Broad Sheep December / January 2016/2017

BROAD

sheep december 2016 & january 2017

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

BROAD The Seven Sirs I

sheep

T WAS our usual monthly boys card night. All the gang were there, Paul, Tom, Mick, Rod, Cliff, Elton, Ivan and yours truly. We were round at Paul’s place, worse luck, so you can imagine what the food was like. Quinoa salad, quinoa pilaff, quinoa pudding with a light dash of tofu and bean sprouts to add variety. Ghastly!

As is usual at these affairs the drink isn’t much good either.

Unless there is an excuse, we are forced to stick to Cliff’s disgusting rot gut Vida Nova from his private Portuguese vineyard. (“I don’t actually stomp around in the grapes with my bare feet you know. Haw, haw, haw. I have a delightful young Portuguese lad who does that for me”).

Anyway you can imagine what the conversation was about.

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4 They were all absolutely ‘vinho verde’ with envy at my winning Mr Nitpickery 6 the Nobel Prize for Literature.

“Yeehhh” screeched Mick “What have you ever written Cliff displaying his vintage Art 8 that’s so effing Literary?”

Art workshops 12 ‘ Yo u c a n c a t c h a t r a i n t o C h i n a ’ H e s a n g i n h i s l i s p i n g f a l s e t t o , Cinema

18 ‘From Delhi to Katmandu, But there ain’t been a train at Titley Junction since 1962’.

Dance 22 “Not exactly Shakespeare is it?” jeered the little twat. “Hey, lighten up Mick” said Food

24 Paul, jumping to my defence. “You all know that John and I are the only people who ever Music 26 wrote decent pop lyrics and I like that Titley Junction lyric, it’ sort of nostalgic like ‘When I’m 64”. He starts to sing and moves towards the piano “When I get older losing my hair”.

Music workshops 43 “Bugger off the lot of you” exclaims Elton. “We all know I’m the only one of us who has Venues 45 the balls to admit he’s bald. The rest of you are held together with sticky tape and a billion Band directory 46 pounds of hair replacement therapy. Apart from Ivan who never, never takes his bleeding Theatre 48 hat off. By the way, somebody ought to wake him up and give him his tranquillizers or else he’ll start hallucinating we are members of his band and yell at us”.

Word 52 “At least he’s got a band” snivelled Cliff. “No one will play with me anymore. The Grass roots 54 BBC won’t play my records and I had to pay to be on The One Show last night. I’m really Comp therapies 56 disappointed that none of you will agree to come and appear at my lovely benefit concert at the Palladium next week”.

Everybody looked at their fingernails and sucked their teeth. “Oh sorry boyo” said We take no responsibility Tom, “it’s me mum’s birthday in Merthyr on that day”. for the veracity of the “What a shit excuse” exploded Rod, “She’d be 102 if she hadn’t information herein died 13 years ago. At least I really have got an important engagement.”

Pete Mustill “What with Celtic’s away match?” added Elton in a very cynical tone.

Mayfield, Stapleton, “No you arsehole, when I said engagement, I meant literally another engagement. It’s Nr Presteigne, Powys my 17th blonde. The old one was nearly 30. Way past her sell-by”.

LD8 2LW Just then Ivan woke up and started shouting “We will naiver, naiver, naiver surrender.”

Tel: 01544 260051 “Oh cool it Van” sighed Elton. “You’re among Pop Royalty and anyway you’re not Paisley, Email: info@broadsheep.com you’re Van the Man.” Look, take three of these blue ones and try and remember the words Website: www.broadsheep.com to ‘Into the Mystic’, you’ll soon calm down. By the way, are you not going to Cliff’s thing?

After all you actually did record that awful ‘When God Shines his Light’ single together”.

“Give me a break, the man’s an eejit” shouted Van, “We will naiver, naiver, naiver... snorrrrrrrr” “Thank god his pills have kicked in” said Cliff, “he really is one of the most unpleasant Christians I’ve ever encountered apart from The Bee Gees”.

Just then Paul reappeared from the kitchen. “Guess what? Quinoa Surprise! It’s one of Linda’s old recipes.” Everybody moaned in unison except Van who just snored a bit.

“So”, said Rod “isn’t it time we all showed our hands? Here, I’ve got a full house.”

“Oh golly” said Cliff “I’ve only got one pair. I never have any luck at this game. I sometimes think Jesus doesn’t really love me.”

“Think I’ve smashed it again” squeaked Mick, ‘Didn’t think I could get anymore satisfaction - four of a kind.”

“I’ve got two pairs lads” shouted Paul, “is that better than a full house?”

“Oh for god’s sake Paul, why don’t you learn the bloody rules” sneered Elton. “Why can’t we have Sting here, at least he understands the bleeding game and he’s stinking rich.”

Van wildly ecstatic with his gong “Don’t be a sheep’s arse boyo, you know he’s not allowed to the Wednesday game. He’s only a measly OBE. Wednesday is for the Knights only and of course Pete and his blooming Nobel Prize.” said Tom “Show us your hand Pete. Nice! A straight flush. You get the pot £735,000. You can afford to give up that stupid listing magazine at last.”

Just then the sleeping Irishman jerked back to life. “It’s the luck of the Oirish. We shall naiver surrender. ROYAL FLUSH, you useless Presteigne eejit! Give me the money, I’m away to Belfast to dance by the light of the moon.”

Contents

Cover pic: Pop! A Magical Comedy Show, Wyeside, Builth Wells - 14 January

small ads CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

CONVERTED CHAPEL IN THE HILLS ON THE WELSH BORDER. with tin tabernacle workshop. Borehole, bakehouse, clay oven. Nearly one acre field of coppice, orchard, garden. On school bus route. Wonderful views: hills, skies, stars, buzzards, kites & ravens. 01544 267997 www.welshborderchapel.co.uk NEW GROUP TOURS TO CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS IN 2017 WITH EXPERIENCE UKRAINE! Hello everyone, we’ve been busy planning and developing new trips for next year and we are pleased to announce that we will be running five separate trips in 2017! There’s plenty of choice, from crafts, to trekking tours, culture and adventure awaits, as well as an an exclusive food trip! We hope you will enjoy browsing through our website and finding your ideal holiday! Don’t forget to book your holiday with us before CHRISTMAS for 10% discount + an extra 5% for returning customers! www.experienceukraine.co.uk Contact Nataliya on 07963 090838.

PIANO LESSONS Professional teacher from Croatia, living in Presteigne. All ages and ability; classical music.

Email leila.basletic@gmail.com VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught.

John Hymas 07969 440183.

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.

VIDEO DJ A Professional DJ/Video DJ, based in Mid Wales. Providing more than just great music - Significant Birthdays, Weddings, Clubs/Pubs/Events & Coach Holidays. Music & Videos from the ever popular 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. to Current chart, www.peterphillips.dj 07767 358079.

MANTON CUSTOMS Shropshire based luthier.

Handmade electric instruments and guitar repair services. info@mantoncustoms.co.uk ‘DELIGHTS OF DRAWING & PAINTING’ private tuition.

Covering traditional and contemporary styles for beginners and those who wish to develop their portfolios.

Experienced tutor, based near Llangurig.

Contact: Sue Purcell 01686 440668.

E-mail sue@suepurcellart.co.uk www.suepurcellart.com COMPLINE AT BLEDDFA CHURCH. A gentle, reflective short evening service to end the day, with prayer.

By Candlight. First Sunday of the month at 8.30pm.

Further details David Gavin 01547 510637.

Visiting groups of singers most welcome.

MODERN WORKSHOP/STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE From October in New Radnor. Light, clean, insulated space with good access and parking. 3-phase power and separate toilet facilities. Contact Ben on 01544 350456 or 07879 903007.

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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

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.

CELLO, BASS, PIANO AND FLUTE LESSONS Contact Ludlow 01584 875659.

AMANDA’S HOME HELP AND KITCHEN Providing quality home help. Do you need assistance with: Cooking, quality home cooking using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Baking and vegetarian cooking as well as any special dietary requirements. I can also help with cleaning, shopping, and light gardening. I am happy to chat to you over the phone about your needs at home. Please phone me on my mobile: 07843007421 or email me on amandaoprice@gmail.com BACK TO THE LAND? Our First Steps in Smallholding courses are held on our own family-run holding near Bromyard. ‘Bee Ready’ is designed to prepare you to get your own hives in 2016 by giving you background information and plenty of hands-on opportunities. One to one beekeeping tuition is also available. ‘Animal Farm’ is a practical look at keeping livestock in your back garden or on your own plot - everything from purchasing stock to housing and feeding. For details of these and other courses please email woodruffbank@btinternet.com or ring 01886 884752.

BLACKSMITHING EVENING CLASSES AND SHORT COURSES at Bluefoot Forge. For details, phone 01544 267810. info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk or visit www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk CHAIR CANING / RUSHING Furniture repairs. Advice.

Paul Richards 01544 209067.

GETTING SOCIAL WITH CHOCOLATE: a Christmas workshop from the Small Business Clinic. Get practical advice on using social media in your business and enjoy making chocolates. Thursday 13th December at Upper Newton Farmhouse, Kinnersley 10am - 3pm. £60. Book through Eventbrite. Further information on this and workshops in the New Year at www.smallbusinessclinic.co.uk or call 07825 987114.presteigne.org.uk 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

BROAD sheep check out the website

www.broadsheep.com ADVERTISE IN BROAD sheep and you will now automatically appear in the online magazine as well!

LISTINGS ARE FREE!!!

1/16 page 1/8 page 1/8 page colour 1/6 page 1/6 page colour 1/4 page 1/4 page colour 1/3 page 1/3 page colour 1/2 page 1/2 page colour Full page Full colour ads

£20 £30 £38 £45 £55 £55 £75 £80 £90 £90 £120 £160 £210

FOOD BYTES DIRECTORY, BAND DIRECTORY & COMP. MED. DIRECTORY £40/year SMALL ADS 15p /word One Year’s Subscription £20 All cheques made out to Broad Sheep For more details phone our Sales Hotline 01544 260051 or email info@broadsheep.com Post details with cheque to: Broad Sheep, Mayfield, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LW

Make sure you get your adverts and free event details to us by the 15th of the preceding month and send them to our email info@broadsheep.com 5

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mr nitpickery dines al fiasco

The OK Diner, Leominster L

EOMINSTER is one of the less architecturally favoured towns in this God’s Own Country we call The Marches, but Mr Nitpickery nevertheless is obliged to occasionally visit it when he requires certain items essential to his and his blessed family’s needs, such as a new shotgun, a Chinese-made Fender Stratocaster or illegal drugs. And in need of sustenance after one such visit, Mr Nitpickery and his Long-Suffering Companion re-acquainted themselves with a much underrated hostelry on its outskirts, the OK Diner.

Conveniently nestled alongside the filling station where he was able to fill up his trusty Mondeo estate, the Diner is a witty pastiche of the sort of chromium-girt eaterie that featured in such motion pictures as The Last Picture Show and Pulp Fiction – Mr Nitpickery betraying his age here as well as his cultural weaknesses – and its menu, too, is of a refreshingly high calorie, monosodium glutamate-rich mien beloved of large, gastronomically undiscerning Americans. The LC was particularly peckish after a morning spent bargaining with somewhat recalcitrant sales assistants at the nearby Factory Outlet store who took umbrage when she returned a set of polyester bedwear that had given our son, dear little Arnold, a nasty rash at his boarding school. So after perusing the brightly-hued laminated menu, she decided to begin with a bacon sandwich (at £4.35) whilst I opted for the ‘KO Burger’.

The latter, an amusing play on the restaurant’s nomenclature is a concoction created to celebrate its 20th anniversary – who’d have thought it, eh? – and consists of a 6oz beef pattie stacked with crispy fried chicken, bacon a slice of amusingly processed cheese and pulled pork, all neatly ensconced in the Diner’s trademark sesame seed bun, and wonderful value at £14.25.

Seated at our authentically crafted Formica™ topped tables on bright red Rexine™ clad banquettes, we had a chance to reflect on the ambiance and clientele as we waited for our mid-week brunch. Although adorned with what turned out to be faux enamel signs advertising various mysterious American beverages and automotive products from the 1950s, the LC was rather more taken with a bearded great bear of a man bearing a motorcycle crash helmet who limped into the place with a rather wan-looking blonde lady who had an interesting complexion which appeared to include a black eye. My own innocent gaze towards a brace of pudgy youngsters arguing over one of those new-fangled cordless telephones whilst slurping milkshakes – 14 different varieties according to the menu – was met with dagger looks and a single raised finger from their mother, a vision in bright yellow polyester leggings and a bulging ‘Here Comes Trouble’ t-shirt.

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But no sooner had we finished our first cups of as-many-as-you-can-drink coffee, not to be honest up to the standard of our favoured Lavazza, but welcome nonetheless, than our piping hot victuals arrived – and

nary a microwave in sight.

Now Mr Nitpickery, as my legion of fascinated and envious readers know, is not one to stand on ceremony, but he did feel that the dishes were cast onto the table in a somewhat perfunctory manner, occasioning a dribble – or should that be drizzle? – of burger juice that found its way onto the LC’s ample lap. Remonstrating with the waitress brought a visit from the manageress who after a heated discussion in what appeared to be Romanian or perhaps Latvian, apologised and explained that her staff had been up since 5.30am picking strawberries.

At this point it’s worth mentioning that the eight-strong chain of OK Diners makes a proud boast of sourcing as many ingredients as possible from British, if not Marches farmers. However Mr Nitpickery was just a little disappointed when his natural curiosity revealed that the bread for the LC’s bacon sandwich apparently came not from Alex Gooch, but from somewhere called Morrison’s, which he took to be a family-run farm in the Golden Valley.

The LC nevertheless found the bacon both generous in quantity, thickness and rind, whilst Mr N much enjoyed his KO Burger (with black pudding on the side, just £1.00 extra), especially the pulled pork element which he was able to savour long after they left owing to its amorous tendency to attach itself to his dentures.

However both of us remained unfulfilled even by this plentitude of hearty fare, so the LC decided to try some Mexican Chicken Wings, ten of which came with a piquant ‘dipping sauce’ for a mere £7.05. Mr N, on the other hand, having enquired of the origins of the Chilli Twister Fries – “Dunno mister,” came the rather disappointing reply – opted for them anyway. For an exceptionally modest £4.95, these consisted of a large bowl of highly-spiced pieces of what seemed to be powdered potato cunningly reconstituted into what resembled large sticks of fusilli, subsequently smothered in chilli sauce with a side portion of grated cheese: just the job to ensure that Mr N wouldn’t go hungry ‘til teatime, (and make those beta-blockers his doctor recently prescribed all the more justified).

And since the eagle-eyed LC espied it tucked away on the bottom of the menu, and it was after all approaching midday, we decided to try some of the ‘OK Diner House Red’, which at a mere £3.75 for a miniature 187ml bottle

tasted remarkably similar, if no less quaffable than the albeit much less costly Argentinian concoction Mr N occasionally imbibes at Presteigne’s legendary Duke’s Arms.

By the time we’d completed our savoury courses and having responded to the manageress’ trio of “Is everything alrights” with the beaming smiles that the LC cynically averred might possibly be disingenuous, the bearded gentleman and the sullen, pinched-faced lady in the adjacent booth were discussing, and rather too rather loudly in Mr N’s well-mannered opinion, the finer points of something called a ‘Harley-Davidson springer’, that the lady had “No f****** intention to ever sit on again,” which seemed to render their journey home rather spurious.

The clamour somewhat upsetting Mr N’s delicate sensibilities, we decided to leave the establishment there and then, and even before our fourth cup of complimentary coffee or even the ‘Berrybundance Million Dollar Milk Shake’ (£4.60) the LC had hankered after along with its promise of locally-sourced strawberries (possibly at the hand of the now dismissed waitress). And indeed such was the commotion now distracting the small coterie of lunchtime patrons and their attentive servers that we also managed to leave without another anticipated item, namely the bill.

But as Mr Nitpickery always avers, there is such a thing as a free meal… even in Leominster. * as perhaps overheard by Mark Williams

ON DONALD THE DISASTER To be sung loudly to the tune of Nellie the Elephant Donald the Racist packed his guns And said goodbye to humanity.

Off he went with a trumpity-trump, Trump, Trump, Trump.

Donald the Sexist honed his gropes To ‘Grab ‘em by the pussy’ Off he went with a trumpity-trump, Trump, Trump, Trump.

A big White House was calling Far, far away So he got a bunch of them red necks To help him on his way.

Ho. Donald Denier invested in Oil And said goodbye to the planet Off he went with a trumpity-trump, Trump, Trump, Trump.

Merry Christmas and .... a Trumpful New Year.

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art POWYS Ivy House Gallery, Montgomery 01686 668746 Dec & Jan Local artists and locally produced crafts. Open daily 9am-5pm.

Glasbury Village Hall, near Hay-on-Wye, www.glasburyarts.co.uk 18 - 26 Feb ‘Celebration of Ceramics and Glass Exhibition’. Featuring MELANIE BROWN, NANCY SUTCLIFFE, ASHRAF HANNA, BERYL MORGANS, NIKKI WILLIAMS & DIANE HORNE. Sat 12 -4.30pm, Sun 11am-4.30pm, Mon & Tues 11am3pm, Wed & Thurs 12-4pm, Fri 24 Feb 2-7pm, Sat 25 Feb 11am-4.30pm.

Brook Street Pottery & Gallery, Brook St, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5BQ 01497 821070 Until 7 Jan ‘A Breeze from the South’.

An exhibition of artists new to Hereford who work on the Sussex coast; bringing a tang of salt sea air and the warm afterglow.

SARAH PALMER - ceramics, DENISE FRANKLIN - paintings and drawings, JUDITH ROWE - domestic ceramics, LORNA VAHEY - paintings, ROBERT GREENHALF - woodcut prints of birds, AMANDA COBBETT - 3D textile nature studies, ALISON DUPERNEX - scarves, SIONI RHYS - handloom woven wraps, GUY ROYLE - jewellery, CAROLINE PARROTT - aluminium jewellery. Wed-Sat 10.30am-5pm.

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Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 Dec & Jan ‘Deep and Crisp and Even’.

Not pizza but snow! A happy Christmas and New Year to all. Snowy work by: RAE HARRISON, JULIENNE BRAHAM, ALISON MacGREGOR GRIMLEY, BRONTË WOODRUFF. LESLEY WOOTTON - painted boxes.

