BROAD SHEEP FEBRUARY 2019

BROAD sheep

february 2019

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

sheep

BROAD

Contents Small Ads

Architecture Art Art workshops Cinema

Dance Food

Music Music workshops Band directory Theatre Word Grass roots Comp therapies

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

Boy’s Toys A

S you may have gathered from previous editorials, I am something of a conosure... no, connisure... no, connasir... oh forget it - ‘expert’ on shit T.V. My primary field of study is rubbish motoring programmes available on Freeview and I have noticed a proliferation of shows that focus on restoring worn out old automobiles.

Now if, as I suspect, you have no interest in shit T.V. or worn out motors you can move swiftly on to Mr Pernickety’s latest treatise on the sorry state of Ludlow poncey food industry, while me and the lads get down to the business of stripping down this page and rebuilding it with a brand new paint job and a set of wide wheels. What I intend to do is road test comparable programmes from either side of the pond. There are millions of car restoration programmes these days but since they are pretty identical, I’m going to just fill you in on four of the most annoying ones.

The basic set up of all these shows is that there are two blokes. One smarmy, smart ass who is the main presenter or boss of the garage. He is wheeling and dealing and saying jokey things to camera while his (best?) mate is busy actually doing the necessary mechanics. Then, as in all such reality programmes, the third member of the team is Father Time. The car has always got to be finished by next Thursday (or Monday or Tuesday, okay, you get the message) or else it won’t be ready for the auction (or the show or the bloke who owns it getting back from his holiday).

1. Pimp My Ride vs Car S.O.S.

So first off two shows that really highlight the differences between a Californian beach and a wet Wednesday in Aberystwyth. On the US side we have MTV’s programme now available on BET T.V. (Freeview channel 140) - Pimp My Ride. A young person sends in a video of their crappy car/van/pick-up. With a smashed in fender, no radio and crisp packets all over the floor and a plea for MTV to ‘Pimp My Ride’. Then the show’s presenter, a rapper called Xzibit turns up at their front door, wisecracking about the guy or gals rubbish car while the owner runs around the front garden of their house whooping and hollering and high-fiving all over the place. Xzibit grabs the keys and takes the car to ‘West Coast Customs’ where they proceed to smash the windscreen, throw away the seats and generally wreck the car. Then there is a lot of nonspecific stuff with chrome wheels, 12” inch woofers, T.V. screens and paint jobs which presumably takes months, but in T.V. land about five minutes and then the owner is led in and their car is unveiled. They really go into overdrive with the whooping and hollering plus kissing all the guys at West Coast Customs while it is explained to them that the motor now has built in TVs in every seat, a trillion watt sound system, a solid gold paint job, a chandelier and pneumatic doors that sing the Hallelujah Chorus.

(In one case which, I might have mentioned before, a female artist got spray jets on her tyres so she could paint the road as she was driving along!)

Meanwhile back in Blighty at Car S.O.S., some poor Joe is in hospital for the third time this year and his dog just got run over by the milkman, so his desperate wife asks Car S.O.S. if they can cheer him up by rebuilding his beloved M.G. Magnette that’s been rusting in the garage since 1965.

They rattle off down the road with the rust-bucket on a trailer and his wife’s words ringing in their ears ‘He will be out of hospital next Tuesday, the M.G. must be ready!’ Tim, the lanky, obnoxious presenter spends a lot of time running round the country trying to find a genuine 1956 M.G. steering wheel, while friendly, fuzzy Fuzz gets down to the serious business of re-welding the entire chassis, rebuilding the motor, repainting the body etc. etc.

Tim sets up a phoney meeting at a car museum where Joe’s M.G. is hidden among the exhibits. Joe hobbles up, recognises his number plate and all the family jump out laughing from beyond a traction engine. Joe sits in the M.G. and looking like he’s just been run over by the milkman, he quietly sobs.

2. Fast & Loud vs Shed and Buried Richard the owner of Gas Monkey Garage is so busy pointing six gun style at the camera and shouting ‘Woohoo’ or putting on Hank Williams III at his bar and grill, he hasn’t really got time to actually get too involved with any cars.

Meanwhile (aw shucks) loveable sidekick Aaron’s beard is so long that although he knows a lot about mechanics, it’s best if he doesn’t get too close to a welding torch. They buy a 55 Fairline (they spotted in someones drive) for 3000 bucks, put on some chrome wheels and stick in 426 hemi and sell it for $45,000. Job done.

Meanwhile, Henry and Sam are rooting around in a rusty shipping container in Norfolk. They discover an old Morris Minor van and a 1953 oil can and buy the pair off grumpy farmer Phil for £2500. Clever Sam knocks out the dents in the oil can and knocks out the dents in the Morris. Henry who knows nothing about anything stands around explaining he knows nothing about anything, but does have a mate in the trade who’s happy to buy the Morris for £2550 and they decide the oil can is too good to sell. Job done.

Cover pic: Tangomotion - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8 February

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small ads VIOLINIST & TEACHER - Emma Gardiner.

Technique is your tool for creative expression! emmagardinerviolin@gmail.com 077305 71882.

EXHIBITION SYSTEM Hinged wood frames with infill hardboard panels. 6ft H x 4ft W, £20 per pair.

Tel: 07388 054118.

HANCOCK & MONKS MUSIC, 6 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye. Tel: 01591 610555. Specialists in recorded and printed Classical Music for over 40 years. Huge stock of secondhand CDs, sheet music, scores and books on music.

Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm. Online catalogue at www.hancockandmonksmusic.co.uk CHAIR CANING/RUSHING/DANISH CORD SEAT REPAIRS Furniture repairs. Advice. Paul Richards 01544 209067.

VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught.

John Hymas 07969 440183.

LEARN GUITAR (ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC) Individual tuition for adults 16 plus, music graduate, professional guitarist. Whatever level, you’ll learn songs or music you enjoy. 07729 059847, 01584 876584, paul.wrightson@gmail.com PIANO TUNER AND TECHNICIAN Based in Llanidloes, serving Mid-Wales. Please contact Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789 or email vicky@mousematt.net P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/ business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katie 01547 520328.

CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings.

Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students.

Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams.

Presteigne/Knighton, but happy to travel. Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com TREE PRUNING SERVICES From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656.

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HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EQ. Tel: 07527 298199. Headline making independent music shop only a one minute walk from the main car park. A destination shop packed with new and machine cleaned vinyl records, CDs, books and more. 1000’s of items £4 or less.

WYNNES OF DINMORE COUNTRYSTORE Tea room, Poultry, Pygmy Goats, Supplies & Housing. Tuesday Saturday 9am-4.30pm. Wynnes.co.uk 01568 797314

PIANO LESSONS. Lavinia O’Meagher, LRAM, has been a senior tutor at the Music Department of the City Literary Institute in London, and had long experience of teaching adult amateurs of all grades, from beginners to postgraduate students and professionals. She has given recitals for many years. She is a performing and teaching member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. 01547 510 355. laviniaomeagher@gmail.com PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday.

Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com PROFESSIONAL VIOLINIST / FIDDLER Kirsten Hellier ARCM offers lessons. Music as joyful life adventure.

Every age, ability welcomed. 01544 388689, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc.

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

Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information.

WORKSHOPS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC: Website www.smallbusinessclinic.co.uk for more information or to book or call 07825 987114.

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

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

01432 850444

£80 £90

architecture

Artistic Support Assembly Rooms, Ludlow

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EARLY £1-million is headed in this direction from Arts Council England to finance major refurbishments at two of our most successful arts centres: Ludlow Assembly Rooms and The Courtyard, Hereford.

Few would disagree with John Betjamin’s observation that Ludlow is “probably the loveliest town in England”.

In the terms of careful conservation, for my money Ludlow is undoubtedly the jewel in The Marches’ crown. There has been little in the way of modern intrusions and what there is has usually been well thought out. Even the town’s Tesco (by MJP Architects) is a cut above your run-of-the-mill supermarket, though whoever nodded through that Aldi shed opposite should be shot.

The town’s imperial Assembly Rooms overlooking the market square date back to 1840, though they have only been in use as the town’s principle arts venue since 1993. A major interior overhaul, masterminded by London architects Lyndon Goode, is due to start shortly.

It will include a new café, a relocated box office and visitor information centre and the improvement of sighting lines in the main auditorium through tiered seating. There is also to be a second screening room. The roofs of the Assembly Rooms are to be fitted with photovoltaic solar panels, a new lift will be installed and as a historic link with Victorian building’s original interior, the grand central staircase is to be reinstated.

The management of Hereford’s Courtyard Centre for the Arts sensibly went back to architects Glen Howells Associates (GHA) for ideas for its £499,000 refurbishment,

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Lyndon Goode Architects, Ludlow Assembly Rooms

The Courtyard, Hereford

Howells having originally won the design competition back in 1998. This Birmingham-based practice has grown hugely since then, with its workforce enlarged from 6 to 150. One of its most prestigious projects in the city has been the conversion of James Roberts’ Grade II-listed 25-storey Rotunda office block, into 234 apartments for Urban Splash.

Due for completion by October, GHA’s proposals for The Courtyard are more modest than Ludlow’s, principally involving a reconfiguration of the main foyer and box office, as well as a new plan for the expansion of the very popular Café Bar. Seating capacities in the main house and the smaller Studio remain unchanged.

The popular Borderlines Film Festival – now ranked as the country’s biggest rural film festival - has certainly contributed to establishing The Courtyard on the region’s cultural map. Last year, nearly 12,000 people attended 131 screenings. This year’s festival runs from 1-17 March.

Sadly, the refurbishment won’t include the provision of a much needed scenery fly tower, which could be comfortably accommodated in a corner of the car park at the rear of the building. This would give Hereford’s arts centre huge opportunities to host touring productions.

Malvern’s impressive list of live theatre, opera and ballet productions proves this beyond doubt. Last November, for example, it put on a sell-out performance of Bizet’s Carmen by the Russian State Opera’s touring company, with a cast and chorus of 40 as well as several elaborate sets.

Little else of architectural merit occurred in the region in the year just ended, though thankfully a start has at last been made of the restoration of High Town’s fire-damaged Alban House, which has stood forlorn and deserted for almost a decade. It was sad to learn of the retirement of architect Angus Jamieson who has made such a major contribution to the city’s architectural landscape, with such gems as The Moat, the award-winning teaching block for Hereford Cathedral School on Castle Green; the Left Bank, All Saints Court in Bewell Street; and Sophie House, the Martha Trust’s residential care home at Hampton Bishop.

Nick Jones

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art POWYS Glasbury Village Hall, HR3 5TH 07583 544110 1 - 5 March 16th Annual Exhibition.

With a range of local talent including students from GWERNYFED HIGH SCHOOL, guest artists and two significant paintings by the late Kyffin Williams and Martyn Jones, on loan from Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Gallery. Open Fri 6-8pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, Mon & Tues 10am-4pm.

Entry fee, £3, but free to Glasbury Arts members and children.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Feb LESLEY CONNOLLY & MADE IN WALES. Wed-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 23 Feb & 23 March New! Courtyard Antiques at The Assembly Rooms, 9am-2pm.

9 March Grand Spring Sale. Vintage, collectables, make-and-mend textile workshops, jumble, refreshments.

10am-2pm, £1 in aid of Shelter and Help Refugees, 01544 262864.

Tea and cakes in the Green Room.

Open 10am-4pm.

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

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com Feb ‘Aspects of Knighton’. ANDY HAZELL, KATE McLEAN, LAURA LUNN, STUART ROPER, BETH WILLIAMS, LESLEY WOOTTON. C20 & C21st British art, crafts and greeting cards. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until 8 Feb - Closed for refurbishment.

9 - 28 Feb REBECCA BLAKEWAY & ROSE HALLAM - jewellery.

CATHERINE BOWDLER - prints/ CAROLINE FISH - ceramics.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Closed on Tues & Sun until - mid March.

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Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 24 Feb ‘Portrait of a Farming Community’. ROBIN BALDWIN photographs. Open theatre times.

Eirian Studio Glass, 5, The Craft Centre, Oxford Rd, Hay On Wye, HR3 5DG 01497 821346 Feb EIRIAN STUDIO GLASS Handmade glass design and manufacture. Thurs- Sat 12-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes 01686 413467 23 March World Textile Day Wales with guest artist Jacqui Carey. Featuring exhibition of woven, printed and embroidered textiles, Fair Trade market, weaving and braiding demonstrations, presentations and talks.

30 March - 13 April Vintage Style Spring 2019. Sale exhibition of textiles, clothes, china and ephemera from yesteryears. 10.30am-4.30pm.

Closed Sun.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 9 Feb - 20 March ‘Cartographic Imaginaries’. Group exhibition.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538 Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market.

Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm.

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

Cafe. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Wyeside, Castle St, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Until 8 March ‘Winter Medley’.

KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP - paintings. Tues-Fri 5-9pm, Sat & Sun 2-9pm.

The Globe, Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5BG 01497 821762 23 Feb ‘CMYK Hay’. One day festival of contemporary print and illustration with special guests, market place and workshops. Open 11am-6pm.

The Drawing Room, 10 High Town, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AE gallery@thedrawingroomathay.uk Open 10.30am-4pm.

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk Until 2 March - BARRY DAVIES anatomical studies of natural history in bronze sculpture.

Until 2 March Roy Marsden’s Heatherdene Group.

2 Feb - 6 April ‘Strata’. PHILIP HUCKIN. 2 Feb - 6 April ‘ Interventions 2019’.

Culture Colony. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

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

HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St, Hereford 01432 260692 Until 2 March ‘Textiles in Context’.

Hereford College of Arts BA (Hons) Textile Design first year students.

Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12.30pm.

Tobias James Art & Framing Gallery, St Owen St, Hereford 07760 316959 Feb Works by local and national artists.

South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 9 Feb PREETI THAPA - Nepalese handicrafts.

11 - 16 Feb GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFTS. 18 - 23 Feb O’GREADY - part of GVC sale of local crafts.

25 Feb - 1 March SIAN THOMAS stained glass. PREETI THAPA Nepalese handicrafts.

Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

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

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

Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm.

The Old Mayor’s Parlour Gallery, 23 Church St, Hereford HR1 2LR 01432 354460 5 Feb - 30 March An exhibition of the finest crafts in the county from Creative Breaks tutors. GINN DOWNES needlework. TRICIA JONES - mosaic.

TERESA KENT - enamelling.

JANE MEREDITH - dyeing, weaving.

BILL ROBSON - glass fusing.

MARIANNE RYAN - painting and drawing. JENNI STUARTANDERSON - rag rugs.

PEARL TAYLOR - felt making.

JAMES WOOD - porcelain pottery.

For dates of demonstrations see: www.creativebreaks.co.uk Open Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

Chris Williams, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford Martyn Jones, Glasbury Village Hall

Zoe Taylor, Gallery 54, Ross-on-Wye

Peter Sharman, Green Stage Gallery, The Hop Pocket

Leoma Drew, Mike Gell, Hereford

Tony Hall, The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 2 - 4 March Grand Re-Opening. ‘Ar y Ffin’. Anglo-Welsh slipware and paintings. Featuring work by PATIA DAVIES, NIGEL LAMBERT, JENNIFER HALL, DAVID MULLIN, CHRIS GREENING & SIWAN GILLICK. www.madeinthemarches.com Open Sat 10am-7.30pm, Sun & Mon 11am-6pm.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Feb ZOE TAYLOR, RACHEL SUDWORTH, KARLIN RUSHBROOKE & STEPHEN RIPPINGTON. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 11 Feb ‘Born to War’. PETER MASTERS - a collection of images taken over 3 years documenting the cause and consequence of ISIS. 16 Feb - 18 March ‘Landscapes of the Mind’. HEREFORDSHIRE ART AND CRAFT SOCIETY. Open theatre times.

Hereford Cathedral’s Mappa Mundi & Chained Library 01432 374258 Until 1 June ‘Creatures of the Mappa Mundi’. Part of ‘Hidden Gems’.

YINKA SHONIBARE MBE (RA).

Inspired by the map and its foreign creatures he has created new textile work. Meadow Arts.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 23 Feb ROCKFIELD ARTS. Studio artists from ASG and Artiste 3.

Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Framing available.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 Until 31 March New Year’s Show.

Open Thurs-Sun or by appointment.

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Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk February ‘Hearts Desire’. Perfect presents, handmade with love, for the love of your life this Valentine’s Day. 2 March - 30 April ‘Blow The Winter Cold Away’. Featuring new work by SUE HAYDEN, MARY ANN ROGERS, ELAINE PETO, RHYS PARTRIDGE, KARIN CELESTINE and more.

Throughout the year ‘Glory of the Garden’. Featuring an ever changing collection of unique sculptures for your oudoor space in a variety of media.

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

Tues by appointment.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Feb A variety of quality contemporary designer art and craft. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 24 Feb CLARE GREIG - exhibition of patchwork quilts. Open 10am-4pm.

Creates Gallery & Coffee Shop, Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Fine art, sculpture, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

The Chai Shop, High St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival. com 20 - 24 Feb TAHIRA PAUL art exhibition. Open 12-6pm.

Creates Gallery, Contemporary Fine Art, 15 Church St, Monmouth NP25 5DZ 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Plus fine art, sculpture, glass, ceramics and jewellery by Master Jeweller, PAUL HATTON. Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-3pm.

SHROPSHIRE Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS 01588 676060 Until 26 Feb ‘Journeys, Pilgrimages and Skirmishes from the Welsh Marches. NIGEL GLAZE - landscapes, CLAIRE ALLEN-BRUNN mixed media. Open 10am-5pm.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 2 Feb Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

23 & 24 Feb Artisan Market, 10am-4pm.

16 Feb - 16 March BAMBER HAWES. Open 10am-4pm.

2 March Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Bishop’s Castle Artists’ Open Studios www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 23 & 24 Feb ELLIE TARRATT ceramics. Opp. Town Hall, 10am-5pm.

JANE ALLARD - weaving. Kerry Rise, Kerry Green, 10am-4pm.

JULIA BATH - mixed media. The Old Bakery, Church St, 10am-4pm.

HELEN ROBINSON - Oriel glass, The Old Vicarage, Church Lane, 10am-5pm.

MARIAN WATSON - handmade silver/ gold jewellery and paintings. Chapel View, Station St, 10am-5pm.

Admission free, donations welcome.

Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle 22-24 Feb ‘Affordable Art’. CASTLE ARTISTS - paintings, linocuts, watercolours, textiles, ceramics and cards. Open 10am-5pm.

The Poppy House, 20 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 24 Feb BISHOP’S CASTLE ART SOCIETY. Open 10am-4pm.

Bank House B&B, High St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 24 Feb SARAH GILLARD. Open 10am-5pm.

SpArC Gallery, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 24 Feb Art exhibition in the Art Cafe. Open 10am-4pm.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258885 16 Feb - 28 April ‘Bears!’ An exhibition from Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.

Original manuscripts and illustrations from PHILLIP PULLMAN, MICHAEL ROSEN, MARTIN WADDELL, JULIA DONALDSON and many more.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 From 2 Feb ‘Polar Artists and Friends of the Scott Polar Institute’. ANDREW LANSLEY, NICK JONES, SHELLEY PERKINS. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 Feb ‘All Things Considered He Can Swim Like a Fish’. PAUL BAINES - abstract paintings, sculpture and poems. A personal account of living with autism. Mon-Sat from 10am.

Art & Craft Workshops

Single, dated listings are free.

Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER 2019 Hereford College of Arts. For ages 5-16 years. All styles of photography welcome. For more information http:// blogs.hca.ac.uk/young photographer YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION 2019 Hereford College of Arts. Once again the competition is linked to Herefordshire artist Brian Hatton. No set theme, oil paintings, watercolours, pencil and pastel drawings, prints, be creative! For more information http://blogs.hca.ac.uk/young-artist

GLASBURY ARTS Kate Freeman

Glasbury Village Hall Children’s painting workshop with Kate Freeman Sunday 3 February 2019, 10.30am – 4pm

Glasbury Arts is delighted that abstract artist Kate Freeman will again be providing a painting workshop for young people aged 8 - 12. There are 10 places available on the workshop.

Kate will provide a stimulating and exciting experience during which students will learn new skills.

Tickets: £13, members discount applies.

Booking essential through glasburyarts.co.uk

Glasbury Village Hall Annual Exhibition Friday 1 – Tuesday 5 March 2019

Martyn Jones

This year we have another exciting line up including two paintings borrowed from Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Gallery, one by internationally renowned painter Martyn Jones and the other by the immensely talented, the late Sir Kyffin Williams. Other guests include, Caroline Ede, who produces startling but beautiful work, Hannah Firmin Print Maker and illustrator and photographer Mark Zytynski plus the wide range of local talent and of course the exciting work that always appears from Gwernyfed High School. Entry £4, free to Glasbury Arts members, over 65’s, young people in full time education and people unwaged.

Opening Hours: Friday, 6 -7.30pm, Saturday/Sunday 11am – 4.30pm, Monday/Tuesday 10.30am – 4pm.

Glasbury Village Hall Sunday 10 March 2019 Playing with Light Digital Workshop for Young People with Nick Brown

Join Nick Brown from MASH Cinema for this fun sound effects and audio editing workshop!

Ticket Price - £13, 10% Members discount applies.

This event is supported by Gwernyfed Community Council.

Booking essential through glasburyarts.co.uk

Full details at glasburyarts.co.uk

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY SCHOOL - POTTERY WORKSHOPS Newbridge on Wye, Mid Wales.

Pottery Workshops, tuition, courses.

Half day, tasters or full day. Bespoke family/group/school and corporate team building. Book my studio or I can come to you. Throwing, slab, coil and hand building work. DBS checks. 20 Exp. Daily 9am-5pm, Late till 10pm.

By Appointment Only. 01982 552854 / alexallpressceramics@gmail.com / alexallpress.co.uk VILLAGE ART CLUBS Welcomes both beginners and experienced painters to our friendly classes where you will enjoy good company and professional tuition at a village near you. Website - www.villageartclubs. co.uk - will give you all the details, or you are welcome to ring Liz on 07938 563716 for a chat about joining.

We have clubs currently running in Kington, Staunton on Arrow, Kingsland, Tupsley in Hereford, Three Elms in Hereford, Wellington Chapel and Wellington Village Hall. Our next new club will start in Leominster.

Look out for details in the local press.

Look forward to seeing you!

CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors.

We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Enamelled Jewellery, Felt making, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Hedgerow Medicine, Mosaics, Painting, Pastels, Photography, Plant Dyeing, Spinning and Weaving, Pottery, Rag Rug Making, Sewing, Stained Glass, Stonecarving, Woodblock printing and Upholstery.

For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home treasure it – or give it with pride!

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Discover your creative potential at one of my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Flexible dates to suit you.

Guided by Ginn with over 30 years in teaching art & design. 01432 760961.

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS Monthly in Llangarron. HR9 6PH. Lead by Glenn Morris, experienced trainer and sculptor. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Full tuition and guidance tools, safety equipment and homemade refreshments. Contact Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk or call 01989 770776.

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SILK SCREEN PRINTING CLASSES With Sunny Todd. 5 week evening classes, 6.30-9.30pm, £150. New Friday taster session 10am-1pm, £50.

Small class sizes, outstanding tuition, homemade refreshments, classes suitable for all, beginners to experienced. Studio in Ledbury.

Details 07527 048749, email sunnytoddprints@outlook.com www.ginnscreativeworkshops.co.uk February THE ARTHOUSE STUDIO Creative workshops including lino printing, glass fusing, jewellery making, fabric printing, traditional glass painting, stained glass. The Art House Studio, Weobley, 07467 941208, www.thearthousestudio.co.uk February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 18 - 22 Feb - How To Train Your Dragon Activities. For ages 4 - 11 years, £4, booking advised. 19 Feb - School of Dragon Cookery for ages 4- 11 years, £7.50, booking essential.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

February TRUMPET CORNER WORKSHOPS Mondays - Knit, Stitch & Natter Group, 1-4pm, £2. Wednesdays - Knit and Craft Group, 10am-1pm, £2. Wednesdays - General silver classes, 10am12.30pm, £125 for block of 5 classes.

Saturday monthly - General silver classes, 10am-12.30pm, £40, (9 Feb).

Trumpet Corner Tea Room & Gallery, near Ledbury, 01531 670082.

February, March & April PEAK WORKSHOPS Fri until 22 Feb and 8 March - 5 April Pottery with Martin Craddock, 2-5pm, £170 for 6 weeks, £305 for 12 weeks.

Sat monthly (9 Feb & 9 March) - Tribe, a workshop for ages 7-11 year olds, donation £3 towards materials.

Mon 28 Jan-18 Feb & 4-25 March Basket Making with Mary Zammit, suitable for beginners, £120 4 weeks, £220 8 weeks. 29 Jan, 5, 12 & 19 Feb - Printmaking with Rachel Cadman, 10am-1pm, £5. Tues 5, 12, 19 & 26 March + 2 & 9 April - Life Writing with Renee Stanton, 2-4pm, £55. 6 April - Botanical Illustration with Debbie Devauden, 10am-3pm, £45. Peak, The Old School, Brecon Rd, Crickhowell, 01873 811579.

February MID WALES ARTS CENTRE WORKSHOPS Every Wed & Thurs - Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture Club, 7-9pm, £10, all ages and levels welcome. Every Thurs - After School Club, 5-6.30pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 07970 671819.

February EASTNOR POTTERY Family Pottery Sessions in half term.

PINCH POT PIG! Tues 19 - Sat 23 Feb 2019. Come and make a pottery pig in celebration of Chinese New Year! Places cost £20 per person, booking essential. Potter’s wheel fun for families, couples and individuals during February. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

Potter’s wheel projects start at £30 inclusive of firing & glazing. Fabulously creative indoor activity. Potter’s wheel workshops 9 & 16 Feb. Spend the day relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £150 Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

February & March HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS Short Courses - Aspect of Garden.

27 Feb - Ingrid Millington: ‘Bulbs for the Garden Throughout the Year’.

6 March - Donald Everitt: ‘The Fascination of Foliage’. Folly Lane Campus, 7pm, £8 per talk to include a drink. 19 & 20 Feb - Short Courses - Summer and Spring Creative Workshops for ages 11-16 year olds. Students will get to work alongside expert teaching staff.

Folly Lane Campus, Hereford, 9.30am-3pm, £22 per workshop.

Details shortcourses@hca.ac.uk or call 01432 845302.

March BLEDDFA CENTRE WORKSHOPS 9 March - Inscriptional Lettering workshop led by John Rowlands-Pritchard, 10am-5pm, £45. 15 March - Mad March Hares: Needle Felting, led by Sue Wilson, 11am-4pm, £50 materials included. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01547 550377.

February & March GLASBURY ARTS WORKSHOPS Kate Freeman Workshop

February CLASSES AT THE OLD SCHOOL, WHITTON Introduction to Welsh quilting followed by a six week afternoon or evening class learning to work one technique each week. Forthcoming classes, furniture restoration and upholstery, rag rug, Kantha and Boro stitching (quilting traditions from India and Japan).

Details 01547 550155 or www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org February THE GLOBE, HAY ON WYE WORKSHOPS Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am, free. Every Tuesday - Chess Club, 4.15pm, free, contact Drew on 07714 767779. One Tuesday a month (26 Feb) - Globemakers - an informal craft group, 7.30pm, further details contact corin@lordburgess.co.uk The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

February COURTYARD WORKSHOPS & FAMILY SATURDAYS 2 Feb - Wildplay workshop from 10.30am. 9 Feb - Free pre-activity, ‘Mini Mermaids’, 10.30am. 16 Feb - Free pre-show activity - Make a paper plate sunflower, 10.30am, £7.50. 23 Feb - Free pre-activity - Disney bookmarks, 10.30am. Thurs - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £7. Tues - Playing Together, bringing older people and preschool age together. Dementia friendly.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

3 Feb - Children’s painting workshop with abstract artist, Kate Freeman. For ages 8 - 12 year olds. 10 places available, £13. 10 March - Playing with Light Digital Workshop for young people with Nick Brown. Fun sound effects and audio editing workshop, £13. Booking essential for both workshops. Glasbury Village Hall, www.glasburyarts.co.uk February THE HIVE, BELMONT WORKSHOPS 18 Feb - Photography workshop for 11-16 year olds.

Bring your camera. 10am-3pm, £35. 22 Feb - Half Term Potters, for ages 4-11 years, 1.30-3pm, £12. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

Village Art Clubs welcomes both beginners and experienced painters to our friendly classes where you will enjoy good company and professional tuition at a village near you.

Our website - www.villageartclubs.co.uk will give you all the details, or you are welcome to ring me on 07938 563716 for a chat about joining.

We have clubs currently running in Kington, Staunton on Arrow, Kingsland, Tupsley (Hereford), Three Elms (Hereford), Wellington Chapel and Wellington Village Hall.

Our next new club will start in Leominster.

Look out for details in the local press.

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Look forward to seeing you!

Best regards, Liz Watson.

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February ASSEMBLY ROOMS, WORKSHOPS Twice monthly, Tues, Oscars, 7.30pm, Ludlow Photographic Club, 01584 879180. First Thurs, Studio, 7.30pm, Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 01584 831458.

Fri, Studio, 10am-4pm, Life and Portrait Workshop, contact Chris Bean, 01584 841668.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

February TOWN HALL WORKSHOPS 21 Feb - Needle Felting with Clare Linford, 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm.

22 Feb - Watercolours with Sue Percy, 11am-1pm & 2 - 4pm. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630023.

Sat 9 February HOMEGROWN WORKSHOP By two members of the Marches Scribes. Shelagh Lewis demonstrating layout in calligraphy and how to alter the look of a page. Nor Heywood will show lots of arty tricks.

A fun, hands-on day. Monkland Village Hall, near Leominster, 10am-4pm. £21 members (£18 non-members). To book ring 01544 327657.

Sun 10 February MEDIEVAL LETTERING Angled Pen Uncial. Learn the techniques of writing this script with a dip pen. Beginners welcome. Small class. £48 incl. all materials plus a pen & nib to take home. Clearspace Studios, King Street, Hereford, 10am-4pm. To book please contact Caroline on 01531 634571 or email: ilovelettering@outlook.com

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Sat 16 February AARDMAN ANIMATIONS MODELLING WORKSHOP ‘Shaun the Sheep’ at 11am, Gromit at 1pm & 3pm. Led by one of their expert model makers. Hands-on clay modelling workshops. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 01600 719401.

Sat 16 February & Sat 16 March BEGINNERS CALLIGRAPHY SESSIONS Both 10am-1pm, Monkland Village Hall. £9 per session.

Celtic script. For info & booking please ring 01544 327657 Marches Scribes.

Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS 20 Feb - Willow Weaving Workshop with Sophie Francis, Methodist Hall, 11am-1pm, £8. 20 Feb - Card Loom Weaving Workshop with Jane Allard, Made’s Old Shop, No. 1 The Cobbles, 2-4pm, free. 21 Feb - Scraptastic with Liz Still, Three Tuns, 10am-12pm, free.

21 Feb - Neddle Felting Workshop with Clare Linford, The Town Hall, 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm, free.

21 Feb - Basic Jewellery Making Workshop with Val Padbury, Made, 9 Market Square, 10.30am & 3.30pm, £15. 21 Feb - Knitwits Meeting, Three Tuns, 6.15pm7.30pm, (drop-in), free. 22 Feb - Watercolour Workshop with Sue Percy, The Town Hall, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm, free. 23 Feb - Intaglio Printmaking using Tetra Paks.

Bank House B&B, 10.30am-12.30pm, £25 adult, £15 children 8 years and over. 23 Feb - Cartoon Drawing, a family workshop with Malcolm Whittal, Three Tuns, 10am-11am, free. 24 Feb - Intermediate Jewellery Making with Val Padbury, Made, 9 Market Square, 11am, £15. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

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cinema THE OLD MAN & THE GUN (12A) He claims it’s his final acting role, but what a great swansong for 82 year-old Robert Redford. He plays inveterate real-life bank robber Forrest Tucker, who with his equally ancient cohorts, (Danny Glover, Tom Waits, both excellent) are the ‘Over The Hill Gang’, still holding up small town banks in the 1980s fronted by Tucker’s old-school grace and charm. In the process Tucker meets an equally eccentric widow, Julie (70 year-old Sissy Spacek) who warms to the old dog despite gradually discovering his profession, and shooting on 16mm film to aid a gritty, vintage feel that avoids glamorising their criminality, writer/director David Lowery has wrought both a gripping crime caper and a beguilingly believable latelife romance. Of course Tucker et al are lawbreakers, and Casey Affleck, who starred in Lowery’s A GHOST STORY, is the bemused but increasingly resolute cop on their trail. A flat-out gem.

All reveiws by Mark Williams

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

6 Feb AQUARIUS (18) 20 Feb REDOUTABLE (15) 6 March A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, doors open 6.45pm, films start 7.30pm, 01873 850167

1 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) 1 March A STAR IS BORN Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 1 Feb THE LITTLE STRANGER (12A) 8 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) 12 Feb ON THE TOWN (U) 15 Feb THE WIFE (15) 22 Feb BLACK 47 (15) 1 March THE SEAGULL Assembly Rooms, Ludlow 01584 878141

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC. 6 Feb ZAMA 20 Feb ARGERICH 6 March SWEET COUNTRY Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm.

Details 01588 680445

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP 1 - 3 Feb THE FAVOURITE (15) 2 - 7 Feb MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) 2 March THE THIRD WIFE Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 01497 820322

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

4 Feb HOTEL SALVATION (PG) 4 March I AM NOT A WITCH (12A) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

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

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COURTYARD, HEREFORD 1 - 7 Feb LIZZIE (15) 2 - 6 Feb THE WILD PEAR TREE (15) 5 & 6 Feb LEANING INTO THE WIND: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY (PG) 8 - 21 Feb STAN AND OLLIE (ctbc) 8 - 21 Feb MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) 9 Feb THE LITTLE MERMAID (U) 11 - 13 Feb MUG (15) 15 - 23 Feb RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) 22 - 28 Feb THE FRONT RUNNER (15) 22 - 28 Feb CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15) 26 Feb SING-A-LONG THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) 1, 2, 3 March POLINA 1, 2, 3 March FREE SOLO 1 March WALKABOUT 1 - 5 March GREEN BOOK 1 March TOO LATE TO DIE YOUNG 1 - 5 March COLETTE 1, 3, 4 March BURNING 1 March EVERYBODY KNOWS Opening gala.

2 March TORTOISE & THE HARE 2, 4 March ISLAND OF THE HUNGRY GHOSTS 2 - 5 March VICE 3 March AGA 3 March THUNDER ROAD 4 March GIRL 4 & 5 March BEAUTIFUL BOY

4 March THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER 5 March ASH IS PUREST WHITE 5 March THE LOST HONOUR OF KATHRINA BLUM 5 March HAPPY AS LAZZARAO Details 01432 340555

1 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860065 1 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 1 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 2 Feb VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12A) Ballingham Old School Hall 07967 017759 4 Feb LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 4 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 5 Feb A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (PG) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 5 Feb SUMMER 1993 (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 6 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Cardington VH 01694 771295 7 Feb PHANTOM THREAD (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 8 Feb THREE BILBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797932 8 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) Marton VH 01938 580116 8 Feb THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12A) Sarn VH 01686 670943 8 Feb THE LITTLE STRANGER (12A) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 8 Feb BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 8 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) Bedstone and Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 8 Feb A MAN CALLED OVE (15) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 8 Feb SILK STOCKINGS (1957) (U) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

9 Feb APOSTASY (PG) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 11 Feb SWIMMING WITH MEN (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 11 Feb I, TONYA (15) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 12 Feb THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12A) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 874684 12 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 568705 12 Feb UNDER THE TREE (15) Garway Community Hall 01600 750465 13 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 13 Feb A STAR IS BORN (15) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640109 13 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 14 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Lea VH 01989 750679 15 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Little Wenlock VH 01952 505497 15 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) Rodington VH 01952 770524 15 Feb MAUDIE (12) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 15 Feb A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 15 Feb PATERSON (15) Ryton VH 01743 718237 15 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 15 Feb THE CHORUS (12) Colwall VH 01684 540926 16 Feb THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12A) Hanley Broadheath VH 01886 853195 16 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 16 Feb HOWARD’S END (PG) Bicton VH 01743 850495 16 Feb THE ITALIAN JOB (1969) (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672 16 Feb SWIMMING WITH MEN (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 16 Feb THE RIDER (15) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545 16 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) Chapel Lawn VH 07964 710983 16 Feb SWIMMING WITH MEN (12A) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780279 16 Feb CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 271129 16 Feb UNDERTAKING BETTY (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836

THE FAVOURITE (15) The film year has begun with lavish praise heaped on Olivia Coleman and her co-stars in this harshly witty take on the troubled reign of Queen Anne (1701 – 7). Much of this is valid, for working again with d i r e c t o r Yo r g o s Lanthimos (THE LOBSTER) Coleman gives her considerable all to portraying the sickly, childless and very troubled monarch, and Rachel Weiss as her right-hand woman and lover, and Emma Stone as the newcomer who would usurp her in both departments are hugely watchable. There is brittle humour and much drama as the plot, set against the background of a failing war with France, not least at the expense of the male courtiers who plot and preen behind Anne’s highly corseted back. But although bereft of Lanthimos’ trademark darkly stilted dialogue – it was written mainly by Tony McNamara – THE FAVOURITE is not quite the side-splitting period romp implied by the trailer.

18 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) The Edge Arts Centre 01952 728911 18 Feb WAKING NED DEVINE (PG) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 19 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 19 Feb BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch 01948 660660 20 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) Escleyside Hall 01981 510352 21 Feb LEAN ON PETE (15) Pudleston VH 01568 760606 21 Feb FINDING YOUR FEET (12) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 22 Feb PETERLOO (12A) Longden VH 07539 545846 22 Feb A STAR IS BORN (15) Goodrich VH 01600 890609 22 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 22 Feb HUMAN FLOW (12A) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 22 Feb THE LITTLE STRANGER (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 23 Feb THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12A) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 23 Feb SWIMMING WITH MEN (12A) Withington Parish Room 01743 709236 24 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 24 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) Colwall VH 01684 540926

25 Feb CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 26 Feb EDIE (12A) Loppington VH 01939 809236 26 Feb CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 26 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 28 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) Almeley VH 07557 659291 1 March THE WIFE Bedstone and Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282

THE HIVE, BELMONT 1 Feb LIFT TO THE SCAFFOLD (PG) 15 Feb BAL (PG) 16 Feb LGBT HISTORY FESTIVAL FILM Featuring Invisible Women & A Lesbian Life: Outing the 70s & 80s 20 Feb ELENA (12) 1 March SHOPLIFTERS (ctbc) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

LINGEN FLIX 8 Feb THE CHILDREN ACT (12A) Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01544 267736. www.lingen.org.uk

MKT. THEATRE, LEDBURY 9 Feb WEA FILM STUDY DAY With tutor Michael Pyke, details 01531 634333 13 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG) 15 Feb SILK STOCKINGS (U) 22 Feb THE LITTLE STRANGER (12A) Details 07967 517125

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BEAUTIFUL BOY (15) Belgian writer/ director Felix van G ro e n i n g e n m a k e s his Hollywood debut with this compelling portrayal of an increasingly troubled father/son relationship.

Based on the actual memoirs of David Sheff (Steve Carrell) and his son Nic (Timothée Chalamet), the latter whose drug addiction, deceit and increasingly wayward behaviour sorely tests their familial bond. David travels across America to bail his son out, actually and metaphorically, not much helped by his second wife (Maura Tierney) or Nic’s embittered mother (Amy Ryan, BRIDGE OF SPIES), but the journey is worth taking for all concerned, audience included.

Moreover both Carrell, once again acting against dorky-clown type and Chalamet, so mesmeric in CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, very successfully mine our mixed feelings.

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. 1 - 15 Feb THE FAVOURITE (15) 3 - 24 Feb FREE SOLO (12A) 5 - 7 Feb THE OLD MAN & THE GUN (12A) 8 - 14 Feb MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) 15 - 28 Feb ALL IS TRUE (12A) 16 - 23 Feb MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) 17 Feb 50 YEARS LEGAL (15) 27 Feb LANCASTER SKIES 1 - 7 March BEAUTIFUL BOY (15) Details 01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 2 Feb KING OF THIEVES 9 Feb THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS 16 Feb A STORK’S JOURNEY 16 Feb MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN Sing-a-long version 23 Feb FIRST MAN Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 1 Feb SUMMER 1993 (12) 15 Feb TRACKING EDITH (15) 24 Feb DON’T LOOK NOW MBA fundraising event.

1 March COLDWAR (15) Assembly Rooms, Presteigne. www.presteignescreen.org.uk

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 4 Feb THE YUKON ASSIGNMENT (PG) 15, 16 & 18 Feb STAN AND OLLIE (PG) Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells 01584 811442

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SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE 7 Feb SALVADOR DALI: IN SEARCH OF IMMORTALITY 26 Feb CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle.

Phone for times 01588 630321

THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS. 17 Feb SING-A-LONG-A GREASE 27 Feb & 4 April BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL (12A) Collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281

THEATR HAFREN, NEWTOWN 6 March THE WAY BACK 8 March SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN 1.30pm, pre-show light lunch available, pre-booking essential.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS 6, 7, 20, 21, 25, 26 Feb, 17 & 26 March THE FAVOURITE (15) 10 & 17 Feb BUMBLEBEE (12A) 1-4, 13, 14, 23, 24 Feb, 27 & 28 March STAN & OLLIE (ctbc) 1 - 4, 6 - 10, 22, 28 Feb, 20 March COLETTE (15) 1 - 10, 12 - 17, 23 - 28 Feb, 1-3 March HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD (ctbc) 1 - 7 Feb GLASS (ctbc) 8 - 14 Feb BEAUTIFUL BOY (15) 8 - 17, 27 Feb, 24 March MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) 15 - 17, 19 - 21 Feb, 6, 7, 15, 16 March GREEN BOOK (12A)

15 - 17, 19 - 21 Feb CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15) 16, 17, 20, 21 Feb THE FRONT RUNNER (15) 22 - 28 Feb, 1 - 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30 March THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART (ctbc) 22 - 28 Feb ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (ctbc) 22 - 28 Feb, 27 & 28 March BOY ERASED (15) 23 - 28 Feb, 1 - 3 March A DOG’S WAY HOME (ctbc) 1 - 3, 5 - 7 March THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING (ctbc) 1 - 3, 5 - 7, 15 & 16 March ALL IS TRUE (12A) 1 - 3, 5 - 7, 17, 19 & 20 March IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (15) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 2 Feb CARMEN Metropolitan Opera. The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

3 Feb CARMEN Metropolitan Opera encore screening.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 3pm, 01584 878141.

3 Feb LA TRAVIATA Royal Opera House encore screening.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 01743 281281. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 6.45pm, 01568 612583.

5 Feb THE TRAGEDY OF RICHARD THE SECOND National Theatre encore screening.

Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 820322.

5 Feb YOUNG PICASSO Exhibition on screen. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

7 Feb EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE Filmed live at the Apollo Theatre, London. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

8 Feb THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD SECOND Encore screening. National Theatre.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

10 Feb DEGAS: PASSION FOR PERFECTION Exhibition on Screen. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 3pm, 01584 878141.

10 February YOUNG PICASSO Exhibition on Screen. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 612583.

17 February I’M NOT RUNNING National Theatre. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583.

17 Feb THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND National Theatre, encore screening.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 3pm, 01584 878141.

18 Feb I’M NOT RUNNING National Theatre encore screening.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

19 Feb DON QUIXOTE The Royal Ballet Covent Garden.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8.15pm, 07967 517125. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.15pm,

01874 611622. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583.

24 Feb DON QUIXOTE Royal Opera House. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 2pm, 01885 488575.

24 Feb THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND National Theatre. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583.

24 Feb YOUNG PICASSO Exhibition on Screen. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 3pm, 01584 878141.

25 Feb THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD SECOND National Theatre live. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

26 Feb DON QUIXOTE The Royal Ballet. Church Stretton School, 7.15pm, 01694 722209.

26 Feb EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE Encore screening of the awardwinning hit musical. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

27 Feb OSCAR WILDE SEASON: LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN Encore screening from the Vaudeville Theatre, London. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442 2 March LA FILLE DU REGIMENT Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

WORKSHOPS BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL CALLING LOCAL FILMAKERS Are you a filmmaker? Have you made a short film in Herefordshire recently?

Would you like to showcase it at Borderlines Film Festival in March 2019? Contact jane.jackson@borderlinesfilmfestival.co.uk Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.30pm, Ages 8-14 years, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

First Scents of Spring Looking for a present on a Western Wind...for a friend, spouse or lover?

Let First Scents of Spring them find what they want with a Western Wind...

55on GiftaVoucher at £20 and £50

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dance Dance Performance Medusa

Sun 24 February GIOVANNI PERNICE - DANCE IS LIFE Giovanni will be joined by Luba Mushtuk and a cast of world class professionals, showcasing Ballroom, Latin, the Jive and more. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £34-£31, VIP £59, 01743 281281.

1 March THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE LILA DANCE. The Hotel Experience becomes a night of doubt, hope, crisis and unexpected encounters. Steiner Academy students make a guest appearance alongside four professional dancers. Steiner Academy, Hereford, 7.30pm, £10/£6/£30, 01981 540221.

Dance Workshops

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

Mon 4 February ID NIGHT THE COURTYARD AND 2FACED DANCE COMPANY champions the work of emerging artists. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 8 February TANGOMOTION From virtuoso displays of traditional tango dance to the sounds of the 1930s and 40s Buenos Aires.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £18, 01686 614555.

Mon 11 & Tues 12 February WINTER DANCE SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL showcase different styles and genres, from contemporary to classical ballet.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £10, 01743 281281.

Thurs 14 February JULIET AND ROMEO - A GUIDE TO A LONG LIFE AND HAPPY MARRIAGE LOST DOG. It turns out Romeo and Juliet didn’t die, but grew up and lived happily ever after. Blending dance, theatre and comedy this stunning duet is a humorous and heartfelt investigation into love, loss and longevity. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01588 630321.

Arts Alive.

Mon 18 February MEDUSA JASMIN VARDIMON. Created on the coast of Barcelona by one of the world’s leading female choreographers and inspired by its marine life, this piece examines the gendered historical significance of Medusa; the myth, the symbolism and the philosophical idea of ‘reflection’. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £16.50, students £8.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 23 & Sun 24 February LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION... LET’S DANCE ANGEL SCHOOL OF DANCE. Pupils from the age of nine to seniors will share their joy and love of dance.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, Sat 2.30pm & 7pm, Sun 2pm, 01600 719401.

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Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 22 Feb - Junior Dance with Rosa James for ages 8 - 13 years. The Methodist Hall, 2.30pm-4pm, free, donations welcome. 24 Feb - Morris Dancing Workshop. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 12pm-2pm, free, donations welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW CLASSES Mon - Circle Dancing, Studio, 1.45pm-3.45pm. Contact Kathryn Louhichi, 01584 877446. Tues Learn To Jive.

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

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30-8.30pm, 01989 750354.

MID WALES JIVE CLASSES Mondays Rock’n’Roll [R&R] Jive in Llandovery, Tuesdays - Hundred House Village Hall, Wednesdays Modern Jive [MJ], Pant-y-Dwr Village Hall, [MJ + R&R], Thursdays Brecon Con Club [MJ + R&R], Fridays - Tywyn area [MJ + R&R], classes and dancing 7.30-10.00 £5pp. Beginners and experienced dancers welcome. Just turn-up & join-in at 7.20, with or without a dance partner. ‘Mid Wales Jive’ teaching Modern Jive, 50s Rock’n’Roll Jive, Swing-Jive.

Call/Text 07767358079 - facebook Mid wales Jive http://www.peterphillips.dj/MidWalesJive/. Please call/text to check in advance, as some classes may be affected by weather or prior hall commitments..

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

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

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

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

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

DANCEFEST Mon - Hereford Chance to Dance (55+), 11.30am, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, Hereford. £58 a term.

Tues - Dancefest classes for 4-16 year olds at The Courtyard, Hereford for 4-16 year olds from 4pm. £4 a week. Thurs - Kingsland and Bromyard Dancefest Clubs (6-11) 4pm, Kingsland Coronation Hall, Leominster; 5pm at Queen Elizabeth Humanities Colleges, Bromyard. £4 a week, www.dancefest.co.uk, 01905 611199.

CROOKED STEEPLE MORRIS Women’s North West Clog Dancers. New members welcome. No experience necessary. Monday evening, 7.45-9pm, Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 8PE, £2.50 per session. Contact Linda or Nic 01746 718624, crookedsteeple@btinternet.com COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Mondays - Find Your Feet, dementia friendly dance and movement class, 10am, £2 per session. Fridays - Dancing Tots 11.30am, ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child.

Fridays - Chance to Dance 10.15am, for over 50s.

Tuesdays - Zumba 1.30pm, £5, all abilities.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Mon, 7.30-8.30pm, Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB. Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wed, 8-9pm, Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR. Thurs, 6.30-7.15pm Charlestone Fitness, Point 4, HR1 1DT. Thurs, 7.30pm8.30pm, Northolme Community Centre, HR2 7SP. Thurs, 7.45pm-8.45pm Ledbury Dance Studio, HR8 2A. Fri, 11am-12pm, Tupsley Whitehouse Community Hub, Gentle Jive. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. or info@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Mondays 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. £2.50 per session (first free). No need to bring a partner. Beginners and experts welcome.

01982 570324/01544 350707.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing? We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders. All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary! Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 01544 327311 or Paul 01497 821003.

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

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food page The Crown Inn, Dilwyn

A

T this melancholy time of year, when the sky has the colour and texture of cold porridge and a fat, grey cloud is draped across the Titterstone Clee, perhaps in collusion with the Brexit gloom that currently envelops the nation, Mr Pernickety –incorrigible optimist – finds hope in the appearance of catkins on the hazel trees and snowdrops poking from the edges of the shaggy lawns that surround his house, and dreams of spring.

It was in a spirit of optimism that Mr Pernickety accompanied by his ever-Lovely Companion drove across North Herefordshire to the picturesque village of Dilwyn to visit the pub, The Crown, which is owned by the Parish Council. This form of ownership is unusual nationally, and unique in Herefordshire, and Mr P felt when the purchase of the place by Dilwyn Parish Council was announced in 2012, laudable an initiative as it was, that it was a potentially risky arrangement.

In his experience, parish councils are generally not peopled by individuals of outstanding intellect, vision, or open-mindedness. It was however a brave decision.

By 2012, former licensees of the Crown, with a bad lease from the demonic pubco, Punch Taverns, had found it non-viable, and left. Punch, already by then in all sorts of trouble, took the decision to sell the freehold. Mr P has no recollection of what the place was like at that point, but it had functioned as a pub since the 17th century, and is a fine example of what a village pub should look like, with two good sized bars in the front and a large garden behind. It serves the parish population of some 800 souls, as well as a steady flow of tourists who have come to enjoy the Black and White villages of North Herefordshire. So the Parish Council, with the support of the locals bought the freehold and decided effectively to run the pub themselves, by employing a manager. For several reasons, this didn’t work, and after three managers, the place became semi-functional and a little moribund, until, earlier in 2018, it was decided to find tenants, who, paying enough rent to cover the mortgage the council had taken on, would have a vested interest in seeing the place work. Tenants, Maria, a Herefordian, and her partner, Max, an Italian were appointed, and Mr P went along to see how they were getting on.

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Outside the Crown are some well-made pub tables and flower baskets, overlooking the centre of the village, with plenty of space to park. Inside there is no irritating pretentiousness about the Crown.

There are two bars, one of which is a proper traditional village bar with dartboard and a pool table and a good number of younger locals using them. Max and Maria had also taken the initiative of opening all day from midday to 11:00, serving food every day except Mondays in winter. In the second bar, effectively the dining room, there is an array of pictures hung haphazardly on the walls, ranging from hunting prints to faux Jackson Pollocks with fewer dribbly bits. The furnishings, if while

not especially sophisticated or chic, with sale room tables and chairs, are functional and honest, while the lighting is not subtle.

At the bar, there are two Wye Valley beers on tap. Mr P had a good Butty Bach while he and the LC perused the pleasingly uncluttered menu, which Mr P was told varies regularly. All the food is cooked by Max, and Mr P found his Italian origins showed in the quality of the olives they had to start and in the salad that came with a bowl of delicious crunchy and fresh whitebait, better than any Mr P has had for some time in the Marches. The LC chose a large faggot with mash and peas, which she enjoyed, and cost only £7.95. Mr P decided to test the chef’s mettle with a rump steak, which he asked to be cooked very rare. The moment he sank his gnashers into it, his heart sang. The sheer quality of the meat, perfectly cooked just as he’d requested, gave him great pleasure. To end with, Mr P and the LC shared a lovely pot au chocolat with wine.

Mr P finished his dinner with great relief that he hadn’t had to write a beastly account of his experience, particularly as Maria and Max have been there only since May, and are manifestly working very hard to make the Crown work for the village. With some main courses at only £8.00 (Mr P’s steak was a reasonable £15), Dilwyn is very lucky to have such good food to eat in such warm ambience. Mr P hopes to visit again in a year’s time and find that it has gone from strength to strength. www.misterpernickety.com

Kington Operatic Society Thurs 21st, Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd Feb 7.30pm Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £7, £5 under 18s

Lady Hawkins’ Community Centre Tom Bounds Electrical Kington 01544 231303 day 01544 231501 evenings

EVENTS Fri 1 February TASTING DAY Three seasonal ales to try. Swan Brewery, Leominster, 9am-4pm, 01568 617709.

Fri 1 - Sun 3 February 7TH LEDBURY BIG BREAKFAST Food shops, cafes and hotels in and around Ledbury will be offering all kinds of produce to celebrate the most important of meals - breakfast - organised by Ledbury Food Group.

Details www.ledburyfoodgroup.org 01531 633637.

Thurs 14 February TRATTORIA DEL LUPO Valentine’s Night Italian-style. Romantic supper with live cabaret entertainment. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 6.30pm, £30 includes Bellini cocktail, booking essential, 01547 550377.

Thurs 14 February WINTER WELLBEING COOKERY With Milly Rees. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-2pm, £35, booking essential, 01588 676060.

Thurs 14 February VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

Sun 17 February POETRY BREAKFAST Join us for poems and delicious breakfast. Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell, 9.30am-10.30am, £8, for more information email Anna annadreda@icloud. com Fri 22 - Sun 24 February GREAT B.C. BAKE OFF Open to bakers of all ages. Choice of three categories, Signature Bake, Technical Challenge or Show Stopper, plus an additional class for Young Bakers. 22 Feb - Registration from 10am-5pm, Bank House B&B, Bishop’s Castle. submit your bake by 12 noon Sunday and return at 3pm for results and The Tea Party. £1, free for under 16 bakers. Proceeds to local charities. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sun 24 February THREE TUNS BREWER TOURS With Head Brewer Steve Willmer. Three Tuns Brewery, Bishop’s Castle, 11am & 2pm, numbers limited, please book, 01588 630200. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival.

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

First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm.

The best collection of artisan food producers in the area.

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

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

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

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

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-4pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET 9-2pm Castle Square 01584 872043.

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

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

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

BLEDDFA CENTRE READING ROOM CAFE 01547 550377 Bleddfa Centre gallery-café closed until Easter, but don’t miss the pop-up Trattoria del Lupo Valentine’s evening Italian style supper and cabaret in Hall Barn Thursday 14th Feb 7:00pm £30 including Bellini cocktail. Booking ahead essential! hello@bleddfacentre. org THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Tues-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

THE HEREFORDSHIRE GOLF CLUB, WORMSLEY, HR4 8LY Open daily for food and beverage also a Sunday Carvery 12.30pm-3pm every week, one course £9.95 two courses, £13.95. We can also cater for your private event, price includes free room hire. Call Martin on 01432 830219.

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

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

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

Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm.

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

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

Come and browse.

Why not advertise your eating establishment?

IT’S ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR Just post the wording you require (around 40 words), together with a cheque payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

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music

Classical Chat - Opera on your Doorstep I

F you’ve never been to an opera, there’s a great opportunity coming up to give it a try. Puccini’s Tosca, one of the most romantic works in the repertoire, will be staged by Mid Wales Opera (MWO) in nine venues ranging from Newtown to Newport and Aberystwyth to Hereford between 23 February and 27 March.

The story couldn’t be more dramatic – set in Rome, it involves an escaped prisoner; a heroic painter with revolutionary sympathies, Cavaradossi, who helps protect him; the painter’s lover, the celebrated prima donna Tosca; and a corrupt chief of police, the evil Baron Scarpia. The score is laden with memorable tunes, and includes two of Puccini’s most famous arias: Tosca’s passionate ‘Vissi d’arte’ (‘I lived for art, I lived for love’) and ‘E lucevan le stelle’ (‘When the stars were shining’), sung by Cavaradossi as he awaits execution.

MWO’s production will be sung in English, using a wonderful translation by Amanda Holden which really brings the characters to life. It was used for performances in 2017 at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol, conducted and designed/directed by the joint artistic directors of Mid Wales Opera, Jonathan Lyness and Richard Studer. On that occasion it was great to see people who were regular attenders at the Tobacco Factory rather than devotees of opera getting swept up in the drama and clearly loving it.

A highlight of the Bristol production was the utterly gripping performance of baritone Nicholas Folwell as Scarpia – I’ve seen Tosca quite often, but this was the first time I had really heard enough of the text to understand what is going through Scarpia’s mind. Let’s just say that it’s quite relevant to the #MeToo campaign and issues of sexual exploitation that we are still grappling with today.

Most of the cast is different in the MWO production, but Nicholas will be reprising the role of Scarpia.

MWO was founded in 1989 with a production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at Theatre Hafren, Newtown, which is still its home – its primary missions are to bring opera to communities across Wales that wouldn’t otherwise experience it, and to support the training of young singers.

Jonathan Lyness and Richard Studer joined MWO in 2016. They live in Lingen and Presteigne respectively, but have worked together as Opera Project all over the south of England and Wales since their student days in Bristol. Jonathan’s speciality is reducing rich orchestral scores composed for vast opera houses to music that can

WIGMORE & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Thursday 21 February, 7.30pm

“The Restoration of Capability Brown’s last garden at Berrington Court” A talk by Ellie Jones. All welcome. £2.

Wigmore Village Hall 07813 733240

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Mid Wales Opera - The Spanish Hour

be played by a handful of instruments without losing its essence. In MWO’s ‘small stages’ touring productions such as Walton’s The Bear in 2017 and Ravel’s The Spanish Hour last year he usually conducts from the piano. In addition to directing the theatrical elements of the productions, Richard is a whizz at creating striking and imaginative sets that can be packed up and reassembled in community arts centres, social clubs and churches of all shapes and sizes.

The brilliant clockmaker’s shop set with its moving wheels and cogs was one of many elements in The Spanish Hour that earned MWO lavish praise from critics. ‘It is impossible to fault this production. It dazzles and pleases …’ said one reviewer, on the website getthechance.wales. A critic from TheArtsDesk.com attended a performance in Bishop’s Castle where one of the singers was indisposed and was replaced at very short notice by Richard Studer acting the part of Torquemada while an understudy sang it off-stage ‘with such ease and flair that if we hadn’t heard the pre-show announcement, we might have assumed that it was all part of the overall concept … everything about the production fits together as elegantly as a handmade watch’.

The Spanish Hour was seen by a total of 1775 people in 16 venues across Wales and the Borders. 13% of the audience had never seen an opera before, 33% had only seen an opera once or twice and 40% of the audience travelled less than 5 miles to see the show. And they loved it, leaving enthusiastic comments on the blackboard strategically placed near the exit doors after every performance: ‘brill’; ‘excellent’; ‘best use of red ruffles I’ve seen in a long time’; ‘absolutely amazing’; ‘joyous, accessible evening’; ‘can’t wait for Tosca!’

You can find all the tour dates and more information about Tosca on the MWO website, together with details of a special gala concert marking the company’s 30th birthday, Ignite the Passion, at Theatre Hafren on 22 February. Early booking for everything recommended! www.midwalesopera.com Clair de Lune

FEBRUARY Fri 1 February STEVE KNIGHTLEY Folk and acoustic. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Oak, Wigmore, 8pm.

TRIO DES MONS Play swing, bebop and Latin jazz.

Featuring Will Barnes, Tommy Mills and Josh Davies. The Granary, Newtown, 9pm.

80S/90S ROCK WITH DJ DAN Reet Petite, Leominster.

CUSTARD CONNECTION Malthouse, Ironbridge.

WHISKEY RIVER The full six-piece electric rockin’ band.

Roots, Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Country rock ‘n’ roll. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HOLDING THE ZERO Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

THE MELOMANICS DUO Burns evening. The Red Lion, Longden Common, 01743 718080.

THE LIGHTER THEIVES Yew Tree, Peterstow, near Ross-on-Wye, 9pm.

IZZY & THE HOTHEADS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

HAMS SONG SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

LEE JAY + PENTIRE King Charles II, Ross-on-Wye. MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

ARRIVAL The hits of Abba. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £22.50, 01686 614555.

Sat 2 February TWO PUSH CHARLIE The Wobbly Brewing Company, Beech Business Park, Tillington, 8pm, 01432 355318.

THE JENTS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

TRIO DES MONS Play swing, bebop and Latin jazz.

Featuring Will Barnes, Tommy Mills and Josh Davies. The Happy Bap, Bishop’s Castle, 3.30pm, then The Whistling Badger, Llanidloes, 9pm.

ONE TOO MANY Bull Hotel, Ludlow.

THE MELOMANICS DUO Burns evening. Habberley Village Hall, 01743 790772.

ETERNITY ROAD Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

CHALKY MARTIN Ska night. The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

CANTALOOP Funky hip hop. Supported by Sean Gaffney. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 8pm, £5.

MIKE PIGGOTT & MARTIN LITTON ‘Stephane Grapelli’s Hot Violin’. One of the best jazz violinists. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12, 07748 652194.

HEAD HONCHO Reet Petite, Leominster.

THE EMPERIALS A major force on the UK’s Ska scene.

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

JOEY THE CROW King Charles II, Ross-on-Wye. TRAGIC MAGIC BLUES BAND Blues from the Delta to Calloway and more. Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, 12-2pm, free.

SPINDRIFT Burns night with supper and ceilidh.

Kinnersley Castle. Further details and tickets www.Kinnersleycastle.co.uk or 01544 327407.

PSYCHO BILLY SLAP Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MAX BOYCE Max Boyce has been entertaining people for over 40 years with his ability to paint pictures in word and song.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01686 614555.

Sun 3 February PANAMA JAZZ BAND Live jazz. The Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £7, 01432 276304.

GLAS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

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

CHRIS GREVE King Charles II, Ross-on-Wye. BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA A musical journey through your favourite film soundtracks. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, £20/£18, 01743 281281.

Mon 4 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968.

THE EMPERIALS Ska, reggae, 2Tone, Trojan. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

RETOXIFICATION PARTY From 6pm, plus live music - Without Warning at 9pm. White Horse Inn, Clun.

The Emperials

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Mon 4 February BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

Tues 5 February VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

Wed 6 February THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening plus support.

Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

LOTUS MOTION Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

MAX BOYCE Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

PETER DONOHOE PLAYS MOZART Programme includes Elgar and Mozart.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 9 February

Thurs 7 February

UK GUNS ‘N’ ROSES Tribute band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

THE SEARCHERS - FAREWELL SOLO TOUR The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

JO HARMAN Soul, blues, gospel, Beatles-worthy pop. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

KENT DUCHAINE Blues. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge.

THE TEMPERANCE SEVEN Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15/£13, 01873 850805.

MIKE WILTON Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

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

Fri 8 February FOLK IN THE FOYER The Grand Union Three, featuring Andy Griffiths. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

VAGUE & KATON, PHEME & JAKEBOB Reet Petite, Leominster.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Top tributes to the King and Queen of Country. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £22, 01600 772467.

THE ROVING CROWS Bring Celtic folk roots with vibrancy and energy. The Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12, 01694 720132.

A SONG RECITAL Featuring James Gilchrist, accompanied

by Christopher Symons on the piano.

The Gateway, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 0333 666 3366.

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ELLA RUNDLE & JOHN PAUL EKINS Cellist. Programme includes Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Brahms. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, 01873 850805.

BLUZEBOX Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

STEPHEN HOLLINGHURST Songs from the shows, pop favourites and classical greats. Aymestry Village Hall, 7.30pm, £8, 01568 780384.

WHISKEY RIVER BLUES Martin, Aidan, Pedro, Ted and Den play the blues. Crown Inn, Dilwyn, free.

THE FORDSONS Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 9pm, 01568 720510.

XR HEREFORD CALL-OUT! Fundraiser and awareness raising gig for Extinction Rebellion Herefordshire featuring up and coming punky-reggae combo from London, Smiley and the Underclass, supported by local funk band, Common Ground and various acoustic acts. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £7, facebook.com/groups/Xr.hereford LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £17, 01584 878141.

JENNY & THE JERMS Acoustic pop. The White Swan, Eardisland, 9pm, 01544 388635.

Tim’s birthday bash!

LEE JONES TRIO Superb jazz guitar. Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, 12-2pm, free.

MUSIC BINGO Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 7.30pm.

ME AND MY FRIENDS Talented musicians playing soulful, danceable music, including vintage Ghanaian highlife, Jamaican roots and Afro-Brazilian folk. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12 from the Workhouse, Presteigne or wegottickets.com

TWO BLANK PAGES Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

INAUGRURAL OPEN MIC NIGHT ‘Eclectic and Electric’. Hosted by Martin Chapple. Full PA, monitor, guitar amp etc. One free drink per artiste! The Wobbly Brewery Tap Room, 22C, Beech Business Park, Hereford, 07789 696209, or email martinchapple1@gmail.com ANITA HARRIS In concert. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

CORBETT / HILL QUARTET The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16, £8 under 22s, 01743 234970.

SULTANA BROTHERS The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

THE ALLTONES Reet Petite, Leominster.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR Featuring virtuoso violinist, Charlotte Rowan, with accompanist Charlotte Stevens. Community Hall, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £10, under 14s £3, 01544 350268.

Sun 10 February WILLIAM HOWARD - PIANO RECITAL Programme includes Beethoven, Schumann, Debussy, Judith Weir, Janacek and Chopin. The Great Barn, Hellens, Much Marcle, 4pm, £12, 0333 666 3366.

QUIZ NIGHT In aid of local charities. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm.

SEAN SAYE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Whose Hands Are These.

Yew Tree, Peterstow, near Ross-on-Wye, 3pm, all welcome.

BEN JOSEPH & THE LAYLOWS Blues Sunday. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

MATT WALKLATE & TOM ATTAH Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roasts. Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues.

Free entry, cocktails, light bites or book a table for lunch. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063.

Tues 12 February BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Huw Warren Trio. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £12, £10 members, info@breconjazzclub.org VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

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

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle

OPEN MIC Reet Petite, Leominster.

Sat 16 February SOUTH SHROPSHIRE BLUES CLUB Featuring Big Wolf Band + Blue Moon.

Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, 8pm, £10, 01584 873291.

VALENTINE’S DISCO Bring your own drinks. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 7.30pm, eatonbishop.org SONS OF PLUTO The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

Wed 13 February THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

KITCHEN ISLAND BAND Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, £22 includes meal. Please book, 01568 612876, noriscafe@yahoo.com

Thurs 14 February LIVE MUSIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

OLIVIA GOMEZ & BEN PINNOW Concerts and cakes. Pavilion, Spa Rd, Llandrindod Wells, from £6, 01597 258118.

KATIE HURT Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Stevie Yeomans.

Castle Inn, Knucklas, near Knighton, 8pm, 01547 528150.

BLACKWEIR BRASS Musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01874 611622.

Fri 15 February RAY COOPER Aka Chopper. Folk/folk rock. Plus support artists and food. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 8pm, £12.

THE LOVE MACHINE SHOW Six vocalists singing some of the greatest love songs. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, 01600 772467.

BLUZEBOX White Horse Inn, Clun.

MAMMA FUNK Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

CHARMLESS MAN Alternative Valentine’s Indie disco.

Chang Thai bar, Ludlow, 8pm, free.

A4 BRASS QUARTET Wem Town Hall, 0333 666 3366.

ECHO BANDITS Rock covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HMV BAND Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

TOBIAS BEN JACOB & LUKAS DRINKWATER Alt folk duo. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, £5, 01497 821762.

BLACK BEAR KISS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

PROPELLER Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

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GRACE PETRIE Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01982 552555.

SPIRO With violin, accordion, mandolin and guitar. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12 from The Workhouse, Presteigne or online wegottickets.com MUD ON THE TYRES With support from Candy Mountain.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, £5, 01497 821762.

MICROBABY Malthouse, Ironbridge.

LOVE SAVES THE DAY A tribute to the legendary David Mancuso’s New York ‘Loft’ parties in the 1970s. Featuring DJs Chris Crasher with Dr Funkenstein’s Den, Gini and Les Earthdoctor. The Old Mill, Llanidloes, 8pm, 01686 412008.

BOONDOGZ Reet Petite, Leominster.

CHRONICLES OF ZEE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MERVYN STUTTER ‘And Another Thing’. Founder member of The Flying Pickets and a legend at The Edinburgh Fringe. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £13, students £8, 07967 517125.

Sun 17 February JAMIE SMITH’S MABON Award winning music exploring Celtic traditions. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

MUSIC SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 720510.

NEW ACOUSTIC SESSION (Turns based), hosted by Mark Richards. the Oak, Wigmore, 7pm.

LUKE DOHERTY BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

THE ROGUES The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

ACOUSTIC SESSION Yew Tree, Peterstow, near Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, all welcome.

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER & JOHN DOYLE Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

Jed and Allie welcome you to the pub with folk at it’s heart

WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY Fri 1 Feb - HAMS SONG SESSION Sat 9 Feb - THE FORDSONS ‘Live in the Bar’, 9pm Thurs 14 Feb - VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Sun 17 Feb - MUSIC SESSION 7.30pm Sat 23 Feb - ANNETTE GREGORY ‘Live in the Bar’ 9pm Wed 27 Feb - QUIZ NIGHT 8.30pm start DINNER AND DRINK every Mon/Tues, £8.99

Monkland Arms, Monkland, Leominster, HR6 9DE 01568 720510 www.themonklandarms.co.uk

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Peter Donegan, Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival

MARCHES FOLK SHOWCASE Featuring Brenig, Lollipop, Symbiosis, Castle Voices, Rapsquillion, Castle Carols, Marasmius, plus more. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £7.50 tickets from Town Hall or online, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com IAN LUTHER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

WELSHPOOL MUSIC CLUB Featuring The Piatti Quartet. Methodist Church, High St, Welshpool, 7.30pm, £10, 01938 559087.

FOLK NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

Fri 22 February

Tues 19 February

Wed 20 February

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

THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

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

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW From AC/DC to ZZ Top and everything in between. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £36-£26, 01743 281281.

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON Five-piece band playing world and Celtic music. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 21 February ORGAN RECITAL

By Mike Plunkett. St John’s Parish Church, Bishop’s Castle, 12.30pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

The Pales Quaker Meeting House Llandegley LD1 5UH 2019 events for all, in an inspiring setting in the Radnorshire hills

DAVID GIBB Award winning, toe tappping music for families. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 5pm, £7.50, 01588 630321.

WORRIED MEN Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

WINGWALKERS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL With The Achievers and DJs. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 8pm, £3.

UNCLE JIM Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

BITY BOOKER Folk singer and songwriter.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, £5, 01497 821762.

LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or book a table for dinner. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8 - 10.30pm, 01584 872063.

AN EVENING WITH PETER DONEGAN Son of Lonnie Donegan. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

MARCH 17 Sun, 10.30am: TAIZE AT THE PALES Join in a day of singing and reflection led by Susie Ennals and Angela Coleridge.

APRIL 4 Thurs, 10.30am: ‘ECO ENGINEERING’ Explore hydrogen-fuelled cars (am) and air / ground source heat pump domestic heating (pm).

APRIL 24 Wed, 10.30am-4pm: POETRY DAY Discuss the theme of Death in poetry, guided by Trish Munn and Linda Murray-Hale.

MAY 15 Wed, 10.30am-4pm: WHAT LURKS IN THE GRASS? Study beetles and other animals with Jeff Beatty.

JUNE 5, 12, 19, Wed, 10am-4pm: ‘BE INSPIRED BY NATURE’ Three Art days approaching the subject in different ways.

Tutored by Sandy Craig.

JULY 2 Tues, 10am-4pm: SING AND WALK In the Radnorshire landscape.

Led by Sue Harris.

For more details and booking see thepales.org.uk

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OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards.

The Sun, Leintwardine, 8pm.

ALICE EARLL ‘The Birth of Virtuosity’. Linton Village Hall, 8pm, £8, 07974 484141.

NEIL MAYA QUARTET The Brubeck Project. The band will take you back to 1959, a golden year for jazz. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 01746 862850. Arts Alive.

LIVE MUSIC Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29-£26, 01743 281281.

Sat 23 February ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT Featuring Caernarfon Male Voice Choir and Goronwy Male Voice Choir with Morgan Darcy Rees-Deacon (soprano) and Lauren Rosborough (xylophone).

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

THE VERTIGO BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BUSK ‘TIL DAWN Covers band playing from 60s to the present day. Credenhill Social Club, 8.30pm, members free, non-members £1.

CEILIDH With the Melomanics Duo. Radbrook Community Hall, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £12.50, £5 under 11s. Supper, bar.

Organised by Darwin Rotary for Village Water, 01743 241563.

LIVE MUSIC The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

ANNETTE GREGORY Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 9pm, 01568 720510.

NEIL MAYA QUARTET The Brubeck Project. See 22 Feb for details. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £14, students £8, 07967 517125.

Arts Alive.

THE HYPE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

BALKAN CEILIDH Live music from Ballamonda and led by Rosa James. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £6/£4.50, 01588 630200. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com DIVAS THE LEGENDS Songs and stories celebrating the lives of Streisand, Bassey and Minnelli.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

A MAGICAL NIGHT AT HOGS HEAD Harry Potter themed evening for ages 18+, food included. The Blue Boar, Ludlow, 7pm, £25, 01584 878141.

22ND ANNUAL RORKE’S DRIFT CONCERT Featuring over 100 young ACF musicians with musicans from the Regular Army. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £10/£9, 01874 611622.

Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL SERVICE St John’s Parish Church, Bishop’s Castle, 11am. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com ALEX DAVIES White Horse Inn, Clun.

MELVIN HANCOX BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

Bity Booker, 22 Feb KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY Featuring The Septentrion Duo with harpists Alice Roberts and Kathryn Mason. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 3pm, £12 adults, £2 students, 01547 530530.

SAMMY JO The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

BOOGIE MEN Blues Sunday. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

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MARCH

Zemlinksy Quartet

Fri 1 March THE BLUES BAND: 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Featuring Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Rob Townsend, Gary Fletcher and Tom McGuiness. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £23, 01600 772467.

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

UNDER THE FRIDGE White Horse Inn, Clun.

Sun 24 February ADAM GLASER AND THE JOHN PAUL GARD TRIO Black Mountain Jazz Club.

The Melville Theatre, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny, £10, friends of BMJ £8, students £3 on the door.

THE SUNDAY EVENING CHILL Live music from local bands and artists.

The Red Lion, Knighton, 7.30pm, 01547 428080.

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

BORDER MORRIS GALA NIGHT Border Morris dancers. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £7.50. www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/605754 A MAGICAL NIGHT AT HOGS HEAD Harry Potter themed evening for ages 18+, food included. The Blue Boar, Ludlow, 6.30pm, £25, 01584 878141.

Mon 25 February LUKE DANIELS & NANCY KERR Two of the British folk scene’s top artists perform their own and each other’s music. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17.50/£15.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 26 February OPEN MIC NIGHT The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

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

BARBARA DICKSON Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £31.50-£27.50, 01743 281281.

Wed 27 February AMERICANA NIGHT Acoustic session. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

QUIZ NIGHT Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8.30pm, 01568 720510.

Thurs 28 February VAMPIRES ROCK With special guest star Sam Bailey performing some of the greatest classic rock anthems. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29.50, 01743 281281.

ZEMLINSKY QUARTET Programme includes Smetana, Janacek and Dvorak. Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 0333 666 3366.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Howard Bell and Clare Bennett. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU The Adele Songbook performed by Katie Markham. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE BABY Pizza night, family friendly 5-7.30pm, then over 16s from 8pm. The Lost Arc, Rhayader. Pizza and pudding £15.

GOOD TO GO Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

COMPLETELY CELTIC CEILIDH An evening of song, dance and supper to celebrate St David’s Day. The band is Henry Marten’s Ghost playing traditional and original Celtic folk music. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 7pm, £16, 01547 550377.

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £2, 01497 821762.

THE WILBUR & DADDY SHOW Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

MANRAN Scottish band, with a powerful combination of Gaelic and English songs. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £18, 01743 281281.

Completely Celtic Ceilidh Henry Marten’s Ghost

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage Fri 8 February 7.30pm FOLK IN THE FOYER THE GRAND UNION THREE (featuring Andy Griffiths) Sun 10 February, 7.30pm ‘SIT! AND OTHER SUGGESTIONS’ Poet Matt Harvey presents a collection of stories mostly about dogs.

Thurs 14 - Sat 16 & Thurs 21 - Sat 23 February BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Conquest Pantomime.

Wed 27 February, 7.30pm HELEN LLOYD - ADVENTURER Helen talks of her travels and encourages others to get out and live their dreams.

Film

1 Feb - KING OF THIEVES (15)

Screenings

2 February 5.55pm CARMEN New York Met 5 February 7pm - YOUNG PICASSO Exhibition on Screen 24 February 2pm - DON QUIXOTE Royal Opera House

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

FEBRUARY MUSIC

Fri 1

80s/90s/Rock with DJ DAN

Fri 8

House/Drum & Bass with VAGUE & KATON, HEME & JAKEBOB

Sat 2

Sat 9

Fri 15

Sat 16

HEAD HONCHO

THE ALLTONES OPEN MIC

BOONDOGZ

Reet Petite, 18 West Street, Leominster

07484 545368

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Sat 2 March CITRUS SOCIETY Jazz sextet. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, £6, 01497 821762.

CABARET EVENING With music, song and fun. Knucklas Community Centre, Knucklas, 7.30pm, bar, soup, finger food, £6 in advance, £8 on the door, 01547 520263 or 07813 454077. Organised by Knucklas Castle Community Land Project.

BUILTH MALE VOICE CHOIR St David’s Day Concert with Huw Ynyr (tenor), Builth Wells Ladies Choir plus Builth Wells High School and Primary School Choirs. Strand Hall, Builth Wells, 7pm, £8 on the door or www.

WeGotTickets.com or 01982 552922.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Featuring The Shrewsbury Light Orchestra. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £13.50-£11.50, 01743 281281.

JON BODEN & THE REMNANT STRINGS Former Bellowhead front-man and multiple BBC Folk Award winner.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

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

RED DRAGON JAZZ BAND Live jazz. The Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £7, 01432 276304.

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

Tues 5 March

FRAN MCGILLIVRAY & MIKE BURKE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

SETH LAKEMAN BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27, 01743 281281.

Mon 4 March

ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT 2019 Featuring Blaenavon Male Voice Choir and local performers. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £8/£7, 01873 850805.

Wed 6 March THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening plus support.

Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT Featuring Andrey Lebedev and Johnathan Radford. Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 1-2pm, 0333 666 3366.

Thurs 7 March

Sun 3 March

THE FUREYS Legends of Irish music and song.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

JENNY & THE JERMS Acoustic pop. The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3-6pm.

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

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

EDDIE MARTIN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

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

Phone 01584 810085

Music Workshops

Sun 10 February THE SESSION OF THE CENTURY Play 100 tunes in a day! This unique event celebrates the traditional music of Britain and Europe. Lead by Kitty Greenwood and Garry Wiseman.

Musician’s all-day entry pass £10, pdf tunebook & video tune library also available. All proceeds will be donated to charity: The Jon Hayward Memorial Trust and Macmillan Cancer.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-4.30pm. folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com 01584 841564.

Sat 16 Feb & Sat 9 March THE SATURDAY COFFEE SESSIONS Enjoy playing traditional fiddle tunes in fresh arrangements with two or three-part harmony. These monthly sessions combine sociable ensemble playing with expert tuition: technical tips, advice on style, ornaments and bowing patterns plus a strong emphasis on developing musicality and confidence within the group. £15 per workshop, Kitty Greenwood, www. folkfiddleteacher.co.uk The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10.30am-12.45pm, 01584 841564.

Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 20 Feb - Whack It, Smack It. Family workshop. Three Tuns, free, 2-4pm.

22 Feb - Drumming Workshop with Sticky Wicket. Beginners 2pm, Improvers 4pm for ages 8-11 year olds, free, 01588 630200 to book.

23 Feb - Knights in Shining Armour, a children’s musical workshop. St John’s Church, 10am-12pm, £2.

23 Feb - Singing Workshop with Rapsquillion. Methodist Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, free.

23 Feb - Wind Harp Workshop with Bamber Hawes and Helen Clare.

Methodist Hall, 2-4pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sat 23 February A BORDER MARCHES EARLY MUSIC FORUM WORKSHOP FOR SINGERS ‘Hail, Queen of Heaven’. A workshop for singers with tutor Will Dawes, 9.30am-4.30pm. The Bishop’s Palace, Hereford. Sing the four great Marian antiphons in settings by Spanish and Portuguese composers, as well as Victoria’s 8-part ‘Ave Maria’. Booking essential. Details Marna Gowan on marna.gowan@btinternet.com or see www.bmemf.org.uk

Sun 24 February SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform. It is what you would have heard in rural parish churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Led

by Sue Harris. FREE for newcomers!

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

Sat 2 March SING FOR FUN! Workshop for all singers. Mozart’s Coronation Mass, with conductor Geraint Bowen and accompanist, Peter Dyke. Broadlands School Hall, Broadland Drive, Hereford, HR1 1HY, 9.30am-1pm, £15, under 25s free.

Monday THE NEW TITLEY PHIL Good sight-reading skills and interested in playing mostly baroque music in a friendly chamber orchestra?

Come and join “The New Titley Phil” – directed by baroque cellist and gambist David Hatcher. 2.15pm-4.45pm, Titley Village Hall, 07989 091949 for more information.

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

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

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

Saturday 23 March, 11am-2pm. Free entry.

Gareth Rees-Roberts returns to play a full programme of music on the Spanish Guitar. See website for details.

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, LIGHTPRINTS BOOKCLUB @ AARDVARK BOOKS Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road.

Tues 19 February, from 6pm.

Tel: 01547 530744 OPEN EVERY DAY POETRY BREAKFAST @ AARDVARK BOOKS aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Wed 27 February, 9.30am-10.30am Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm £8. Contact Anna Dreda, annadreda@icloud.com Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

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Monday THE GARRICK SINGERS For over 60s/retired.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm. £5 per session, 01432 340555.

Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. Martin on 01694 722500.

Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158.

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

Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12.30pm, 01874 611622.

Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music.

World, folk music, anything goes. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. 01568 369074.

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

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, Village Hall just outside Brecon.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

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

Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158.

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe, all taught by ear, led by Sue Harris.

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

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR Scandinavian Tunes.

Autumn course exploring traditional dance music. Expert guidance from tutor Kitty Greenwood. The Pilgrim Centre, Craven Arms, 7.30pm, £7.50 or £48 for 8 weeks.

Kitty 01584 841564 folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR All welcome particularly men! Minimal charge. Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

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

Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks Wednesday MUSIC MAKING WITH A BEAT BANG BONG Creative classes, dementia friendly. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £2 per session, 01432 340555.

Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Songs to brighten up the day, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com Thursday KINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Come and join us for rehearsals on Thursday evenings - 7pm-8.30pm at Kington Primary School. We are a non auditioning, mixed choir formed three years ago, now with 30 or so voices.

We sing songs from the musicals, traditional, folk, pop and ballads, usually in 3 and 4 parts and give several performances a year. £4 per session. Enquiries to Teresa at t3mbk@hotmail.com Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday VOICE ACADEMY AT THE COURTYARD For ages 13+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-6pm, £4 per session, 01432 340555.

Thursday 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 LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR We are a non-audition choir formed 7 years ago with 30+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3 per session (2018/2019 rate). Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. More information, term dates etc: lhvoices.wix.com/home Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music feilled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am11.30am, £6, £5 sibling, 01743 234970.

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

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.

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

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

Sessions First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm, 01547 550400.

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

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

3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, 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.

1st Sunday OPEN MIC Hosted by Good Times Entertainment (Rich and Helli). All performances welcome and free entry. No. 46, High St, Presteigne, 7-9.30pm, 07917 646113, 2nd Sunday ACOUSTIC MUSIC SESSION Jill and Mark (from the Rhythm Thieves) hosting. All styles welcome.

The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

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

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

3rd Sunday FOLK SESSION The Monkland Arms, 7.30pm, 01568 720510.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION The Victory, 88 St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm.

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

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

3rd Wednesday JAZZ AND TAPAS With Mark Latimer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION All styles welcome. The Fforest Inn, Llanfihangel Nant Melan, New Radnor, 8pm, 01544 350526.

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

2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Hosted by Stevie Yeomans.

Castle Inn, Knucklas, near Knighton, 8pm, 01547 528150.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3rd Friday ENGLISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC NIGHT Open session, all musicians welcome. The Butchers Arms, Woolhope, 8pm, 01432 860281.

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

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

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

Last Friday TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION The Old Coppers Malthouse, 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, 01568 770134.

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band directory ACOUSTIC DUO, ‘SMITH JOHNSON’, have recently reformed and offer a repertoire of original material, along with some interesting covers of the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Family. Smith & Johnson are - Dave Haigney-Smith (Sultana Brothers), vocals and harmonica.

Martin Johnson (previously, The Blues Occasionals), guitar and harmonies. Original, live and local! Contact Martin - 01686 411089 / 07400 190040. Dave - 01686 688408 / 07957 520235. Available for house parties.

ADD A BAND - Real instrument backing to your own music. Perfect for singer songwriters etc. Studio near Newtown. Www.addaband.co.uk, 07515 401635.

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

BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com THE BUTCHER’S DOGS - Two crazy, high octane Irish Bluegrass Country Americana Rockabilly loving dudes with a lust for life have guitars, banjos and mandolins to bring a borderland Ho-Down to a place of your choice. Will travel, have played in London, Liverpool, Bristol and Cardiff.

Contact Toby 07870 781853, John 01544 230699, email john.wood795@btinternet.com CATCH22 is a lively and energetic party band playing a wide range of well known hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s in their own inimitable retro-rock style. For bookings call Mel on 07903 104877 or email meltons5@hotmail.com Join us on facebook.com/Catch22.Wales CHRISIE J LOCAL VOCALIST! I sing Jazz. Soul, Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. For more information or to make a booking email chrisiej20@gmail.com or phone 07968 893719. Have a look at my social media for performance videos and more information. Also looking for a band so get in touch if interested.

DISKAN Breton-Irish-Balkan music, well established band with wide touring and festival experience, available for gigs, private events, ceilidhs, art’s centre performances. Various formats available (from two to four musicians: flute, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, double bass, vocals). Follow us on Facebook. Tel: 07588 858010. Email: imiletitch@aol.co.uk ENGLISH DULCIMER DUO Sue and Lisa both play Hammer Dulcimers, conjuring up evocative music with their interpretations of traditional tunes and jaunty eighteenth century melodies. The effect of their combined sounds is spellbinding and suitable for a wide variety of happenings.

Contact info@englishdulcimer.co.uk THE FORDSONS. The Fordson family present a programme of old-timey, mountain and early bluegrass music - the content is morally good. String band music from the early 20th century - breakdowns, fiddle and banjo tunes and cautionary songs of love and loss.

Contact Pa Fordson on 01981 241436 or email thefordsons@gmail.com

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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!

THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues.

Available for all types of events and celebrations.

Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014.

Email pppbrooks@gmail.com LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories.

From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.”

Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email – jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com MELOMANICS Principally a wacky Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopoloitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out just how much fun a ceilidh really can be. Either with the minimal, but inspirational option of Tim calling and playing, or if really necessary, with a separate caller. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich 01743 718612. Email tim@melomanics.co.uk.

Website www.melomanics.co.uk THE RAGTIME JUG ORCHESTRA A roots string-band (duo) recreating the sounds of the early 20th century America, playing a good-time mix of blues, skiffle and Americana music. We like to get audiences involved!

Available for festival, events, parties, folk clubs, pubs and bars; performance presentations and workshops for all occasions too. Web: www.ragtimejug.co.uk Contact: John; 01594 861151. Email: info@ragtimejug.co.uk Facebook. com: ragtime jug orchestra.

RED ETHEL A contemporary, classy, affordable jazz/folk fusion trio, consisting of her and two hims, bringing you gorgeous lead vocals, luscious harmonies, guitars, percussion and double bass. Totally unique, beautiful, original material, guaranteed to leave you feeling good all over. Details and CD’s www.redethel.co.uk RHYTHM THIEVES Funky, folky and fun. Firm favourites at festivals, pubs, parties and events around the Midlands and beyond, Rhythm Thieves are a lively must-see band who deliver an unforgettable and highly entertaining night out. “Full of fire and enthusiasm” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 “Great, super, lovely - our resident band” Genevieve Tudor. BBC Radio Midlands Folk Show.

“If they don’t make you smile, you’re probably dead.”

Wheaton Aston Folk Festival Tel: 01568 770 134, e-mail rhythmthieves@hotmail.com SAMBUCA Ludlow based acoustic trio, playing a nice mix of jazz standards, classic blues, sambas etc.

For more information call Richard 07974 399524.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band).

CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01981 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187. SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Available for concerts/gigs.

Tel nos. as above.

SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Cornelius 01686 411147 corns@mousemusic.co.uk or Peter 07561 820509. www.sirdancelot.co.uk SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan. From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@hotmail.com STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com www.dgand2.wix.com/thestonedcherries STEADY EDD & THE BOOGIEMEN Boogie Woogie and its best, jazz and soul - let the good times roll!

Contact Edd, on 01432 769077, www.steadyedd.co.uk

THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away.

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

Various shows to book, including ‘Songs for Silas’ melting harmonies and tall tales inspired by H. E. Bates’ evergreen My Uncle Silas. “... Absolutely delighted that you have chosen to weave your magical sound around that old rogue, Silas.” Victoria Wicks (Skins, Shadowlands and H. E. Bates’ grand-daughter). For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Ludlow-based, 6-piece, New Orleans/Trad band. Comprising trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, tuba and washboard, playing and singing popular foot-tapping songs mostly from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Available for all functions. See us every Tuesday at the Rose and Crown in Ludlow. Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email: vintagejazzrevival@gmail.com website: www.vintagejazzreival.co.uk WHISKEY RIVER is a 5/6 piece electric Americana band that play swamp blues, Cajun, Zydeco and good country music to set the dance floor rocking. To suit smaller venues and smaller budgets, pruned down acoustic versions of the band are available as “The Whiskey River Quartet”, “The Whiskey River Trio” or as a Duo [“The Whiskey River Boys”]. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! Contact Martin, phone: 07846 669890, 01432 342018, email: martin@ whiskeyriver.co.uk. website: www.whiskeyriver.co.uk TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band.

For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

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

01588 650686.

Band Directory

BROAD

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

sheep

SEAN SAYE Singer/guitarist, professional, self contained, large repertoire. Music mostly, but not exclusively, from the 60’s and 70’s. Great sound. Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@yahoo.co.uk. FInd me on YouTube: Sean Saye. www.seansaye.co.uk

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

You can amend the wording anytime during the year, just call Clare on 01432 850444 or email: info@broadsheep.com DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

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theatre Kevin, King of Egypt!

Wed 6 February DNA - WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING Appeared in Britain’s Got Talent 2017, mind reading duo DNA present their brand new show. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 9 February MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD LONDON CLASSIC THEATRE. Set in Manchester, Oldham and London, My Mother Said I Never Should is a poignant, bittersweet story about love, jealousy and the price of freedom. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £11, 01686 614555.

PERFORMANCE Fri 1 February KEVIN, KING OF EGYPT! Escaped psychiatric patient Kevin Haggerty is not pleased about his diagnosis, even less pleased about being on a section of the Mental Health Act and distinctly upset about being told he is not the reincarnation of the pharaoh Ramses II. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 1 & Sat 2 February I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST LITTLE EARTHQUAKE. Back in the 80s, Gareth shared his home with a mischievous ghost who played pop records in the middle of the night and made packets of Kit-Kats disappear. 30 years later Gareth investigates...

1 Feb - Farlow & Oreton VH, 8pm, £10/£5, 01746 718642.

2 Feb - Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£8, 01743 235384. Arts Alive.

Sat 2 February STOLEN THE DEVIL’S VIOLIN COMPANY. Storyteller Daniel Morden weaves traditional stories into an epic narrative with hypnotic string accompaniement. For ages 10+.

Leintwardine Community Centre, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01547 540554. Arts Alive.

Until 2 February SCHILLER’S MARY STUART ABERGAVENNY THEATRE GROUP. Set against a modern background, this is a story of manipulation, fierce loyalty and bitter betrayal. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7pm, £9.50/£8.50, 01873 850805.

Mon 4 - Sat 9 February BRECKNOCK FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS ENTERTAINMENT & ONE PLUS FESTIVAL Clubs from across the county will compete for accolades such as Best Performer and Best Written Play.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, £10/£9, Sat £13, 01874 611622.

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Mon 4 - Sat 9 February PETER JAMES’ THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL Starring Joe McFadden. The story of the Harcourt family who move into the house of their dreams; however, their dream home quickly turns into the stuff of nightmares.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm, £34.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 12 - Sat 16 February THE VERDICT MIDDLE GROUND THEATRE COMPANY present the gripping and critically acclaimed courtroom sensation, The Verdict. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinee, 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 14 February ROMEO AND JULIET - A GUIDE TO LONG LIFE AND HAPPY MARRIAGE LOST DOG THEATRE. A glorious mix of speech, dance and comedy. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12, under 18s £6, 01588 630321.

Wed 20 February GRAV Gareth J Bale reprises the role of ‘Grav’ in this one-man show exploring the life and times of one of Wales’ most loved sons, Ray Gravell, written by Owen Thomas. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £13/£11, 01874 611622.

Thurs 21 February THREE, TWO, ONE A play by Bob Fowke. Liz is married to someone - but who is it? Brian or Graham? Two men and one woman debate the possibilities in this entertaining trial by repartee.

Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 4-5pm, free. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Thurs 21 February LOVE LETTERS FROM BLACKPOOL RUTH E. COCKBURN. A comic theatre piece about love and Blackpool. For ages 14+ and adults. Wem Town Hall, 7.30pm, £11/£5/£9, 01939 232299. Arts Alive.

Mon 25 - Wed 27 February, Wed 13 March A BRAVE FACE VAMOS THEATRE. Afghanistan: 2009. Under bright blue skies, a small girl stands and watches the soldier...

Created from two years of research with ex and serving soldiers, families and health professionals, A Brave Face explores Post Traumatic Stress. 25 Feb - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. 26 & 27 Feb - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17/£15, 01743 281281.

13 March - Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £14, 01873 850805.

Thurs 28 February REBELLIOUS SISTERHOOD BROAD HORIZONS THEATRE COMPANY. A rare glimpse at the private lives and the personal cost paid by the leaders of the Suffragettes. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £14.50, students half price, 01743 281281.

Mon 4 - Sat 9 March THE FULL MONTY Simon Beaufoy’s award winning play and based on the Fox Searchlight Pictures motion picture. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm, £40.50-£28.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 2 March VULVARINE FAT RASCAL THEATRE. Bryony Buckle is astoundingly average. But following a dose of hormone therapy gone wrong and a well-timed bolt of lightning, Bryony gains superhero abilities and a brand-new persona. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £15/£13, students half price, 01743 281281.

Thurs 7 & Fri 8 March SPARKPLUG BOX OF TRICKS. A new play by David Judge.

Manchester, 1983. A punchy and poetic exploration of family, race, identy and love. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £15/£13, 01743 281281.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Until Sat 2 February FAME THE MUSICAL SELLADOOR PRODUCTIONS. Starring Keith Jack and based on the 1980 pop culture film. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm, £45.50-£20.50, 01743 281281.

Friday 1 February OLIVER! HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL brings Lionel Bart’s much loved musical to the stage. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 13 - Sat 16 February THE ADDAMS FAMILY - THE MUSICAL COMEDY GET YOUR WIGLE ON stage this modern musical comedy featuring all the famous Addams Family clan with a script that is full of kooky comedy and Broadway musical numbers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £19.50-£13, 01743 281281.

Fri 22 & Sat 23 February OUR HOUSE NW1 - A LONDON LOVE STORY THE VIV KELLY YOUTH THEATRE GROUP. Set to the music of Madness, this high energy musical is by turns funny, gritty and thought-provoking. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm and 7.30pm, £12.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 22 February IGNITE THE PASSION MID WALES OPERA. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £10, children £8, 01686 614555.

Sat 23 February, Sat 9 March & Sat 16 March TOSCA MID WALES OPERA. Trapped in a life and death struggle against the corrupt police chief Scarpia, the diva Tosca and her artist lover face the ultimate sacrifice. 23 Feb - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £20-£10, 01686 614555. 9 March - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

16 March - The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

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Three Little Pig Tails

Thurs 21 - Sat 23 February PUSS IN BOOTS KINGTON OPERATIC SOCIETY. By Ben Crocker.

Lady Hawkins Community Leisure Centre, Kington, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £7 and £5. Tickets from Tom Bounds Electrical, Kington, 01544 231303 days, 01544 231501 eves.

Fri 22 February CLIMB THAT TREE Join David Gibb on a musical journey through hilarious and surreal imagination. A riot for ages 3 - 11 and families.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 5pm, £7.50/£30, 01588 630321. Arts Alive.

Fri 1 March CROONERS A rip-roaring comedy musical packed with personality and humour, and a quintessentially British twist. Plus an injection of Big Band swing. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, children £10, 01743 281281.

Tues 5 & Wed 6 March BAD GIRLS THE MUSICAL RAB PRODUCTIONS. Based on the popular ITV prison drama series. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Fri 1 & Sat 2 February HUMPTY DUMPTY TEME SPIRITS present their pantomime. Knighton Community Centre, 7.30pm, plus Sat matinee 2.30pm, £8.50, £5.50 children, tickets from Tower House Gallery or PCB Solicitors, Knighton.

Mon 4 - Wed 6 February DEAR ZOO The young children’s classic live on stage by Rod Campbell. Puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, £14.50, family £52, phone for times, 01743 281281.

Fri 8 - Sun 10 February THREE LITTLE PIG TAILS GARLIC THEATRE will entertain the whole family with music, laughter and with crafted puppets plus a garlicky French twist to the tale. 8 Feb - Wem Town Hall, 4pm, £7/£5/£25, 01939 232299. 9 Feb - Kingsland Methodist Church, 2.30pm, £5, 01568 708171. 10 Feb - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 3pm, £6, family of five £25, 07967 517125. Arts Alive.

Thurs 14 - Sat 16 and Thurs 21 - Sat 23 February BEAUTY AND THE BEAST CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS. A riot of song, dance, laughter and happy ever after enjoyment foe everyone.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm matinees on Saturdays, £12, £8 under 16s, family £36, 01885 488575.

Sat 16 February SUSANNAH & THE SUNFLOWER RIP STOP THEATRE COMPANY. A celebration of the magic of growing things and dreaming big. For everyone aged 3+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555.

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Wed 20 - Sat 23 February JACK & THE BEANSTALK HEREFORD AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY. Lots of audience participation and fantastic songs that everyone will know. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, matinees on Thurs & Sat at 2pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 24 February THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO IMMERSION. Packed with comedy, audience interation and a host of new songs. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, £12, children £10, 01743 281281.

Mon 25 February - Sat 2 March TREASURE ISLAND ABERGAVENNY PANTOMIME COMPANY. Join in the fun and set sail with only an old treasure map for guidance.

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, times and prices vary, 01873 850805.

Tues 26 February THE SELFISH GIANT SEA LEGS PUPPET THEATRE. Since building a wall to keep the children out of his garden, the only visitors the Selfish Giant gets are Lady Snow and her friends. Using puppets, a musical soundtrack and superb storytelling.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am & 1pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 27 February JACK AND THE BEANSTALK LYNGO THEATRE. Expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for five magic beans.

For ages 3+. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, £8.50/£7.50, 01982 552555.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS GOMADINLUDLOW Our inclusive Youth Theatre Group (ages 8-18) runs Drama Workshops 5-6:30pm Mondays in term-time* at “Oscar’s” in the Assembly Rooms. Enjoy Sessions from only £5 when booking a whole term. e-mail hello@gomadinludlow.org - or call 07484 289 215. *term-time = according to the Shropshire Local Authority Calendar.

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Tuesdays Junior Youth Theatre 9-13, 4.30pm-6pm. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Senior Youth Theatre 14+ 7pm-9.30pm. The Drama Centre, Llandrindod Wells. Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2, 5pm, £63.50 per term.

Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £68.50 per term. Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 6pm, £70.50 per term. Fri Senior Youth Theatre, for ages 16+, 6.30pm, £73.50 per term. Thurs - Courtyard Musical Theatre, 7.15pm, £68 per term, contact Laura Gale 07725 357531. Mons - Drama Tots,10am – 10.45am, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Mon Bromyard Conquest Kids (Reception & Year 1), 3.45pm, £36 per term. