and that is used every 6 days, so someone other than us oldies is buying it. Luckily it is still one of the most popular drinks.

I am not asking you to print this but just pass on and ask him to think about it next time.

Excellent magazine.

Gary

Mr Pernickety writes..

Full marks to Mr Gary Hughes for is loyalty, a rare enough commodity these days.

Mr P is not qualified to write about employment issues, but has no reason to believe that the current owners of Bulmers aren’t excellent employers and he’s sure they bring countless benefits to the community, as well as (Mr P was keen to point out) having the good judgment to re-launch one of Bulmers’ older (and more palatable) brews under the label ‘Bulmer’s Original’. Mr P’s views about their ‘popular’ mass-market ciders are is own; naturally anyone else is free to enjoy them, if they wish.

art POWYS The Judge’s Lodging, Broad St, Presteigne LD8 2AD 01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org.uk 5 May - 18 Aug ‘Circumstantial Evidence’. SIMON DORRELL - a selling exhibition of twenty ink and gouache studies in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the restoration of the Judge’s Lodging.

Open Tues-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am-5pm.

Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne, 01544 267033 April Antique pottery, country furniture and art. 10.30am-3pm.

Herb Garden Community Cafe, Station Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5BB 01597 823082 Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm.

Old School Gallery, Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton 01547 550377 Until 2 April & 6 - 8 April Presteigne Festival Children’s Exhibition. Children’s art; a culmination of creative writing and art project run by Presteigne Festival, supported by the Foyle Foundation, Hanfod Cymru and Radnor Hills.

Open 11am-5pm.

13 April - 20 May ‘Spring Quartet’.

ROBERT FOUNTAIN & BAS TITFORD - ceramics and pottery. BRIAN LAMMAS - paintings. DAVID HOWERTH - sculpture.

Open Fri-Sun 11am-5pm.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 01544 260777 www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org 7 April Locally made, artisan gifts, cards, furniture, paintings, and more.

Open 10am-3pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 April 100 20th and 21st century British paintings on view. Spring is sprung with 1922 woodcuts of ‘Crocus & Snowdrops’, ‘Primulas’ and ‘Forget-me-nots’

by JOHN HALL THORPE. Plus 400 differently designed greeting cards from £2.40 each.

Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 April ‘Spring at Last?’ Hares and flowers. Paintings, ceramics, bronzes, wood and cards. Try out the ‘negative ions’ with the fairtrade salt lamps.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

10

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 April ‘Knackered but Nice’. Sale of beautiful rugs repaired in our workshop. Plus rare antique carpets and kilims. Cafe. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells 01597 824513 7 - 14 April Friends of Radnorshire Museum Fundraiser. All can enter artworks on the theme of water with all artworks for sale at £20. All proceeds towards the restoration of the museum’s painting ‘The Vale of Nantgwylt 1891’ by Sir Alfred East.

20 April - 12 May ‘Nature Rising’. A collection of nature inspired artwork produced by Llandrindod High School Staff. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, Newtown SY17 5SB 01686 688369 1 - 29 April ‘Nexus’.

1 - 30 April Ceramics exhibition made by children at MWA. 22 April Sculpture Trail with SCULPTURE CYMRU. Open Thurs- Sun 10am-4pm.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 April A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions. Open daily 10.30am-5pm, tea room closes 4.30pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until 13 May Easter Exhibition.

RACHEL SUMNER - driftwood birds and embroidered pictures. ALI TREGASKES & AMANDA HOLLINGER - jewellery. ANNIE DRIVER - prints. FLORENTINA JAMES - wooden spoons.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells 01938 820495 www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk 28 & 29 April ‘Wonderwool Wales’.

The annual wool and natural fibre extravaganza featuring over 220 exhibitors, exhibitions, demonstrations and have a go sessions. Book early for woolschools to learn techniques in crochet, felting and weaving. Open Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm, £10 adults, under 16s free, weekend ticket £18.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Until 5 April ‘Inter-Tidal’.

CLARE OWEN-MAYNARD - paintings.

Tues & Wed 12.30-9pm, Thurs-Sun 2pm-9pm, closed Mon. Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821898 Until mid April BILLY CHARITY photographs of local characters.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown 01686 614555 Until 16 May TIM EDMUNDS. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm.

The Table, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822802 Until 21 April SHÂN EGERTON, EDMUND FAIRFAX-LUCY & CLAERWEN HOLLAND. The artists will be in the gallery on 7 April. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm and open for Italian Sunday lunch with Nonna Caterina 12-3pm or by appointment.

Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth 01654 703355 Until 28 April ‘Coastal Structures’.

PETE MONAGHAN. Until 28 April ‘Refraction & Reflection’.

KATE PASVOL. Until 16 June Tabernacle collection.

Until 23 June ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’. CLIVE HICKSJENKINS. Until 23 June ‘Open Eyes’. The art collection made over 50 years by Lindsay Evans.

Until 23 June ‘Centenary’. KYFFIN WILLIAMS. Until 26 May ‘The Sands of Time’.

JO NADEN. 5 May - 16 June ‘Was It Wet That Year?’ MORFYDD RANSOM-HALL. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

The Drawing Room at Hay, 10 High Town, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AE www.thedrawingroomathay.co.uk 07881 871120 12 April - 5 May ‘St Issui Sends Out a Signal’. CHRISTOPHER TWIGG paintings and drawings.

Open Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm, other times by appointment.

Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 7 April ‘True Colours’.

The biennial exhibition by Welsh Heritage Quilters.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Shannon Donovan, Leg of Mutton, Kington

Simon Dorrell, Judge’s Lodging, Presteigne

Wonderwool Wales, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Andrew Allanson, Lion Gallery, Leominster

Debby Smith, Marches Makers Festival, Kington

Paul Caton, Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan

Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 8 April ABSTRACT ART - an interesting mixture of semi-abstract and purely abstract paintings; painting at the edge of abstraction. The exhibition will also include some sculpture.

12 April - 20 May ‘Vulgar Earth’.

An artist’s collective who believe in promoting awareness and discussion of contemporary social, political and environmental issues.

Open theatre times.

CARAD, East St, Rhayader LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Until 28 April ‘The Show.’ A celebration of four local shows, Pont Ar Elan, Elan Valley, Pantydwr and Nantmel. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118 www.pavilionmidwales.co.uk 8 April Arts, crafts, upcycling, country fayre and more. Traders welcome to get in touch to book a space.

Open 10am-3pm.

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.

Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny, NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Until 10 May ‘In the Shadow of the Mountains’. HILARY BARRY. Until 10 May SARAH D’ARCY - garden ceramics. Open 10.30am-4pm daily.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 11 April ‘A Sound Not Meant to be Heard’. ANTHONY SHAPLAND. Until 11 April ‘Speakable Things’ Litmus Commission, FREYA DOOLEY. 21 April - 13 June ‘Crossed Paths’.

MIRANDA WHALL.Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane Campus, Hereford 01432 273359 www.hca.ac.uk Until 5 April HCA Young Photographers Competition. 9am-5pm.

The Old Stable Gallery, Tourist Information Centre, 11 Corn Square, Leominster HR6 8YP 01568 616460 Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Border Bean Cafe, 22-24 High St, Kington 01544 231625 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. An exhibition of paintings.

Open 9am-5pm.

Hergest Croft, Ridgebourne Rd, Kington 01544 230160 www.marchesmakers.co.uk 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. Large sculptural pieces in their famous gardens, exhibitors include WILL CARR. Open 10am-4pm.

St Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Kington www.marchesmakers.co.uk 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. A showcase of work by up to a dozen makers. Open 10am-4pm.

Leg of Mutton, 17 Duke St, Kington HR5 3BL 01544 231563 www.legofmutton.wordpress.com 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. Featuring SHANNON DONOVAN & ANDREW EASTWOOD ceramics. Open 10am-4pm.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

12

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

Phone 01584 810085

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 www.madeinthemarches.com 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. HELEN SMITH - tapestry.

DEBBIE MARSH - contemporary silver jewellery. SHANNON DONOVAN sculpture. JULIAN MEREDITH - large land art, prints. Events throughout Kington.

April & May ‘Human Planet.’ A range of work from local makers and artists who reflect on our impact on the planet. PAUL BAINES, DELIA BREWER, GILL DAVIES, DAVID ENGLAND, ELAINE MASON (GLASS ON GLASS), REBECCA FINNEY, NANCY FROST, MATT HATTER, JANE KEAY, CELIA KIBBLEWHITE, ALAN MATHEWS, LIZ HARRIS, SIMON MEIKLEJOHN, MALCOLM MELLEN, DEE MILLS, DAVE MULLIN, WENDA MULLIS, NAOMI OCEAN, HELERNA ORLOWSKI, JENNIFER SHUTLER, HELEN SMITH, PETER SMITH & ALYS WALL. Ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal, willow, cards and gifts. Commissions and gift vouchers available.

Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm.

The Old Police Station, Market Hall St, Kington www.marchesmakers.co.uk 5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. A showcase of work by up to a dozen makers. Open 10am-4pm.

The Chapel, 2 Forbury Chase, Sherford St, Bromyard HR7 4DL 07817 588981 www.thechapelbromyard.com 21 - 29 April ‘Colour, Form & Place’.

BLACK MOUNTAIN PAINTERS. An exhibition of works by a group of artists. Open 11am-5pm with pop-up cafe. Closed Mon & Tues.

Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 Until 8 April ‘Nature Unfurled’. Easter exhibition by six Ledbury artists.

JEANETTE MCCULLOCH - mixed media, ANGIE HUGHES - machine embroidery. CAROLINE OWENTHOMAS - calligraphy . JOHN ROSE - collage. CLAIRE BILLINGSLEY ceramics. MARK JENKINS - paintings.

STEPHEN BUCK - pewter jewellery.

Open daily 11am-5pm, Sun 8th 11am-4pm.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 April JOHN MAXWELL STEEL AND ZOE TAYLOR - new work.

Open Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 2 April ‘Herefordshire Life Through a Lens’. DEREK EVANS photographs. HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS BA students and staff archive and contemporary images and accompanies the newly released film ‘Stories from the Hop Yards’.

4 - 30 April ‘Better Than That’.

An exhibition of photography, film and writing from young men from St David’s Pupil Referral Unit.

Open theatre times.

South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 2 - 7 April Sale of Indian silks and saris with Jan Bishop.

9 - 14 April GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY. 17 - 22 April SIAN THOMAS - stained glass. Plus exhibition and sale of Nepalese handicrafts by Preeti Thapa.

23 - 28 April All Saints and St Nicholas Churches’ fundraising sale.

30 April - 3 May LOVE ZIMBABWE. Fairtrade arts, crafts and information.

4 & 5 May Forever Hound Trust.

Charity sale or pre-loved and handmade items.

7 - 12 May SIAN THOMAS - stained glass. Plus exhibition and sale of Nepalese handicrafts by Preeti Thapa.

Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

13

All Saint’s Church, High St, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 8 April ‘Drawing the Light’.

RICHARD BAVIN - a series of large charcoal drawings on a Lenten theme.

Open 8am-4pm daily except Sundays.

Studio 54, 54 Bridge St, Kington 01544 231527 April Sculpture, art and unique gifts and cards.

5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Upstairs, The Heritage Centre, Church Lane, Ledbury Until 24 June ‘Something Contemporary’. ARTISTREE paintings, sculpture, furniture, photographs, ceramics, glass, textile and encaustic work. Open Wed-Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 780495 April Contemporary craft work by makers BEN CASSON - furniture and treen. CLYDE HOARE - baskets and willow weaving. CLAIR HODGSON silver, gold and precious stone jewellery. PATIA DAVIS, SHEILA HERRING, ANDREW McGARVA, JEREMY STEWARD, PETRA STEWARD - ceramics. CLARE CASSON-McGARVA - handstitched and dyed textiles.

Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

The Market Hall, Mill St, Kington 07867 483135 21 April KINGTON ART AND CRAFT MARKET. We offer high quality art and craft desirables, all by local designer-makers. Handbags, waistcoats and other textiles, original paintings and prints, ironmongery, wool and Alpaca products, knitted toys and wearables, jewellery, ceramics, art cards, hand turned wood items, and more. Our growing market is an event not to be missed. Held on the third Saturday of each month from April through December. Plus - the popular KLEEN Repair Cafe will also be on site - bring beloved but broken belongings to be sharpened, mended, fixed - free or by donation! www.kingtoncommunitymarket.wordpress.com 9.30am-3pm.

5 - 7 May ‘Marches Makers Festival 2018’. Local makers at work and Harmony Handmade will host a Craft Cafe where people can have a go at making something to take home.

Eaton Bishop Village Hall www.eatonbishopvillagehall.btck.co.uk 7 April Easter Market. New stalls and egg hunt. From 10am.

14

Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St, Hereford 01432 260692 20 & 21 April Homefront Bank Vault.

Visit the War time bank safe, meet the bank clerk and the soldier.

Until 28 April Herefordshire in the Great War. Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10.30am-12.30pm.

Tobias James Art & Framing Gallery, St Owen St, Hereford 07760 316959 April Works by local artists and from artists further afield.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 21 April ‘Emergence’.

FRAMEWORK HEREFORDSHIRE ARTISTS AND FRIENDS. 21 April - 2 June ‘New to ASG’. Artists featured for the first time at Apple Store Gallery. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Framing available.

Kingswood Village Hall, (near the Small Breeds Farm), Kington HR5 3HE 01547 560252 5 - 7 May Spring Exhibition. KINGTON ART SOCIETY - art and craft for sale.

Open 10am-4pm, free admission, refreshments.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 April CRAIG SUMNER - detailed studies of town and countryside.

ALI TREGASKES - designer jewellery.

Alongside a mix of quality contemporary art and craft.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Hereford Cathedral 01432 374209 www.herefordcathedral.org Until 29 April ‘Poppies: Weeping Window’. The stunning artwork by PAUL CUMMINS, artist TOM PIPER of ceramic poppies that were originally at HM Tower of London will be displayed on the north facade of the cathedral.

Blue Ginger Gallery, Cradley, WR13 5NW 01886 880240 Until 7 May ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’. An exhibition of new work by prestigious British artists inspired either by the Hieronymus Bosch painting of the same name or simply by the title itself. Exhibitors include TAMSIN ABBOTT, LYN ANTLEY, GRAHAM ARNOLD, CLARE DE LA TORRE, MARK DE LA TORRE, JEMIMA JAMESON, LOUISE LOVELL, KATHLEEN MURPHY, FIONA OWEN, JOHN OWEN, CLAUDIA PETLEY, PAUL SHEPHERD, NANCY SUTCLIFFE, JO VERITY AND HANNAH WILLOW. Open 10am-5pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 Until 15 April Easter Exhibition. Work

by BETH RICHARDSON, CHRIS HOWELLS, DOUG EATON, JANE ECCLES, JULI-ANNE COARD, MAGGIE JONES, MARTYN JONES, MATT SAYERS, PAUL POWIS, PIERRE WILLIAMS, PETER SHARMAN, ROB VAN HOEK, RHIANNON THOMAS, SARA HAYWARD, SARA MEAD & TONY PURSER. 20 April - 3 June Blossom Season Exhibition. Featuring work by BETH RICHARDSON, BRIAN DENINGTON, DOUG EATON, IAN COOK RI RSW, JO LUCAS, JULI-ANNE COWARD, MAGGIE JONES, MARTYN JONES, PAUL POWIS, PIERRE WILLIAMS, ROB VAN HOEK, SARA MEAD, SALLY STAFFORD & STELLA HIDDEN. 27 - 29 April Fresh Art Fair at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm, closed Mon except Bank Holidays.

Upstairs, Market House Gallery, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 27 April - 2 May ‘Twin Town Art from Conde su Noireau’. Five artists from Conde sur Noireau will be exhibiting a selection of their work including oil, acrylic and pencil works.

5 - 31 May ‘Earth and Air 3’.

To celebrate their 3rd anniversary, Made in Ross arts and crafts collective will be exhibiting their work.

Open 10am-4pm.

Creates Gallery, Contemporary Fine Art, 15 Church St, Monmouth NP25 5DZ 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Until 28 April Opening Exhibition.

Showcasing the very best of local and international fine art, photography, jewellery, sculpture and ceramics by established and exciting new talents.

A variety of works to suit all tastes and budgets. Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until 30 April ‘Dance of Spring’.

Featuring SUE HAYDEN, RUTH GIBSON, JANE CHARLES, HELEN CASS, ALISON VARLEY and more.

Paintings, ceramic wall art, studio glass, mono-prints, jewellery.

Open 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Closed Tues.

The Lion Gallery 15b Broad Street Leominster

showing quality contemporary British Art and Craft 10am-5pm, Monday - Saturday Tel: 01568 611898 www.liongallery.co.uk info@liongallery.co.uk

15

Mike Gell, Contemporary British Jewellery, 3 East Street, Hereford.

01432 278226 Jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 70 designers.

Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm.

SHROPSHIRE Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH 01547 530744 Until 10 April Joint sculpture exhibtion.

PAUL CATON, ‘50 years’; PAUL BEARMAN, ‘Animalia’.

Private view 30 March, 11am.

Open 10am-4pm.

Buxton House, All Stretton 07812 583113 14 & 15 April ‘The Long Mynd in Oils’.

PETER LATCHFORD - landscapes and portraits. Open 11am-6.30pm. catelatchford@hotmail.com Kerry Vale Vineyard, Gallery & Cafe, Pentreheyling, near Churchstoke SY15 6HU 01588 620627 April - 25 Dec Original work and limited edition prints by CAROLE BAKER, ROB LECKEY, LYN EVANS AND PENELOPE TIMMIS. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm.

The Photo Space, 4 Castle St, Ludlow SY8 1AT 0330 900 0290 Until 21 April ‘Ludlow in the 1960s’.

PAUL HILL. Until 21 April ‘Corridor of Uncertainty’.

PAUL HILL. 25 April - 26 May ‘Performing for the Camera’. MARIA FALCONER. Open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow 14 - 23 April Spring Exhibition.

LUDLOW ART SOCIETY. Open 10am-5pm, 23 April 10am-2pm.

Gallery 3, Gateway Arts Centre, Shrewsbury 01743 355159 Until 20 April BEKI PENNY. 24 April - 1 June Art Panel.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Until 28 April ‘Contemporary Printmakers’. CHRISTOPHER CORR, ROSEMARY VANNS, ANGELA HARDING, PAUL FARRELL. RACHAEL SMITH - pottery.

5 May - 9 June ANNIE OVENDEN AND GRAHAM ARNOLD. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

16

FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Upper Circle, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 6 April - 27 May Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival.

Open Mon-Sat from 10am.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 7 April Antiques & Flea Market.

Open 9am-4pm.

Until 21 April SUE PERCY & ANN McDONALD. 21 April Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm.

5 May Antiques & Flea Market.

Open 9am-4pm.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH 01743 258885 Until 15 April ‘Lego: Brick History’.

Open Tues-Sun 10am-4.30pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 3 - 4 High St, Much Wenlock 01952 727952 Until 5 April SARAH ROSS THOMPSON - collagraphs.

12 May - 23 June ‘Spring Garden’.

VANESSA BOWMAN, ISABELLE RIVIERE and others. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

Ludlow Castle Beacon Rooms, Castle Square Ludlow, SY8 1GD www.shropshireguild.co.uk 28 April ‘Showing Off’. SHROPSHIRE GUILD OF CONTEMPORARY CRAFT & WORCESTER GUILD OF CONTEMPORARY CRAFT. Open 10am-5pm.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS 01588 676060 Until 24 April ‘A Journey in Colour’.

MARGARET ANN HALE - acrylics and mixed media landscapes and abstract images.

26 April - 3 June ‘Outside the Box’.

An exhibition of watercolours by DEBORAH BIRD. 10am-5pm.

Art & Craft Workshops Single, dated listings are free.

Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR ART SKILLS ?

Hereford Botanical Art Group welcome new members. A friendly group with an interest in creating beautiful pictures of plants and flowers in a variety of mediums. We have a tutor on a regular basis and meet in the United Reformed Church Hall, Hampton Park, Hereford every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm. For more details please contact alisonbarter@ hotmail.co.uk CREATIVE WILLOW Weekly classes for beginners and intermediates, exploring willow weaving techniques for basketmaking and garden structures. Builth Wells and Crickhowell. Mary Zammit, 01982 552072, mary@marywillowgarden.co.uk

STONE CARVING COURSES WEEKENDS Tuesday mornings with Lottie O’Leary.

Also available for schools, festivals, shows etc. www.lottieolearystonecarver.co.uk or 01547 528 792.

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Fun, recreational art sessions for EVERYONE. Start painting, drawing, printing & textiles. Guided by Ginn with 25 years in teaching & inspiring art & design. PLUS Ginn’s School of Sewing Tel: 01432 760961 www.ginnscreativeworkshops.co.uk CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors.

We offer a wide range of art and craft courses throughout the year:Basketmaking, dyeing, spinning and weaving, earth ovens, glass fusing, green woodworking, hand and machine knitting, hedgerow medicine, jewellery, painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, rag rug making, stained glass, story telling, upholstery and woodworking. For full details www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - keep it, treasure it: give it with pride!

April JEWELLERY MAKING With Melissa Hunt. 5 April - Water casting for jewellers, 10am-1pm, all levels. 6 April - Gypsy setting, 2-5pm, levels 2 & 3. 7 April - Make a silver spoon, all levels. 13, 14 & 15 April Easter School, Make a Silver Ring, Cabochon Stone Setting and Design and Make a Personal Piece, all levels.

21 April - Fold Forming: Beautiful Lines and Forms in Copper, all levels.

28 April - Make a Spinner Ring, all levels. 29 April - Stacking Rings, all levels. 5 May - Wirework, bead, stringing and pearl knotting, all levels.

Plus on Tuesdays running blocks of 6 week evening classes, 6-9pm, £150.

All courses Oxford Barn, Oxford Yard, Brampton Bryan, 07931 351233.

April BLEDDFA CENTRE WORKSHOPS 27 April - Linocut Printmaking Day with Drusilla Cole, 10am-4pm, £50.

Every other Tuesday - Sewing Group, 10.30am-12.30pm, free. 15 April - Bleddfa Circle, 2.30pm-5pm, £5.

Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01547 550377.

April THE HIVE WORKSHOPS 4 April - Junior Photography Workshop for ages 8-13 years, just using your iPad. 10am-3.30pm, £25.

18 April - Pottery For Adults. For ages 18+, 7-9.30pm, £18, materials/firing costs included. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

April EASTNOR POTTERY Children’s Pottery Sessions Easter Holidays. Wed 11 April. ‘FRY-UP!’ Make a plate filled with clay eggs, sausages and pottery beans on the potter’s wheel.

Places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for x 3 or more places booked. Potter’s wheel workshop 21 April.

Spend the day creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Day £130 Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Family pottery fun in the Easter Holiday. Pottery open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book a session, turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects. No minimum participants required and projects start at just £5.

Excellent & creative indoor activity.

Sat 7 April NICK SHARRATT’S BIG DRAW-ALONG Children’s writer and illustrator will be showing you how he creates characters, sharing ways to invent your own crazy creatures. Bring pencils, paper and something to lean on. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, £7.50, children £5, 01600 719401.

April THE ART SHOP & CHAPEL WORKSHOPS 20 April - Wearable Objects and Stitched Story Brooches with Jessie Chorley, 10am-4pm, £85. 21 April - Stitched Story Books with Jessie Chorley, 10am-4pm, £85. 28 April - Drawn Home with Meriel Gold, an expansive course in creativity with life models, no experience required, 10am-6pm, £85. The Art Shop & Chapel, No. 8 Cross St, Abergavenny, 01873 852690.

Sat 28 April DRAWN HOME WITH MERIEL GOLD Using hands, fingers and natural instruments like reeds, quills, brushes, charcoal, water, music and life models.

Meriel guides you to touch on paper that which touches you in the human form. The Art Shop & Chapel, Cross St, Abergavenny, 10am-6pm, £85, 01873 852690.

April MID WALES ART GALLERY WORKSHOPS 1 April Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. 7 & 8, 28 & 29 April Pottery and Wood Firing Weekends. 5 & 6 May Gwanwyn Festival, two days of art taster sessions.

Mid Wales Art Centre, Maesmawr, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

April THE GLOBE, HAY ON WYE WORKSHOPS 1 April - Easter Egg Hunt, all ages welcome, 9.30am.

2 April - Catherine Barr Workshop for children aged 6+ on her latest book ‘Red Alert’. 4 April - Demonstration and introduction to printing using woodcut blocks with John Watson, 9.30am. 6 & 20 April - The Creation Station, drop in session for children of all ages, check for times. Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am, free. Every Tuesday - Chess Club, 4.15pm, free, contact Drew on 07714 767779. One Tuesday a month (17 April) - Globemakers - an informal craft group, 7.30pm, further details contact corin@lordburgess.co.uk The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

April ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW WORKSHOPS Twice monthly, Tues, Oscars, 7.30pm, Ludlow Photographic Club, 01584 879180. First Thurs, Studio, 7.30pm, Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 01584 831458. Fri, Studio, 10am-4pm, Life and Portrait Workshop, contact Chris Bean, 01584 841668.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

April & May ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY WORKSHOPS 3 April & 29 May - Animal Masks workshop. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041.

April PRINT SHED COURSES www.theprintshed.net or email theprintshed@swinmoor. net For info and bookings call Jill 07796 673123.

Sat 31 March - Mon 2 April EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Activity trails, mini-egg hunt and more. The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, 12-4pm, 01686 640689.

18

Sat 7 April CERAMICS DEMO

By Carole Glover. Demonstration of slip-decorating techniques. The Burgage Hall, Ledbury, 11am-1pm, tickets and details from Tinsmiths, Ledbury, 01531 632083.

Sat 7 April TINY ITALICS A calligraphy workshop with Nick Caulkin, chairman of the Soc. for Italic Handwriting. Monkland Village Hall, near Leominster, 10am-4pm, £18 members, £21 non-members, 01544 327657. Marches Scribes.

Thurs 26 April LIFE DRAWING SESSION With life model and tutor. Basic materials provided.

SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, 7-9.30pm, £10, 01588 630321.

April & May QUILT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOPS 10 April - New England Houses with Jane Davies, 10am-4pm, £40. 28 April - Lost and Found with Sarah Burgess, 10am-4pm, £40 plus £7 materials.

8 May - Barking Up the right Tree with Bobby Britnell, 10am-12.30pm, £20 + £5 materials. 25 May - Disruptive Repetitive Pattern with Ruth Issett, 10am-12.30pm, £20 + £5 materials. Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes, www.quilt.org.uk Sat 5 - Mon 7 May MARCHES MAKERS FESTIVAL Sat - Craft Cafe with Harmony Handmade. Try your hand at making something for yourself.

Sat & Sun - Kington Art & Craft Market, stalls and craft demonstrations. Sat - ‘How to Make a Story’, workshop for all ages by David Phelps and Valerie Dean at the Kington Centre, 10am-1pm, free, but please book, library4kington@yahoo.com. Further details www.marchesmakers.co.uk Mondays APPLETREE KNITTING GROUP Studio 2, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow. 2pm and 6pm supporting ‘Knit for Peace’. Donations of £2, 0845 548 5449.

Wednesdays VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS For 11-16 year olds. Mortimer Enterprise Centre, Kings Meadow, Wigmore, 4-6pm, 01568 770110.

Wednesdays POTTERY CLUB All ages and abilities. Materials and refreshments included. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown, 7-9pm, 01686 688369.

Wednesdays KNITTING GROUP At the Workhouse Cafe, Presteigne, 2-4pm, 10% discount on food and drinks. All welcome, 01544 267864.

Fridays AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB For children aged 5 - 12 years. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 3.45-5.15pm, 01686 688369.

3rd Saturday KINGTON ART AND CRAFT MARKET Kington Market Hall, 10am-4pm. A range of high quality work by local artists and crafts makers. Craft making during summer months. 07867 483135. www.kingtoncommunitymarket.wordpress.com

cinema WONDER WHEEL (12A) “I’ve done mostly comedies,” explains Woody Allen, “but whenever I’ve turned to a dramatic story, it’s almost always been about women in critical situations.” And so here Kate Winslet, in a riveting performance of subtly-realised extremes, plays Ginny, mother of a troubled kid with pyromaniac tendencies, who now lives with her testy fairground worker second husband, Humpty (Jim Belushi) in the noisy shadows of a beautifully rendered 1950s Coney Island. Waitressing in a boardwalk restaurant, Ginny’s faded dreams of an acting career are rekindled by a chance encounter with a youthful lifeguard, the cultured, carelessly romantic Mickey (Justin Timberlake), but not before her uneasy home-life has been disrupted by the arrival of Carolina (Juno Temple, Maleficent), Humpty’s knowingly sexy daughter by a previous marriage. As the nets close in on these disparate but variously desperate characters, Wonder Wheel, proves one of Allen’s greatest delights.

All reveiws by Mark Williams

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

4 April LOVING VINCENT (PG) Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, doors open 6.45pm, films start 7.30pm, 01873 850167

9 April LA STRADA (PG) 7 May THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (15) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Brecon Colisuem Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. Membership enquiries 01874 623166

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 2 - 4 April THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) 3 - 5 April EARLY MAN (PG) 4 April MONSTER FAMILY (ctbc) 5 April THE RAILWAY CHILDREN (U) 9 - 12 April FINDING YOUR FEET (12A) 10 April WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (U) 13 - 18 April PETER RABBIT (PG) 14, 15 & 20 April I, TONYA (15) 20 & 26 April THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT (15) 23 - 25 April MARY MAGDALENE (ctbc) 24 & 25 April A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) 27 April & 2 May THE SQUARE (15) Details 01584 878141

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC. 4 April FRANTZ 18 April HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, 01588 680445

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. Films every weekend.

Full programme www.boothbooks. co.uk 01497 820322

20

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 6 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) 20 April BREATHE (15) Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 3 - 9 April EARLY MAN (PG) 3 - 16 April FINDING YOUR FEET (12A) 6 - 11 April PETER RABBIT (PG) 11 & 12 April I, TONYA (15) 6 - 12 April WINCHESTER (15) 11 April THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED (PG) 12 April AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH AND POWER (PG) Herefordshire Green Network 16 & 17 April BOMBSHELL: THE HEDY LAMARR STORY (12A) 20 & 23 April SUFFRAGETTE (12) 20 - 25 April MARY MAGDALENE (12A) 21 April TAD THE LAST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS (U) 23 & 24 April GOOK (15) 24 April MAKE MORE NOISE! SUFFRAGETTES IN SILENT FILM (PG) Details 01432 340555

3 April THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 4 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch 01948 660660 4 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Cardington VH 01694 771295 5 April VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12) Brilley VH 01544 327227 6 April DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 6 April FRANTZ (12A) Colwall VH 01684 540926 6 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752548 6 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 501031 6 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 6 April BREATHE (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860065 6 April DETROIT (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 7 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Chapel Lawn VH 01547 530258 8 April STORIES FROM THE HOP YARDS (U) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 9 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 9 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 10 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574 10 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 10 April GIGI (1958) (PG) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 10 April MAUDIE (12) Garway VH 01600 750465 10 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 568705 11 April THE GRADUATE (15) Cuddington & Sandiway VH 01606 888931

11 April STORIES FROM THE HOP YARDS (U) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 11 April THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 11 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 13 April A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 13 April THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12A) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 13 April BREATHE (12A) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 13 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Sarn VH 01686 671205 13 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Great Witley VH 01299 896412 13 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797473 14 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 14 April VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) Tasley Parish Room 01746 764881 14 April DENIAL (12) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 14 April VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 16 April SIDEWAYS (15) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 17 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch 01948 660660 17 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 631321 14 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) The Royal Birtish Legion Hall, Newport 07886 697934 18 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Chetton VH 01746 789257 18 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) The Red House, Albrighton 01902 373854 18 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Escleyside Hall 01981 510352 18 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Myddle VH 01939 291014 19 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Claverley VH 01746 710528 19 April KEEPING MUM (15) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 19 April I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Bagley Sports and Social Club 07773 983963 19 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 19 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Pudleston VH 01568 760606 20 April BREATHE (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

I, TONYA (15) Most remember Tonya Harding as the champion figure skater complicit in the serious injury of arch rival, Nancy Kerrigan, prior to the 1994 Olympics. However director Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) and writer Steve Rogers (Stepmom) concentrate on the extended background to, and aftermath of ‘the incident’ as Tonya, played with huge relish by Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad), rises from her dirt-poor background to become the first woman to execute a triple axel. Elemental to this is her boozy, foul-mouthed mother (Alison Janney in her finest work beyond The West Wing), her dim, domestically violent ex-husband (Sebastian Stan) and a cast of dysfunctional characters which the short-fused Harding slogs away to outwit and outperform. With lots of wry to-camera asides, it’s a darkly hilarious film that’s also a sobering critique of social prejudice in sport.

20 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 20 April ME BEFORE YOU (12A) Shifnal VH 01952 462787 20 April GIFTED (12A) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 20 April VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12) Dorstone VH 01981 550943 20 April VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 20 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 21 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Ripple Parish Hall 01684 592781 21 April LION (PG) Little Witley VH 01886 888122 21 April ME BEFORE YOU (12A) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 271129 21 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Bicton VH 01743 850495 21 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672 21 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 21 April GOODBYE CHIRSTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Ryton VH 01743 718237 21 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 21 April PATERSON (15) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780279 22 April BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS (12A) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

24 April MAUDIE (12) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 24 April BREATHE (12A) Loppington VH 01939 809236 26 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01684 833549 26 April FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Goodrich VH 01600 890609 26 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Chelmarsh Parish Hall 01746 862884 26 April MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017) (12A) Almeley VH 01544 327195 27 April MAUDIE (12) Little Wenlock VH 01952 505888 27 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Marton VH 01938 580116 28 April PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Withington Parish Hall 01743 709236 28 April VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12) Waverton VH 01244 336055 28 April THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 29 April STORIES FROM THE HOP YARDS (U) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460

THE HAFREN 7 April SING 2.30pm.

25 April CHURCHILL (PG) 1.30pm (Booking essential) Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555

THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 6 April HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER (12) 20 April THE COMMUNE (15) 4 May A MAN CALLED OVE (15) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

21

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) In 1973, teenager John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer, The Dinner), was kidnapped by the mafia who demanded a $17million ransom.

But his miserly grandfather (Christopher Plummer, no relation), the richest man on the planet, refused to cough up, forcing his strong-willed mother, Gail (Michelle Williams) to ally herself with the old man’s wily former CIA security man, Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg). After a severed ear arrives at a newspaper office, Chase and Gail embark on a tense race against time to recover the boy alive, ultimately proving that love is more important than money. Echoing his dilemma when Oliver Reed died whilst making Gladiator, director Ridley Scott felt obliged to re-shoot scenes featuring the recently disgraced Kevin Spacey in the Getty Snr. role with Plummer Snr., a move vindicated by the 81 year-old’s robust performance.

6 - 8 April LADY BIRD (15) 6 - 9 April I, TONYA (15) 9 - 11 April GRINGO (15) 13 April - 2 May WALK LIKE A PANTHER (12A) 13 - 22 April READY PLAYER ONE (ctbc) 13 April - 7 May ISLE OF DOGS (ctbc) 13 - 19 April PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING (ctbc) 14 - 28 April MONSTER FAMILY (PG) 20 - 25 April WONDER WHEEL (12A) 20 - 26 April THOROUGHBREDS (15) 20 - 25 April THE 15:17 TO PARIS (15) 27 April - 3 May RAMPAGE (ctbc) 27 April - 3 May THE ISLANDS AND THE WHALES (12A) 28 April - 2 May BLOCKERS (ctbc) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. Until 5 April EARLY MAN (PG) Until 5 April LADY BIRD (15) 6 - 14 April PETER RABBIT (PG) 6 & 7& 9 - 12 April WONDER WHEEL (12A) 8 April THE PATRIOT (15) 14 - 19 April I, TONYA (15) 20 - 26 April WALK LIKE A PANTHER (12A) 27 - 30 April JOURNEY MAN (15) See website for full details.

01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 4 April PADDINGTON 2 7 April CALL ME BY YOUR NAME 14 April WONDER 21 April BATTLE OF THE SEXES 29 April STORIES FROM THE HOP YARDS Phone for times. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

SAVOY, MONMOUTH Until 5 April FINDING YOUR FEET (12A) Until 5 April PETER RABBIT (PG) 6 - 12 April A WRINKLE IN TIME (PG) 6 - 12 April MONSTER FAMILY (PG) 6 - 12 April LADY BIRD (15) 28 & 29 April THE GREATEST SHOWMAN SINGALONG Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

6 April FRANTZ (12A) 20 April THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, www.presteignescreen.org.uk

13 April COCO (PG) 17 April GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle.

Phone for times 01588 630321

3 & 5 April THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI (15) 3 & 9 April MONSTER FAMILY (ctbc) 6 & 12 April EARLY MAN (PG) 6 - 11 April ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) 9 & 12 April THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) 10 & 13 April DARKEST HOUR (PG)

Until 5 April A WRINKLE IN TIME (ctbc) Into April THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Until 19 May DUCK DUCK GOOSE (PG) Until 5 April TOMB RAIDER (ctbc) 6 April - 20 May PETER RABBIT (PG) 6 - 26 April MARY MAGDALENE (12A)

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY

22

13 - 15 April PETER RABBIT (PG) 16 & 17 April PHANTOM THREAD (15) 18 April MARY MAGDALENE (ctbc) 21 April BLACK PANTHER (ctbc) 23 April LADY BIRD (15) 24 & 25 April WALK LIKE A PANTHER (ctbc) 27 April FIFTY SHADES FREED (ctbc) 28 & 30 April WINCHESTER (ctbc) Details 01584 811442

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 April BERNSTEIN BALLET Royal Ballet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 631321.

3 April BERNSTEIN CENTENARY Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

4 April MACBETH Royal Opera House. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 631321. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 01600 719401.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820322. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 01952 728911. 7.15pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

8 April MACBETH Royal Opera House. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583.

10 April MACBETH Royal Shakespeare Company.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

11 April MACBETH The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 772467.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 6.45pm, 01743 281281.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

12 April JULIUS CAESAR National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

Manon

13 April BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 6.30pm, 01584 878141.

14 April LUISA MILLER Metropolitan Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.30pm, 01600 719401.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.30pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.30pm, 01885 488575.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 5.30pm, 01584 878141.

15 April MACBETH Royal Shakespeare Company.

Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583.

16, 17 & 24 April MACBETH Royal Shakespeare Company encore.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

17 April VINCENT VAN GOGH Exhibition on screen. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

18 April LA BOHEME All’Opera. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

29 April CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

30 April CENDRILLON Metropolitan Opera. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 5.55pm, 01584 878141.

22 April VINCENT VAN GOGH Exhibition on screen. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 612583.

22 April JULIUS CAESAR National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

24 April LA BOHEME All Opera. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

25 April GISELLE English National Ballet. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467.

28 April CENDRILLON Metropolitan Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575.

3 May MANON The Royal Ballet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.15pm, 01588 631321.

10 May MACBETH National Theatre. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

WORKSHOPS Tues 3 April ANIMATION WORKSHOP Learn and develop stop-frame animation techniques to create an animation in a day. For ages 8-13 years.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-4pm, £25, 01743 234970.

Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.30pm, Ages 8-14 years, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

WEEKEND COURSES

Life Painting, Drawing, Portrait, Still-life, Colour, Landscape, Monoprinting.

www.artcourseswales.com nr. Hay-on-Wye Established 2009 Tel. 01874 711212

23

dance Ten

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £40

Dance Performance Sat 7 & Sun 8 April FAMILY DANCE FESTIVAL A brand new, free event from Coreo Cymru, featuring four short performances and a chance to dance!

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm, free, 01874 611622.

Thurs 19 April ID NIGHT 2FACED DANCE COMPANY. A platform for emerging artists from all fields within the arts sector to display and perform their work. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, £5, 01432 340555.

Mon 16 & Fri 20 April GIOVANNI PERNICE - BORN TO WIN Get ready for glitzy costumes and spectacular routines to dances like the Paso Doble, the Argentine Tango, the Rumba, the Viennese Waltz and Jive. 16 April - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £29/£27, 01432 340555.

20 April - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £29/£27, 01686 614555.

Fri 20 April SOUTH POWYS DANCE FESTIVAL 2018 A variety of acts from John Beddoes, Llandrindod Wells, Builth, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, Brecon, Ysgol Penmaes and Ysgol Maesydderwern schools. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, & 7.30pm, £6/£4, 01874 611622.

Wed 25 April BALLET CENTRAL A chance to see the rising stars in dance theatre.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £15/£13, family £45, 01874 611622.

Wed 25 April TEN ACE DANCE & MUSIC present a thought provoking dance production centred around the relationship between two brothers. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £13.50/£12.50, 01432 340555.

24

Sat 5 May THE LITTLE MERMAID BALLET THEATRE UK. Hans Christian Andersen’s all time favourite story of the Little Mermaid who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, £16/£15, under 12’s £12, 01600 719401.

ECSTATIC RHYTHMS DANCE – WITH CLIVE HEDGER This is a freestyle dance class drawing upon elements of 5 Rhythms, ecstatic / shamanic dance with some of the best ever music on a great sound system. No experience necessary. No steps to learn, just following your inner rhythms. Wear loose clothing and bring water. BRILLEY VILLAGE HALL HR3 6JG 1st Saturday of each month.

The village hall is signposted from the Brilley to Kington road and is approximately 500 yards from St Mary’s church, Brilley. (These dates may occasionally be subject to change). 7.30pm £10 (concessions available). Info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 07905 743272 / 01982 552535.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW CLASSES Mon - Circle Dancing, Studio, 1.45pm-3.45pm. Contact Kathryn Louhichi, 01584 877446. Tues Learn To Jive.

Fun, easy to learn and no partner/experience needed.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8-10pm, £5, 01989 750354.

ALANYA’S BELLYDANCE CLUB - OPEN LEVEL Monkland Village Hall - Mondays 7.30-9pm.

Miro Studio, Hereford - Fridays 10.30am-12pm.

No-obligation taster £6, then pay per term or block. For information and other classes visit www.alanyabellydance. com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

DANCEFEST Mon - Hereford Chance to Dance (55+), 11.30am, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, Hereford. £58 a term. Tues - Dancefest classes for 4-16 year olds at The Courtyard, Hereford for 4-16 year olds from 4pm. £4 a week. Thurs - Kingsland and Bromyard Dancefest Clubs (6-11) 4pm, Kingsland Coronation Hall, Leominster; 5pm at Queen Elizabeth Humanities Colleges, Bromyard. £4 a week, www.dancefest.co.uk, 01905 611199.

CROOKED STEEPLE MORRIS Women’s North West Clog Dancers. New members welcome. No experience necessary. Monday evening, 7.45-9pm, Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 8PE, £2.50 per session.

Contact Linda or Nic 01746 718624, crookedsteeple@ btinternet.com APPLETREE ORGANISATION Tues - Belly Dance for Beginners, 2pm. Tues - Gym-Pan-Ze Rope & Trapeze for all, 5.30pm. Wed - Disco Dots, 10.30am, £3.

Wed - Dance Crusaders for the over 50s, 2.30pm.

Wed - Fuzion Dance, for ages 4 - adult, from 4pm.

Wed - All Tap Sessions for 7 to 12+, from 4pm. Appletree Theatre, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, 07921 331764.

Ballet Central

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Dancing Tots – Fridays 11.30am – 12.15pm, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Dancemakers Minis – Tuesdays 4pm – 4.45pm, Ages 4-6, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Monday, 7.30-8.30pm, Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY. Mon, Pilates, Bartestree Village Hall, 6.30-7.30pm.

Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB. Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wed, 8-9pm, Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. or info@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

Fortnightly Sat CHORUS LINE Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623219.

Mon SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Join an enthusiastic adult group on Monday evenings to learn how to dance jigs, reels and Strathspeys at Llanelwedd School Hall, Builth Wells from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. £2 per session (first free). No need to bring a partner. Beginners and experts welcome. 01982 570324/01544 350707.

Mon RIPPLERS DANCE CLASSES For 8-11 year olds.

With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 4.45pm, £2-£3.50, 01982 552555.

Mon YOUTH DANCE CLASSES Ages 11+. With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5.45pm, 01982 552555.

Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623219.

Tues FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing?

We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders.

All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary!

Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 01544 327311 or Paul 01497 821003.

Wed BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FOR MUMS AND TOTS! Dance Centre, Llandrindod Wells, 2-3pm, £3 drop in, for tots aged 8 months+, 01597 824370.

Weds THE REBEL RAIDERS Linedancing, all abilities welcome. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 7-9.30pm, 01597 810561.

Weds CIRCLE DANCING Leominster Community Centre 2.00-3.30pm All welcome, £4 per session. Transition Leominster 01568 620180.

Thurs URBAN DANCE CLUB WITH 2FACED DANCE COMPANY Ages 7-11 years 4-5pm, ages 11+ 5-6pm.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 813711.

Fri (term time) VILLAGE BEATS SHAKE AND DANCE Come and dance to get that body and mind moving!

Village Beats gives you a chance to drop out of that busy thinking mind and to drop down into your body. We play some amazing music that lets us put anything that might be popping up into our heads into the dance through the use of breath, rhythm and movement. This is an active meditation to some a-m-a-z-i-n-g tunes! No steps to learn.

Nothing to get right or wrong. No upper age limit. All levels of physical fitness welcome. Sessions are drop in and are £8 per class. Little Birch Village Hall, Barrack Hill, Much Birch, HR2 8AZ. Contact Zoë 07879 425 458.

25

food page CSONS at The Green Cafe, Ludlow

W

HEN Mr Pernickety visited CSONS at The Green Café he was thinking about Ken Dodd (the late Liverpudlian funny man, not the Ludlow chimney sweep) who had died the night before. Mr P had the good fortune to have seen and heard him in full flood at the Hay Lit Fest a dozen or so years ago, in a stream of consciousness that lasted five hours. The full house was comprised of an audience of two halves – the old and unsophisticated who just thought he was funny, and the young and hip who found his performances thought-provoking and bizarrely fresh, even after sixty years.

That day Mr P was lunching with a Distinguished Thespian and what the DT called his Glamorous Assistant. Over lunch they discussed the life-extending qualities of laughter – doing it and causing it - and the DT hoped that he would stay in harness as long as the late Ken Dodd (who had died aged 90). Talk turned to Salisbury, which a recent news stories suggests is not always a healthy place to eat (keep off the borsch would be good advice). Apropos, Mr P asked the DT if he’d ever been a member of the repertory company at the city’s theatre, The Playhouse.

‘Sadly not,’ he replied. ‘They were evidently anxious to plug some gaps in the company’s cricket team and were only taking on actors who were good left-arm spin bowlers.’

Meanwhile, Mr P was mustering his first impression of the Green Cafe under the direction of the four Crouch brothers – the issue of Mr and Mrs C which gave rise to (and is the only possible excuse for) the name of their restaurants. Naturally, Mr P was familiar with the small place by Dinham Bridge from the longish period that it was run with panache and originality by Clive Davis.

On a damp Monday, the place was crowded and felt warmer than previously. Aromas wafting from the kitchen were immediately gingering up the juices. The furniture, though, was as rickety and uncomfortable as before, causing the Glam A to declare that next time, Mr P should book a table on the softer-looking banquette seating. Outside the River Teme, like Ked Dodd at Hay, was in full flood, draining a few million gallons an hour from the Welsh hinterland over the broad weir, up which, from a good seat in the restaurant, salmon can be seen leaping during the autumn months.

26

An attractive waitress brought over a menu with the strap line ‘Locally Sourced - Globally Inspired’. The ‘Locally Sourced’ bit was reiterated on the back of the girl’s T-shirt. Mr P can vouch for the truth of the claim; the last time he’d seen her, she was serving frothy coffees in the Cicchetti Bar, which, at less than half

mile away, is local enough. The menu was as exciting as Mr P remembered from a visit to CSONS restaurant in Shrewsbury.

There were combinations on offer that most punters will never have seen before.

The GA ordered celeriac soup, ginger, chilli with salsa verde (£6.00). ‘Beautiful,’ she gasped as she supped it. ‘And the bread’s divine.’

The DT himself was tucking into a (too small) bowl of smoked salmon, mustard yogurt and pickled red onion. ‘Very special,’ he murmured with his mouth full.

Mr P had ordered black pudding, tangy hipotle paste and melted butter (£4.00) which was a triumph of tingling tastes and textures - a real ‘Excuse me, I not going to speak for a moment,’ sort of dish.

There was general dissension, though, over the annoying smallness of the bowls, into which it was tricky to get a knife and fork - wider shallower vessels would have been better.

The DT was thrilled (and pleasantly surprised) at the lovely rareness of his steak in a home made focaccia sandwich. (Mr P heartily concurred; he’s sick of pusillanimous chefs who claim that it’s against the law to serve lightly cooked beef.) The DT also liked very much the salsa verde which came with his dish (the whole thing, a mere £7.50!)

Mr P was just as excited about his chorizo pie an entirely new concept to him - served with small lacerated potatoes (to soak up the juices), purple sprouting, beetroot and whatnot.

The Glam A loved her cheese board, especially the ‘excellent’ oatcakes. And all three luncheoners had puddings: Panacotta and rhubarb (not sickly sweet; not a hint of sourness), lemon yum and chocolate and tahini tart (Mr P’s clever choice.)

Had they wished to drink, they could have had Hobson’s beers or Paso Primero Iberian wines from some chaps in Shrewsbury.

Mr Pernickety recommends. www.misterpernickety.com

EVENTS Sun 1 April THE BOOKSELLER’S BREAKFAST A lavish buffet breakfast, £10 per head. Meet up with other booklovers and share hints on how to take photos using food, books and hot drinks. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 10am, 01497 821762.

Sun 1 April BOTANICAL GIN WORKSHOP Run by Adele Nozedar. Learn how to make your own flavoured gin, all ingredients provided. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 12.30pm, £21.50, please book, www.adelenozedar.com Sat 21 April SPANISH NIGHT Fundraising evening, supper prepared by Shirley Cook.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 28 April EDIBLE PLANTS NEAR YOU, DINNER ON YOUR DOORSTEP Martyn Dickson, a botanist, talented chef and passionate forager will be giving an illustrated talk on the edible plants of Britain with recipe suggestions. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7pm, £9 adults, £4.50 children from Yarpole Village Shop or on the door, 01568 780731.

Fri 4 May TASTE OF UKRAINE With award winning chef, Olia Hercules. Dewsall Court, 7pm, £47.50pp, 07963 090838.

Fri 4 May FREE TASTING DAY AT SWAN BREWERY ‘Swan Love’, a 4.0% transatlantic pale ale. Swan Brewery, Enterprise Park, near the Police Station, Leominster, HR6 0LX, 9am-6pm, 01568 617709.

Mon 7 May PRESTEIGNE FOOD & FLOWER FESTIVAL Free entry and free car parking. Presteigne will become a centre for culinary and horticultural celebration this May. An unmissable event featuring producer market, street food, workshops, fun competitions, open gardens, children’s activities, brocante, art exhibition and plenty to eat and drink of course! Open 10am-5pm. https://www.facebook.com/presteigneconnect 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 With live music a regular feature in the cafe. Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 07751 221487.

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023.

3rd Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180.

Every Wednesday CURRY NIGHT Curry, naan bread and a drink, £10. Vegetarian option available. Oxford Arms, Kington.

Every Wednesday & Thursday TABLE FOR TWO Two mains and a bottle of wine, £40. Vegetarian option available. The Oak, Wigmore, 01568 770424.

Every Thursday BURGER NIGHT Castle Inn, Wigmore, 01568 770203.

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants and more. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-4pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk

Every Thursday STEAK NIGHT Steak, chips, peas, mushrooms, onion rings with a drink, £10, Oxford Arms, Kington.

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

Every Friday KINGTON LOCAL PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

FOOD BYTES AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

BLEDDFA CENTRE READING ROOM CAFE 01547 550377 Re-opens Friday 30th March. Open every Fri, Sat and Sun 11am – 5pm. Café, gift shop, art gallery, and an eclectic selection of books to borrow or buy. Hot and cold drinks, light lunches and homemade cakes, “ginger cake to die for”.

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. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

THE OLD STATION TEA ROOM, THE OLD RAILWAY STATION, NEW RADNOR, LD8 2SS 01544 350543.

Visit us at the Old Station Caravan Park for hot drinks and homemade cakes. Superb views and free Wi-Fi. We can cater for small groups, meetings and other events.

Accommodation also available. Open daily 9am-5pm, 1st March-31st October.

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.

The India & China Tea Company at TOWER HOUSE GALLERY, HIGH STREET, KNIGHTON 01547 529530 www.galleryknighton.co.uk Homemade soups, breads and cakes, Italian blend coffee and over 30 different varieties of leaf tea. Wednesday to Saturday. 9.30 to 5.00, (Sun, Mon & Tues - CLOSED).

THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes.

Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm.

RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers.

Old Garage Shop, Knighton. Tues-Sat. Free parking, opposite library. Friday morning market stall in Presteigne. Veg boxes delivered to local area weekly. Restaurant orders welcome. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk RUTH WATSON RESTAURATEUR AND PRIVATE COOK. Bespoke Food for all Occasions. Parties, special occasions, holiday home catering, pop-up food. Friendly personal service. Ring or email: 01544 350559/ 07870 752325. ruthwatsonfood@gmail.com YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP, MARKET SQUARE, BISHOP’S CASTLE 01588 638318 CAFE serving coffee, tea and cakes. Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm. SPECIALISES IN Secondhand classical music, 5000 CDs, 1000 LPs, 7000 books.

Come and browse.

27

music

APRIL Sun 1 April BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Featuring Boondogz at 5.30pm, Two Push Charlie, 9pm. Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

TRIS WALROND White Horse Inn, Clun.

NIKKI ROUSE Grape Vaults, Leominster.

TREVOR BURTON BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

THE RAIDERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MAYFIELD BIRTHDAY GIG Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

PUFFER The Oak, Wigmore, 8.30pm, free.

KARAOKE Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 7pm.

THE RONALDOS Housmans Restaurant & Bar, Church Stretton.

Mon 2 April CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub.

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm.

DYDD LLUN PAWB A day-long celebration at Wrexham’s brand new arts and market hub with carnival atmosphere, featuring live music, performing arts, craft, food and drink stalls and hands-on activities.

Ty Pawb, Chester St, Wrexham, free, www.owpeoplesmarket.co.uk

28

PETER DYKE Lunchtime organ concert. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free entry, retiring collection.

Tues 3 April UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche.

The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07970 343148.

BOOKSTAGRAMMERS An hour of music from local bookstagrammers. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762.

OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

events/1525350557561532.

OPEN MIC/JAM SESSION The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ELECTRIC OPEN MIC NIGHT All levels/genres welcome.

PA and drum kit provided.

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

FOLKYSONGS Songs to join in with. The Bell, Green Lane, Yarpole, 01568 780537.

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, HR3 6LF, wwwlalmeleysteadysession. wordpress.com

Fri 6 April

VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

OYSTERBAND Titley Village Hall, 8pm, £15, 01544 231383. (Sold out).

Wed 4 April

MEGS EMRYS BAND Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening. Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

WEIRDSHIRE International Psych Folk Festival.

Featuring B’ee, David Colohan and Sproatly Smith. De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £8/£5, https://m.facebook.com/ events/1525350557561532.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Thurs 5 April LIVE MUSIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

QUIZ NIGHT Candle-lit quiz on all aspects of detective fiction. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 9.30pm, 01497 821762.

WEIRDSHIRE International Psych Folk Festival.

Featuring Moongazing Hare, Kitchen Cynics, Trappist Afterland plus DJ Jus’Jay. De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £8/£5, https://m.facebook.com/

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL Literary themed. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

NIGHT TURN - TABLES Stone and Stallion. Chang Thai Bar, Market St, Ludlow, 01584 874212.

TYLER MASSEY & VO FLETCHER Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

WEIRDSHIRE International Psych Folk Festival.

Featuring David Ian Roberts, Alula Down plus DJ Jus’Jay. De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, free, https://m.facebook.com/ events/1525350557561532.

CALL OF THE KRAKEN Brit pop, rock, indie, R & B. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 9.30pm.

THE ROCKSHACK BAND Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE DOODAHS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

ONE 2 MANY Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

Mon 9 April

London Mozart Players

CONVIVIO Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 1pm, 01952 510375.

Tues 10 April BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Andy Nowak Trio (piano led).

The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £10 on the door, info@breconjazzclub.org OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

Wed 11 April Sat 7 April DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

OBSCURE Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 9pm, free.

DJ NIGHT Featuring DJ Red Eyed Trout.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 9.30pm, free, 01497 821762.

JOEY THE CROW The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford.

WEIRDSHIRE International Psych Folk Festival.

Featuring OORT and Jacken Elswyth.

De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £5,https://m.facebook. com/events/1525350557561532.

HANNAH AND BRIAN Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

LIVE @ THE WATERFRONT Featuring Genevieve. Waterfront Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1-3pm, free, 01874 611622.

LIVE MUSIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

TWO FACED TOM & THE BOOTLEG BOYS The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE BLACK RAT EFFECT Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB Musical elements of 1930’s Berlin cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango and Gypsy Campfire meet.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £13, students £8, 07967 517125.

PANDORA’S SECRETS Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

30

DUSKI Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

POP UP BOWIE Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805.

ACOUSTIC UNDERDOGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

OYSTERBAND Titley Village Hall, 8pm, £15, 01544 231383. (Sold out).

OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

DAN OWEN Deep soulful, blues-infused tones.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £18-£15, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC Ledbury Community Hall, 7pm, £5, bring a bottle, 01531 632968.

Thurs 12 April

Sun 8 April

MICK PINI TRIO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

SONS OF DELTA Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529.

PAUL DARKE Grape Vaults, Leominster.

ALBINO FROGS Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

QUIZ NIGHT Teams of four, £2.50 pp, supper included. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm.

DUNCAN HONEYBOURNE Piano. Programme includes Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Medtner. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 3pm, £12, students £6, Leominster TIC, 01568 616460.

OPEN MIC Acoustic session, all musicians welcome. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 3pm.

TRAFFICKER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

WEIRDSHIRE International Psych Folk Festival.

Featuring Cath & Phil Taylor.

Canon Frome Court, 7.30pm, £5, https://m.facebook.com/ events/1525350557561532.

ARTHUR EBELING Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

KEITH CHRISTMAS De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £5.

NOMOROVIN Folk tunes. The Bell, Green Lane, Yarpole, 01568 780537.

THE FUREYS The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22, 01432 340555.

LITTLE RUMBA The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ACOUSTIC/SEMI-ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT All welcome, Small PA provided.

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

A 60’S NIGHT OUT Featuring The Merseybeats and The Swinging Blue Jeans. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01743 281281. All proceeds to Crane Quality Counselling Services.

Fri 13 April LONDON MOZART PLAYERS With soloist Timothy Ridout.

Programme includes Haydn, Arnold and Mozart. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £23, 01432 340555.

MARTINE MCCUTCHEION Join Martine and her acoustic band as she performs her hit songs, shares anecdotes and invites questions from the audience. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

THE BLACK RAT EFFECT Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Sam Green and the Midnight Heist. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6, 01497 821762.

TWO PUSH CHARLIE The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford.

RITES OF SPRING Music from The Horse Loom, Markers, Alula Down, Haress, plus more.

Also photography exhibition, craft ales, stalls, eats. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 6pm, £7. More information, hello@lancashireandsomerset.co.uk

The Lowest Pair

Fri 13 April FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Ewan McLennan, troubadour, balladeer and storyteller. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

DON’T STOP Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Chris Antonik. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

CHARLOTTE JONES Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

LIVE @ THE WATERFRONT Featuring Tarion. Waterfront Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1-3pm, free, 01874 611622.

UP FRONT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

NIGHT TURN - TABLES Charmless Man ‘Indie’ Night.

Chang Thai Bar, Market St, Ludlow, 01584 874212.

BACKBEAT 3 The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

SULTANA BROTHERS King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 9.30pm.

JUGGENAUGHT A Birmingham based trio, led by pianist Piera Okando. Incorporating soundscapes and open passages with grooves and structured bass lines, the band bring exciting new influences into the modern piano trio. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, £12 music only, dinner available at £8 per person, 01588 676060.

BAND OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves.

Drums and backline provided.

Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

BAREBACKS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

WHALEBONE International award-winning acoustic trio. Bring your own bottle and glasses, nibbles provided. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 7.30pm, www.eatonbishopvillagehall.btck.co.uk UNCLE JIM Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

Sat 14 April

32

THE ROOSTERS Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 8.45pm, 01432 356529.

THE LOWEST PAIR One of the most original old-time influenced duos working the circuit.

The Art Shop & Chapel, Cross St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690.

PIG DAZE Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

BLACK HEART ANGELS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

KEITH THOMPSON The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £14 from www.ticketsource. co.uk/thephoenixtheatre CALUM DUELL Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 9pm, free.

OVER THE HILLBILLIES The Herbert Arms, Kerry, 9pm.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘When Adam Delved...’ A journey through the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 7.30pm, £10, combined workshop/ concert £22, 01547 550377.

OWEN MONEY’S JUKE BOX HEROES II Joining Owen is his band, The Travelling Wrinklies playing music from the 60s and 70s. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, 01873 850805.

LE FREAK Funk, soul, disco band. The Grapes, Church St, Hereford, 9pm.

LUDLOW JAZZ QUARTET Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-2pm, free.

WHALEBONE: MIRABILIA TOUR With it’s roots in the rolling South Shropshire hills, Whalebone’s music is infused with the landscape and the lives that inhabit it. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7.30pm, £10 in advance from Yarpole shop or www.ticketsource. co.uk/whalebone WHISKEY RIVER ACOUSTIC QUARTET Darn fine roots, cajun, bluegrass, Americana and more. Winforton Church Community Centre, £10.

JULIAN SIEGEL QUARTET The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16, under 22’s £8, 01743 234970.

Shrewsbury Jazz Network.

THE MGM MUSICALS Robert Habermann sings the songs and tells the glittering story of the magical MGM musicals from its start in 1929.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £13, 01743 281281.

Sun 15 April RAGTIME JUG ORCHESTRA Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

JEFF CHAPMAN’S ROOSTERS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

BOON DOGZ Grape Vaults, Leominster.

FULL CIRCLE DANCE NIGHT Featuring Little Rumba in dance mode and Dave Luke’s Poobahs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £12 from Courtyard Antiques or 01544 267163.

Mon 16 April 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Featuring Brecon Town Concert Band and Talgarth Male Voice Choir. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, £12.50/£10, 01874 611622.

33

Jon Boden

MELVIN HANCOX SOLO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

STONED CHERRIES Vaults, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm.

Fri 20 April BLUES JAM The Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 07896 676189.

NIGHT TURN - TABLES Daniel Jaye plays funk and soul.

Chang Thai Bar, Market St, Ludlow, 01584 874212.

BUDDY’S REVIVAL Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FRIDAY LOVE Featuring Bob Hilary. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

HEREFORD BIG BAND Dinner and dance. Cafe at All Saints Church, Hereford. Doors open at 6pm, music from 8.30pm, tickets for twocourse supper and dancing £20.

To book, 01432 370415 or email manager@cafeatallsaints.co.uk

Tues 17 April JON BODEN Front man of Bellowhead.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £20/£10, 01874 611622.

OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

Wed 18 April THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Thurs 19 April EMILY SMITH & JAMES MCLENNAN Rich vocal harmonies, accordion, fiddle and sublime guitar backing, they are one of the most vibrant folk duos.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £15.50, 01584 878141.

FOLK NIGHT Irish/English, trad music session.

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

HICKORY STICK BOYS Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE HARRISONS Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

BORDER VOICES ‘Anne Boleyn’s Songbook’.

Renaissance music performance group.

St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Leintwardine, 7.30pm, free entry, but retiring collection. Refreshments available.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Midnight Idols. Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

ALIVE AND BREL A cabaret revue of the songs of Jacques Brel. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £12/£10, 01432 340555.

THE MIRRORS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

BEYOND FAITH A tribute to the late George Michael.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01432 340555.

URDD FUNDRAISER Featuring Kizzy Crawford and support by local musicians performing Welsh folk songs. A bowl of cawl is included in the price. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £8, 01497 821762.

THE LINAROL CONSORT OF VIOLS ‘Music from the court of Maximilian I’.

Featuring David Hatcher, Asako Morikawa, Alison Kinder, Claire Horacek with Matthew Pochin (tenor).

St Michael’s Church, Discoed, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £15, students £5, 07989 091949.

34

The Linarol Consort of Viols

AIDAN O’ROURKE & KIT DOWNES Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17, 01743 281281.

Sat 21 April RACHEL NEWTON BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year 2017. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £12, 01743 234970.

MUSIC BINGO Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 8pm.

HEAD HONCHO Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Ruby Muse. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

SONS OF YODA The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford.

GREGYNOG YOUNG MUSICIAN Competition Final Concert. Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, Newtown, 7pm, £15, email contact@gregnogymc.co.uk or buy at the door.

MISFIT PEARL & THE ODD FELLOWS Americana trio. Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-2pm, free.

ROBERT MIHINNICK MENNA ELFYN DIANE DRUMMOND BAND Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, 7.30pm. Part of ‘Inspired in Caersws’, Festival of Music, Poetry and Art. www.fairacrepress.co.uk/ inspired-in-caersws-festival CEILIDH Presented by the Shropshire Bedlams and Martha Rhodens Tuppenny Dish.

Hope Village Hall, Hope, Minsterley, 7.30pm, £8, family £20, bar available.

Tickets 01588 660513 / 580364.

SALISBURY CONCERT BAND Wind, brass and percussion players performing a wide range of music.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £8/£7, 01584 878141.

RHYTHM THIEVES Newhampton Inn, Riches St, Wolverhampton.

STONED LOVE Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

Sunday 6 May & Monday 7 May Sunday 12pm - 5pm Live music including The Fidgets.

Dancing, Entertainers and Street Food in the Square.

Monday 11am until late Battle on the Bridge between our Green Man and The Ice Queen.

Craft Fair, lots of stalls, food, beer tent, activities for all the family, demonstrations, dancing, duck racing, music and mayhem until late. ÂŁ5 adults, ÂŁ3 children, under 5s free.

Clun Green Man Festival www.clungreenman.org.uk

35

Emily Smith & James McLennan - 19 Feb

Tues 24 April CALAN Accordion, fiddles, guitar, bagpipes and step-dancing explode into life. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £15/£12, 01686 614555.

THE ENDINGS The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

BAND OF THE ROYAL MARINES Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £18, 01600 719401.

Sun 22 April NORTH STAR Matt/Tamzin. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

Sat 21 April ROBERT LANE Singer/songwriter based in Birmingham. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, 01588 630023.

LIVE MUSIC By local artists. Part of Kington Walks Spring Weekend. Oxford Arms, Duke St, Kington, 8.30pm, free, 01544 230322.

THE REBELS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

FESTIVAL OF POETRY, MUSIC & ART ‘Inspired in Caersws’. Readings, open mic and concert. Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369.

LUCKY PIERRE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

MARCHES CHOIR & SINFONIA 75 strong choir, professional soloists and orchestra. Programme includes Brahms and Mendelssohn. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, children and students free, 01588 650448.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

ADAM HODSON Grape Vaults, Leominster.

OPEN MIC Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, 5.30-7pm. Part of ‘Inspired in Caersws’, Festival of Music, Poetry and Art. www.fairacrepress.co.uk/ inspired-in-caersws-festival MARIA MARCHANT Piano. Programme includes Beethoven, Liszt, Handel, Clara Schumann, Brahms, Ireland and Roderick Williams. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 3pm, £12, students £6 from Leominster TIC, 01568 616460.

JIMMY WHITEWOLF & BAND OF TRAMPS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

FESTIVAL OF POETRY, MUSIC & ART ‘Inspired in Caersws’. Readings, open mic and concert. Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369.

Mon 23 April RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS Combining world-class live jazz, narration and rare archive images and video footage. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £20, 01432 340555.

VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

QUARTET 19 Versatile ensemble bring everything from classical arrangements to the most contemporary percussion works.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1pm, £5, £7.50 with tea and cake, 01874 611622.

OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Wed 25 April AMERICANA SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

THE RHEINGANS SISTERS Fiddle singers and multi-instrumentalists play innovative, contemporary folk music. The Art Shop & Chapel, Cross St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690.

SWEDISH DEATH CANDY Four-piece psych band. Supported by upcoming talent from Hereford College of Arts. Speakeasy, The Left Bank, Hereford, 7.30pm, £6.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Thurs 26 April WALK RIGHT BACK The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01432 340555.

THE PAPRIKA BLUES BAND The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

NOMOROVIN Folk tunes. The Bell, Green Lane, Yarpole, 01568 780537.

HAZEL O’CONNER, CORMAC DE BARRA ‘See You Again Tour’. Hazel O’Connor performing ina an acoustic line-up with Cormac de Barra on Irish Harp.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01982 552555.

COLTRANE DEDICATION The Nave, St Nicholas Church, Grosmont, 7.30pm, £8, 01981 570268.

GOLD ROOM Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

LIVE @ THE WATERFRONT Featuring The Big Fat Blues Band.

Waterfront Bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1-3pm, free, 01874 611622.

JEM STONES Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 9pm, free.

DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

36

The Rheingans Sisters

An Audio Visual experience and a musical journey of genres!

2 Sound systems hosting a selection of vinyl DJ’s from: Stack4, The Authentics, Super Mango Hifi, Dragon Collective, Free Rotation, Top Drawer Digital, Kompas Audio, Junglist Dub Club, Fokuz Recordings and more!

Sound and Visuals by Stack4 and The Authentics Walkabout performers, Bar, Food and Camping!

27th - 29th April 2018 Near Llanidloes

Stack4 Over 18’s Members only event!

Become a Member for free to receive an invitation -

www.stack4.co.uk/membership

Closing date for membership applications 20th April See You On The Dance Floor!

07528 706185

37

Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe

SOLID GOLD 70S SHOW Glamrock greats, disco hits and power ballads. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £20.50, 01874 611622.

DJ NIGHT With Jon Bengry. Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Ollie West Band. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

STEVE TILSTON & JEZ LOWE Two of the UK acoustic/folk scene’s finest songwriters join forces for a concert filled with songs and music, chat and banter. Burton Hotel, Mill St, Kington, 8pm, £12 early-bird, £15 after 26 April from Bopsoms or Burton Hotel, 01544 231732. PLM Productions.

Thurs 26 April OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Howard and Clare.

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

Fri 27 April MUSIC AT THE EDGE Featuring The Marley Experience.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 8pm, £16, 01952 728911.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

Monday, 7.30-8.30pm

Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY

OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

HAY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 5pm - Pre concert conversation with Fitzwilliam String Quartet & Brian Newbould, The Swan, Hay-on-Wye. 7pm - Fitzwilliam String Quartet ‘Schubertiad’. St Michael’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820322, www.haymusic.org MONTERAY JACK & THE MALCONTENTS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

THE BOOGIES Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

LITTLE RUMBA In concert with Jess Hall.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £10, 01694 720132.

Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ

Wednesday, 7.30-8.30pm

Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, WR15 8EE

Wednesday, 8-9pm

Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR

38

VINYL VIBE WEEKENDER! Near Llanidloes. Members only event, become a member www.stack4.co.uk/ membership for free and receive your invitation or call 07528 706185 for more information. Special offer - 10% off ticket price for Broad Sheep readers * Quote PROMO2018VV * when booking your tickets.

RETRIBUTION Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

MAYOR’S CHARITY CONCERT An Evening with Elvis. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 850805.

FOR A SONG An evening of singing from three local groups - The Castle Voices, The Bishop’s Castle Primary School Choir and The Men From Off. SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, 7.15pm, £7, children £2, 01588 630321.

THE STRAYS Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

LEE MEAD Featuring songs from the classic shows he has starred in, such as Joseph, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and many more. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.50, VIP meet and greet £51.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 28 April DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

SLIPPERY SLOPE Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

THE AMIGOS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

THE VERTIGO BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE ROD KELLY TRIO Jazz and blues piano, bass and drums.

Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-2pm, free.

VINYL VIBE WEEKENDER! Near Llanidloes. Members only event, become a member www.stack4.co.uk/ membership fro free and receive your invitation or call 07528 706185 for more information. Special offer - 10% off ticket price for Broad Sheep readers * Quote PROMO2018VV * when booking your tickets.

HMV BAND The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

BANDAMANIA Ceilidh with Bandamania and Sue Harris. An evening of fun and dance for all ages. Eardisley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £7, under 16s £3 from Eardisley Village Stores or 01544 327841. Bring your own drinks, glasses provided.

UNIVERSAL TRANSLATORS Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

HAY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 11am - Dragonfly Trio ‘Coffee Concert’ playing Mozart, The Swan, Hay-on-Wye. 3pm - Film ‘Britten’s End Game’ with John Bridcut & The Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 7.30pm - Fitzwilliam String Quartet, programme includes Purcell, Glazunov, Britten and Mozart.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820322, www.haymusic.org DJ CHRIS GRIFFITHS Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 9pm, free.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Mr Woodnote, Lil Rhys & Eva Lazarus. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6, 01497 821762.

APRIL MUSIC Fri 6 -

MEGS EMRYS BAND

Sat 7 - HANNAH AND BRIAN Sat 14 - THE BLACK RAT EFFECT Fri 20 - OPEN MIC hosted by Midnight Idols Sat 21 - HEAD HONCHO Fri 27 - DJ NIGHT WITH JON BENGRY Sat 28 - SLIPPERY SLOPE Open Mic Every 3rd Friday in the month - 20 April Blues Night Every 3rd Wednesday in the month - 19 April

Reet Petite, 18 West Street, Leominster

07484 545368

39

RACHEL BAIMAN & MOLLY TUTTLE A double bill of stunning American bluegrass musicians. St Andrew’s Church Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £7 from Courtyard Antiques or 01544 267163. Full Circle gig.

Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Hay Chamber Music Festival

DAVE ONIONS Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

Fri 4 May MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

OUT OF ORDER Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

STIFF WITNESS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

Sat 28 April STEP BACK INTO THE SHADOWS Recreating the original sound of The Shadows, playing live. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, 01588 630023.

PHOENIX The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford.

THE CASH COLLECTIVE King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8.30pm.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU THE ADELE SONGBOOK Featuring Katie Markham. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

Sun 29 April GIGSPANNER BIG BAND Formed by Steeley Span’s erstwhile fiddle player Peter Knight. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £18.50, 01743 281281.

QUIZ NIGHT Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

THE DRIFT Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

CHRIS (WOODCHUCK) JAMES Grape Vaults, Leominster.

VINYL VIBE WEEKENDER! Near Llanidloes. Members only event, become a member www.stack4.co.uk/ membership fro free and receive your invitation or call 07528 706185 for more information. Special offer - 10% off ticket price for Broad Sheep readers * Quote PROMO2018VV * when booking your tickets.

SLOWBURNER Lichfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford, 4pm.

40

MAZ MITRENKO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HAY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Fitzwilliams String Quartet with Anna Tilbrook. Programme includes Shostakovitch and Mozart, 3pm.

St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820322, www.haymusic.org SUNDAY EVENING CHILL An evening of music from local bands and artists. The Red Lion, West St, Knighton, 7.30pm, 01547 428080.

QUIZ NIGHT The Oak, Wigmore, 7.30pm.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GILBERT O’SULLIVAN Join Gilbert and his 11-piece band featuring all his classics as well as songs from the forthcoming album.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32-£29.50, 01743 281281.

MAY Tues 1 May VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche.

The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Wed 2 May THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening. Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

DUNCAN MCCORKINGDALE Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

THE WESTENDERS Showcasing the vocal talents of six professional singers performing a selection of songs from the musicals. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 811442.

Sat 5 May MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL Programme includes Brahms and Haydn and features Montgomeryshire Festival Choir conducted by Patrick Larley. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01686 614555.

THE TIME DIVERS Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford.

KINGTON CHORAL’S SPRING CONCERT J. S. Bach St. John Passion. Bringing top professional soloists from Harry Christopher’s “The Sixteen” to perform with the KCS Choir and the Marches Baroque Orchestra under the baton of Robert Evans. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Earlybird tickets £12, £14 on the door, 18s free.

Tickets online from the KCS website, www.kingtonchoral.org.uk and from Presteigne - Winnie’s; Knighton Tower House Gallery; Pembridge Ye Olde Steppes; Eardisley - Central Stores; Kington - Broad Bean.

ROCK CHAPEL Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Thurs 3 May

OPEN MIC Ledbury Community Hall, 7pm, £5, bring a bottle, 01531 632968.

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, HR3 6LF, wwwlalmeleysteadysession. wordpress.com

DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

First FirstScents scentsof ofSpring spring on onaaWestern westernWind... wind...

41

Rachel Baiman & Molly Tuttle 3 May

Sat 5 May PRINCE TRIBUTE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

LLANDRINDOD MAY FAIR Celebrating local causes, crafts talent and businesses. Live music, family fun, children’s activities and more. The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, 11am-5pm, free entrance. www.transitionllandrindod.org.uk CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Featuring Battle on the Bridge between The Green Man and the Ice Queen.

Craft fair, stalls, food, beer tent, activities for all the family, demonstrations, dancing, duck racing, music and mayhem. Clun, 11am till late, £5 adults, £3 children, under 5s free, www.clungreenman.org.uk

WINDBORNE Internationally acclaimed folk band from the U.S. Coronation Hall, Kingsland, 7.30pm, 07774 681403, £12/£5. Arts Alive.

Sun 6 May CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Featuring Rich Evans 1pm, The Fidgets at 3.30pm. Dancing, entertainers and street food.

In the Square, Clun. www.clungreenman.org.uk

Music Workshops Sat 14 April VOCAL HARMONY WORKSHOP: SAINTS AND SINGERS An energetic and joyful afternoon of singing unaccompanied vocal harmonies. Led by the Village Quire.

The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 2pm-4.30pm, £14, combined workshop/concert £22, 01547 550377.

MICHAEL DENNIS Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

PAUL LAMB TRIO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

FEDORA CHIC Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

Mon 7 May CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968.

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub.

Sat 12 May ANNE BOLEYN’S SONGBOOK: MUSIC AND PASSIONS OF A TUDOR QUEEN A Border Marches Early Music Forum workshop for singers. Tutor: David Skinner. 10am-4.30pm. Bridges Centre, Drybridge House. Monmouth NP25 5AS. £18 for Early Music Fora members, £20 for non-members, £5 students. Booking essential.

Email rozlwill@btinternet.com for details/application, www.bmemf.org.uk

Sun 22 April SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform. It is what you would have heard in rural parish churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Led

by Sue Harris. FREE for newcomers!

Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, Station Street. 2-5 pm. Enquiries: trevorchalkley@gmail.com.

Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, details contact Dave Jones, 01874 623650.

Monday THE GARRICK SINGERS The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm. £5 per session, 01432 340555.

Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Mondays BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623650.

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. To find out more contact Martin on 01694 722500.

Mondays BEAT IT - DRUMMING FOR DEMENTIA Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 10.30am-12pm, free, 07875 090946.

Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye.

No auditions, no need to read music.

World, folk music, anything goes.

7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. Info: contact anniewood@ myphone.coop 01568 369074.

Overton on Dee Blues Roots & Real Ale Festival Village Hall, Overton on Dee LL13 0EE

Friday May 11th 7.30pm-11.30pm THE CADILLAC KINGS THE RAINBREAKERS MUMBO JUMBO

Saturday May 12th 1pm-11.30pm THE REVOLUTIONAIRES - SARI SCHOOR & THE ENGINE ROOM XANDER & THE PEACE PIRATES - LITTLE ROGER & THE HOUSEROCKERS BENJAMIN BASSFORD & LIAM WARD - BIG JOE BONE

Friday £15, Saturday £30, Weekender £40. Cheques payable to OVHMC with SAE to: Overton Blues & Roots Festival, Church Cottage, High St, Overton on Dee, Wrexham, LL13 0DT All profits go back into local community groups

42

Contact 01978 710413 for info and camping/caravan sites or info@overtonvillagehall.co.uk

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage

Wed 4 April 7.30pm POTTY ABOUT POTS! A talk by Henry Sandon.

Sat 7 April 7.30pm OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY present “TAPLEY HOUSE” Fri 13 April 7.30pm FOLK IN THE FOYER - EWAN McLENNAN Sat 21 April 7.30pm SPANISH NIGHT Fundraising evening, supper prepared by Shirley Cook.

Blacksmithing Evening classes, morning classes and short courses

At Bluefoot Forge, Presteigne For details

www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk Tel 01544 267810

Wed 25 April 7pm BBC HEREFORD & WORCESTER GARDENERS QUESTION TIME

Film

6 April 7.30pm PADDINGTON 2 (1PG) 20 April 7.30pm BREATHE (15)

Screenings

Thurs 12 April 7pm JULIUS CAESAR (NT live) Sat 14 April 5.30pm LUISA MILLER (Met Opera) Sat 28 April 5.55pm CENDRILLON (Met Opera)

Box office 01885 488575 www.conquest-theatre.co.uk

43

Tuesday ST MICHAELS SINGERS Welcome interest from new singers, (particularly basses and tenors!) If you are interested please phone our Chairperson Pat Mutton on 01584 819875. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Village Hall, near Tenbury Wells.

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON We are a friendly community band which meets each week to practice drumming and have fun. Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631.

7-9pm, Village Hall just outside Brecon.

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

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8-10pm, £6. All welcome.

Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158.

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR For all melody instruments.

Learn essential repertoire and take part in local pub sessions. This sociable course will develop your musicianship and understanding of folk traditions. Expert guidance from tutor Kitty Greenwood. Booking essential. For full details contact Kitty 01584 841564 folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe, all taught by ear, led by Sue Harris.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7-8.30pm, £6, 01547 550158.

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR All welcome particularly men! Minimal charge. Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world.

Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm. 01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks Wednesday DRUMMING FOR DEMENTIA The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £2 per session, 01432 340555.

Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday VOICE ACADEMY AT THE COURTYARD For ages 13+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-6pm, £4 per session, 01432 340555.

Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Songs to brighten up the day, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com

Trevor Davies Music

For all your musical needs 87 Etnam Street, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8AE tel: 01568 613611

We stock Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, Fernandez, Epiphone, Indie, Aria, Ovation, Adamas, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Crafter, Burns, Washburn, Jackson, AER, Marshall, Hartke, Carlsbro, Laney, Zoom, Digitech, Tama, Casio.

Plus many other brands.

Approximately 500 guitars in stock and Brass, Woodwind, Drums, Keyboards, accessories and thousands of music books and sheet music.

44

Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD Mixed choir, early/classical music. Howey VH, 7.45pm, 01874 754774.

First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

Friday MUSIC TIME For under 5s. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, 01743 234970.

Friday FAMILY MUSIC MAKERS Fun sessions for parents and toddlers 12.30-2pm, £4 per adult and child pair, under 1s free. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sessions First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm, 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, Glasburyon-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

Every Sunday FOLK SESSION The Old Mill, Llanidloes, 8pm, 01686 412008, all welcome.

Every Sunday OPEN MIC Stag, Llanidloes, 6.30pm, 01686 414824.

2nd Sunday ACOUSTIC MUSIC SESSION Jill and Mark (from the Rhythm Thieves) hosting. All styles welcome.

The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

2nd and 4th Sunday FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267.

3rd Sunday ACOUSTIC SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267.

Last Sunday SUNDAY SOUL SESSION The Corners Inn, Kingsland, 8.30pm, free, 01568 708385.

Every Monday ACOUSTIC NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio, near Welshpool, 01691 830295.

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

Every Monday BRECON TOWN BAND Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7-9pm. 01874 623650.

First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 01584 711480 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub First Monday AMERICANA SESSION The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 01568 611404.

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

Maker & Restorer of Violins, Violas & Cellos Repairs, Fitting Up, Tonal Adjustments etc Room 12, 2nd Floor, Lion House 15, Broad Street, Leominster HR6 8BT

We also stock a selection of new and antique instruments and accessories T: 01568 620120 M: 07901 064875

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC Run by Moz, PA provided, all welcome. Castle Vaults, Shrewsbury.

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

3rd Tuesday FOLK NIGHTS The Crown Inn, Longtown, 8pm. e-Newsletter john.baxter87@btinternet.com Last Tuesday HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS Ledbury, www.folklife.org.uk/homend-poets.html 01684 563281.

Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC NIGHT Baskerville Hall Hotel, near Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, 01497 820033.

Every Wednesday JAZZ EVENING Incorporating all styles of jazz. Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060.

Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.45pm, 01531 632250.

Alternate Wednesdays FOLK SESSION Crown Inn, Colwall, 01684 541074.

2nd Wednesday OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm onwards. 01588 640305.

2nd & 4th Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888.

3rd Wednesday JAZZ AND TAPAS With Mark Latimer.

Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368.

Fourth Wednesday AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Every Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Nat and Delia present Duke Joint Jam. Oxford Arms, Kington, 6.30pm, all welcome, 01544 230322.

Every Thursday SESSION Black Swan, Much Dewchurch, 01981 540295.

First Thursday OPEN MIC King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

First Thursday BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB Longtown, 1.30pm, 01432 263495.

1st Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION All styles welcome.

The Fforest Inn, Llanfihangel Nant Melan, New Radnor, 8pm, 01544 350526.

1st Thursday FOLK Farmer’s Arms, Wellington Heath, 8pm, 01531 660253.

2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Talbot, West St, Leominster.

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

3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

3rd Thursday FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223 or 01547 528150.

1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Blue Boar, Mill St, Ludlow, 8:30pm. Contact: Ann Gray 01584 879 348.

4th Thursday OPEN MIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

2nd Friday OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368.

2nd Friday BAND BASED OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm, 01568 770134.

Last Friday TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION The Yew Tree, All Stretton, 8.30pm, all welcome. Contact Keith 07971 661615.

46

Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8.30pm, 01568 770134.

VENUES

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-onWye 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 CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192 CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, 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.

GARWAY VILLAGE HALL, Hereford 01981 580056 THE GEORGE & DRAGON, Knighton 01547 528532 GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412 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.

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679 LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821 LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 611588 LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291 THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712 MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352 NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908 NORI’S CAFE, 3 Church St, Leominster 01568 612876 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 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867 RED LION, Madley 01981 251696 REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368.

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 614555 THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023 THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797 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

band directory APPLEBY KINSEY a contemporary folk and jazz quartet: acoustic guitar, flute, saxophones, double bass, two female vocalists. A large repertoire of original songs from tender, lyrical, slightly dark, to up-tempo latin jazz and folk. Live original music with authenticity and sophistication for events, festivals, weddings, clubs. www.applebykinsey. com or call Ken on 07979 542 449.

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 MARTIN BLAKE: Fingerpickin’ good guitar, banjo and vocals in a variety of line-ups from duo to 6 piece, including Whiskey River (5/6 piece electric Swamp Rock band) The Whiskey River Quartet (Acoustic 4 piece version), The Whiskey River Boys (duo version of the same), The Grass Snakes (6 piece Honky-Tonk Bluegrass Band with loads of harmony vocals), and Blakes III, (eclectic long standing trio with clarinet, fiddle, guitar & 3 part harmony vocals) - Pubs, Clubs, Parties, Weddings, Divorces etc. Contact: 07846 669890 or 01432 342018. Email: martin@martinblake.co.uk Website: www.martinblake.co.uk THE BUTCHER’S DOGS - Two crazy, high octane Irish Bluegrass Country Americana Rockabilly loving dudes with a lust for life have guitars, banjos and mandolins to bring a borderland Ho-Down to a place of your choice. Will travel, have played in London, Liverpool, Bristol and Cardiff.

Contact Toby 07870 781853, John 01544 230699, email eurolott@tiscali.co.uk

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.

Email pppbrooks@gmail.com MELOMANICS Principally a wacky Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopoloitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out just how much fun a ceilidh really can be. Either with the minimal, but inspirational option of Tim calling and playing, or if really necessary, with a separate caller. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich 01743 718612. Email tim@melomanics.co.uk.

Website www.melomanics.co.uk NEW TRICKS Lively 4-piece 60’s, 70’s band playing classic tunes of the era. With some blues/rock and country/rock. Barry 07754 534406 or David 01568 612661.

CHRISIE J LOCAL VOCALIST! I sing Jazz. Soul, Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. For more information or to make a booking email chrisiej20@gmail.com or phone 07968 893719. Have a look at my social media for performance videos and more information. Also looking for a band so get in touch if interested.

ObScUrE A multi-talented, well-rehearsed fun band. With songs from Kings of Leon, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Stereophonics, Dire Straits, Peter Frampton, Oasis, Beatles, Rolling Stones and more. Blues to Ballads.

Rock to Reggae. Soul to Swing. Tenbury Wells based.

Tel: 07951 449658.

D E C I B E L L E S An a cappella ladies singing ensemble based in the Hay-on-Wye area. Available for parties, concerts, working with you to create a unique musical experience for your occasion. www.decibelles-hay.co.uk 07855 348122.

RED ETHEL A contemporary, classy, affordable jazz/folk fusion trio, consisting of her and two hims, bringing you gorgeous lead vocals, luscious harmonies, guitars, percussion and double bass. Totally unique, beautiful, original material, guaranteed to leave you feeling good all over. Details and CD’s www.redethel.co.uk

DISKAN Breton-Irish-Balkan music, well established band with wide touring and festival experience, available for gigs, private events, ceilidhs, art’s centre performances. Various formats available (from two to four musicians: flute, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, double bass, vocals). Follow us on Facebook. Tel: 07588 858010. Email: imiletitch@aol.co.uk THE FORDSONS. The Fordson family present a programme of old-timey, mountain and early bluegrass music - the content is morally good. String band music from the early 20th century - breakdowns, fiddle and banjo tunes and cautionary songs of love and loss.

Contact Pa Fordson on 01981 241436 or email thefordsons@gmail.com GROOVE DYNAMITE ignites the fuse to your dancing shoes!

This 8 piece function band brings explosive Soul, Funk and Disco to parties, weddings and special events, packing dance floors across Shropshire and surrounding counties.

For bookings/enquiries email groovedynamite@gmail.com, www.groovedynamite.co.uk or 07964 714754.

48

LITTLE RUMBA A classy four piece band featuring Hugh, John, Jacqui & Pete, from The Tango Band and The Rumbajax, playing moody, melancholy music everything from East European and South American to the Blues.

Viola, violin, accordion, saxophones, guitar, vocals and bass.

01547 520339 www.littlerumba.com

REVEREND FERRIDAY Upbeat One Man Blues Band.

Playing driving slide guitar with rockabilly flair, seasoned with a touch of Americana, a mix of stomping originals and traditional classics. Available for all occasions, large or small. Contact the Reverend: 01584 711700 - 07766 185451 - revferriday@gmail.com - www.revferriday.com 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 SAMBUCA Ludlow based acoustic trio, playing a nice mix of jazz standards, classic blues, sambas etc.

For more information call Richard 07974 399524.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band).

CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01982 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187. SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Available for concerts/gigs.

Tel nos. as above.

SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band. 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: Cornelius 01686 411147 corns@mousemusic.co.uk or Peter 07561 820509. www.sirdancelot.co.uk SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan. From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@hotmail.com STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com www.dgand2.wix.com/thestonedcherries

STEADY EDD & THE BOOGIEMEN Boogie Woogie and its best, jazz and soul - let the good times roll!

Contact Edd, on 01432 769077, www.steadyedd.co.uk THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away.

For bookings/enquiries contact Phil 07791 129391 or Adam 07855 037092. Website www.thesultanabrothers. vpweb.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/thesultanabros THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song.

Music from and inspired by the folk harmony, west gallery and shape note traditions all woven together with words and stories. Various shows available to book, including ‘Back to the Garden’ – life and hope in the trenches based on original letters from WW1 Herefordshire soldier and gardener William Bevan. “The Village Quire have become one of my favourite singing groups of all time ...

(Frank Hennessy, Celtic Heartbeat, Radio Wales).

For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Ludlow-based, 6-piece, New Orleans/Trad band. Comprising trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, tuba and washboard, playing and singing popular foot-tapping songs mostly from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Available for all functions. See us every Tuesday at the Rose and Crown in Ludlow. Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email: vintagejazzrevival@gmail.com website: www.vintagejazzreival.co.uk TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band.

For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

XL’S Maximum R ‘n’ B, Feelgood Rock & Roll.

01588 650686.

Band Directory

BROAD

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

sheep

SEAN SAYE Singer/guitarist, professional, self contained, large repertoire. Music mostly, but not exclusively, from the 60’s and 70’s. Great sound, no recorded backing.

Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@yahoo. co.uk. FInd me on YouTube: Sean Saye.

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ You can amend the wording anytime during the year, just call Clare on 01432 850444 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.

49

theatre A Brave Face

Thurs 19 April OEDIPUS & ANTIGONE BEYOND THE HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY. Oedipus is a murder-mystery in its most twisted of forms.

Years later, Antigone tells the story of Oedipus’ children, Eteocles and Polyneices who have killed each other fighting for the crown. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £15/£12, 01432 340555.

Thurs 19 April MEET TOMMY ATKINS One man show which takes the audience through World War I where Tommy Atkins fought at Ypres, Passchendaele, Loos and the Somme. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £11, 01584 811442.

PERFORMANCE Tue 3 - Sat 7 April THE GANG SHOW The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, Sat matinee 2.15pm, Tues-Fri & Sat matinee £11/£9, Sat eves £13, 01432 340555.

Sat 7 April TAPLEY HOUSE OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY. An original comedy.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Thurs 12 April UNDER MILK WOOD Performed by Guy Masterson. Celebrating a day in the life of ‘Llareggub’ a small seatown somewhere in Wales all 69 ebullient inhabitants in Dylan Thomas’ timeless masterpiece are hilariously recreated. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £15/£14, 01982 552555.

Sat 14 April ALL ENGLAND THEATRE FESTIVAL QUARTER FINAL A chance to see six one-act plays by different groups.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2pm & 7pm, £12 for both sessions, £8 for one session, 07967 517125.

Wed 18 April YOU’VE GOT DRAGONS TAKING FLIGHT THEATRE. One child’s journey to come to terms with their dragons told in Taking Flight’s unique style. The Courtyard, Studio Theatre, Hereford, 1pm & 7pm, £7.50/£5, 01432 340555.

50

Fri 20 & Thurs 26 April MISS JULIE RCT THEATERS. A brand new adaptation of this exciting drama, presented in Welsh. For ages 14+.

20 April - Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £14, 01873 850805. 26 April - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01874 611622.

Sat 21 April BLACKADDER GOES FORTH Join Captain Blackadder, Baldrick and George on the Western Front. Amateur production. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £9, 01873 850805.

Wed 25 April LIGHTSPEED FROM PEMBROKE DOCK DIRTY PROTEST in co-production with CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE & TORCH THEATRE. Exploring what happens when Hollywood’s best loved spaceship lands on your doorstep. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £14, 01873 850805.

Wed 25, Thurs 26 & 28 April A BRAVE FACE VAMOS THEATRE brings its trademark, wordless full mask style to a story that needs to be told! 25 & 26 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16.50/£14.50, forces £13.50, 01743 281281. 28 April - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01874 611622.

Thurs 26 - Sat 28 April BLITHE SPIRIT SHOESTRING PLAYERS. Newly formed local group present this much loved classic. The cast of seven includes mostly familiar faces from the Presteigne pantomimes. St Andrew’s Church Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £6 from Winnie’s Newsagents or 01544 267321.

Eugene Onegin

Thurs 26 - Sat 28 April A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED LADS. A classic Miss Marple mystery by Agatha Christie.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £10, students £6, 07967 517125.

Fri 27 & Sat 28 April DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH LE NAVET BETE present a hilarious adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic. The Courtyard, Hereford, Fri 7pm, Sat 7.30pm, £16/£14, family £52, 01432 340555.

Sat 28 April WIND IN THE WILLOWS BOX TAIL SOUP. Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic featuring unique handmade fabric puppets and charming original score. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £10, children £7, family ticket £25 from The Workhouse and wegottickets.com

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Tues 3 - Sat 7 April EVITA BILL KENWRIGHT. Featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm, £45.50-£20.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 7 & Sun 8 April LES MISERABLES SCHOOL EDITION GET YOUR WIGLE ON TEEN MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP return with a talented new young cast to perform this musical masterpiece. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £16/£13, 01743 281281.

Tues 10 April EUGENE ONEGIN MID WALES OPERA. Combining Russian author Pushkin’s compelling and heart-breaking story with Tchaikovsky’s sweeping lyricism in an exploration of love, death, life and convention. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21/£20, 01432 340555.

Thurs 19 - Sat 21 April THE FULL MONTY MAD COW PRODUCTIONS present The Full Monty, a story full of heart, and with a raucous mix of razor-sharp humour and toe-tapping pizzazz. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £21-£12, 01743 281281.

51

Tom Thumb

Fri 13 April ROALD DAHL’S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Paul Patterson’s musical setting of Roald Dahl’s retelling of the fairytale is perfect for all the family. Performed by London Mozart Players Chamber Ensemble alongside actor Rebecca Kenny. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, £12/£8, family £32. Pre-show activity from 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Sat 14 April TOM THUMB LYNGO THEATRE. CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch, brings this classic story to life in a playful and fascinating show which is performed entirely on and under a kitchen table.

Suitable for ages 3+ years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £7.50, 01432 340555.

Thurs 26 - Sat 28 April THE PRODUCERS NEWTOWN MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. In 1959, Broadway’s worst producer Max Bialystock schemes with a neurotic accountant Leo Bloom to make millions by putting on a play that is guaranteed to flop. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12.50, 01686 614555.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Wed 4 & Thurs 5 April THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY One of the best loved nursery rhymes is brought to life, with a feast of sing along songs and colourful animal characters. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £10/£8, family £32, 01874 611622.

Wed 4 & Thurs 5 April THE LITTLE MERMAID JR GET YOUR WIGLE ON. Young performers take audiences on a magical journey ‘Under the Sea’ to the musical one act version of the Disney classic. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm & 6pm, £11/£9, 01743 281281.

Fri 6 April CAPTAIN FLINN 2 An action-packed adventure as Flinn attempts to rescue his kidnapped friends! For ages 3+. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 2.30pm, £7.50, 01873 850805.

Wed 11 April SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS? Dr Ben Garrod will take audiences on an exciting prehistoric adventure through an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £15.50/£12.50, family £50, 01432 340555.

Thurs 12 April MORGAN & WEST: MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS! Time-travelling magicians perform a magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old and everyone in between.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2pm, £7.50, £26 for groups of 4+, 01584 878141.

Thurs 12 April THE FLYING BEDROOM LITTLE LIGHT DANCE AND DIGITAL THEATRE. Join Elinor and her bedroom on an adventure to far off lands.

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, times vary, £7.50, family £28, 01873 850805.

52

Sun 15 April SARAH & DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY CBeebies favourites tell the story through a blend of puppetry, storytelling and music. The Courtyard, Hereford, 1.30pm, £13/£11, family £44, 01432 340555.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS Wed 4 & Thurs 5 April EASTER HOLIDAY CIRCUS SKILLS SCHOOL Hafren and Zu Aerial provide a fun-packed extravaganza of circus skills. Booking essential. Wed - Children’s Day for ages 7-11 years, 9.30am-3.30pm, £15. Thurs - Family Day, 10am-3pm, adults £5, children £3, packed lunch and drink required for both days. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555.

HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE Fortnightly group sessions for anyone interested in having a go at Shakespeare read, discuss, explore, perform and have fun!

Wednesdays - Llandrindod Wells. Thursday - Rhayader.

Fridays - Builth Wells. www.shakespearelink.co.uk or call 01597 811487.

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Tuesdays Junior Youth Theatre 8-11, 4.15pm-5pm. 11-14 years, 5.15pm-6.15pm.

Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Senior Youth Theatre 14+ 7pm-9.30pm. The Drama Centre, Llandrindod Wells.

Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars.

Contact Simon & Suzanne mad@ludproduction.co.uk Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2, 5pm, £63.50 per term. Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £68.50 per term.

Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 6pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre, for ages 16+, 6.30pm, £73.50 per term. Thurs - Courtyard Musical Theatre for ages 11+, 6.30pm, £5 per session.

Mons - Drama Tots,10am – 10.45am, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Mon - Bromyard Conquest Kids (Reception & Year 1), 3.45pm, £36 per term.

Bromyard Juniors (Year 2-6) 4.30-5.30pm, £39 per term.

Bromyard Intermediates (Year 7-9), 6pm, £43 per term.

Bromyard Seniors (Ages 14+), 7.30pm, £46 per term.

Wed - Kington Juniors (Year 2-6) 4-4.45pm, £36 per term.

Kington Intermediates (Year 7- 9), 5pm-6pm, £39 per term.

Kington Seniors (Ages 14+) 6pm – 7.30pm, £43 per term The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Mondays BROMYARD YOUTH THEATRE Led by Becky Cook. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. Ages 4-6.

Juniors ages 6-10. Intermediate ages 11-14. All £30 per term. Senior ages 14-18, £35 per term, 01432 340555.

Mondays TOTALLY ACTING Do you love acting? Learn the TV, film, stage acting techniques used by professionals. The Appletree Studio, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RU. Contact Rob Ford on 07772 823775, email: robjuckes@yahoo.co.uk THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE Are you passionate about drama, performing and being involved in theatre? Aged 4 to 25? With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up, this is a great opportunity to explore and create exciting theatre, develop as a young actor and grow in confidence. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the new Theatr Brycheiniog’s Youth Theatre productions. Theatr Brycheiniog is a member of The National Association of Youth Theatres. Mondays 3.45pm - 4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2.

Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5.

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8.

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk Tuesdays (during term time) PRESTEIGNE YOUTH THEATRE Led by Andrew Sterry, for ages 9-12 years, 4.30pm-6pm. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, info@ midborderarts.com or 01544 267163.

Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

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.

Thursdays and Saturdays SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Providing training in a range of theatre skills for ages 5-25. All abilities welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. Contact Maggie Love: 07813 026367.

Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

From one branch to an entire orchard.

Call Adrian: 01544 260656

53

word Poetry & Storytelling Until Sun 8 April HAY INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS AT THE GLOBE 3 & 4 April - Poetry & Storytelling by Anne Lister, 4.30pm.

7 April - Quirk Poetry, local literary production Quirk hosted

by Chris ‘The Bookbinder’ Bradshaw and Wayland Boulanger, 2pm. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Fri 6 April WATCHERS OF THE SKIES Written and performed by Carol Florence Graham telling the story of her American grandmother’s voyage across the Atlantic in 1945 and of a subsequent journey of the imagination which led to the discovery of astronomy in Homer’s epic poems. Llanwarne Village Hall, 7.45pm.

Tickets £8/£6. Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk Also rescheduled date for Putley Village Hall, near Ledbury, is 20th April and show starts at 8.30pm.

Book via Ticket Source or Ledbury Books and Maps.

Thurs 19 April CINNAMON PRESS The launch of ‘Words the Turtle Taught Me’ by Sue Richardson. Multi-media reading from this inspirational ecological poet. The Poetry Bookshop, Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free event, all welcom, 01497 821812.

Fri 13 & Sat 14 April SIMON EVANS: GENIUS Ever since he was a small boy, all Evans really wanted was to be recognised by the world as a man of genius.

He has, until now, remained thwarted.

13 April - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £14, 01600 772467.

14 April - The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 8pm, £14, 01743 281281.

Sat 14 April KATHY LETTE’S GIRLS NIGHT OUT A psychological striptease taking us from Puberty Blues to Menopause Blues, with tales of love, lust, men, marriage, pregnancey, mastitis, sexist bosses, ageing and more.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £20, 01432 340555.

Thurs 19 April CHRISTOPHER TWIGG ‘St Issui Sends Out a Signal’. Poems and songs. The Drawing Room, 10 High Town, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, free.

Sat 14 April CARL HUTCHINSON LIVE! Expect killer gags, highly entertaining stories and the trademark twisted logic that is Carl Hutchinson.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £13, 01743 281281.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 April FESTIVAL OF POETRY, MUSIC & ART ‘Inspired in Caersws’. Readings, open mic and concert.

Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369. www.fairacrepress.co.uk/inspired-in-caersws-festival

Fri 20 April BARRY CRYER: STRICTLY COME JOKING A night of comedy and music with two legends, Barry Cryer and Colin Sell. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £18.50, 01600 772467.

Sat 21 April POETRY SLAM AT THE COURTYARD LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL. Compered by Elvis McGonnagal and Sara-Jane Arbury.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £10, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 April LEE HURST - MUCKING ABOUT Funny stories, quality gags and side-splitting comedy.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £19, 01432 340555.

Tues 24 April POETRY AT THE PALES Starts at 11am. 11.30am-1pm - Workshop on the them ‘Special Places’. 1-2pm lunch. 2-3.30pm - Poetry Reading on the theme ‘Special Places’, bring a favourite poem of your own. The day will be facilitated by Stevie Krayer.

The Pales Quaker Meeting House, Llandegley, LD1 5UH. For details and how to register www.thepales.org.uk

Comedy

Tues 10 April COMEDY & CURRY Featuring Tom King, Dan Nicholas, Donald Macenlrion, Marshall B Anderson, Willy Nilly and Donna Bond. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, £7.50, £5 show only, 01952 610888.

Thurs 12 April ALUN COCHRANE Grumpy-joyful, silly-serious stand-up. For ages 16+.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £13.50, 01743 281281.

54

Fri 13 April & Fri 11 May COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Alone, solo and by himself, with no one with him, the show business Colossasus takes us back on a journey through his early career. 13 April - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22.50, 01743 281281. 11 May - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £21, 01600 772467.

Fri 27 April CRAIG CAMPBELL - EASY TIGER The majestic mountain moose in a tiger-striped onesie brings his new tour out of the Fringe jungle and onto the world stage. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £15, 01982 552555.

Fri 27 April COMEDY CLUB Featuring Rachel Parris. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £10, 01874 611622.

Sat 28 April & Sat 12 May PHILL JUPITUS: JUPLICITY Experienced funny man Jupitus drags laughs out of the chaos of his own life and the uncertain world that surrounds it. 28 April - Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £16.50, 01584 878141. 12 May - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Sat 28 April MARK STEEL: EVERY LITTLE THING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £15, 01600 772467.

Sun 6 May SHAPPI KHORSANDI: MISTRESS AND MISFIT Shappi presents England’s unsung heroine, Emma Hamilton. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £15, 01600 772467.

Martin Kemp

Talks Until Sun 8 April HAY INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS AT THE GLOBE 1 April - Helen Jukes previews her book, 11.30am. Monster Workshop with Zoe Sadler who will read her children’s book, The Lighthouse Keeper’, 3pm. ‘The Welshness of Edward Thomas’ a talk by Dr Andrew Webb and Jeff Towns, 4pm. ‘Meet a Welsh Publisher’, Penny Thomas of Firefly Press, 5.30pm. 2 April - Meet Hay’s Most Local Publishers, 2pm. ‘All you ever needed to know about Dylan Thomas’, a talk by Jeff Towns, 4pm. 3 April ‘Behind the Scenes of a Major Literary Prize’, a talk by Elaine Canning, 11am. ‘The Gentle Art of Penguin Book Collecting’, presented by Megan Prince and David Jackson, 1.15pm. 4 April - ‘The History of the Book’ presented by Bangor University, 12pm. ‘Life and Books’ by local hero, Major Chris Hunter, 8.30pm. 5 April Thriller Thursday, Matt Johnson with Phil Rickman in conversation, 12pm. Thriller Thursday, ‘I am not your friend, I am your conscience’ with Paul Harrison, 2pm.

Thriller Thursday, talk by Guy Fraser-Sampson and Hugh Fraser 4pm. Thriller Thursday, Andrew Wilson, 6pm.

6 April - Meet Barbara Erskine, Hay’s very own author, 3pm. 7 April - Women in Publishing, a panel of young female publishers talk about the issues affecting publishing, 10.30am. Meet the Boys! Bookstagramming, chaired by Jack, 3.30pm. Bookstagrammy Awards, 6.30pm. Desert Island Picks with Shaun Bythell, 8pm.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Tues 3 April & Tues 1 May THE ARTS SOCIETY : BRECKNOCK 3 April - ‘The Camden Town Group’, a talk by Linda Smith.

1 May - ‘Welsh (and a few English) Cathedrals’, a talk by Catherine Oakes. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £8, 01874 611622.

Tues 3 April LINGEN GARDENING CLUB ‘Wild Flowers of Armenia’, a talk by Stuart Hedley.

Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £1 members, £4 visitors, 01544 267463.

Wed 4 April ESCLEYSIDE GARDENING CLUB ‘Water Lilies in the Garden’. Escleyside Hall, 7.30pm.

Wed 4 April POTTY ABOUT POTS! A talk by Henry Sandon, who will also evaluate any ceramics brought along. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Tues 10 April & Tues 8 May THE ARTS SOCIETY: HEREFORD 10 April - ‘The Art of Seduction in Art’, a talk by Lynne Gibson. 8 May - ‘Contrapuntal Forms: Barbara Hepworth & Terry Frost’, a talk by Justine Hopkins. Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 2.15pm, £9, 01568 797703.

Wed 11 April THE BUSINESS PLAN FOR PEACE, BUILDING A WORLD WITHOUT WAR Presented by Dr Scilla Elworthy. Quaker Meeting House, 21 King St, Hereford, 7pm, free, donations invited, millichap.peacefund@gmail.com Wed 11 April BROMYARD & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY ‘Defford Airfield’, a talk by Dennis Williams.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, members free, guests £4 or free if joining on the night.

Thurs 12 April LLOYD & ROSE BUCK - OUR LIFE WITH BIRDS Illustrated with their own film footage and photography, this interactive wildlife experience also gives you the rare opportunity to meet birds of prey. Suitable for all ages.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE New website: www.aardvark-books.com

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

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 OPEN EVERY DAY aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Saturday 31st March, 10am-4pm Free entry; Gardening stalls and Live Music.

2 EXHIBITIONS

Sat 31st March - Sun 15th April Paul Caton: 50 Years.

Paul Bearman: Animalier

55

Sat 14 April AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN KEMP Actor, musician, author, film director talks candidly about his career. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £24/£22, 01874 611622.

Wed 25 April PALESTINIAN CHILDREN ON THE FRONTLINE Presentation by Betty Hunter, Hon. President of PSC. The Big Green Conversation. De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Hereford, 7.30pm, herefordpsc@gmail.com

Sat 14 April HARDY PLANT SOCIETY Herefordshire & Mid Wales Group. ‘A Garden from Scratch’, a talk by Adrian James. Glasbury Village Hall, 2pm, £4, 01544 262795.

Wed 25 April NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING Tania Dolley explores the positive mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature and the outdoors.

The Wellington Hotel, Brecon, 7pm, £5, Friends/Members £2, 01874 611529. Brecon and District Mind.

Tues 17 April GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP ‘Turnastone Meadows: Rowland Vaughan & His 17th century Water Meadows Project’, followed by a brief AGM. Garway Village Hall, 7.30pm, all welcome, visitors £4, www.garwayheritagegroup.co.uk Tues 17 April LUCY WORSLEY: AT HOME WITH JANE AUSTEN An evening discussing the life of Jane Austen. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22/£21, 01432 340555.

Tues 17 & Tues 24 April KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING 17 April - Percy Hull Night. An evening with Roy Massey, Chris Pullin and Friends, exploring the life and experiences of Percy Hull. 24 April - Herefordshire’s Home Front in the First World War. Bill Laws talks about how the experience of living through WWI affected the lives of people in Herefordshire. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £8 per evening, 01432 374225.

Wed 18 April LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘Lord Horatio Nelson: Britain’s Greatest Hero? A talk by Max Keen. Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3 on the door, members free.

Wed 18 April AN EVENING WITH PAUL GAMBACCINI Paul reveals how he started life as a boy in the Bronx and wound up The Professor of Pop in Great Britain. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Thurs 19 April WIGMORE & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB ‘Fascinating Fungi in the Garden and Glasshouse’, a talk by Dr Steve Reynolds. Wigmore Village Hall, £2 non-members, 07813 733240.

Fri 20 April THE HISTORY OF THE THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL A talk by Geraint Bowen, Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral. Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.

Fownhope Local History Group. £3, members, members free, 01432 860733.

Tues 24 April IF YOU KNOW OF A BETTER OLE...

A series of talks to commemorate the end of WWI. An illustrated talk by John Rimmer. Discover what life was like in th trenches. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £5 to include refreshments, 01588 630023.

Wed 25 April SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB ‘The Wonderful World of Hardy Perennials and Scented Violas’, a talk by Jack and Laura Willgoss. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, 01588 680454.

56

Wed 25 April BBC HEREFORD & WORCESTER GARDENERS QUESTION TIME With BBC presenter, Jonathan Ray and gardening expert, Reg Moule. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, free, no booking necessary, 01885 488575.

Thurs 26 April ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS ‘The Green Man in Art and Myth’, a talk by Dr David Bostwick. The Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £6, 01938 555574.

Sat 28 April GROWING UP IN INDIA A talk by Miss Rani Sadhu and introduced by Jane Hider.

Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £5. Further information call 01694 723468.

Sat 28 April EDIBLE PLANTS NEAR YOU, DINNER ON YOUR DOORSTEP Martyn Dickson, a botanist, talented chef and passionate forager will be giving an illustrated talk on the edible plants of Britain with recipe suggestions. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7pm, £9 adults, £4.50 children from Yarpole Village Shop or on the door, 01568 780731.

Sat 28 April NICHOLAS PARSONS Nicholas Parsons demonstrates his unique ability as a solo performer and raconteur. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, 01873 850805.

Workshops & Courses April WEA COURSES AND STUDY DAYS 14 April - Beginners’ Introduction to Handwriting 1550-1700 with Dr Charlotte Berry, Herefordshire Archive & Records Centre, Rotherwas, Hereford, 10am-4pm, £22, 01531 634460, email herefordbranch@wea.org.uk. Brochures available at Herefordshire Libraries or phone 0300 303 3464, www.wea.org.uk

April POPULAR WRITING COURSES Run in association with University of Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning by local author Lara Clough.

9 sessions POETRY 1 starting Wed 11th April 10.15am-12.30pm at Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown.

This is for beginners and those seeking a refresher course. 9 sessions WRITING AS A CREATIVE PROCESS starting Thurs 12th April 10.30am-12.45pm at Wyeside, Builth Wells. This course explores barriers to writing and overcoming them and tapping into our own innate creativity. 9 sessions POETRY 2 starting Fri 13th April 10.15am-12.30pm at Crickhowell Information Centre. A course continuing studies into poetry, beginners

are welcome, but some reading of poetry useful. Courses £110, All courses with Uni. Of Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning, please see: www.aber.ac.uk/sell for latest details or ring 01970 621580.

Second Tuesday DEATH CAFE Run by Mollie Lord.

Not a grief support group, this group encourages tackling the complex ideas that surround death. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free, 01497 821762.

STORY SPACE - Storytelling Workshops and also Creative Writing; Coaching; CPD Training for Educators, and group or individual tuition in Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing. www.storyspace.co.uk or email info.storyspace@gmail.com

Every 3rd Tuesday PLAY READING Led by Simon and Paul of Rooftop Theatre. All scripts provided. The Sitting Room, Ludlow, 7.30pm, email paul@rooftoptheatre.co.uk

1st Saturday READING GROUP Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, afternoons, free, 01547 550377.

2nd & 4th Saturdays WELSH CHATTING GROUP CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 10.15am-11.45am, 01597 810741.

Mondays WRITING FOR THE STAGE The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, 01432 340555.

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am-11am, £4 per session, £1 per extra child, 01432 340555.

Every 2nd & 4th Monday TERRIFIED AND TONGUE TIED? Toastmaster provide a friendly and supportive environment to practice public speaking. Constructive feedback to help you improve. An opportunity to grow.

Ludlow Speakers, Blue Boar pub, Mill Street, Ludlow.

Monthly, 7.20pm-9.30pm.

Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52 per term, 01432 340555.

Fourth Tuesday SCIENCE CAFÉ New, informal group discussing scientific topics. The Globe in Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome. Contact sciencecafe@outlook.com First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

2nd Wed of each month MID WALES WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths of all kinds.

Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7pm, £2.50, 01982 552555.

2nd & 4th Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762.

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350 Leominster Writers' Circle, Leominster Community Centre, 01568 610451.

Presteigne Writers’ Circle, Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne 3rd Tues, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm.

01544 260255 Tenbury Writers’ Group 2nd Tues, 7:30pm.

The Kings Head, Cross St. 07400 084794.

Border Poets 01547 530380.

Rhayader Writing Group 2nd Mon, CARAD, Rhayader, lornjordk@googlemail.com

grass roots Protest storm hits BBC as Met Office is sacked T

HE weather may have been vicious in the last half of February, but, for me, it really went wrong in the first week of that month. That was when the BBC’s online weather service suffered sudden degradation.

The normal 5-day forecast showing a series of maps for the coming hours and days just went missing.

The outlook was not so much hazy as totally absent.

Nor, for some time, could one even find the two minute video forecast. I was eventually forced to search for weather on the BBC i-player as though looking for a recent crime drama.

It soon became clear that this chaos could be traced back to the BBC saying in 2015 that it was ending the Met Office’s main forecasting role. As things went quiet over the next year or so I assumed that the corporation had binned the daft idea of sacking the world’s top forecasting body.

But, sadly, no such U-turn had taken place. And, reviewing what’s happened since, I find that the BBC’s move to outsource its weather forecasts and do a deal with a private sector firm takes on the look of a slowmotion car crash.

In 2016 the BBC revealed that a new provider, MeteoGroup, would supply the weather forecasts from the spring of 2017. Last spring came and went but no change was apparent.

In late 2017, The Times informed readers that the “… deadline was missed, and a further deadline missed in October; instead, the Met Office has been asked to continue providing the service on six-monthly extensions.”

The BBC was claiming that it would be saving “millions of pounds” by outsourcing the weather forecasting. But this seemed unlikely. The Met Office had been charging the BBC under £3 million a year.

So, “millions” could hardly be the annual figure for savings.

It emerged that the BBC had chosen to put most of the Met Office forecasters on its own staff. The corporation also planned to retain the Met Office’s severe weather warnings, of snow, high winds, floods and so on. So the new provider was fine…as long as the weather wasn’t bad!

During the very long drawn out delay, some reports suggested the BBC and MeteoGroup might have been at odds over the quality of the planned new service.

This was denied by both. The MeteoGroup forecasts finally limped onto the air in early February this year.

58

In messages announcing this, BBC chiefs spoke of “exciting changes”, and said that the “technical architecture” was being overhauled. Their statements were laced with ugly management speak, like an edition of the satire W1A. The corporation promised to “improve the way our services look across all

platforms.”

Liz Howell, Head of BBC Weather, blogged about “an even better experience for viewers.” And Michael Burnett, Executive Product Manager, pledged that “we can show you up to 14 days of hourly forecast data for UK locations.” This seemed odd because Met Office forecasters have told us for many years that detailed weather predictions are unlikely to be accurate beyond five days ahead.

From the moment of their arrival the new forecasts were met with an intense and furious blast of rejection by readers and viewers. I had to trawl through hundreds of online comments to find a handful that were even mildly positive.

This is a small sample of the angry reactions in the first few days: “Awful”… “Rubbish”…“I detest the new look beyond words”…“All about money saving over everything else” and “How can you publish a blog that completely ignores the tsunami of complaints?”

Viewers with scientific knowledge were equally dismissive. “Anyone…in meteorology will tell you that to pin down conditions to the post code to the hour, one to two weeks ahead, is simply not possible. The BBC as a trusted provider shouldn’t be peddling this nonsense.”

The Met Office and the BBC had been in harness for 95 years. They were a perfect fit. It is grotesque for the Met Office forecasts to be scrapped just when climate change makes extreme weather more and more frequent. There might be a shred of a case for competitive tendering if it resulted in cheaper and better forecasts. But in this case the new service is dramatically worse.

As I write this on a wet Saturday I check, quite by chance, the BBC online forecast, to see what to wear when I go out later. Forecaster Louise Lear mentions sunny spells. But then she looks upset and dramatically walks out of shot, saying, “We haven’t got any temperatures!” This is a full month after the new service has started. Her out-take, which she clearly never meant to be broadcast, is left online for half an hour after being posted. That says it all.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events April HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 1 April - Wildlife Watch Club: Dawn Chorus at Bodenham Lake, 7am-9am. 3 & 10 April - Adventure Clubs, Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, 9am-4pm or 10am-3pm. 4 & 11 April - Get Crafty - Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, 1.30-3.30pm. 5 April -Children’s Wildlife Crafts, Ledbury Shop, 4 The Homend, Ledbury, 1-3.30pm.

5 April - Wildlife in the Falkland Islands, talk by Roger Beck, Weobley VH, 7.30pm. 11 April - Can We Restore Carnivores to Southern Britain, a talk by Johnny Birks, Peterchurch Centre, 7pm. 12 April - Lake Play at Bodenham Lake, 2-3.30pm. 12 April - Family Wild Foraging with Liz Knight, The Parks Nature Reserve, Dulas, Ewyas Harold, 9.30am-1pm & 2.30-6pm.

17 & 24 April - Nature Tots, Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, Leominster, 1-2.30pm. 21 April - Annual Fritillary Guided Walk, Rickyard Pasture, Lower House Farm, Ledbury Rd, Tupsley, 10am-12pm, 11am-1pm & 12-2pm.

25 April - Bluebell Walk, Lea Pagets Wood, Hawkers Lane, Fownhope, 10am-12pm. 26 April - Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, a talk by Michael Leach, Aymestrey VH, 7.30pm. 28 April - Spring Herb Walk with Rowan McOnegal, Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, Leominster, 10am-12pm & 1-3pm.

Full details 01432 356872.

April KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST Volunteer and learn about woodland management and skills such as coppicing, tree care and cutting firewood.

Task days are on 5, 15, 19, 29 Apr at sites in Beggar’s Bush, Llangunllo and near Knighton. Details: woodland@ tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/ what-we-do/woodland-project

Fri 4 - Mon 7 May TALGARTH WALKING FESTIVAL Walks for all abilities in the stunning Black Mountains.

Book online at www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org Sat 5 & Sun 6 May SPRING GREENS ENVIRONMENT FAIR ‘The Next Generation, It’s Their Future’. Showcasing inspiring, enjoyable and healthy solutions to the difficult social, environmental and economic issues which confront us. A family friendly event exploring innovative skills and ideas, activities, discussions, stalls, entertainment and experimentation in sustainable lifestyles and livelihoods.

In the week prior to the Fair, the team is to host children from local primary schools in a day of themed workshops.

Court of Noke, near Pembridge, HR6 9HW, 10am-5pm, free entry, £5 car park, info@springgreens.org.uk or 07777 661252.

Sat 12 May THREE ROUND & ABOUT WALKS Ramble - 22.5 miles. Scramble - 13 miles and Amble 9.5 miles. All around Bishop’s Castle, £18, £19 by post, to include instructions, refreshments, lunch, transport if needed and certificate. Closing date is 7 May. Fundraising for Blood Cancer Research. Details/entry www.bloodwise.org.uk/round-and-about Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available, reconditioned hand & garden tools and various wildlife habitats for sale at excellent prices all to raise funds to keep the Shed going. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton LD71DT (on the right hand side of the bend approaching the railway station), 10am till 2pm. Membership £5 per year with £1 daily entrance fee, free tea & coffee. For more Information contact John on 01544232750 or e mail jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

Sun 1 & Mon 2 April KYMIN FAMILY ANIMAL WOODLAND TRAIL Prizes and fun for all. The Round House, The Kymin, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SF, 11am-4pm, £2 per trail, usual National Trust entry fee applies, 01600 719241.

Sat 14 April LOCAL WALK & COFFEE MORNING Enjoy a post walk bacon roll! Eaton Bishop Village Hall.

For more info www.eatonbishopvillagehall.btck.co.uk Fri 20 - Sun 22 April KINGTON WALKS SPRING FESTIVAL A Spring Weekend to give everyone a chance to experience our glorious countryside at a different time of year. Think daffodils, bluebells, wood anemones, lambs, and trees in bud. www.kingtonwalks.org, 07552 087786.

59

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

60

ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Leominster HR6 8QJ. Individual lessons with Janet Jameson MSTAT. 01568 613467.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE IN HAY-ON-WYE. Philippa Morrell BA, Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. Please visit my website for more information about me and the Alexander Technique, www.philippamorrell. co.uk. To make an appointment contact me online at philippa@philippamorrell.co.uk, or ring 01497 821355.

ALLERGY &/OR FOOD INTOLERANCES? Find out the complete picture by having a blood test to help you make the best choices for your health. Enquiries: 01568 709142.

AROMATHERAPY in Kington: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Providing holistic care since 1988. Massage, herbal facials and intensive foot treatments. Bach Remedies. roz.brown@btinternet.com. 07967 137208.

BALANCED BEING Is based near Church Stretton and a lovely environment where you can receive sessions of Natural Spiritual Healing, Progressive Counselling/Life Coaching, Hatha Yoga or Pure Meditation Foundation Alternatively come and see us in clinics in Brecon, Hay-on Wye, Ludlow or Shrewsbury.

We offer bespoke residential retreats and B&B serving vegetarian food. Please call for details and also check the workshop listings for dates of our forthcoming longer courses in Pure Meditation, Animal Healing Training and Weekly Yoga classes. DipNsph / Dip Prog Couns Coach / Dip THY&R / SRMHC Reg’d Teachers and Associates. Members IYN, Reps.

Tel: 01694 771559, www.balancedbeing.org.uk BOWEN TECHNIQUE Bowen is a holistic, non invasive therapy consisting of gentle moves over soft tissue and muscles, interspersed with periods of rest. Suitable for adults and children. Working from clinics in Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. Home visits available. Contact ROB ROWE MBTPA tel: 01588 630648, email rob@robrowe.co.uk or learn more at www.bowentherapy.org.uk BREAKING OUT OF BIPOLAR COACHING Book your complimentary strategy session to see how you can break through after your life transition. For more information or to book your strategy session contact Caroline on: www.

Carolinemaryandrews.com, journeytofreedomcoaching@gmail. com 07749 232366.

CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST with over 25 years professional NHS experience, providing psychological help to adults. Please see website for details: www. drmatthewfaull.co.uk. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals, and offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. Please contact me by email: mfaull@btinternet. com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council.

CLAIRE KERBY COUNSELLING (Post grad dip Counselling, MBACP). Having someone to talk to outside your normal circle of friends / family can really help to gain a new clarity and sense of perspective. I would love it if you would call me, in confidence, with no judgement on 07971 816541, or email me at Claire.kerby@btinternet.com.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello!

CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low self-esteem and more.

I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 01544 350384 or www. cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor COUNSELLING. Person-centred, focused on you. Do you need someone to talk to in confidence? I am a qualified counsellor based between Ludlow and Leominster. Home visits are also available. Contact me - Wendy Clare on 0792 3311550, email vivada.advice@gmail.com or visit my website wendyclare.weebly.com Together we discover what works for you.

COUNSELLING IN LUDLOW area. Talk in complete confidence, with warmth and without judgement, with Julia Walling BA(Hons), PGCE, Dip.EH.P.NLP (BHR), MAC. In private practice for 25 years, I am trained in a wide variety of therapies and combine them to meet your needs. Clients consistently report improvements in wellbeing within a few sessions. Panic/anxiety specialist. Short and long term for individuals, couples and families. 01584 874636 07796 596451 julia.walling@btinternet.com and www.juliawalling.co.uk COUNSELLING & MINDFULNESS COACHING with Matthew Ward MBACP, Accredited Mindfulness Trainer.

I provide a safe and confidential counselling service to explore the challenges that life can bring such as loss and anxiety.

I also offer individual mindfulness coaching and run regular courses locally. 01568 708836 or 07982 466224 marchesmindfulness.co.uk CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair.

Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk DRUM MANTRA MEDITATE Lead by Roise (roe-sha) On the first Thursday of the month 9.50am - 11am. £8 It’s fun, it energises the body and calms the mind.

Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells EMOTIONAL THERAPY: Anne Cummings MFETC (Adv Dip) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their 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 sufferers of panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/ loss, anxiety and attachment issues. Centres in Powys/south Shropshire. See also www.thewritetofeel.com for forthcoming workshops and talks.

HEALING in Bishops Castle. Soul Healing can help you create Positive Change by removing energy blockages which may be causing physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties.

Contact Philomena Houlihan-Wood B.A. (Dublin), Cert.

E.S.H., Dip. Counselling (Wales). Tel: 01588 638242. Email: philomena@soul-healing.net. Web: www.soul-healing.net HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics at Hereford Centre for Natural Health and Monmouth Natural Health Centre. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing.

Based on their individual symptoms, the homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. Clinics in Llandrindod Wells, Kington and Presteigne. 01597 851021.

KAY FLETCHER COUNSELLING, BAHons, FdSc Counselling, Reg. MBACP. As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I offer confidential counselling to children from my private practice in Leintwardine, or in schools locally, and also to adults and couples. I am trained to offer a range of holistic therapies including Life Coaching, Energy Healing and Hypnotherapy, which can help with stress, relaxation and decision making processes. For a friendly chat about how I may be able to help you, or to book an appointment, please contact me on 01547 540899, email kay@kayfletchercounselling.co.uk or visit www.kayfletchercounselling.co.uk LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE: Qualified therapists offer acupuncture, structural re-alignment, medical herbal medicine, remedial and holistic massage, reflexology, McTimoney chiropractor, craniosacral therapy, reiki, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour and couple counselling, hypnotherapy, health kinesiology, nutrition at the Leominster Natural Health Centre, Community Centre, Leominster, 01568 616411, www.leominstercommunitycentre.com.

MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation.

Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford.

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage.

Clinics in Presteigne (The Retreat) and Llandrindod Wells (Rock Park) or at your workplace or event. Contact: marian@ silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy. co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk PRESTEIGNE NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Offers a wide range of Natural therapies including: Osteopathy, Chiropody, Acupuncture, Remedial & Swedish massage, Reiki, Homeopathy, Emmett Technique, Kinesiology, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Counselling, Cranio Sacral Therapy. Visit our website www.presteignenhc.com or facebook page. To make an appointment, call the therapist - numbers on the website or email pnhc2014@gmail.com

REFLEXOLOGY &/OR MASSAGE Combination treatments available. Reflexology helps to identify and restore energy to imbalances and health issues helping the body to heal itself, helps regulate sleep and eating habits. - Jo Davies ITEC 01544 267100 or 07876796885. Clinic in Presteigne, home visits considered.

SMALL GROUP PILATES LESSONS with Body Control Pilates teacher Jane Prady. For posture, stability, flexibility and relaxation. Classes available in Presteigne, Bartestree, Burghill & Bransford. All equipment provided. Private lessons can also be arranged. Booking essential as spaces are limited.

Please email for more information info@janeprady.com or visit www.janepradypilates.com.

SOUND BATH WITH ROISE (roe-sha) On the third Tuesday of the month 7 - 9 pm. Roise plays gentle sounds for groups for healing and relaxation. £12, or £10 with a friend. Roise also offers individual treatments. Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells.

SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299.

SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 26 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE New location

Group classes and individual tuition Stapleton Yoga Studio Marie Hudson 01544 260352

www.theyogapractice.org.uk

61

Workshops WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

April & May WORKSHOPS AT WALL UNDER HEYWOOD Sat 7th April - 9.30am-12.30pm Yoga Morning in Wall Under Heywood. Book in advance £30.00. Lunch available £10.50.

Sat 7th April - 2pm-5pm Pure Meditation Foundation Course Afternoon in Wall Under Heywood- Book in advance £45.00.

Sat 14th April - 10am-1pm Cake and Conversation at Old Hall Farm, Wall Under Heywood, come and find out what Balanced Being offers that can positively help you by way of Therapies, Courses and Meditation.

Sat 19th & Sun 20th May 2018 - Animal Healing, a two day course learning how to give Healing to animals. Book in advance. Accommodation available. Cost includes lunch and refreshments.

Mon 9th April -7pm-8.30pm Transformation Hatha Yoga Spring term begins.

Fri 13th April - 9.30am -10.45am Transformation Hatha Chair Yoga Spring term begins. All held at Wall Under Heywood, near Church Stretton. Further information and bookings call 01964 771559.

Sat 7 April PSYCHIC FAYRE Psychic readings, healing therapies, massage, reiki, crystals.

Kings Head, Tenbury Wells, 11am-5pm.

Mondays 10 April - 22 May INTRODUCTION TO ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE 6 sessions 2.00-3.15pm. Learn how to understand & apply the 5 principles. Fun and informative, small group course, in Tenbury Wells. Enquiries and bookings please contact: Hilary Foxwell 01584 819010.

Sat 14 - Sat 21 April MEDITATION RETREAT Realising Our Inherent Value with Laura Bridgman.

Hill Cottage Retreat, Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, www.hillcottageretreats.co.uk

Sun 15 April CREATIVE LIVING IN A CHALLENGING TIME Led by Matthew Trustman, a shared focus on celebrating the creative spirit. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 2.30-5pm, £5 includes refreshments, 01547 550377.

Wed 18 April OPEN EVENING WITH OASIS HEREFORDSHIRE Oasis is a chance to work creatively in a small, co-facilitated group as we journey together through the landscapes of our own biographies. Quaker Meeting House, King St, Hereford, 6.30-8pm, free taster session, 01432 261317, lgarner_@hotmail.com

April amd May OASIS HEREFORDSHIRE WORKSHOPS 24 April - Greek Gods and Goddesses Archetypes. 8 May - The Twelve Senses. 16 June - Weaving Your Life Story. In Hereford or Leominster, 9.30am-4pm, £40 per day, bring and share lunch, 01432 261317.

Sun 22 April THIS HEALING PLACE Sacred harp, spring-time energy celebration, meditation, crystal healing. Bring yoga mat or blanket. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £10 or £12 on the door, 01588 630023.

62

Sat 28 April GREGORIAN CHANT WORKSHOP Led by John Rowlands-Pritchard. All abilities welcome, 9.30am-5pm, £50, 01547 550377.

Fri 18 - Mon 20 May THE MAGICAL RESONANCE OF CELTIC & DRUIDIC SOUNDS RETREAT Primrose Haven with natural gardens and sacred spaces, £195 including food and accommodation. Contact Paul Benham: paul.benham33@gmail.com www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk

Fri 18 - Mon 20 May HEREFORD YOGA FESTIVAL A celebratory gathering for joy, wisdom and sharing an eclectic mix of yoga. Yoga, film, talks, meditation, massages, dance, music, quiet times, children’s area, camping, food, riverside work and more. Garnons Estate, Byford, near Hereford, HR4 7JX, tickets on sale now, 01981 590743, www.herefordyogafestival.co.uk

AMAZING HEALINGS Help is available for physical and mental challenges at the Parkstile Healing Centre near Kington. Gentle, effective emotional guidance and bodywork can free your vitality!

The therapist, James Gee, has been studying healing since 2004, and has an excellent track record. Call to discuss your situation: 01544 231348.

BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION CLASSES IN HEREFORDSHIRE Led by members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. HEREFORD Mondays, Near LEDBURY Wednesdays, LEOMINSTER Thursdays. All classes 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Give what you can, suggested donation £5. All welcome.

More details from matthew@adhisthana.org 01531 641726 or Meg 01432 830322. Text 07980 892653.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY: Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs.

Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.rowanmconegal.co.uk or 01531 670075.

EVENTS IN THE YURT BUILTH ROAD, 17 RAILWAY TERRACE, LD2 3RH Drum and Song Circle 1st Friday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Bring drums, rattles, songs, no experience necessary. Shamanic Exploration 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm journeying for guidance, wisdom and healing for self and others. Our groups are held in sacred space.

Cost is £10, £8, £6 depending on income. For further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272.

Mondays & Wednesdays PILATES Pilates-Based Back Care Mon 10.30am & Wed 5.45pm. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning - Mon 11.45am & Wed 7pm. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 625992.

Mondays YOGA With Lisa Arundale, 5.15-6.15pm.

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01686 413608.

Wednesdays KUNDALINI YOGA AND MEDITATION CLASSES 9.30-11am, The Everest Hall, Llanfairwaterdine. £7 a class. Everyone welcome. Suitable for beginners. Please bring water, blanket, cushion and yoga mat if you have one. Contact Kirsten for enquiries, 07860156615 / khubmann@hotmail.com First Friday of the month SILENCE AND STILLNESS Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12pm, free, 01547 550377.

First Saturday of the month MEDITATION Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12.30pm, free, 01547 550377.