MARILYN TIPPETT - Christmas book art. Plus nativity sets, Christmas cards and gifts. C20th art, greetings cards and local crafts, Christmas cards and gifts. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 www.haymakers.co.uk Until Jan 2017 Christmas exhibtion. PATRICIA KELLY ceramics, NICK & GABI WARD ceramics. ANNIE RIE - stained glass, LINDSAY TYSON - textiles, ALISON YOUNG & SALLY HAYSOM jewellery. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Open theatre times.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ www.erwoodstation.com Dec & Jan Christmas Exhibition.

APPLIED ARTS Group Show.

60 makers and artists exhibiting.

Open daily 10.30am-5pm.

Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne, 01544 267033 Dec & Jan Art from the last 216 years.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-3pm. Facebook, Courtyard Antiques, Presteigne.

Lion Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822900 Dec & Jan Christmas Group exhibition.

Mixed show of 16 artists and sculptors.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm.

Globe at Hay, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762 Until 24 March WINSLOW COURT, a SENAD group centre based in Bromyard that provides education, care and community support for the most complex, vulnerable and hard to place young people and adults.

Open Wed-Sun 9.30am-5pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton 01547 529530 Dec LESLEY CONNELLY. Wed-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 01544 260777 1 - 3 Dec Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair.

Lots of locally made, artisan gifts: necklaces, furniture, paintings, cards, carvings, books, scarves, bags and more. Open 10am-3pm.

9 - 11 Dec Pop-Up Museum of Welsh Textiles. Exhibits show the process from fleece to yarn and from yarn to garment, quilt and blanket. Some items for sale. Fri 10.30am-7pm, Sat 10.30am-4pm, Sun 10.30am-2pm.

Free entry.

Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth 01654 703355 Until 4 Feb ‘The Second Visit’.

TIM TOZER - paintings.

Until 4 Feb ‘3D Showcase’.

CHRISTINE GITTINS - ceramics.

Until 21 Jan ‘Christmas Selection’.

Works by IAN PHILLIPS, LUNED RHYS PARRI & ELIN SIAN BLAKE. Until 4 Feb JUAN GORRITI. Until 4 Feb ‘The Works’.

TERENCE LAMBERT - wildlife paintings and drawings. Meet the artist, 18 Jan, 12pm.

3 Dec - 11 Feb ‘Airport Series’.

GORDON MILES. Meet the artist 7 Dec, 12pm.

3 Dec - 11 Feb ‘Maritime’. ANN WILLIAMS. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 24 Dec Christmas Craft Fair 2016. Local crafts. 10am-4.30pm, closed 1.30pm on 24 Dec, Sun closed.

Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 2 Jan The Christmas Collection Exhibition. Affordable art from Welsh artists starting from £25, featuring SUE HILEY HARRIS, VERONICA GIBSON, VICKY OWEN, GEMMA SCHIEBE, VELVET COLE, HILDA BENHAM, JULIA HARRIS, KARIN MEAR, JULIA & DAVID BLAZER, ROSIE WHITFIELD & EMMA BEVAN. 4 Jan - 8 Feb ‘Clyc Emerge 3’. Celf Lleisiau y Cymoedd Art Group Wales with work from GUILIA CHIAPPA, ANDREW DAVIES, JO HEADINGTON, GOFF JAMES, SOPHIE MANNION, LIZ MORRIS, LIZ STEED, LUIS TAPIEA and guest artist HELEN HIGGINS. Open 10am-4om.

Other exhibitions open theatre times.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Rare antique carpets and kilims.

Cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821898 Until 26 Jan 2017 ‘♯hcaphoto 2016’.

3rd Year Degree Students from Hereford College of Arts. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 7 Jan 2017 ‘Binocular: Disturbance’. PENNY HALLAS & CAROLINE WRIGHT. Until 25 Feb 2017 ‘Imaginary Worlds’.

Artworks by 52 illustration and book artists.

Until 25 Feb 2017 ‘The Drawing Room - Make/Play/Share’. A creative, social space, where art, performance, craft and film will be made.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

The Old School House Gallery, The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton 01547 550377 Until 18 Dec Christmas craft and gifts exhibition. High-quality hand-crafted items that would make lovely gifts.

Open Fri-Sun 11am-4.30pm.

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The Senad Group, The Globe, Hay-on-Wye Christmas Craft & Gift exhibition, Bleddfa Centre

Felt with Resist workshop with Fiona Evans, Glasbury Arts

David Stoves, Silk Top Hat Gallery, Ludlow

Gemma Schiebe, Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon

Sarah Cheese, Lion Gallery, Leominster

Court Cupboard Gallery, Llantillo Petholey, Abergavenny, NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Until 24 Dec An eclectic mix of artwork by current and past members of Court Cupboard Gallery to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. 10.30am-4.30pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE No 12 Church St, Kington HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 or 07811 018757 1 - 3 Dec ‘Made in the Marches’.

Pop-Up Makers Gallery during Kington Food Festival. PAUL BAINES, TONY BENNETT, WILL CARR, KATIE GAMBLE, LORENZO GAVARINI, MATT HATTER, MICHAEL HANCOCK, ISOBEL HUTTON, JANE KEAY, ROWAN MCONEGAL, LETTY NOONAN, KEV PLUMMER, MAUREEN RICHARDSON, LAURA ROWLATT, HETTY SCOTT, SARAH SMITH, MARY STEPHENS, JENNY STUART-ANDERSON, PEARL TAYLOR, JANET THOMAS, CLAIRE VAUGHAN, KEITH WHEELER, and other established and emerging artists and makers. Cards, ceramics, graphics, green woodwork, textiles, glass, papercraft, paintings, photographs, prints, rag-rugs and sculptures. Open 10am-4pm.

37 Duke Street, Kington 01544 239066 2 - 4 Dec ‘Sparkling Jewels and Textiles’. ANGELA SOULIER, CARRIE EDE - printed wool, lampshades and silk velvets. Open Fri 6-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm.

Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LT 01432 273359 Until 13 Jan Short Course exhibition.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm.

Gallery 54, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Dec & Jan New works from house artists. A picture framing service is also available. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Hereford Cathedral 16 & 17 Dec Christmas Craft and Food Fair. Over 40 stalls of local crafts, food and drink. Open Fri 3.30-7pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm, with carols at 1pm.

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Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7QP www.wobage.co.uk Until 24 Dec ‘Christmas Begins at Wobage’. BEN CASSON - furniture and treen. CLYDE HOARE - baskets and willow weaving. CLAIR HODGSON - silver, gold and precious stone jewellery. SHEILA HERRING, PATIA DAVIS, PETRA STEWARD, JEREMY STEWARD, ANDREW McGARVA - ceramics. CLARE CASSON-McGARVA - hand stitched and dyed textiles. Open Thurs-Sat.

The Market Hall, Mill St, Kington 07867 483135 10, 17 Dec & 21 Jan KINGTON ART AND CRAFT MARKET. Shop Local for Christmas this year! With new artists joining us each month, we offer high quality art and craft desirables, all by local designer-makers. Handbags, waistcoats and other textiles, original paintings and prints, ironmongery, Alpaca products, hand painted wooden items, handmade herbal skin care, jewellery, vintage collectables, ceramics, art cards, personalised kid’s wear, gifts items, and more. Our growing market is an event not to be missed.

Free - craft activity for kids and their adults. Plus - the popular KLEEN Repair Cafe returns on the 17th onlybring beloved but broken belongings to be sharpened, mended, fixed - free or by donation. 10am-3pm.

The Cider Museum, Pomona Place, Hereford HR4 0EF 01432 354207 Until 31 Dec John Evelyn (1620-1796), famous diarist and author. Open daily 10am-5pm, closed Sun. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 17 Dec ‘Christmas Delights’.

Seasonal offerings from local artists.

Open normal times plus h.Art Christmas event 3/4 Dec, 10am-4pm.

11 Jan - 25 Feb ROCKFIELD ARTS. Artworks from Apple Store Galler and Artsite 3 Artists. Normal opening Wed-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Framing available.

Croft Castle, near Leominster www.nationaltrust.org.uk Until 24 April MATTHEW WOOD. Wood will create each painting on-site, responding creatively to Croft’s historic interiors, each painting will then be displayed as an exhibition from 3 June - 14 July.

Market House, Ledbury 3 - 18 Dec HEREFORDSHIRE GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN. Silver jewellery, stained glass, velvet and tapestry bags, leather, ceramics, fretwork, shaker boxes, sculptures in wood and metal and more. Open 10am-4.30pm.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Dec & Jan New pieces from established textile artist SARAH CHEESE, new ceramic birds from KAREN FAWCETT. A wide selection of functional ceramics including work

by MARY STEPHENS, alongside our usual wide selection of quality contemporary craft and design work. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

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

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

01432 278226 Jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 70 designers. Our new designer of the month is Amelia Strong who is a member of Alloy Jewellers.

Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm.

Upstairs, Market House, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 Dec & Jan Made in Ross - arts and crafts collective - local work by local artist. Exhibitions change monthly.

Open daily,10am-4pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 7 Jan ‘Habitats’. An exhibition by Alloy Jewellers. AMELIA STRONG, ANNIE CRACKNELL, ELIZABETH TERZZA, GEMMA GOUGH, JULIA SMITH, KIM ALLWRIGHT, MELISSA HUNT, NICOLA LILLIE, ROB GOLDSWORTHY, ROSE GRANT, ROZIE KEOGH & WALLY GILBERT. The Courtyard’s resident company of jewellers and silversmiths.

13 Jan - 19 March ‘The Hop Project’.

Open theatre times.

Blue Ginger Gallery, Home End Farm, Cradley, WR13 5NW 01886 880240 Until 24 Dec ‘Winter Warmer’.

A seasonal exhibition featuring JACKIE MORRIS, TAMSIN ABBOTT, JO VERITY, KENJI LIM, JEMIMA JAMESON plus more.

Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 Until mid Jan Christmas exhibition. ‘Burning Bright’.

An eclectic collection of British contemporary fine arts and crafts, from jewellery and textiles, lighting, paintings, original prints, ceramics and glass to Christmas decorations, candles and cards.

Until end of 2016 Garden Sculpture Exhibition 2016. An ever changing collection of unique sculptures for the outdoors in a variety of media.

11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Tues by appointment. Open daily through Dec up to Christmas Eve. Check website for opening times.

The Old Mayor’s Parlour, 23 Church St, Hereford, HR1 2LR Until 31 Jan MARISSA THEREZE knitwear. Tues - Sat 9.30am-5pm.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate St, Worcester, 01905 25371 3 Dec - 21 Jan 69th Annual Exhibition.

WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ARTISTS. Until 7 Jan ‘Crafted For You’ - an array of jewellery, glassware, ceramics and other handmade craftsmanship.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm.

The Print Shed, Swinmoor, Madley, Hereford, HR2 9JD 07796 673123 www.theprintshed.net Dec & Jan Give a Print Shed gift voucher - The Spring 2017 programme of print and painting courses now online.

Hereford Shire Hall 01981 540221 3 Dec Advent Fair - Gifts, music, crafts, food and more. 10am-4pm. Friends of the Steiner Academy, Hereford.

South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 17 Dec Sale of Charity Christmas cards.

Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

SHROPSHIRE Assembly Rooms, Ludlow 01584 878141 Until 28 Jan VICKI NORMAN paintings from Shropshire, Italy and India. Open theatre times.

The Gallery, Kerry Vale Vineyard, Pentreheyling, SY15 6HU 01588 620627 Until 18 Dec PENELOPE TIMMIS - contemporary fowl, flowers and landscape paintings. Open Tues-Sun 10am-3pm.

Bishop’s Castle Church 3 Dec Christmas Lights Festival, featuring crafts in the church, with over 30 stalls and refreshments.

Open 2-6.30pm, free entry.

Market Square, Ludlow 6, 13 & 20 Dec ‘Tinsel Tuesday’.

Traditional Christmas gift market with craft and artisan products suitable for Christmas gifts. Music and carol singing around the Christmas tree.

Hot food and mulled drinks available.

Open 10am-4pm.

The Gallery, 32 High St, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630555 Contemporary arts including glass, ceramics, metal and wood, textiles, paintings, prints and jewellery.

Thurs-Sat 11am-5pm.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 Until 7 Jan ROD SHAW - graphics and ceramics. Open theatre times.

Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms, SY7 9NW 01588 676176 National Museum of British Popular Culture. 11am-5pm daily, closed Wed. St George’s Church, Clun 01588 640401 17 Dec - 1 Jan ‘The Knitted Bible’.

A display representing 33 well known bible stories all carefully knitted.

Open 9am-4pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH 01547 530744 11 Dec Christmas Fair. Lots of stalls with art, crafts and bric a brac, plus live music from the Dutch Lewis Trio featuring Dane Cranenberg playing Dutch’s Christmas Songbook.

Free entry and parking, 10am-3pm.

Usual opening Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

Silk Top Hat Gallery, Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Into New Year Christmas Exhibition. Artists featured include DAVID STOVES - flower studies from France, FRANS WESSELMAN - new collection of work. TANIA MOSSE sculpture. TAMSIN ABBOTT - stained glass. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

GARETH GWATKIN

FORGE COTTAGE, EVENJOBB, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS, LD8 2SD

CABINET MAKING - ANTIQUE RESTORATION KITCHENS / FREE STANDING KITCHENS JOINERY - GIFTS IN WOOD

T: 01547 560150 M: 07884 231104

gareth@hiddenwren.co.uk www.hiddenwren.co.uk

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The Old Surgery Gallery, Clun 01588 640506 1 Dec – 2 Jan The Gallery’s Final Exhibition - JACQUELINE FLETCHER, PAUL HIPKISS, PAULINE KITELEY, JOHN SCOTT MARTIN, TIM NASH, KEITH NOBLE, KEITH POINTON, (photographs), NOEL SHEPHERDSON, ANN-MONIQUE STELLINGA AND GORDON YAPP; ceramics by RALPH JANDRELL and jewellery by LIN BROWN. Opens 10am-4pm daily including Sundays but will close at 12noon on Christmas Eve reopening on Wed 28 Dec for the holiday. The gallery will finally close at the end of this exhibition when Tim Wood will be retiring to follow other pursuits but he would like to thank all his clients for their support and friendship over the past fourteen years.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH 01743 258885 Until 15 Jan 2017 ‘Heavenly Lights’.

MARGARET AGNES ROPE, the untold story of Shrewsbury’s stained glass artist. Open Tues-Sun 10am4.30pm. Admission £4 adults, £3.50 ages 5-17 years, students £3.60.

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Beambridge Clubroom, Munslow 01584 873327 3 & 4 Dec CORVEDALE ARTISTS’ 20th Anniversary Exhibition. 20 artists are showing new paintings. Entry is free and donations go to support the Severn Hospice. Open 10am-4pm.

Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk 01588 630023 3 Dec Christmas Lights, Flea & Antiques Market. 9am-4pm.

17 Dec Farmer’s Market, 9am-1pm.

17 Dec - 14 Jan Young People’s Art Exhibition.

7 Jan & 4 Feb Flea & Antiques Market.

Open 9am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops Single listings are free. Year round, £40 per year

SHROPSHIRE HILLS ART WEEK 2017 ARTISTS WANTED! Recruitment for Shropshire Hills Art Week 2017 is open NOW. The event will run from 3–11 June 2017.

Shropshire Hills Art Week (SHAW) is looking for artists to sign up, join in and get involved for the 2017 event.

We particularly encourage work inspired by landscape and wildlife, to showcase this stunning area. Why not

join us and help make 2017 our best year yet. Register NOW: Early Bird SHAW MEMBERSHIP £95. (Note there may also be commission and/ or venue costs). Come and find out more at one of our artist get-togethers in November. Look out for details.

Contact Jules McRobbie 0773 638 1287, www.ShropshireHillsArtWeek. co.uk, jules@shropshirehillsartweek. co.uk ARTIST RESIDENCY CALL/THE DRAWING ROOM Invitation to artists and makers with a background in participatory practice to take up residency between 22 Oct and 25 Feb 2017. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, www.orieldavies.org/en/ news/articals CREATIVE WILLOW Weekly classes for beginners and intermediates, exploring willow weaving techniques for basketmaking and garden structures. Clyro, Builth Wells and Crickhowell. Mary Zammit, 01982 552072, mary@marywillowgarden.co.uk GLASSBLOWING COURSES Experience the magic of glassblowing. Hay-on-Wye. www.glassgallery.co.uk

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PRINTMAKING WORKSHOPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Day workshops in Lino cut printing (textile and paper), Monoprinting and Etching with the artist Rebecca Davis MA. These workshops are for both beginners and more advanced students. The aim of the workshops is to help students develop their creative skills in printmaking. Each workshop costs £30 plus materials. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Contact rebecca@rebeccadavisstudio.co.uk. www.rebeccadavisstudio.co.uk or 07776 490831.

ART WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Free Art sessions, for 11-18 year olds. Wednesdays 4-6pm.

With different art techniques by local artists. Teme Valley Youth Project, Wigmore. Email: youthtvyp1@yahoo. co.uk or call 01568 770110.

COFFEE, CAKE & CREATIVITY Join us for a range of adult art & craft workshops at The Studio, Greenacres, Tenbury Wells. Classes in Portraiture, Still Life, Experimental Drawing, Fused Glass, Engraving and Paper Construction with artist Ann Wallace (18 years teaching experience) - www.annwallace.co.uk on studio workshop page for class listings - 01584 811080.

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. www.creativebreaks. co.uk for full details of our courses.

Make it yourself - take it home - keep it, treasure it: give it with pride!

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

December, January, February & March JEWELLERY MAKING With Melissa Hunt. 1, 10 & 11 Dec Stone Setting, all levels 10am-5pm, £220. 2, 6 & 7 Jan - Stone Setting, intermediate/advanced levels, 10am5pm, £220. 28 Jan - Chain Making and Wire Work, intermediate/advanced levels, 10am-5pm, £110.

3 & 25 Feb - Stone Setting, intermediate/advanced levels, 10am-5pm, £110. 26 Feb - Make a Silver Spoon, intermediate/advanced levels, 10am-5pm, £110 excluding silver. 4 March - Cold Connections For Jewellers, intermediate/advanced levels, 10am-5pm, £110. All courses in Brampton Bryan, bring a packed lunch or buy from the cafe at Aardvark Books, two minute walk from the studio. Details 07931 351233.

December & January EASTNOR POTTERY FREE WHEELING 16 & 17 Dec. Come and make a complimentary pot on the potter’s wheel. Booking essential.

Potter’s wheel workshops and x 2 day courses: 3 Dec, 7 & 8, 14, 27, 28 & 29 Jan. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £130 day £240 weekend.

Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Family Pottery Fun in Dec & Jan. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Projects start at just £5 and inc potter’s wheel.

Perfect Winter indoor activity. To book a space, simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

December & January ASSEMBLY ROOMS WORKSHOPS Sat SmART, art and craft club for 8-14 years, 10.30am-12.30pm, £35 per term. First Thurs every month Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 7.30pm, £4.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

POP UP STONE CARVER Available for demonstrations, workshops, have a go sessions or childrens birthday parties. Can be from our workshop in Knucklas or at your own location. Stone and tools are all supplied and all ages catered for. Starting every Thursday - evening classes. Contact Lottie on 01547 528 792 or email her at info@stonecarving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOPS With landscape photographer Rob Scamp. www.muddyslippers.co.uk December & January THE PRINT SHED The spring 2017 programme of print and painting courses now on line.

The Print Shed, Swinmoor, Madley, Hereford, HR2 9JD 07796 673123, email theprintshed@swinmoor.net or www.theprintshed.net December & January WINTER WORKSHOPS At Westhope College near Craven Arms. Spaces limited. Go to www. westhope.com or call 01584 861293.

Thurs 1 December JEWELLERY MAKING WORKSHOP With Lin Brown. All materials provided and no experience necessary.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10.30am-12.30pm, £15, booking essential, 01588 676060.

Fri 2 December LEDBURY FLORAL ART CLUB A seasonal flower arranging demonstration by Bob Harris. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 635404.

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE New website: www.aardvark-books.com

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

Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

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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

Sunday 11th December, 10am-3pm Lots of stalls where you can find that perfiect Christmas present!

Live music from the Dutch Lewis Trio. Free entry.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

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

Phone 01584 810085

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Wed 7 December FELT MAKING EVENING With Clare Linford. Make an angel to add to your Christmas nativity scene. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 6pm, £8.50, 01588 630023.

Sat 18 February HOMEGROWN CALLIGRAPHY Learn a Byzantine script in the morning and embossing in the afternoon with Marches Scribes own tutors. Monkland VH, 10am-4pm, £18 members, £21 guests, 01544 327657.

Tues 20 December SAND ART A fun, hands-on, bright and colourful activity for accompanied children aged 3 and above. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10.30am-12.30pm, drop in anytime or book a half-hour session to avoid disappointment, £3.50 per picture, 07746 591199.

Mondays APPLETREE KNITTING GROUP Studio 2, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow. 2pm and 6pm supporting ‘Knit for Peace’. Donations of £2, 0845 548 5449.

Starting Mon 9 January for 9 weeks ART CLASSES With Angela Gladwell. Ludlow Museum Resource Centre, 7/9 Parkway, Ludlow, 10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm, £96 per term includes refreshments, 01743 258881.

Sun 29 January FELTING WITH A RESIST Workshop with Fiona Evans. Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am-4pm, £60/£50, 0333 666 3366, www.glasburyarts.co.uk

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.

Every Thursday STONE & LETTER CARVING Letter Carving with Will O’Leary and Stone Carving with Lottie O’Leary 7-9pm, £10, Upper House, Knucklas, Knighton, 01547 528792. www.stonecarving.co.uk Fridays AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB For children aged 5 - 12 years. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown, 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. www.kingtoncommunitymarket.wordpress.com 07867 483135.

We ALFI

furniture makers

Made to Measure Kitchens & Traditional Furniture

Marcus Field CALL 01544 260033 EMAIL enquiries@wealfi.co.uk VISIT www.wealfi.co.uk

Blacksmithing Short Courses at Bluefoot Blacksmithing Evening classes.

One and three day courses available.

Contact Pete Smith LWCB for details.

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

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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

ARTS & CRAFTS SALES Sêl Celf a Chrefft

Saturday 12th November to Saturday 24th December 2016 Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes Open 10am-4.30pm 6 days a week closed Sundays Closing 1.30pm on 24th December

ARTISTS AND MAKERS AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, PRESTEIGNE

CHRISTMAS FAIR DECEMBER thursday 1st, 4-7pm friday 2nd, 11am-8pm saturday 3rd, 10am-4pm perfect presents from local makers WORKING WITH WOOD, WOOL, silver, semi-precious stones, silk, paper and print with LOTS OF EXTRA STALLS AND MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

TEA & VEGAN CAKES FOR DETAILS SEE WEBSITE

Contact - sgratrix@yahoo.co.uk

www.facebook.com/llanidloeschristmascraftfair

www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org for details contact Rosamund 01544 260777

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cinema SULLY (15) It’s rare that you know the outcome of a film from the get-go but still remain riveted throughout, however doing just that is Clint Eastwood’s account of how after a bird-strike that disabled both its engines, Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger (a discreetly aged Tom Hanks) landed his airliner onto Manhattan’s Hudson River in 2009 without a single loss of life. Using time jumps and Sullenberger’s imagined nightmare outcomes, Eastwood and writer Todd Komarnicki astutely recreate the events both as they happened and disastrously could’ve happened, and indeed following Sully and co-pilot Jeff Skiles’ (Aaron Eckhart) cool-headed heroics, they were officially accused of endangering the lives of those they actually saved. Brisk editing, marvellous photography, and seamless special effects underpin stellar performances from Hanks, Eckhart and Laura Linney as Sully’s stoical wife.

All reviews by Mark Williams

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

14 Dec WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE (PG) 4 Jan THEEB (15) 18 Jan THE LESSON (15) 1 Feb MUSTANG (15) Details: Melville Centre, Penypound, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, www.abergavennyfilmsociety.com

5 Dec OUR LITTLE SISTER (PG) 9 Jan SING STREET (12A) 6 Feb THE LIBRARY SUICIDES (Y LLYFRGELL) (15) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon.

Membership enquiries 01874 623166

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 5 - 7 Dec I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) 6 Dec WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) 9 Dec COURTED (12A) 20 & 22 Dec QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) 21 & 22 Dec TROLLS (ctbc) 23 Dec IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (12) 23, 30 Dec, 2 & 3 Jan STORKS (U) 24, 27 - 29 Dec FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (ctbc) 30 Dec & 2 Jan A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) 3 - 5 Jan THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12A) Details 01584 878141

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

Full programme www.boothbooks. co.uk 01497 820322

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC

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7 Dec HEAR MY SONG 4 Jan ANOMALISA 18 Jan TANGERINES 1 Feb MOUCHETTE Three Tuns, Salop St, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm 01588 630778. Membership enquiries 01588 630776

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 2 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE 16 Dec THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK 6 Jan BEN HUR 20 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 1 Dec FANNY’S JOURNEY (PG) 2 - 6 Dec THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) 3 Dec THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV (PG) 7 Dec CEZANNE ET MOI (12A) 11 Dec QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) 11 & 12 Dec A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) 18 Dec TROLLS (PG) 18 & 19 Dec HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (12A) 23, 27 - 29 Dec THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCIEANS (12A) 23, 27 - 29 Dec DOCTOR STRANGE (12A) 30 Dec FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHRE TO FIND THEM (12A) 30 Dec ALLIED (15) 9 - 11 Jan THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12A)

9 - 12 Jan SULLY (12A) 9 - 12 Jan PATERSON (12A) 14 Jan MOLLY MOON AND THE INCREDIBLE BOOK OF HYPNOTISM (U) 16 - 19 Jan ARRIVAL (12A) 16 - 20 Jan A STREET CAR NAMED BOB (12A) 16 Jan SONITA (PG) 17 - 19 Jan NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15) 18 Jan YOUNG MEN 20 - 26 Jan A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) 12 Jan, 3 & 6 Feb THE RAILWAY CHILDREN (PG) 25 & 26 Jan THE HERITAGE OF LOVE (12A) 27 Jan - 2 Feb INDIGNATION (15) 27 Jan - 2 Feb ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (12A) 28 & 31 Jan BALLERINA (U) Details 01432 340555

1 Dec SING STREET (12A) Brilley VH 01544 327227 2 Dec THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016) (PG) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 2 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752548 2 Dec ELF (PG) Farndon Community Club 2 Dec DARK HORSE: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF DREAM ALLIANCE (PG) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 2 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031 2 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Stoke Prior VH 01568 760846 2 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Marton VH 01938 580116 2 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860065 2 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 3 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640254 3 Dec UNDERTAKING BETTY (15) Withington Parish Room 01743 709236

3 Dec THE BFG (PG) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 3 Dec THE BFG (PG) Playhouse Cinema, Leominster Community Centre 01568 616460 4 Dec FINDING DORY (U) Escleyside Hall 01981 510696 5 Dec THE LADY IN THE VAN (12) Pattingham VH 01902 700586 5 Dec THE BIG SHORT (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 5 Dec THE BIG SHORT (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 6 Dec BRIEF ENCOUNTER (PG) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 6 Dec OLIVER! (U) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 7 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Cardington VH 01694 771295 8 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Whitley VH 07751 431162 9 Dec THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016) (PG) Great Witley VH 01299 896412 9 Dec YOUTH (15 Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 9 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 9 Dec KEEPING MUM (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926 9 Dec EYE IN THE SKY (15) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797473 9 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 9 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 9 Dec ALL ABOUT EVE (U) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 10 Dec THE BFG (PG) Martley Memorial Hall 01886 888406 10 Dec EYE IN THE SKY (15) Chapel Lawn VH 01547 530258 10 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 10 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 10 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Playhouse Cinema, Leominster Community Centre 01568 616460 10 Dec SAVING GRACE (15) Rodington VH 01952 770524 10 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 11 Dec BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (PG) Priest Weston VH 01938 561336 12 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 12 Dec EYE IN THE SKY (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

PA S S E N G E R S (Cert TBA) A malfunction aboard a huge spacecraft currently taking 120 years to transport some 5000 earthlings to a distant colony causes the premature release from their ‘hibernation pods’ of New York writer Aurora Dunn (Jennifer Lawrence) and spacecraft fanboy, Jim Preston (Chris Pratt). However they soon discover that the technical issue that caused their rude awakening is a precursor of a much bigger problem that threatens everyone onboard the Starship Avalon, and in desperately trying to prevent a massive disaster, Jim and Aurura also find themselves romantically smitten. Celebrated Norwegian director Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game, Headhunters) relished his first foray into sci-fi, commenting that, “In this day of sequels and reboots it’s refreshing that this is a completely original story with two of the world’s best movie stars.” Which it is.

13 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Loppington VH 01939 236240 13 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Garway VH 01600 750465 13 Dec LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP (U) Ashford Carbonel VH 01584 831574 13 Dec DAD’S ARMY (PG) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 13 Dec GEMMA BOVERY (15) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 720341 14 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 14 Dec MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (12A) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 14 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Cuddington and Sandiway VH 01606 888931 15 Dec LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 15 Dec CANCELLED (U) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 16 Dec DARK HORSE: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF DREAM ALLIANCE (PG) Sarn VH 01686 671205 16 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 16 Dec FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Dorstone VH 01981 550943 16 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 17 Dec SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (2016) (PG) Playhouse Cinema, Leominster Community Centre 01568 616460

15 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 19 Dec THE BFG (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 20 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 21 Dec GET SANTA (U) Dolau Community Hall 07904 883038 21 Dec ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS (U) Myddle VH 01939 290872 23 Dec THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016) (PG) Waverton VH 01244 336055 29 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01684 833549 30 Dec FINDING DORY (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 4 Jan EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Cardington VH 01694 771295 5 Jan EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Brilley VH 01544 327227 6 Jan PRIDE (15) Stoke Prior VH 01568 760846 8 Jan THE BIGGER PICTURE - EYE (U) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 9 Jan SUFFRAGETTE Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 9 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 11 Jan LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 13 Jan A WALK IN THE WOODS (15) Little Wenlock VH 01952 505888 13 Jan STAR TREK BEYOND (12A) Eastham Memorial Hall 01584 781255 14 Jan THE BFG (PG) All Stretton VH 01694 723378

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THE UNKNOWN GIRL (Cert TBA) Jenny (rising French star Adèle Haenel), a committed young doctor shuns promotion to a wealthy city practice in favour of caring for her markedly lessaffluent patients in suburban Liege. However her ability to separate emotional involvement from providing appropriate treatment isn’t shared by her young intern (Olivier Bonnaud) who flees after failing to calmly handle a child’s seizure, but when Jenny herself ignores a desperate immigrant calling for help after hours, the ramifications are much worse.

And in the Dardenne brothers’ (Rosetta, Kid With A Bike) latest, socially-conscientious work, Jenny then spends much of her time unravelling the backstory of the woman whose death she may have hastened. Several of the Dardennes’ semi-pro regulars appear here alongside Haenel who adds steely gravitas to this gripping, low-key drama.

14 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 14 Jan MONEY MONSTER (15) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640254 18 Jan ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (PG) Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510696 18 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Myddle VH 01939 290872 19 Jan BRIDGE OF SPIES (12A) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 20 Jan MONEY MONSTER (15) Hanley Broadheath VH 01886 853195 20 Jan EYE IN THE SKY (15) Stoke Prior VH 01568 760846 20 Jan THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (2015) (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 20 Jan GOLDEN YEARS: GRAND THEFT OAP (12A) Shifnal VH 01952 462787 20 Jan EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 21 Jan BRIDGE OF SPIES (12A) Tasley Parish Room 01746 764881 21 Jan THE LADY IN THE VAN (12) Bicton VH 01743 850495 26 Jan EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green 01905 641572 26 Jan GOLDEN YEARS: GRAND THEFT OAP (12A) Perton Civic Centre 01902 745971

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26 Jan HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 27 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Longden VH 01743 860368 27 Jan WILD TARGET (12) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 27 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Marton VH 01938 580116 28 Jan FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 31 Jan EYE IN THE SKY (15) Loppington VH 01939 236240

THE GLOBE, HAY ON WYE 8 Dec FINDING JOE Candlelight cinema season. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762

LINGEN FLIX 4 Dec THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (3pm) 13 Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) Details: Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01544 267736

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB 15 Dec BROOKLYN (12A) Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 8pm.

Details mikemills32@btinternet.com

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. 1 Dec INFERNO (12A) 1 Dec HOLDING THE MAN (15)

2 - 8 Dec A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) 9 - 22 Dec A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) 17 - 24 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 23 Dec - 5 Jan FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM 27 - 30 Dec TROLLS (U) 2 - 5 Jan THE UNKNOWN GIRL 6 - 12 Jan SULLY (12A) 13 - 26 Jan LA LA LAND 27 Jan - 2 Feb THE BIRTH OF A NATION (15) Details 01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 3 Dec THE BFG (PG) 4 Dec EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) 10 Dec ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE (15) 17 Dec SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (PG) 6 Jan MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN (12A) 15 Jan HELL OR HIGH WATER (15) 21 Jan CAFE SOCIETY (12A) 28 Jan THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (12A) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE ASSEMBLY ROOMS 3 Dec RAMS (15) 16 Dec EYE IN THE SKY (15) 13 Jan FILM (to be confirmed) 27 Jan FILM (to be confirmed) www.presteignescreen.org.uk

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 2 & 5 Dec JACK REACHER 2 (12A) 3 & 4 Dec STORKS (U) 3 & 4 Jan THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12A) 6 & 7 Jan FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (12A) 9 & 10 Jan A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) 13 Jan THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK (12A) 20 & 23 Jan THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (15) 24 & 25 Jan SULLY (12A) 27, 28 & 30 Jan ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (12A) Regal Cinema, 47 - 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. Details 01584 811442

BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON 1 Dec SING-A-LONG-A- ROCKY HORROR (15) For ages 15+.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

THEATR HAFREN, NEWTOWN 23 Nov THE MONUMNETS MEN 21 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

25 Jan FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 1.30pm, £3, £8 includes light lunch, 01686 614555

THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS. 9 Dec A SELECTION OF PRE-1918 CHAPLIN SHORTS The Rink, Easy Street and One A.A. with live musical accompaniment.

10 Dec GONE TO EARTH (PG) Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281.

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS Until 3 Jan FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (ctbc) 2 - 12 Dec & 4 Jan A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) 2 - 22, 30 7 31 Dec, 1 - 3 Jan MOANA (ctbc) 4 - 8, 11 & 12 Dec, 5 Jan THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12A) 9 - 14 Dec ALLIED (ctbc) 16 - 22 Dec SULLY (12A) 16 - 31 Dec & 1 - 5 Jan ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (ctbc) 23 & 24, 27 - 31 Dec & 1 - 5 Jan PASSENGERS (ctbc) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 www.wyeside.co.uk

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 7 Dec MADAM BUTTERFLY All’Opera. Opera and ballet from Italy’s most iconic venues. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

8 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House, live ballet. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15pm, 01584 878141. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442.

10 Dec ANDRE RIEU: CHRISTMAS WITH ANDRE Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

10 Dec L’AMOUR DE LOIN Met Opera. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 5.55pm, 01588 630321.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5.55pm, 01982 552555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

11 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Playhouse Cinema, Leominster Community Centre, 7.15pm, 01568 612583.

13 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555.

14 Dec L’AMOUR DE LOIN Met Opera. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

15 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

15 Dec NO MAN’S LAND National Theatre live. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

17 Dec L’AMOUR DE LOIN Met Opera, encore performance.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

19 Dec NO MANS LAND National Theatre live. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583 20 Dec NO MAN’S LAND National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

5 Jan COPPELIA All’Opera. Opera and ballet from Italy’s most iconic venues. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

7 Jan NO MAN’S LAND National Theatre live. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

7 Jan NABUCCO Met Opera. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5.55pm, 01982 552555.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

12 Jan NO MAN’S LAND National Theatre (encore). The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

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

14 Jan THE TEMPEST Royal Shakespeare Company.

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

21 Jan ROMEO ET JULIETTE Met Opera. The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

28 Jan QUEEN IN CONCERT A Night in Bohemia recorded live 1975. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

31 Jan IL TROVATORE The Royal Opera House. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

31 Jan IL TROVATORE The Royal Opera House. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401.

2 Feb AMADEUS National Theatre live. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281.

WORKSHOPS

Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.30-7pm, £20 per term, 01432 340555.

The Nutcracker

11 Jan THE TEMPEST Royal Shakespeare Company live.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

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dance Dance Performance Sat 3 December OTUS COMPANY O & B. Utilising circus, physical theatre, movement, clown and set design OTUS explores tension, the space between characters, objects and the wooden world in which they reside. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 9 & Sat 10 December ROMEO & JULIET BALLET THEATRE UK. Passionate and innovative reacreation of the world’s greatest love story.

9 Dec - Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm,£15/£14, 01982 552555.

10 Dec - Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, £18, under 12s £12, family £56, 01600 719401.

Fri 9 December ROMEO & JULIET Intense fighting, passionate duets and universal themes echo through dramatic and lyrical choreography.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 6.30pm, £12/£7, 01686 614555.

Dance Workshops

Single listings are free. Year round entries £40 Sat 3 December SHREWSBURY FRENCH AND BRETON DANCE DAY Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Abbey Foregate Shrewsbury SY2 6AH, 3pm -10.30pm. Learn some traditional French and Breton dances at an afternoon workshop followed by an evening dance with ‘Kantref’ (starting 7.30pm). The event is suitable for beginners as well as experienced dancers. Price for the whole event including a hot vegetarian evening meal is £20. Separate tickets also available for the workshop and evening dance.

Prebooking essential for meal. More information and booking at www.frenchdance.org.uk LEARN TO JIVE IN MID WALES: Wednesdays Hundred House, Village Hall, Nr. Llandrindod Wells) LD1 5RY. Mondays (from Jan 2017) - Castle Hotel, Llandovery, SA20 0AP. Suitable for all, complete beginners and experienced dancers. Turn up, Join in, have fun. With or without a partner. 7.30 - 10.00pm, £5pp Beginners Class starts 7.30pm. www.jive.wales Facebook ‘Mid wales jive’ - 07767 358079.

ECSTATIC RHYTHMS DANCE IN RHAYADER With Clive Hedger 4th Friday of the month 7.30-10pm

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At Carad - Rhayader Museum & Gallery, East Street, LD6 5ER. 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 the heart in motion. Wear loose clothing and bring water. £10 (concessions available). For further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Tues - Zumba, 1.30-2.30pm, £5 per session.

Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15-11.15am, £4.50 per session.

Tues - Dancefest, Adult Dance, 6.30-7.30pm, £55 per term. Tues - Laura Gale Street Jazz, Adults, 7.40-8.40pm, £39 for 6 weeks. Tues - Find Your Feet, 11am-12pm, £2 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 4 and under, 11.30am-12.15pm, £4 per session plus £1 per extra child.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

BELLY DANCE CLASSES WITH ALANYA OPEN LEVEL Mon - Lady Hawkins Community Leisure Centre, 7-8.30pm. Thurs - Bodenham Parish Hall, 7.30-9pm. £30 per 5 classes or £8 drop-in. For information and other classes visit www.alanyabellydance.com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

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 LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Monday, 8-9pm, Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY. Tuesday, 8-9pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tuesday, 8-9pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Wednesday, 8-9pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wednesday, 8.30-9.30pm, Malvern Vale Community Centre, Malvern, WR14 1GU. Thursday, 7-8pm, Bishops Frome Community Centre, WR6 5AZ. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354 orinfo@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance. co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

APPLETREE ORGANISATION Tues - Belly Dance for Beginners, 2pm, £25 for 6 sessions.

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

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 HEREFORD TANGO CLUB Regular tango classes at Breinton Village Hall HR47PJ, 7.30-10pm, £6.

Details Jim 07977 541446, email tango4jim@aol.com or Hilda 07768 543660.

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 For ages 11 and over.

With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5.45pm, £2-£3.50, 01982 552555.

Tues FOXWELL MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing? We practice very 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 Jude 01497 821775 or Paul 01497 821003.

Tues LEARN TO JIVE Fun, easy to learn and no partner/ experience needed. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £5, 01989 750354.

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

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

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

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 813711.

NEW BOOK - OUT SHORTLY

THINKING ALLOWED SOME GOLDEN NUGGETS FROM BROAD SHEEP’S PHILOSOPHER-IN-RESIDENCE

by ROGER KITE Available in Llanandras/Presteigne at The Rowan Tree & Winnie’s Newsagents and in Kington at Grandad’s Shed & Border Bean Café

Price : Four Pounds

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food page The Morrocan Delicatessen, Presteigne

B

EFORE Mr Pernickety attempts to escape from hideous thoughts about the election of President Pussy Pouncer by launching himself joyfully into a Sea of Nostalgia recalling happy hippy days in the Maghreb, when he wandered through the narrow, fetid footways of the ancient medina of Fez, he must draw his readers’ attention to CSONS, a recent find in the narrow, though less malodorous alleys of ancient Shrewsbury.

The only thing wrong with CSONS is the tortured pun which is its name – almost as distressing as “Morereasons to shop at Morrisons!” (Oh, yes – Mr P gets about.)

However, this cafe/diner/eatery, since it was opened by the four Crouch brothers in summer of 2015, has shown such imagination in creating an ambience and grasp of the culinary zeitgeist in the food it serves that it could be called anything – Dante’s Inferno, Trump’s Dump, The Cow’s Arse – and the punters would still want to come in.

The inside of the place, a broad-fronted building in Milk Street, has been stripped bare leaving some walls of old timber panelling in one part, with big splashes of Hockneyesque acid green and yellow in another, lit by bulbs in dangling bottles. Tables and chairs might be described as utilitarian, industrial, up-cycled and re-purposed, all making for an inviting, relaxing hipness.

Mr P’s Lovely Companion, something of a fusspot over interior treatments, showed no sign of grumpiness on this account. Nor did she when the light lunch she had ordered landed on the table. And this where CSONS’ light shines brightest.

They are exceptionally creative in their food sourcing; they use less obvious cuts like beef skirt and pork belly, as well as salt baked celeriac and a great variety of other unusual ingredients. There wasn’t a thing on the menu that Mr P wouldn’t like to try. On this occasion the LC had what was billed as a ‘Sarnie’ – a modern one, served on in-house baked griddled sourdough focaccia, with rare steak, tomato, salsa verde and salad. Mr P, who likes to venture into the unknown, ordered an Isamu sarnie – sourdough etc + salt beef, Oakly Park Cheddar, wasabi mayo, pickles and salad, Both these concoctions provided an almost breathtaking array of flavours and textures; indeed Mr P and the LC agreed that it was the most exciting and tasty meal they’d eaten in a long time. Mr P promises his readers that if they decide to follow his lead and try it, they won’t be disappointed.

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However, as announced above, the principle topic of this month’s page is meant to be The Moroccan Delicatessen which occupies a former butchers’ shop on the cross roads in the middle of Presteigne. For some months, Mr P had been receiving enthusiastic endorsements of what must be an unlikely presence in a small town on the Welsh Marches, despite the singularity on which Presteigne prides itself. Mr P thinks he knows quite a bit about Morocco, having voyaged there in an already aged Bedford Dormobile in the early 1970s. The purpose of the trips was to buy ethnic garments that were becoming sought after in Northern Europe at the time.

He and a very tall bearded geezer called Mervyn rattled their way down to Marrakesh, then along the foothills of the Atlas to spend days bargaining in the vast soukh in

Fez. They stuffed their vehicle with djellabas, burnous, gandoras, babouches, berber jewellery and watercarrier’s bags, as well as studded belts made from the hide of camels and cured, Mr P suspects, in their urine. Half the first load was quickly and profitably sold to an evileyed merchant in the dodgy environs of Paris’ Gare du Nord. Payment was with a wedge of grimy hundred franc notes every single one of which Mr P and his colleague drunkenly shuffled across the green baize of a triple zero roulette table in Dieppe the following evening. The didn’t even have enough left to pay for the vile accommodation into which they’d booked for the night, and had to do a runner to catch their luckily prepaid ferry back to Newhaven. They sold the rest of their wares satisfactorily in Kensington Market, and many other trips followed.

On these visits to Morocco Mr P became fond of the place, and aware of its strengths and weaknesses. One of its less endearing characteristics was the food. On one occasion, invited by a village chief on the edge of the Sahara to join in a dinner of couscous and some unfamiliar sheep’s organs which had to be eaten by hand, he found it hard to finish. It seemed however vigorously he thrust his hands in to the huge tump of semolina in front of him and waggled them around, it wouldn’t diminish. A young American female who had escaped from a USAF colonel’s family in Madrid and joined the young Mr P’s caravan was anxious to become a hippy but so un-advanced in the process that she could only stare in horror at the uninviting dish while hurling Entero-Vioform tablets down her throat.

Mr P thought of this as he and the LC sat down for their first meal at the Moroccan Deli. This too comprised a largish serving of couscous, with a few more familiar vegetables, supporting not sheep’s testicles but a couple of brace of lamb mequez, mercifully accompanied by a fork. To his great relief, Mr P found himself positively relishing the plat du jour and its spicy sausages. Recalling the shortcomings of Moroccan wine-makers, he was relieved to be offered a European wine, which sat happily with the food.

There is no question that a North African café in Wales is at least uncommon, if not downright bizarre, but in a place like Presteigne unfamiliarity can be exciting and desirable. Thus the place has evolved into a traditional

kind of middle-eastern coffee house where great issues (and a few tiny ones) can be debated, and controversial opinions exchanged. As Mr P sipped his coffee he was half expecting a shifty little man wearing a moustache and djelabbah to sidle up to him, as happens in djemaa el fna in Marrakech, and enquire, ‘Want hash cookie?’ Sadly this didn’t happen; nor did Humphrey Bogart barge in and start issuing musical requests. But it was altogether a good experience, where the service was charming and the food – at least for Mr P – a pleasant surprise. He has heard too that from time to time exceptional tagines are on offer. www.misterpernickety.com

EVENTS

Sat 3 December KINGTON’S 12TH FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND DRINK FROM THE BORDERS 80 stands plus gifts for Christmas. Children’s crafts/cooking + Father Christmas.

Music by local choirs plus The Poobahs, Geoff Rodgers and Saxaphony. Special live displays by celebrity chefs! A fantastic day with lots of surprises. Kington, 9.30am-3pm, kingtonfoodfest@gmail.com 01544 231202.

Sun 4, 11 & 18 December CHRISTMAS LUNCHES Treat your taste buds, home-cooked festive fayre.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms. 1 course £10, 2 course £14, 3 course £16.99, 01588 676060.

Thurs 8 December CHRISTMAS VEGETARIAN COOKERY COURSE Hands on cookery session. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-2pm, £15 to include all ingredients, booking essential, 01588 676060. Bring packed lunch or eat in the cafe.

Sat 10 December CHRISTMAS TRUFFLES AND SWEET TREATS A fun cooking workshop for children with added sugar and chocolate for ages 5-11 year olds accompanied by an adult. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 1-2.30pm, £7.50, booking essential, 01588 676060.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 December SPECIALIST BREAD MAKING COURSE Festive breads, covering enriched dough and laminated dough. Bank House, Bishop’s Castle, £140 including ingredients and lunch, 07970 706899 or email kath@theordinarycook.co.uk Sat 10 & Sun 11 December SHREWSBURY WINTER FESTIVAL A great mix of food and drink, crafts and seasonal cheer, plus free circus workshops. The Quarry, Shrewsbury, £12 for families, £6 adults, £1 children, www.shrewsburychristmas.co.uk Sun 11 December ABERGAVENNY CHRISTMAS FOOD & DRINK FAIR Get Christmas all wrapped up with gift ideas for all the family and those special touches for your Christmas table. Over 85 of the top seasonal producers, signed books from chefs, expert Christmas recipe demonstrations, workshops for children, carol singing and much more. Abergavenny, £5 adults, under 16s free with a paying adult. www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com Wed & Fri in Dec SWAN BREWERY For bottles/cases and mini casks, gift packs. Swan Brewery, Leominster, HR6 0LX, www.swanbrewery.co.uk 01568 617709.

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

First Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET The Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 9am-1pm.

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 other month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd, Clun, 10am-2pm, 01588 641145.

Every Wednesday PIE NIGHT Pie, peas, potatoes and a drink, £10, Oxford Arms, Kington.

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

Every Thursday SURF & TURF NIGHT Scampi & Steak plus a drink, £10, Oxford Arms, Kington.

Every Friday MARKET Bread, cakes, crafts, fruit and vegetables, baskets and pottery. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-2pm.

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 MonFri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

THE CIDER BARN IN PEMBRIDGE 01544 388161 www.the-cider-barn.co.uk Serving the best that Herefordshire growers produce in imaginative and inspired dishes cooked by Sophie Griffiths-Goddard the young chef patron. Full à la carte menu and lunchtime specials.

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 India & China Tea Company at TOWER HOUSE GALLERY, HIGH STREET, KNIGHTON 01547 529530 www.towerhousegallery.blogspot.co.uk/ We serve 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).

Open Sundays, POLLY’S TEAROOM / GALLERY At the foot of The Narrows, Knighton 01547 528591 Light lunches, cakes, a variety of teas and coffees.

Selection of original paintings. Open all week except Thursdays and Fridays 11am-5pm Summer, 11am-4pm Winter.

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

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music

DECEMBER Thurs 1 December THE INDIGO MACHINE The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

OPEN MIC King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

CULTURE SHOCK / ATTERKOP / ALVIN & THE ANGRY BARRELS The Booth Hall, 8pm, £8.

JASON & THE ASTRONAUTS Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

ARTHUR EBELING Dutch guitar maestro. The Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Wayne Martin & Friends.

Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE DEAN’S MUSIC SERIES Luke English, clarinet with Gyorgy Hodozso, piano. Hereford Cathedral, 12.30pm, £15 to include picnic lunch, 01432 374202.

Fri 2 December

THE BRIGHT EYES Glamrock. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

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

TOM EVANS, SAM HUFFER & DAN NICHOL Three local singer/songwriters combine to showcase their talents in the cosy candlelit atmosphere. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

CRYSTAL BALLS Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

TONGUE ‘N’ GROOVE Stag, Llanidloes.

PAUL PARKER Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

Sat 3 December MUSIC AT THE EDGE Featuring Raymond Froggatt and His Band. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £14, 01952 728911.

THE JENTS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

JAZZ ALL STARS OF BRECON Benefit gig. Piano, trumpet, vocals, bass, drums. Northcote Conservative Club, High St, Brecon, 8pm, £10, fundraiser for Brecon Jazz Club.

OUTLAWED Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

BARREL HOUSE BLUES BAND The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

RHYTHM THIEVES Live folk, rock plus Christmas Fayre from 11am. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

GEOFF AND KATE OCKENDEN The Square, Ludlow, 01584 878000.

RAVE ON: A TOUCH OF HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS Counterfeit Crickets and special guest, Steve Halliday as Elvis Presley. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £17, 01600 772467.

BROMYARD CHORAL SOCIETY Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

EX CATHEDRA ‘Christmas Music by Candlelight’.

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, under 25s £10, under 18s £1, 01743 365478.

SULTANA BROTHERS The Grandstand, Hereford.

THE HYPE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

THE RAINBREAKERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

JOHN WILLIAMS 1950s jazz. Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, 7.45pm jewellery browsing, 8.15pm, band, £12 in advance, £15 on the door, 01686 640689.

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THE HAWTHORNES The Yew Tree, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye, 9pm, free.

Rhythm Thieves

Brother Mule

THE MOSCOW DRUG CLUB A curious place it provides a darkly comic world with an intoxicating and intimate musical experience.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £12, students £8, 07967 517125.

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8.30pm.

RHYTHM THIEVES King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche, swinging hot jazz from the 40s. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pre-booked tickets £10, 07970 343148.

KINGTON’S FESTIVAL OF 12TH FOOD AND DRINK FROM THE BORDERS 80 stands plus gifts for Christmas. Music by local choirs plus The Poobahs, Geoff Rodgers and Saxaphony.

Special live displays by celebrity chefs! Kington, 9.30am-3pm, enquiries, email kingtonfoodfest@gmail.com

Sat 3 December CHRIS BIGS LAZER DISCO Bell Inn, Leominster.

CAERWENT PARISH CHURCH OPEN DAY Sign up for the Christmas Nativity play, Teddy Bear Zip Wire from the church tower, church tours, church history talk at 2pm, refreshments and soup 12-1pm, indoor play area and more. Caerwent Parish Church, 11am-3pm.

THE SMILE Stag, Llanidloes.

PAUL PARKER AND ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

ANDY MARGARET Rock covers. Saracen’s Head, St Martin’s St, Hereford.

JOEL’S WISH BREWERY BOP ♯18 Featuring XL5 and supported by One 2 Many. 7.30pm, £7, Ludlow Brewery, 01584 873291.

PHOENIX The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘We Know By the Stars’. Songs and stories for Christmastide. With Phil Smith. All Saints Church, Glasbury, 7.30pm, £7.50, 18 and under £5 includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pie, 01497 847676.

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CHRISTMAS SPARKLE Lunchtime organ recital of Advent and Christmas favourites given

by Peter Dyke. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, retiring collection.

THE SMILE Stag, Llanidloes.

Sun 4 December GRUIG Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

SIMON BLIGHT Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

THE MELSTOCK BAND ‘The Christmas Hearth’. A unique combination of singing, instrumental music and spoken word to celebrate the Christmas season. Knighton Drill Hall, 7.30pm, £10, children £8 to include mince pie and mulled wine. Tickets from Tower House Gallery, Knighton or 01547 528613.

YOUNG MUSICIANS COMPETITION Knighton Rotary’s annual solo instrument and solo voice competition for musicians up to the age of 18.

St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 2pm, free.

REMI HARRIS TRIO An irresistible style that blends elements from gypsy swing, jazz, blues, rock, electronic and world music. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £10 from Courtyard Antiques, The Workhouse, Presteigne and on the door.

Mon 5 December

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

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

SLOWBURNER Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

CHRISTMAS PUB QUIZ Buffet. Bell Inn, Leominster.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711854.

Tues 6 December

Wed 7 December THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

JAMES HICKMAN & CHRIS QUINN Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

MIDWINTER TRADITIONS With May Thrill. Learn about the meanings behind Wassailing, Morris dancing, All Souls etc with this folk group. Linton Village Hall, Ross-on-Wye, bring your your own bottle, 7.30pm, £6, light snacks, email LVH@LintonVillage.com MARK ANSELL Rose and Crown, Tenbury Wells.

LDHS & LVH COMBINED CHRISTMAS SOCIAL ‘Midwinter Traditions with May Thrill’.

The meanings behind our celebrated local and national winter festivities such as wassailing, morris-dancing, All Souls etc. Bring your own bottle. Linton Village Hall, 07974 484141.

EX CATHEDRA CONCERT ‘Christmas Music by Candlelight’.

The leading Early Music choir return with a programme of Christmas music.

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £30/£20/£10, 01432 374210.

Thurs 8 December UNDER THE FRIDGE Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LIVE MUSIC The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Fri 9 December BROTHER MULE Phenomenal fiddler Brian Wickland and mandolinist/multi-instrumentalist Ben Winship from USA plus top UK double bass player Ben Somers playing a blend of bluegrass, Americana, Western Swing and Celtic folk. The Bleddfa Centre, 7.30pm, £10, 01544 350407 or 01547 528315.

HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge.

BOWJANGLES XMASH CAROL A string quartet who dance, sing, leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play.

Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01432 860221. Arts Alive.

THE ANIMATORS Rock and pop. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

ABERGAVENNY CHAMBER MUSIC Featuring Andrew Wilson-Dickson.

Programme includes Bach’s Goldberg Variations, played on a two manual harpsichord. The Chaple, Market St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, from Abergavenny Music, The Art Shop or The Chapel, 01873 736430.

SPLIT PROPHETS The Venue, 1 Gaol St, Hereford, 11pm, £6.

BAND OPEN MIC Hosted by the Rhythm Thieves.

Drum and bass provided.

Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

THE MIRRORS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

NORTH STAR De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9pm 07816 686856.

FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

JAZZ @ THE BONDED WAREHOUSE Featuring Casey Greene Quartet.

The Bonded Warehouse, Canal St, Stourbridge, 7.30pm, £8, students £4 on the door, 07766 910179.

THE MIRRORS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

GARETH AND DAVE Stag, Llanidloes.

FRIDAY LIVE With Toriah Fontaine. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Sat 10 December THE FABULOUS BORDELLOS Bringing the sounds of the 60s and 70s.

Oxford Arms, Kington, 9pm.

UPFRONT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Featuring The Crowle Singers, a topnotch a cappella group. Kinnersley Church, 7.30pm, £5 including mulled wine and mince pie. 01544 327686 or 01544 327426 or on the door.

BLACK LINES Rock. Saracen’s Head, St Martin’s St, Hereford.

STRAY AWAY Ceilidh. Bishop Bevan Hall, Brecon, 7pm, £8, advance £5, 01874 611529.

Brecon and District Mind.

JONNY TRASHED Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY Handel’s Messiah by candlelight.

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £25-£10, 01432 340555.

IINDIGO MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

MID WALES OPERA A Christmas Carol Concert. Join the Friends of MWO for an afternoon and evening of Christmas music led by MWO Music Director, Jonathan Lyness.

Church of St Nicholas, Montgomery.

Come and sing workshop 3pm, concert 6pm, £6 concert only, £10 concert and workshop, please book, 01686 441027.

SWING INTO CHRISTMAS ‘Heart and Soul’ music show for all the family. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7pm, £8 adults, £6 for under 12s, 01588 630023.

THE YOUTH WITHIN / TERMINAL RAGE / DRUNK IN CHARGE The Royal Oak, Ledbury, 8pm, free.

TRUMPET AND TINSEL Jazz trumpet and piano with Anthony Stevens and Jim Wynn. The Square, Ludlow, 01584 878000.

FLATWORLD Plus support. West Malvern Social Club, West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 8pm, £5.

ZOE SPENCER & ANDREW HAWKEY New cross-generational songwriter duo project. Old Mill, Llanidloes, 8.30pm, free.

SHREWSBURY CANTATA CHOIR Programme includes Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Shrewsbury Abbey, 7,30pm, £12, students and under 18s free, 07779 664394.

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BLAKES 3 Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, 7.30pm, £24 includes meal, please book in advance, 01568 612876.

Belshazzar’s Feast

MARCHES CHOIR WITH MARCHES BRASS QUARTET A big Christmas sing! Carols and Christmas music, children and families especially welcome. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £6, children and students free, 01588 650448 or on the door.

JOE SEAGER Acoustic. Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Thurs 15 December

Sat 10 December

Sun 11 December

STONED LOVE The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

BOWJANGLES XMASH CAROL A string quartet who dance, sing, leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play.

Farlow and Oreton Village Hall, 6.30pm, £10/£5, 01746 718642. Arts Alive.

TONY SKEGGS Stag, Llanidloes.

BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST ‘Stocking Fillers’. A Christmas-themed show of traditional folk music, seasonal material added to their usual touch of classical and jazz. New Radnor Community Hall, 7.30pm, £12, under 14s £3, 01544 350268. Music in New Radnor.

DUTCH LEWIS TRIO Plays the Christmas Songbook.

Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, 11am-1.30pm, free entry.

TENBURY TOWN BAND Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

FOLK SESSION Arvon Ales, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm.

TOM THE FROP King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

RHYTHM THIEVES On BBC Radio Shropshire, 6pm.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY GIG Featuring The Salopians, Russ & Sally, Accidently Acoustic and more. The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

HEAVY QUARTET Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

EIRA / SNOW Celtic, European and Middle Eastern music performed on wind and double bass. St Cadoc’s Church, llangattock Lingoed, near Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £7.50 to include light refreshments in advance or on the door, 01981 570268.

TRAFFICKER Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

HMV BAND Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ALAN OKI DOKI DISCO Bell Inn, Leominster.

BOWJANGLES XMASH CAROL A string quartet who dance, sing, leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play.

Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01746 862104. Arts Alive.

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QUIZ NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

PAULE DARK Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE QUIRE The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 4pm, 01497 821762.

Tues 13 December MARTIN CARTHY One of folk music’s greatest innovators.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £15/£13, 01432 340555.

Wed 14 December STEADY EDDY & FRIENDS The Monk, Monkland, 8pm, 01568 720464.

LIVE MUSIC The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

EMMA & THE PROFESSOR Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

FOLK NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Get into the mood for the festive season. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

Fri 16 December BOWJANGLES XMASH CAROL A string quartet who dance, sing, leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

DJ PARTY NIGHT The Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 8pm, £10, 01584 873813.

THE BRETHRYN Cajun duo. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

PIG DAZE Skufflepunk classics. Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Martin Carthy

GLASBURY ARTS

BLEDDFA CENTRE

Glasbury Village Hall Sun 29 January, 2017 10.30am-4pm

WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER

Felting with a Resist Workshop with Fiona Evans

Café and shop open Fri, Sat, Sun, 11:00am–4:30pm teas, coffee, cake and soup Until 18 December 2016

CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFTS EXHIBITION

The techniques being taught can be used to create many items from bowls, lampshades, slippers, hats and flowers to textural wall hangings - the only limitation is your imagination.

Ticket prices: £60, full price; £50 concessions (unwaged, students, over 60s). 10% members’ discount applies Tickets: by telephone on 0333 666 3366 or online at: www.glasburyarts.co.uk

Glasbury Village Hall Sat 18 to Sun 26 February, 2017

Celebration of Ceramics and Glass Exhibition

Beautiful, high-quality hand-crafted items that would make lovely gifts. Open 11am-4.30pm.

Sat 3 Dec regular MONTHLY MEDITATION SESSION Open to all 11:00 – 12:30 Fri 9 December 2016, doors open 6.30pm

BROTHER MULE

Phenomenal fiddler Brian Wickland and mandolinist/ mulit-instrumentalist Ben Winship from USA plus top UK double bass player Ben Somers playing a blend of bluegrass, Americana, Western Swing and Celtic folk. £10, 01544 350407 or 01547 528315.

Sun 11 December 2016, 11.00am Talk and demonstration of the Bowen Technique

by KAREN ROBERTS Monday mornings our regular YOGA LESSONS continue – if you would like to join in please contact Sarah for more information

This exhibition brings together 17 of Wales and border counties best and exciting ceramics and glass makers, including Melanie Brown, Nancy Sutcliffe, Ashraf Hanna. Beryl Morgans, Nikki Williams and Diane Horne.

Opening times: Saturday, February 18, 12 noon to 4.30pm; Sundays February 19 and 26, 11am to 4.30pm; Monday-Tuesday, 11am to 3pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 12noon to 4pm; Friday, February 24, 2pm to 7pm; Saturday, February 25, 11am to 4.30pm.

Entry to the exhibition is free to members, those in full time education or unwaged, non-members - £3 (payable on door).

Every other Tuesday BLEDDFA SEWING GROUP are presently working on an ambitious project of tapestries depicting the history of Bleddfa, more members welcome.

The Gallery and Cafe will be closing from 4.30pm on 18th December and will re-open in time for Easter 2017. There are still lots of activities at the Bleddfa Centre, so subscribe to the Bulletin to keep up to date with happenings.

01547 550377 or email hello@bleddfacentre.org Follow us on Twitter or Facebook

The Bleddfa Centre Old School House Gallery and Hall Barn are situated on the A488 halfway between Knighton and Pen-y-Bont.

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Fri 16 December

Sat 17 December

HMV BAND White Horse Inn, Clun.

A WINTER’S LIGHT Hark Hark: Coope, Simpson & Fraser, Freya. A Christmas show featuring the a cappella four part harmonies of the unusual Sheffield and Derbyshire traditions and beyond. Chetton Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01746 768822.

Arts Alive.

BIRCHPOLE SINGERS Christmas concert. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7.30pm, mince pies and mulled wine.

THE ENDINGS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

PRE CHRISTMAS BLUES JAM South Shropshire Blues Club. The Unicorn, Corve St, Ludlow, 8pm, free entry, donations to Cancer Research UK. GOLD ROOM Malthouse, Ironbridge.

DAVID IAN ROBERTS + TOBY HAY Both are from the forefront of contemporary singer-songwriters in Wales. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

JAGGED HANDS 70s to 90s music. Saracen’s Head, St Martin’s St, Hereford.

KIT HAWES & AARON CATLOW SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, 01588 630321.

THE ENDINGS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Get into the mood for the festive season. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

ARRIVAL The hits of Abba. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £19.50, 01686 614555.

FRIDAY LIVE With Martha Tilston plus support from Velvet and Stone. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

NIGHTFLIGHT The Square, Ludlow, 01584 878000.

A THOUSAND YEARS OF CHRISTMAS With mezzo soprano Sally Bradshaw, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and accompanist Mark Etherington. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

DAI ROBS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Dai will be joined by some top musicians including Jonny Keeley, Beth Prior and Heidi Brown. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £7, 01686 614555.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Sam Dowden. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Sun 18 December

CHRISTMAS DANCE PARTY With Red River Blues, an exciting 5-piece band with their own special blend of blues, rock, jazz, funk and country. Linton Village Hall, HR9 7RX, 7.30pm, £8, 07974 4884141.

WOO TOWN HILLBILLIES Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE RONALDOS Stag, Llanidloes.

RHYTHM THIEVES The Oak, Wigmore, Christmas party.

STEVE AJAO’S BLUES GIANTS Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY BRASS BAND Christmas concert. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £8, students £4, 07967 517125.

JOHN PAUL GARD / ALEX HUTCHINS Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

Mon 19 December

CHRIS BIGS LAZER DISCO Bell Inn, Leominster.

01584 878141.

XMASH CAROL BY BOWJANGLES Outrageous costumes, Christmas games, audience participation, music, comedy, part panto including Christmas favourites. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £10, from Courtyard Antiques, The Workhouse and www.wegottickets.com

THE POOBAHS & BLUE MOON Country and blues night. Chapel Lawn Village Hall, 7.30pm, £8 advance or £10 on the door, 07825 133690. Bar with real ale, filled rolls and snacks.

PIG DAZE Skufflepunk classics. Bull Ring Tavern, Ludlow.

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LOST THE PLOT Malthouse, Ironbridge.

KINSTRIFE The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

VELVET TARDIS The Haygate, Wellington, Telford.

Bowjangles

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON Carol singers from 1pm, mince pie competition at 4pm, toast and roast crumpets, chestnuts and jacket potatoes on the fire, guest appearances. The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE - WE KNOW

BY THE STARS With actor, Phil Smith with songs and stories of wonders and wassailing, of miracles and mirth. Pembridge Church, 7.30pm, £10 to include glass of mulled wine and mince pie.

THE DAGGERS Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC Abba tribute band. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £22.50/£20,

Tues 20 December BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Bluesy Susie & the Hot 3. Muse Arts Centre, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 8pm, £10.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Featuring Ruth Watson, Nick Benda and Leila Basletic. The programme includes Christmas, traditional and classical music through the centuries.

Light refreshments, Knill, 7pm, £5. Info and tickets 01544 267348. In aid of Knill Church.

WHITTON VOICES Celebrating midwinter. Sue Harris will be joined by sons Benji and George Kirkpatrick to play merry music and tell intriguing tales. St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne, 7.30pm, £8, children free, booking advisable, 01547 550158. Raising funds for Children of Syria UNICEF appeal.

VELVET TARDIS The Yorkshire House, Shrewsbury.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR THE ULTIMATE PARTY BAND

THE CHARLTON ARMS, FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER. THE SALWEY ARMS, SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER. SEE YOU THERE

plus DJ Andre Voiture Rouge

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Tues 27 December

Ish Kabibble

VITAL SPARK Traditional English carols by candlelight.

Clodock Church, Longtown, 7pm.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Wed 28 December BLUEGRASS/OLD TIME BLUES Join in or just listen. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Wed 21 December CASTLE VOICES Led by Sue Harris, singing seasonal songs. Storytelling and reading poems for the Solstice. Lydham Church, 7pm, £6, children free, seasonal refreshments, 01547 550158. Raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

FRUIT MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

HOT CLIMATE The Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 8pm, £10, 01584 873813.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

Thurs 22 December

CHRISTMAS EVE JUMPER PARTY Featuring Adam Hodson and the Underdogs. Malthouse, Ironbridge.

THE RONALDOS Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

LEE LARD AS PETER KAY Malthouse, Ironbridge.

ROLLING STONES NIGHT A whole evening of Stones classics from Dave Luke and the Glimmer Twins (Bugsy and Dave Kirk) with special guests. The Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3.

Sat 24 December

PHOENIX ACOUSTIC Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

CAROLS AT THE CASTLE Longtown Castle, 5pm. Hot punch and nibbles. Collection for the Joy Emmanuel School, Uganda.

THE RETRO CLONES Christmas eve special with mulled wine. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

LIVE MUSIC Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

NUCLEAR WEASELS Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LOST THE PLOT The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

HERBERT SPLIFFINGTON’S TROPICAL CHRISTMAS EVE Reggae and jazz with The Art Blank Combo featuring Jamie Brownfield (trumpet). Old New Inn, Llanfyllin, 8.30pm, £6, dress bright! Plus DJs, raffle etc.

Fri 23 December THE DELRAY ROCKETS Rock-a-billy. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

LIVE MUSIC The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

MONTE DONS Americana, folk. Saracen’s Head, St Martin’s St, Hereford.

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Thurs 29 December

THE BLACK KAT BOPPERS A four-piece rock and roll band.

They are joined by the Jive Beat DJs from Hay. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9pm, £10 from De Koffie Pot at the Left Bank, The Rocket Cafe, Church St or 0781 6686856.

Hereford River Carnival fundraiser.

CASEY GREENE DUO The Square, Ludlow, 01584 878000.

Mon 26 December THE TEXELS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS Performing the ancient and wondrous Mummers Play, portraying the eternal battle between good and evil.

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 12 noon.

VELVET DUKES Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ISH KABIBBLE Dance the night away to Ish Kabibble Swing Band, a splendid eclectic concoction of good-time, old-school jazz and sizzling clarinet-led klezmer.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £15 from Courtyard Antiques, The Workhouse and www.wegottickets.com Great prohibition bar, savoury snacks and irresistible dance floor. Dress code: suitably glam for this 1920s speakeasy.

A Full Circle fundraiser for poor Mid Border Arts.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Dan Jones and Clare Bennett. The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Fri 30 December THE FLOYD EARL BAND Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

LIVE MUSIC Stag, Llanidloes.

GROOVE CITY Malthouse, Ironbridge.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

Sat 31 December ALBINO FROGS Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

HOT CLIMATE The Salwey Arms, Wooferton, near Ludlow.

PHOENIX Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge.

SOUL SUPPLY New Year’s Eve Party. Music, dancing and a hog roast. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, £25, £85 for groups of four, 01584 878141.

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EMMA & THE PROFESSOR White Horse Inn, Clun.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DISCO Vaga Taven, Hereford.

BAD SPANIELS Ticket only. The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford, 01432 358867.

JOEY THE CROW Folk, rock, bluegrass, covers and more.

The Yew Tree, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye, 9pm, free.

CHRIS BIGS LAZER DISCO Bell Inn, Leominster.

FIGHT THE BEAR Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LIVE MUSIC Stag, Llanidloes.

R.S.V.P.

Sat 31 December NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Film character fancy dress, winner gets a gallon of beer. Saracen’s Head, St Martin’s St, Hereford.

STEADY EDDIE & THE BOOGIEMEN Rose and Crown, Tenbury Wells.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY With music from Big Daddy Merk.

The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

NEW TRICKS Live 50s, 60s and R ‘n’ B, New Year’s Eve party. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

EGO FRIENDLY Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

R.S.V.P. Party of the year for all the family with the best in the West Bhangra Band.

Canon Frome Court, 7.30pm, £6-£25 includes curries and midnight bubbly.

To book, www.canonfromecourt.org.uk or 0844 8123712.

STAR OF THE SEA Ticket only, £32. Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

SULTANA BROTHERS Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford, ticket only.

NEW YEAR EVE CEILIDH The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

RHYTHM THIEVES Phone 01568 770134

Sat 3 Dec

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Fri 9 Dec & Sun Inn, Leintwardine, Band Open Mic, Fri 13 Jan 8pm, drum and bass provided.

Sun 11 Dec Genevieve Tudor’s Sunday Folk, BBC Radio Shropshire, 6pm.

Sun 18 Dec The Oak, Wigmore (Christmas party).

Fri 27 Jan

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Sun Inn, Leintwardine, open mic, 8pm.

COBBLES FOR CHRISTMAS

8 week Mindfulness based stress reduction course starting 21st February at The Hope Centre, Bromyard

Humanist Ceremonies Individual non-religious ceremonies conducted by BHA accredited celebrants.

Jenny Bullough (Hay-on-Wye) 01497 831416 Alison O’Grady (Kington) 01544 327597 Dorothy Quayle (Hereford) 01432 860221 Victoria Denning (Bishops Castle) O1588 638996

Namings, funerals and weddings/partnerships

“Being not doing”

Benefits

Pain Stress Anxiety Depression TO COMMISSION OWN DESIGN CONTACT

Will & Lottie O’Leary Upper House, Knucklas, Knighton, Powys

TEL: 01547 528 792 www.stonecarving.co.uk

Insomnia BP Wellbeing + much more

Jean Nash, retired RMN, BSc (hons) CMRP, PG (dip) Sonia Eastwood, retired RMN, Trained MSC teacher malvernmindfulness@gmail.com 01684 569743 or 560677 www.malvernmindfulness.co.uk

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JANUARY

INDIGO MACHINE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Mon 2 January

EL SQUID + THE LOCKS Instrumental string trio playing a variety of styles and vocal lead jazz duo.

De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

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

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8.30pm.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711854.

Tues 3 January UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche, swinging hot jazz from the 40s. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pre-booked tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Wed 4 January THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Thurs 5 January OPEN MIC King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

OPEN MIC/JAM Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Fri 6 January LEOMINSTER MORRIS Performing as part of the Wassail, a ceremony in a nearby orchard where rituals have been undertaken for centuries to bless the orchard and ensure a good cider apple crop for the coming year. The Tram Inn, Eardisley, 7pm.

LIVE MUSIC Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 7 January JOE LE TAXI Top zydeco band, plus DJs Smoked Eel and Joe the Punk. Old New Inn, Llanfyllin, 8.30pm, £6.

SHREWSBURY CONCERT BAND New Year Gala concert with music from America. Wine and apple pie.

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

LIVE MUSIC Stag, Llanidloes.

MR BLACK Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

WILL KILLEEN Acoustic blues. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

DAVE DAWSON Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

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

Sun 8 January TREVOR BURTON BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

Tues 10 January RICK SAUNDERS & VO FLETCHER Violin and guitar. Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, 7.30pm, £24 includes meal, please book in advance, 01568 612876.

Wed 11 January THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

STEADY EDDY & FRIENDS The Monk, Monkland, 8pm, 01568 720464.

Thurs 12 January EDUARDO NIEBLA IN CONCERT Virtuoso Spanish guitarist. Wyeside, Buith Wells, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01982 552555.

Eduardo Niebla

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BEEZ KNEES Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, Folk in the Foyer

Fri 13 January THE RUBIES A touch of rock and roll. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Steve Hicks and Lynn Goulbourn. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

THE LONESOME STAMPEDE Stag, Llanidloes.

THE BOB MARLEY EXPERIENCE The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

ROBERT LANE Alternative, rock, acoustic and blues.

De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

BAND OPEN MIC Hosted by the Rhythm Thieves.

Drum and bass provided. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

JAZZ @ THE BONDED WAREHOUSE Featuring Chris Gumbley and Anything Goes. The Bonded Warehouse, Canal St, Stourbridge, 7.30pm, £8, students £4 on the door, 07766 910179.

Sat 14 January VELVET TARDIS The Old Lion, Cleobury Mortimer.

LONGTOWN WASSAIL Meet at Longtown Village Hall car park, 7pm. Drummers, mummers, musicians and Morris dancers. A torch lit parade to the castle.

JIM CAUSLEY Celebrating a decade as an acclaimed solo artists and performer with a new studio album, ‘Forgotten Kingdom’.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

WILD SIDE Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

LIVE MUSIC The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

Charlie’s AutoRepair Service Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year MOT’S £29.95 (cars & vans) Special Offer Aircon service £29.95

• NO RE-TEST FEE • MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT • MOT WORK • SERVICING • RE-SPRAYS • BODYWORK • WELDING • RESTORATION • CAMBELT REPLACEMENT • FREE ESTIMATES All vehicles serviced & repaired Tel. 01568 613100 Mob. 07702 528088 email: hotsax@hotclimate.co.uk Unit 10, Western Close, Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QD

41

Sun 22 January

Amy Wadge

VICKI SWAN & JONNY DYER ‘Smorgasballad’. Songs and tales from the Land of the Midnight Sun, the rich heritage of Swedish music, tales, customs and celebrations.

Playhouse Cinema, Leominster Community Centre, 7.30pm, £12, 01568 616460. Arts Alive.

Wed 25 January REMI HARRIS Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

OLD TIME AMERICANA SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Sat 14 January MONTERAY JACK & THE MALCONTENTS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

WAREWOLVES OF POWYS Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

FABULOUS BORDELLOS King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

LIVE MUSIC Stag, Llanidloes.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Crawlback, a four-piece house-rockin rhythm and blues band.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £3, 01497 821762.

Sun 15 January THE BLUE ROAD Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

INNOVATION ENSEMBLE Programme includes Brahms and Schubert. Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 6pm, £16.50, 25s and under £8, 0333 666 3366.

Wed 18 January DAN WALSH BANJO Housman’s Cafe Bar, Church Stretton, 8pm.

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Thurs 19 January FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

PAUL PARKER AND ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Fri 20 January

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THE WORRIED MEN Blues and rock. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HIDDEN DEPTH Playing surf-rock. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

THE ESSENTIALS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE BOOGLYS Stag, Llanidloes.

BOWIE EXPERIENCE The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

LONESOME STAMPEDE Folk. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Sat 21 January VICKI SWAN & JONNY DYER ‘Smorgasballad’. Songs and tales from the Land of the Midnight Sun, the rich heritage of Swedish music, tales, customs and celebrations.

Dorstone Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01981 550451. Arts Alive.

THE DAGGERS Black Lion, Bridge, St, Hereford.

FRESHLY SQUEEZED HIPPY Stag, Llanidloes.

ENSEMBLE EPOMEO Violin, viola and cello. Programme includes Beethoven, Krasa and Dohnanyi. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, £15, 01543 340555.

Versatile Arts.

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS Bluegrass, country, blues.

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

LIVE MUSIC Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LIVE MUSIC Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Psychodelic Hearts Club.

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

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Thurs 26 January DANGEROUS DAVE INC. Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

PITMEN POETS Celebrating the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North East England’s coal mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 281281.

AMY WADGE & LUKE JACKSON Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £13/£11, 01982 552555.

VAMPIRES ROCK Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 281281.

SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 27 January LIVE MUSIC Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE ENDINGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE REVEREND FERRIDAY Blues. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

SING CHOIRS SING! A choral celebration featuring some of the best choirs in Herefordshire.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01432 340555.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

BURNS NIGHT CEILIDH Kinnersley Castle, HR3 6QF, 8pm, £15 to include dancing, hot food and welcome tot of whisky! Live music from Spindrift, 07866 170360.

All profits to Michaelchurch Escley Primary School PTA.

MARTYN JOSEPH Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 281281.

BOONDOGZ Local duo playing a classic rock and pop song selection. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

OPEN MIC Hosted by the Rhythm Thieves.

Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

THE SULTANA BROTHERS With support from Blue Moon.

Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £10, tickets only by contacting South Shropshire Blues Club, www.southshropshirebluesclub. co.uk or 07896 676189.

Sat 28 January PETER DYKE ‘La Nativite du Seigneeur’.

Messiaen’s organ masterpiece.

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £5 from Cathedral Shop or 01432 374210 or on the door.

PAUL SNOOK BLUES BAND King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

ELKIE BROOKS Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £25, 01600 719401.

LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 281281.

PERFECT STRANGER The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

LIVE MUSIC Stag, Llanidloes.

RAY ‘CHOPPER’ COOPER Singer/songwriter and multiinstrumentalist and former member of Oysterband. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 8pm, £10 tickets from Yarpole shop or 01568 780536.

Sun 29 January THE SULTANA BROTHERS Lichfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford, 4pm.

BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Classics from the world of film, with selections from 1940 to the present day. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm, 01743 281281.

BORN HEALER Prince of Wales, Ledbury.

SUNDAY EVENING CHILL A relaxed evening of music from local bands and artists. The Red Lion, Knighton, 7.30pm, 01547 428080.

Tues 31 January TONY CHRISTIE The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

FEBRUARY Wed 1 February THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Fri 3 February

BO WALTON & RED ALERT AND RONNIE & THE REVERTS Richmond Club, Hereford, ticket only, 07957 558481.

PETER MORTON Singer/songwriter, folk. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 07816 686856.

RETRIBUTION Crown & Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Sat 4 February

PIPE DREAM Vaga Taven, Hereford.

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

Mon 6 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711854.

Tues 7 February UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche, swinging hot jazz from the 40s. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pre-booked tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Music Workshops

Sun 11 December CHRISTMAS CHORAL WORKSHOP Come and sing ‘Manchester Carols’

by Sasha Johnson Manning and Carol Ann Duffy. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 2-5pm, tea provided, run through 6.30pm, £10 to sing, £10 to listen. Contact Marion Rowlatt, 01544 260466.

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

Monday ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Coleg Powys (now NPTC), Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide.

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

Tuesday BANG ON DRUMS Drum circle. Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford, 7-9pm, bring your own hand drums or drums and percussion instruments provided, 07870 747248, www.bangondrums.co.uk

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.

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

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 in a Village Hall just outside Brecon.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

Songs from around the world, traditional and contemporary.

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

Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158.

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR Series 6: Learn some mighty tunes from Northumbria & the Scottish borders.

Tutor Kitty Greenwood of HiJinx Ceilidh Band. All melody instruments welcome. Extend your repertoire, develop musicianship & make new friends! Craven Arms, 7.30 to 9.30pm. 6 week course £34 or £7 per week Booking essential: 01584 841564 folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com

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 Acoustic session. The Bird in Hand, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 01743 357484, 9pm onwards.

3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-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.

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES SING ON 7 - 8.30pm, Bank House, High St, Bishop’s Castle. Sing songs from far and wide. Everything taught by ear. All welcome, £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@ btinternet.com

1st Sunday OPEN MIC NIGHT with Danger Trains, England’s Gate, Bodenham, 7:30pm, 07969 470959

Wednesdays BISHOP’S CASTLE EARLY MUSIC GROUP Singing renaissance and baroque music a cappella. All music readers welcome, 7.30pm. Mark, 075385 68378 or email jacquelinesw@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

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

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world from the Beatles to Bulgaria. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Polly on 01584 823609 or info@oakbarn.co.uk or check our website 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. We sing mainly 20th and 21st classical music. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.309.30pm. Contact Ros on 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

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

The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

Every Monday BLUES & COUNTRY JAM NIGHT The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888.

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

First Monday TRANSATLANTIC NIGHT The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 01568 611404.

4th Monday FOLK/ACOUSTIC SESSION Any style, Crown Inn, Clunton, 8pm, 01588 660226.

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

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

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

Thursday VOICE ACADEMY AT THE COURTYARD For ages 13+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-6pm, £4 per session, 01432 340555.

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

Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Uplifting songs from many traditions around the world, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com

Last Tuesday ACOUSTIC LIVE SESSIONS Hafren, Newtown, £2 on the door, 01686 614555.

1st and 3rd Thursdays HEREFORD CHANTING CIRCLE. 11am-1pm plus one Friday evening 8pm - 10pm.

Beautiful chants from a variety of spiritual traditions, no need to be a ‘singer’, just sing from the heart, all welcome.

We meet in central Hereford. Contact Mike: 01432 261222 mikejhadden@gmail.com or www.karimandsusanne.co.uk 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 A session of music and movement for under 5s. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £5 per child, 01743 234970.

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SESSIONS

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.

3rd Tuesday FOLK NIGHTS The Crown Inn, Longtown, 8pm. e-Newsletter john.baxter87@btinternet.com

Last Tuesday JAM SESSION Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford.

Last Tuesday HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS Ledbury, www.folklife.org.uk/homend-poets.html Nick Halligan, 01684 563281.

Every Wednesday OPEN MIC Everyone welcome.

The Booth Hall, Hereford, 8pm, free.

Evert Wednesday OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Bekki Cameron. Booth Hall, Hereford.

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

First Wednesday BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB Longtown, 01432 263495.

First Wednesday SONG AND GUITAR SESSION Red Lion, Llanidloes. 07445 338949.

Every Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888.

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

Alternate Wednesdays SESSION Crown Inn, Colwall, 01684 541074.

2nd Wednesday JAM SESSION White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm onwards. 01588 640305.

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

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

1st Thursday (except Aug) TRAD SESSION Acoustic traditional music session. Join in or listen. The Bull & Heifer, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, 8pm, 01686 650603.

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

1st Thursday SESSION The Alma, Linton, 8.30pm, all welcome, 07779 144005.

1st Thursday OPEN MIC NIGHT The Bridge, Tenbury Wells, call to book your slot, all welcome, 01584 810434.

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

3rd Thursday OPEN MIC NIGHT Tarrington Arms, Tarrington, Hereford. Details ne-services@hotmail.co.uk 3rd Thursday FOLK NIGHT Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223.

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

1st & 3rd Friday ACOUSTIC FEATURE NIGHTS Castle Inn, Wigmore, 8pm, 07549 414138.

1st & 3rd Friday every month OPEN MIC & ROCKAOKE The Exchange, Newtown, 01686 624275.

2nd Friday BAND BASED OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves. Drums and bass provided. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

3rd Friday THE SONG HOUSE The Blue Boar, Mill St, Ludlow, 8pm, 07887 535893.

4th Friday SESSION Lamb Inn, Stoke Prior, 01568 760226.

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

Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8.30pm, 07885 467673.

5th Friday SESSION Nelson Inn, Ludlow, 01584 872908.

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

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 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 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.

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE GRANARY, Leominster 01568 614290.

THE GROVE HOTEL, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury, 01743 271227 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 THE LOWFIELD INN, Marton, Welshpool 01743 891313 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 ELECTRIC SHOP, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821194 THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008 THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867 ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336 ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720 ROYAL OAK, Presteigne, 01544 260842.

THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555 THE THREE ELMS, Hereford. 01432 273338.

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

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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.

BACK IN TIME Five-piece 50s and 60s band.

Tel: Alan on 01686 627679 or 07580 940006.

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: info@martinblake.org Website: www.martinblake.org 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 079688 93719. Look at my Facebook page Chrisie J and Youtube channel Chrisie J for performance videos.

FLATWORLD Roots ‘n’ grooves from Eastern Europe and beyond. Lively 5-piece band with magnificent tunes and kicking rhythm for your festival, wedding, party or pub. Also circle dancing with caller. Contact Neil on 01684 569611 or 07866 021489; www.flat-world.org.uk or email info@flat-world.org.uk HOT CLIMATE Ultimate party band, best 6-piece line up ever. For top musical entertainment at your party/ wedding/festival or corporate function. Book now! New footage on www.hotclimate.co.uk. Contact Charlie 01568 613895 or mobile 07702 528088 anytime!

LE FREAK Upbeat party covers band. Great 5-piece outfit for any dance event. Hear us on soundcloud.com/ lefreak357066067 or phone Nick on 01981 540348 or 07952 415487.

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 LOS SQUIDEROS “The Greatest Mexican Band to come out of Hereford in a Hundred Years” Fabulous party band with a long history of amazing crowds.

Playing surf, funk and ska with latino beats.. Also, The Swing Set; Swing jazz, Blues and rock n roll from the Squid collective. Contact Leo 07816 686856 leocaithness@tiscali.co.uk

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MELOMANICS Principally a wacky Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopoloitan repertoire with engagingly 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 separate caller or the minimal option with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc.

Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich 01743 718612. Email tim@melomanics.co.uk. Website www.melomanics. co.uk MUCH ADO - The band for your ceilidh or barn dance.

4-piece band with caller for ceilidhs, barn dances, weddings, parties, shows, fetes, etc. Alan Oberman 01982 570432, email alan.oberman@gmail.com.

See website www.muchadoband.com 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.

OVER THE HILLBILLIES - Lively, foot stomping, rip-roaring band performing everything from Led Zep to Kylie, Dolly to Motorhead, and Blur to the Bee Gees.

With a look fashioned straight from “Deliverance”, playing on a banjo, fiddle, tea-chest bass, drums, harmonicas, guitar and a suitcase(!) we are perfect for parties, pubs, festivals and anything else that involves drinking and dancing. Contactl Linda on 01686 670409 / 07816 125802 or find us on Facebook.com/Over-the-Hillbillies. YEEEEHAAAAA! 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 711007 - 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.

SEAN SAYE Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Great party music, capturing the retro vibe. Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@yahoo.co.uk.

Website www.seansaye.com.

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.

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 SOUL SUPPLY 6-piece soul, Motown and R & B Party Band. Guaranteed to turn your event into a hive of nonstop dance floor activity. Available for weddings, parties and corporate events. Full PA, lights, staging and disco as required. 079905 75531 or 01568 708868 www.soulsupplyband.co.uk info@soulsupplyband.co.uk STASH Rockin’ good folk. Firey fiddle, souring guitar, pounding rhythms, with bouncing energy. Folk rock at its best. Please phone Mick on 01432 840475, Wizzy on 01432 263317 or Will on 07960 569784.

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

sheep

BROAD

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 TIME BANDITS are a top quality band playing a variety of different music styles to suit all tastes. We have a number of music package options, ranging from a duo for your ceremony, 6 piece party band and a fabulous 10 piece experience. www.thetimebandits.info 07815 800261 ian@thetimebandits.info THE VILLAGE QUIRE The Village Quire - spinetingling 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 TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band.

For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

VIRG CLENTHILLS and his band BLUE MOON, sing Country & Americana songs that are often touching, sometimes comic. Virg is a true poet of Country music, evoking classic tales of the mountains of Kentucky. See website: www.garethowen.com. If you’d like to book Virg and his band, phone 01584 878 282.

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

01588 650686.

Band Directory ADVERTISE IN BROAD sheep and you will now automatically appear in the online magazine as well!

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: Mayfield, Stapleton, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LW You can amend the wording anytime during the year, just call Clare on 01544 260051 or email: info@broadsheep.com

Don’t forget... if you have any gigs in the area, please email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

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theatre A Christmas Carol

Thurs 8 - Sat 10 December WELL, OI’LL BE BUZZARD It’s the middle ages and the Emperor of Powys is cutting the chained library and closing the garderobes. Plus ca change! Can Buzzard sort out the mess or is it down to some time travellers from the 21st century, sent on their way by the enchanted Presteigne pump? It’s the usual mix of mayhem, madness and mirth at this year’s Presteigne panto. The Memorial Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £6, £3 and £15 for a family ticket, tickets from Winnies Newsagents, Presteigne or on the door subject to availability.

Fri 9 & Sat 10 December A CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY SLAY RIDE TEME SPIRITS. Music, murder and mystery, in which the audience are invited to join the party and help solve the crime. 9 Dec - Knucklas Village Hall. 10 Dec - St. Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton. Both performances start at 7.30pm. (Doors open at 7pm.) Tower House Gallery, Knighton 01547 529530, £12.50 including food. (Bring your own drinks.) 01547 528406.

PERFORMANCE

Until Sat 3 December NOT THE END OF THE WORLD MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE returns with a bold theatrical adaptation of Geraldine McCaughrean’s novel.

As the fabled Ark and its inhabitants are tossed violently on the waves of MYPT’s imagination, Timna, daughter of Noah knows: There is simply no place to hide.

Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, plus Sat matinee 2.30pm, £10/£6.50, 01982 552555.

Until Sat 3 December ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE TWO SCORE THEATRE COMPANY. A celebration of Shakespeare in words and music devised in collaboration with Kim Begley, internationally acclaimed Opera singer and Ludlow resident. Ludlow Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets, £15/£13 concessions, are available from the Ludlow Assembly Rooms Box Office on 01584 878141 and online at www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk.

Sat 3 & Sun 4 December LOST IN BLUE NIMBLE FISH. Debs Newbold presents a funny, uplifting, poignant and at times wonderfully bizarre one-woman show. When she was three years old, Annie’s life was skewed off course. On her 18th birthday, it threatens to happen again. Storytelling/theatre for ages 15+.

3 Dec - Quatt VH, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01746 781759.

4 Dec - The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury, 3pm, £12/£8, 01743 290704. Arts Alive.

Sun 4 December THE LONG ROAD TO BETHLEHEM A new dramatized reading of Christ’s Nativity by poet Edward Storey presented by the St Michael’s Players.

St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne, 3.30pm, free, but donations in aid of Presteigne Day Centre whose community grant is under threat. www.discoed.org

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Sat 10 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL FROME VALLEY COMMUNITY PLAYERS. A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens classic tale. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, students £6, 07967 517125.

Wed 21 & Thurs 22 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL EUROPEAN ARTS COMPANY perform a seasonal treat and will help audience members celebrate the spirit of Christmas past, present and future. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £13, 01432 340555.

Mon 26 December THE MUMMERS PLAY LEOMINSTER MORRIS performing the ancient and wondrous Mummers Play, portraying the eternal battle between good and evil. The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 12 noon.

Fri 6 January THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES THE RAIN AND SHINE THEATRE COMPANY. A unique adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale.

St Mary’s Church, Pembridge, 7.30pm, £10, children £6, 01544 340381 or 01544 388279.

Mummer’s Play

Parlour Tricks

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage

Saturday 3 December BROMYARD CHORAL SOCIETY Friday 13 December FOLK IN THE FOYER

with Steve Hicks & Lynn Goulbourn

Friday 10 February - Sat 18 February

NOW BOOKING: DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional pantomime

Film

Fri 6 January WASSAIL LEOMINSTER MORRIS performing as part of the Wassail, a ceremony in a nearby orchard where rituals have been undertaken for centuries to bless the orchard and ensure a good cider apple crop for the coming year. The Tram Inn, Eardisley, 7pm.

2 December ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS 16 December THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK 6 January BEN HUR 20 January LOVE & FRIENDSHIP

Screenings

8 December 7.15pm THE NUTCRACKER (ROH) 10 December L’AMOUR DE LOIN (New York Met) 15 December 7pm NO MAN’S LAND (National Theatre) 7 January NABUCCO (New York Met) 11 January THE TEMPEST (Royal Shakespeare Co.) 21 January ROMEO & JULIETTE (New York Met) 28 January QUEEN IN CONCERT (A Night in Bohemia recorded live in 1975)

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

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CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Until Sat 7 January ALADDIN Be transported far-away to meet the larger than life Widow Twankey and sons: the brave Aladdin and hapless Wishy Washy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

George’s Marvellous Medicine Fri 13 - Sun 15 January PARLOUR TRICKS MORGAN AND WEST present a brand new show chock full of jaw-dropping, brain-bursting, gasp eliciting feats of magic. 13 Jan - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10/£7/£30, 01588 630321. 14 Jan - St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7.30pm, £10/£5/£25, 01568 780874.

15 Jan - Wem Town Hall, 7pm, £10/£5/£8, 01939 238279.

Arts Alive.

Wed 18 January CIRCUS OF HORRORS An amazing amalgamation of bizarre, brave and beautiful acts all woven into an Alice in Horrorland type story.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 20 January A WINTER’S TALE WILLOW GLOBE COMPANY. A fariy story of lost and found - with jealous furies, an abandoned baby, a sheep-shearing feast and The Bear! The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £10 & £5, 01597 811487 and on the door. Promoted by Willow Globe Company.

Wed 25 January WISDOM OF A FOOL In this emotional roller-coaster one-man play, Jack Lane takes you behind Norman Wisdom’s well-known character to reveal a tough and lonely childhood. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 25 January PSYCHIC SALLY A unique opportunity to see this phenomenal psychic in action. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £26, 01584 878141.

Sat 28 January YOUR BARD NICHOLAS COLLETT. Meet William Shakespeaare in person. In the pub. An informal audience with the man himself. His childhood, adventures at the Globe and what it’s like on tour. And whether he wrote all those plays...

Corners Inn, Kingsland, 7.30pm, £15, 01568 709579.

Arts Alive.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Sat 3 December COSI FAN TUTTE Ludlow Orchestra bring live opera with a semi-staged production of one of Mozart’s most popular operas, featuring six talented young singers based in the Midlands.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, £15-£5, 01584 878141.

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Until 8 Jan CINDERELLA Starring Shropshire’s favourite dame, Brad Fitt as you’ve never seen him before! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Thurs 1 - Sat 3 December GANGSTA GRANNY Ben doesn’t know that Granny has a secret - and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! Theatr Hafren, Newtown, phone for times, £11, family £36, 01686 614555.

Sat 3, Sun 4 & Fri 9 December HAIRY FAIRY TALES OPEN SKY. Three well-loved fairy tales told from a most unusual perspective. Fun packed storytelling for all the family featuring physical theatre, puppetry, live music and lots of cheering. Hairy not scary for ages 3+. 3 Dec Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2.30pm, £6, £25 family, 07967 517125. 4 Dec - Priest Weston Village Hall, 3pm, £8/£4, £20 family, 01938 561336. 9 Dec - Wem Town Hall, 4pm, £8/£6, £26 family, 01939 238279. Arts Alive.

Sun 4 & Mon 19 December SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS Who can save Christmas? Fairy Flossy’s wand has stopped working, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and what’s happened to Aladdin’s lamp? Suitable for ages 2-7.

40 minutes duration followed by a meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas. 4 Dec - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 1pm, £9, under 16s £8, family £30, 01600 772467.

19 Dec - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 3.30pm, £10.50/£9.50, family £36, 01686 614555.

Tues 6 - Sat 10 December GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE THE BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY present one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories; a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1am, 1.15pm, 2pm, 01874 611622.

Sat 10, Sat 17, Mon 19 - Sat 24, Mon 26 - Sat 31 December THE SNOW QUEEN A magical and fun show inspired by the fairy tale written by hans Christian Andersen, perfect for anyone aged 7 and under who love going on adventures! The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am & 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 14 & Thurs 15 December PANTO WBS SIXTH FORM. Adventure, gags and great characters with the rousing song and dance you expect from a traditional Christmas Panto. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £6/£4, 01952 728911.

Tues 13, Wed 14, Fri 30, Sat 31, Sun 1 - Wed 4 January SLEEPING BEAUTY Once upon a time, a beautiful princess pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls under the spell of the wicked witch. A fun-packed time, full of music, magic and mayhem. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, phone for times, £12, under 16s £8, family of four £35, 01600 772467.

Wed 14, Thurs 15, Fri 17 - Sun 18 December ROBIN HOOD With heroes and villains, plus a larger than life panto dame in the shape of Nanny Nora Tittle Tattle, this year’s panto promises laughter, spectacle and sing-along songs for all the family. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2pm and 7pm, (no matinee 17 Dec, no eve performance on 18 Dec).

01584 878141.

Fri 16 - Sat 24 December SANTA’S NEW SLEIGH A festive theatre adventure for families with children aged 2+ years. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Mon 19 - Sat 31 December DICK WHITTINGTON & HIS CAT Professional pantomime at it’s best, featuring an amazing 3D underwater scene. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, matinees and evening shows available, tickets from £10, 01584 811442.

Wed 28 December - Mon 2 January DICK WHITTINGTON JERMIN PRODUCTIONS. Join our hero Dick as he sets out on an antic-filled journey with his cat and pantomime friends in search of fame and fortune. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

Sat 14 January POP! A MAGICAL COMEDY SHOW With his faithful teddy bear, deckchair and fantastic basket of tricks, Christian Lee is all set for a lovely holiday at the seaside... Suitable for children aged 3-8 years. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, £8.50/£7.50, 01982 552555.

Thurs 19 - Sat 21 & Wed 25 - Sat 28 January CINDERELLA LADS annual pantomime. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, and Sat & Sun 2.30pm, £10, children £6, 07967 517125.

Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £67.50 per term.

Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 6-7.30pm, £69.50 per term.

Fri - Senior Youth Theatre, for ages 16+, 6.30pm-8.30pm, £72.50 per term.

Thurs - Courtyard Musical Theatre for ages 11+, 6.30pm-8.30pm, £50 per term.

Mon - Bromyard Conquest Kids, 3.45-4.30pm, £35 per term. Bromyard Juniors 4.30-5.30pm, £42 per term, £38 per term. Bromyard Intermediates, 6-7.30pm, £42 per term. Bromyard Seniors, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £45 per term.

Wed - Kington Juniors 4-5.30pm, £42 per term. Kington Intermediates, 5.30pm-7pm, £42 per term.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

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.

Mondays BROMYARD YOUTH THEATRE Led by Kate Ganderton. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. Ages 4-6.

Juniors ages 6-1. 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 Mondays (during term time) BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE Led by Andrew Sterry and Gareth Williams.

Ages 9-12 6-7.15pm, ages 13-25 7.30-9pm.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

Tuesdays SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE The Courtyard, Hereford, £62 term, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 January ODDLY NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE brings a magical mix of puppetry, visual tricks, masks and original music to a fun tale based on the much-loved children’s book written by author Joyce Dunbar. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555.

Tuesdays DAI Y BANNAU Focussing on acting, scriptwriting, singing and dancing, storyboarding and set design. Dai Y Bannau is a Welsh medium multimedia theatre group. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 4pm, for ages 7-12 years, 01874 611622.

Fri 10 - Sat 18 February DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional pantomime. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE With Kate Ganderton. Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS Sat 7 January STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOP The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am, 01432 340555.

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.

HAY SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE For 12-17 year olds.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye. Call Janine Sharp on 07733 055430 for details or to express an interest.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2 5-5.45pm, £62.50 per term.

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

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.

Every Thurs ADULT DRAMA CLUB AT THE GLOBE IN HAY for anyone interested in having fun trying out some performance skills with Janine Sharp. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7-30pm-9-30pm. £6. 07733 055430.

Thursdays LEINTWARDINE YOUTH THEATRE Run by Teme Valley Youth Project. For ages 11+. Leintwardine Community Centre, 4-5pm, 01568 770110.

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

Every Saturday HAY YOUTH THEATRE AT THE GLOBE IN HAY for ages 7-11. Excl. half term, 10.30-12.30pm, £6. Loads of fun! Call Janine Sharp on 07733 055430.

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word Poetry & Storytelling Sat 3 December A PIE, A PINT AND A POEM Poems from Meg Cox, Jean Atkin and Revd. Kirsty Clarke.

St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, HR6 0BB, 12-2pm, £5 includes a drink and a bite. Come earlier for clothes, cakes and craft stalls.

Sun 4 December CHRISTMAS CRACKER TEA In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support with storytelling by local author Hilary Orme who will read extracts from her children’s books and signing copies. Linton Village Hall, 3-5pm, £5, children free, 07974 484141.

Fri 9 December BLAST - GRIMMS SHEESHA - PETER CHAND British Punjabi storyteller Peter Chand brings a collection of stories from South Asia that place a ‘sheesha’, a mirror to the fairy tales found in Grimm’s Household Tales.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £7, 01588 630023.

Mon 12 December POETRY IN PRESTEIGNE Readings with guest poets Adam Horovitz and Liz Lefroy.

The Radnorshire Arms, High Street, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £5 adults, £2 students on the door, 01544 267418, www.poetryinpresteigne Supported by Literature Wales.

Fri 13 January HOW TO SPIN ENCHANTMENT - TIM RALPHS Tim Ralphs tells lyrical, witty tales from Basile’s 17th century Neapolitan collection. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £7, 01588 630023.

Comedy Fri 2, Fri 9, Sat 10, Fri 16, Sat 17 December, Fri 6 & 20 January HEINEKEN COMEDY CLUB A whole host of hilarious comedians are lined up to perform, including Steve Bujega, Annie McGrath and Glenn Moore. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £12.50, 01432 340555.

Wed 7 & Wed 14 December SEANN WALSH: ONE FOR THE ROAD Plus support. Suitable for ages 16+. 7 Dec - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £14, 01600 772467.

14 Dec - Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £14, 01982 552555.

Sat 10 December RUSSELL KANE: RIGHT MAN, WRONG AGE Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up and growing down. Suitable for ages 14+.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £17, 01686 614555.

Tues 13 December TELFORD COMEDY CLUB’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Around a dozen of the last year’s favourite acts with masters of ceremonies Paul and Andy Nightingale. The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7pm, 01952 610888.

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Thurs 15 December ROB BECKETT: MOUTH OF THE SOUTH A brand new show of funnies and he’s taking on the big issues like Kit Kats and flatbread. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £15, 01686 614555.

Fri 16 December CHRISTMAS BRECON COMEDY CLUB LITTLE WANDER present Matthew Crosby, Lazy Susan and Fin Taylor. Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Tues 24 January OMID DJALILI - SCHMUCK FOR A NIGHT Award-winning comedian and actor known for his legendary stand-up performances. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Wed 25 January JIM DAVIDSON 40 YEARS ON Britain’s most controversial comedian celebrates an explosive 40 years in show business. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Fri 27 January JETHRO Armed with nothing more than a microphone and delivered to you in a warm Cornish accent.

Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, 01600 772467.

Fri 27 January BRECON COMEDY CLUB Hand-picked comedians, limited seats, so book early.

Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Sat 28 January LEE HURST One of Britain’s most-loved comedians with an all-new show for 2017. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Talks Tues 6 December, Tues 3 January & Tues 7 February BRECKNOCK DECORATIVE FINE ART SOCIETY 6 Dec - Toulouse Lautrec and the Paris Music Halls with speaker, Dr Peter Webb. 3 Jan - ‘Nantgarw Porcelain’.

A talk by Mr Ieuan Evans, assisted by his wife, Gwyneth.

7 Feb - ‘Austen’s Arcadia’, a talk by Mrs Jane Tapley.

Theatr Brycheiniog, 2.30pm, 01874 625679.

Wed 7 December MIDWINTER TRADITIONS With May Thrill. Learn about the meanings behind Wassailing, Morris dancing, All Souls etc with this folk group. Linton Village Hall, Ross-on-Wye, bring your own bottle, 7.30pm, £6, light snacks, email LVH@LintonVillage.com Wed 7 December NOT AS A DUTY ONLY Lecture about his life in the army by General Denaro.

The Simpson Hall, Burghill, 7.30pm, £5 on the door to include light refreshments, 01432 760704.

Sun 11 December WELSH TEXTILES A talk by Rosamund Black charting the process of Welsh Textiles from cottage industry, serving family and farm, to the commercial concern in the late 18th century, supplying the towns and cities of England, France and America.

The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 3pm, £5 from Courtyard Antiques, The Workhouse and on the door.

Wed 14 December LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY A talk about Brian Hatton, Hereford’s most celebrated artist: ‘The Changing Landscape’ by Robin Thorndyke.

Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, members free, £3 visitors on the door.

Tues 20 December GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP An introduction by local historian Heather Hurley to recent Harewood End Agricultural Society publication, ‘Celebrating 125 years of Farming in South Herefordshire’; excerpts from the 1942 film ‘Crown of the Year’, part of which was filmed locally. Garway Village Hall, 7.30pm, all welcome, £4, www.garwayheritagegroup.co.uk Wed 18 January DR PHIL’S HEALTH REVOLUTION Dr Phil Hammond is an NHS doctor working in chronic fatigue, an investigative journalist for Private Eye, a BBC Radio Bristol presenter, comic and author. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £15/£12 (including NHS workers), age guide 16+. 01982 552555.

Wed 18 January THE PYRENEES HIGH ROUTE - ATLANTIC TO THE MEDITERRANEAN Illustrated talk by local adventurer, Bob Burson.

Baptist Chapel, Llanwonog Lane, Longtown, 7pm.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 January MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF TWO HALVES A historian at heart, he has used a Victorian railway guide to take viewers on a historial voyage of discovery throughout the UK and Europe. The event will be followed by a Q & A and a book-signing. 21 Jan - Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 22 Jan - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Wed 25 January THE WELSH HISTORIC GARDENS TRUST A talk by Glynis Shaw. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5 including refreshments, 01588 680454. South West Shropshire Gardening Club.

Workshops & Courses Thurs 1 & 15 December PHILOSOPHY CAFE The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762.

Mon 9 - Wed 11 January HAY SPANISH CLASSES With Mely. Beginners and advanced, 10am-11.30am, 07837 160505.

January WEA HEREFORDSHIRE ADULT COURSES 24 Jan - The Earth and Life Through Time with tutor Paul Olver. Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall, 6 week course, 01981 240280. 17 Jan& 7 Feb - Memoir Writing with tutor Gill Powell, Herefordshire Archives & Record Centre, Rotherwas, Hereford. 24 Jan - Pathways to the Past with tutor Rhys Griffiths, Herefordshire Archives & Record Centre, Rotherwas, Hereford. 31 Jan - Looking After Your Historic

Family Records with tutor Liz Bowerman, Herefordshire Archives & Record Centre, Rotherwas, Hereford, 01531 634460. 16 Jan for 7 weeks - British Landscape Painting 18-20th Centuries with tutor Allen Fisher, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford. 16 Jan for 7 weeks - Herefordshire in the Stuart Period with tutor David Whitehead, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford. 18 Jan for 7 weeks - Virgil with tutor Thomas Roderick, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford.

19 Jan for 6 weeks - Churches of the Welsh Borders with tutor Tim Bridges, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford, 01531 634460. 9 Jan for 7 weeks - Greek for Beginners with tutor Jane Chaundy, Ledbury Baptist Church and Hall.

16 Jan for 7 weeks - The Philosophers of Ancient Greece, Burgage Hall, Ledbury, 2-4pm, £40. 17 Jan for 6 weeks - Modern History Discussion Group, Trinity Parish Room, Ledbury. 10 Jan for 4 weeks - The Russian Empire with tutor Gerald Brooke, Trinity Church Parish Room, Ledbury.

18 Jan for 7 weeks - The World of Crystals and Minerals with tutor Paul Olver, Ledbury Baptish Church and Hall. 12 Jan for 7 weeks - How Virginia Woolf Changed the Novel with tutor Joy Roderick, Most Holy Trinity RC Church Parish Room. 01531 634333. 18 Jan for 6 weeks - High Renaissance Painting and Printmaking in Europe 1498-1576 with tutor Allen Fisher, Leominster Community Centre. 9 Jan for 6 weeks - The Enduring Appeal of Literary Monsters with tutor Gillian Fothergill, Leominster Community Centre. 16 Jan for 6 weeks - Introduction to Ethics with tutor Robert Ellis, Leominster Community Centre. 01568 620486.

STORY SPACE - Storytelling Workshops and Creative Writing sessions; Coaching; CPD Training for Educators, and group or individual tuition in Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing. The next open Storytelling Workshop in Hereford will be in March 2017. For more information see www. storyspace.co.uk or email info.storyspace@gmail.com 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.

Mondays WRITING FOR THE STAGE The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £70 per term, 01432 340555.

Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52 per term, 01432 340555.

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, 7.30pm, £2.50, 01982 552555.

Every 3rd Thursday PLAY READING Led by Simon and Paul of Rooftop Theatre. All scripts provided. The Sitting Room, Ludlow, 7.30pm, email paul@rooftoptheatre.co.uk 4th Thurs of each month HAY-ON-WYE AMNESTY GROUP The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7-8pm, 01497 821153.

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350 Leominster Writers' Circle, Leominster Community Centre, 01568 610451.

Mid-Border Arts Writers’ Circle, 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.

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grass roots Green Events Sat 3 December MAD ABOUT MISTLETOE Find out some fantastic facts and listen to stories about this magical plant with the Mistletoe Foundation. £2.50 per accompanied child aged 5-11 years. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 11am-12pm, 01588 676060.

December KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENT TRUST WORK PROGRAMME AUTUMN 2016 4, 8 & 22 & Dec – 9.30am to 2.30pm in Nov, 9.15am2.30pm in Dec.Knighton Tree Allotments Trust workday for woodland conservation volunteers, Beggar’s Bush.

18 Dec - 9.15am to 2.30pm in Nov, 9.30am-2.30pm in Dec. Knighton Tree Allotments Trust workday for woodland conservation volunteers, Llangunllo. 22 Dec - A workday for woodland conservation volunteers, Beggar’s Bush.

For further details contact Gary Cowell for more information 01547 520374 garydkcowell@yahoo.co.uk December HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 1, 8 & 15 Dec - Festive Shopping Evenings at Queenswood Country Park, 5-8pm. 1 Dec - Wildlife Behaving Badly, a talk by Dr Robert Taylor, Christ Church Hall, Edde Cross St, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £2 HWT members, £3 non-members. 3, 7 & 13 Dec - Bromyard Downs Project: Practical Work, Downs Car Park, Bromyard, 10am-3.30pm, 01432 356872.

WEA HEREFORD BRANCH Adult Courses starting January 2017

Charity No. 1112775

6/7 week morning courses in Hereford City British Landscape Paintings 18-20th C Virgil’s Aeneid Churches of the Welsh Border Herefordshire in the Stuart Period (Monday evenings) Fee waiver available for income related benefits, please ask for details Study Day 10am-4pm Sat 4th March China - Interactions between China & Europe from Medieval period to the present day At Saxon Hall, Hoarwithy Rd Morning study sessions at HARC Turning memories into a memoir Pathways to the past Looking after historic family records Advance booking recommended.

For more information or to book your place contact 01531 634460 or Email: herefordbranch@wea.org.uk

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Full details of Workshops with Hereford Cathedral library & the Museum & Archive Services available in January or call 01432 880545

Local Environmental Groups

Knighton Tree Allotments Trust (KTAT): Weekly workdays for woodland conservation volunteers. Contact: Gary Cowell 01547 520374 garydkcowell@yahoo.co.uk www. tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project Presteigne Freegle (formerly Presteigne Freecycle) Terry Wells 07766 097600 www.freegle.in/presteigne Transition in Hay-on-Wye, Stephen Ainsleigh Rice, 01497 820332 and tthayonwye@googlemail.com Hereford Christian Ecology Group, meets occasionally for talks and outings. 01432 279740.

Green Party Forum meets every 3rd Wed at The Falcon Hotel, (bar), Bromyard, 7.30pm.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, www.herefordshirewt.org enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk 01432 365872.

Transition Ledbury Paul/Beverley Kinnaird 01531 634788 or transitionledbury@googlemail.com.

Transition Leominster, Regular meetings, contact Ann Ashley, 01885 420473 or Anne Adams, 01568 780886.

Knucklas Castle Community Land Project (KCCLP), secretary Jamie Richie, 01547 520263, www.knucklascastle.org.uk, info@knucklascastle.org.uk Hereford Carbon Rationing Action Group www.carbonrationing.org.uk - Vey Straker - T: 01432 840955 - M: 07961 125470 - vey.straker@virgin.net Kington Local Environment & Energy Network (KLEEN) meets regularly 2nd Thursday of every month, 7.30pm, The Oxford Arms, Kington. Planning local action, supporting initiatives, open to all. Contact kleen@momentary-lapse.co.uk Teme Valley Environment Group - Anne-Mary Davies 01547 528833 Will O’Leary - 01547 528792 amdskyborry@hotmail.com www.tveg.org.uk Transition Presteigne meets first Thurs of every month, (except Jan, April & Aug), Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, 01544 267768 or email transitionpresteigne@gmail.com

Ludlow LA 21 - David Currant - 01584 875501 davidcurrant@phonecoop.coop, www.ludlow21.org.uk Shrews. Friends of the Earth - http://www.shrewsfoe.org. uk- Frank Oldaker 01743 260971 frankoldaker@yahoo.co.uk Herefordshire Friends of the Earth - Melodie Winch, 01432 850647, melodie4foe@gmail.com or find us through Friends of the Earth (UK).

Lightfoot Enterprises - c/o 2 Church Street, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AA. info@lightfoot.org.uk www.lightfoot.org.uk Marches Meadow Group promotes management, conservation and restoration of species-rich meadows. Richard Small 01743 791476. mmgmembership@gmail.com Herefordshire Action for Mammals (HAM) Dave Smith, 7 Primrose Close, Hereford, HR2 7QX. 01432 266937 davetreesmith@aol.com https://sites.google.com/site/herefordshiremammals/ Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth www.monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk - Barry Greenwood 01873 852245, bgreenwood@ntlworld.com LLES – Llanidloes Energy Solutions - www.lles.co.uk Diana Berriman - 01686 411128 - office@lles.co.uk Brilley Mountain Eco - (Brilley and Michaelchurch Environment Group) - Peter Davies, 01497 831376, peterandgilldavies@hotmail.com Transition Llandrindod - secretary@transitionllandrindod. org.uk, www.transitionllandrindod.org.uk Golden Valley Environment Group - Vanessa Hembling, 01981 550377, golden_valley@mail.com, www.goldenvalleyenvironmentgroup.org.uk Radnorshire Wildlife Trust - 01597 823298, info@rwtwales.org, www.rwtwales.org Presteigne Freecycle for Presteigne and surrounding area, groups.yahoo.com/group/presteignefreecycle.

For other areas www.freecycle.org Upper Onny Wildlife Group. Meetings at The Crown Inn, Wentnor, Bishop’s Castle. Richard.keymer@yahoo.co.uk

QUAKERS ARE MEETING NEAR YOU & INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire Every Sunday at 10:30 in Llanfoist Village Hall NP7 9LP (SO 287 135) Almeley Wootton, Herefordshire Every Sunday 10:45 at Friends’ Meeting House HR3 6PX (SO 333 525) Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire Every Sunday 10:30am at Grange Road Community Centre, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AP (SO 320 884) Brecon, Powys 2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays 11 at The Muse, Glamorgan St. Brecon LD3 7DW (SO 045 284) Hereford, Herefordshire Every Sunday 10:30 and Thursdays at 12:30 at Friends’ Meeting House, 21 King St. Hereford HR4 9BX (SO 508 398) Ledbury, Herefordshire 1st, 3rd Sundays 10:30 at the Burgage Hall, Church Lane HR8 1DW (SO 711 377) Llandrindod Wells, Powys Every Sunday 11:00 at Friends’ Meeting House, Temple St. LD1 5HF (SO 060 613) Ludlow, Shropshire Every Sunday 10:30 at Friends’ Meeting House, St. Mary’s Lane SY8 1DZ (SO 511 754) The Pales, Llandegley, Powys Every 3rd Sunday 3pm at Pales Meeting House, Llandegley LD1 5UH (SO 137 641) Ross on Wye, Herefordshire Every Sunday 10:30 at Friends’ Meeting House, Brampton St HR9 7EQ (SO 601 245)

http://www.smquakers.org.uk The Pales Meeting House is celebrating it’s 300th anniversary in 2017. Many events planned!

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.

A GENTLE SOFT TISSUE BODYWORK (fascial adjustment). A non-invasive technique re-balances and stablizes the body, suitable for: adults, children and babies. Addresses any number of pre-existing complaints. Contact Sarah Birchall VHT Practitioner sarahbirchall@btinternet.com 01981 500628. www.vhtworld.co.uk/members VHT is a holistic modality.

ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, offers supportive, non-judgemental, face-to-face, skype and telephone sessions to individuals, couples and groups. Richard Lewis MSc Integrative Psychotherapy, Post-Grad Dips Consultative Supervision and Children and Young People.

BACP Sen. Accred., UKCP Reg. 01547 510360.

A is for ACUPUNCTURE with Joanna Bruce RGN, B.Ac, M.B.Ac.C. Traditional Acupuncture for pain management, acute and/or chronic health problems. Phone for free initial discussion on 01568 709142. Stoneleigh, Kingsland, HR6 9QS. registered and insured with the British Acupuncture Council since 1986.

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 lessons in Leominster. Ian Lyon MA PhD MSTAT. www.atinmarches.com ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Leominster HR6 8QJ. Individual lessons with Janet Jameson MSTAT. 01568 613467.

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.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF HELP? Would you like to heal at a very deep level? I offer a heart-centred and practical approach to help you move forwards with your health and wellbeing, in a peaceful & relaxing clinic in Tenbury Wells. (Some phone consultations & home visits are also available). For more information & to discuss your needs, please contact me: Hilary Foxwell 01584 819010.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE, REFLEXOLOGY, INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE AN OTHER THERAPIES AVAILABLE IN LEOMINSTER. Humphrey Clement Bsc. MFHT offers an holistic personal approach using organically sourced products where possible. On-site Chair Massage is available for groups or in the workplace. To enhance your mental or physical wellbeing call 07702 038 063 for a consultation or email healing.Humphrey Clement BSc (hons) MFHT AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY BASED IN LUDLOW. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants, which may have a number of properties, that may when used help improve overall emotional health. Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing treatment on either the hands or feet that in turn may help relieving everyday tension. Both treatments may aid you in your overall improve sense of well being. Contact Emily Baker BA Hons, MIFPA, MAR, and CNHC registered, www.emilyjbaker.com, on 01584 529053 or 07775 652993.

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AUTISM & HOMEOPATHY MIKE ANDREWS DSH RSHom, author of Homeopathy & Autism Spectrum Disorder a guide for practitioners and families (Singing Dragon 2014).

In practice since 1990, qualified CEASE therapist. Autism is the challenge of our times; my goal is to bring the benefits of homeopathy to your child. Clinic nr Ludlow SY7 or via Skype.

For a FREE 15 minute chat call 01588 660793 or mike@ mikeandrewshomeopathy.co.uk BACH FLOWER THERAPY AND REIKI Jane McDonnell, Registered practitioner. Bach Flower remedies are safe, gentle and effective at helping to relieve anxiety, stress, restore balance and well being. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique for stress/pain reduction and relaxation which also promotes healing. To discuss your needs or make an appointment please phone 07866495654 or email mcdonnell.jane@virgin.net COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY for depression, anxiety, panic, stress, OCD, relationship problems and more!

Couple counselling, relationship counselling and individual counselling for most issues. Sessions held in the Presteigne area, Leominster and Hereford. Contact Gail Venables on 01544 350384 or see www.cbtgail.co.uk. MBACP (Accred).

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY Specialist in treating & assessing children & young people with mental health or behavioural issues or dealing with distressing situations. I also offer support to parents, carers and adopters (providing them with a space to think separately about their children) or work with parents/carers and children together. I am also able to help mothers and babies with attachment issues. I can provide supervision to other therapists, consultations and training to professionals. I can provide services at the Family Place in Hayon-Wye and Hereford, I can provide services throughout the area. ACP accredited. ValĂŠrie Mortin BSc. 07961 885646 or Email: vivalavie@yahoo.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 (Powys).

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 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

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 EATING DISORDER TREATMENT. Ruth Sandeman, BSC Hons, DIP HE, RMN, specialist children’s nurse. Registered with the NMC and a specialist therapist for the National Centre for Eating Disorders. A range of interventions available.

(CBT-E, DBT, EFT, FBT and nutritional advice).

Contact 07803 354 081 or ruthsandeman99@gmail.com 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.

GUIDED IMAGERY & MUSIC - a music-centred form of integrative therapy that helps us to understand life issues from a holistic perspective. Hilary Storer is a qualified Music Therapist, registered with the HCPC. For more information & an introductory session contact 07904 750383 / musicandimagerytherapy@gmail.com.

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 Philip Weeks’ clinic. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOMEOPATHY : My name is Shayna, I have worked as a registered nurse for 23 years and am now a registered Homeopath. I work in the Newtown and Montgomery area but am happy to do home visits should you prefer and I am also in Shrewsbury once a week at Neals Yard Remedies. Following a consultation to determine your unique ailments, be they physical, mental or emotional, I will carefully select a remedy to match your specific disease. The remedy prescribed will help to stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal itself. I am very approachable, have great integrity with my patients health at heart and always welcome any interest whether to ask questions or simply to book an appointment. Please contact Shayna Cashmore RN LicWSH RSHom. 07528 774 032.

HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPIST, ELLY INGRAM MTI A holistic massage is a tailored treatment for your individual needs, whether they be physical aches and pains or for emotional needs such as stress, mental well-being or just some time out to treat yourself. Available in Kington at Room 2, The Old Police Station, Market Hall, St, Kington, HR5 3DP. 077927 43894 www.ellyingram.co.uk

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.

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE: Qualified therapists offer acupuncture, structural re-alignment, medical herbal medicine, remedial and holistic massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, 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.

MARIE HUDSON. Yoga classes in Presteigne and Titley.

One-to-one tuition available for individual needs. Registered Association for Yoga Studies practitioner. Registered with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for Yoga Therapy. 01544 260352.

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.

MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation. Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford.

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, 01544 267532, email pnhc2014@gmail. com REIKI THERAPIST, COUNSELLOR AND HYPNOTHERAPIST, KAY FLETCHER BA Hons, FdSc Counselling, BACP Associate Member, at Cariad Naturally.

I work with children and adults using natural holistic techniques to nurture mind and body. With Reiki I offer a natural, safe and gentle, non-intrusive, hands on healing technique, which is also wonderfully relaxing. Through counselling I provide a caring and supportive space for you to talk about and explore your feelings, moods, emotions, relationships and anxieties. I use Hypnotherapy to help with a wide range of issues including addictions and weight loss. For a friendly chat about how I may be able to help you, please contact me on 01547 540899 or email kay@cariadnaturally.co.uk

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE New location

Group classes and individual tuition Stapleton Yoga Studio Marie Hudson 01544 260352

www.theyogapractice.org.uk

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REFLEXOLOGY Helping to relieve stress, regulate hormonal imbalances, sleep and eating patterns. Aid the release of toxins and restore energy levels. Over 20 years experience - Jo Davies ITEC 01544 267100 or 07876 796885. Clinic in Presteigne, home visits available.

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.

SIAM SMILE TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE BY (GAN) JANYARAK MORRIS. Stressed out? Neck and shoulders tension from too much time on computer? Low back pain? Or just want to pamper yourself? I can help! I am qualified in Traditional Thai Massage, Reflexology-Foot Massage, Facial Massage and Aromatherapy. Certificates recognized by the Ministry of Education in Thailand. Ground Floor, 3 Broad Street, Knighton LD7 1BL. Tel: 07538 572123 or (eve) 01547 550249 www.siamsmilettm.webs.com SPIRITUAL MEDIUM AND PSYCHIC ARTIST - Emily Baker, clairvoyant, clairsentient, and clairaudient, spiritual art, offering individual or party bookings. For more information go to www.emilyjbaker.com, call Ludlow 01584 529053 or 07775 652993.

Workshops WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year for inclusion in the magazine and website.

Sun 11 December BOWEN TECHNIQUE A talk and demonstration by Karen Roberts. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01547 530377.

Starts Wed 15 February INTRODUCTION TO ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE Discover how to train your mind-brain-body to help you in everyday activities & experiences. Whilst you are working or playing, you can apply the 5 principles to reduce excess tension, enhance flexibility & prevent discomfort or pain. This 6 week course (small group) will provide you with awareness & understanding. You are able (amazingly!) to change your responses by using these simple tools, putting you more in charge of your life. 6.45-8pm.

Enquiries & booking - Hilary Foxwell 01584 819010.

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 Meditation 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 7.30-9pm A guided meditation evening drawing on many different traditions. No experience necessary.

Drum and song circle 1st Friday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Bring drums, rattles, songs, no experience necessary.

Shamanic Practice Group 4th Wednesday of the month 7.30-9.30pm journeying for guidance, wisdom and healing for self and others.

Women’s Circle with Philippa Hedger 4th Sunday of the month 4.30-6.30pm Calling women of all ages to gather for support, love and wisdom sharing.

All our groups are held in sacred space.

Cost is £10 (concessions available) for further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272.

Monday mornings YOGA LESSONS Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01547 550377.

Tera Mai Reiki & Seichem Healing with Samantha Ferrero-Morgan Master/Teacher

• Relax • Stress • Re-balance • Anxieties • Restore • Easing chronic pain The treatment consists of various hand positions held above or gently on the body.

It’s usual to experience a deep feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.

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Treatment room just outside Ludlow For further information or an appointment please contact Samantha on 01568 770458 Fb. Reiki & Seichem with Samantha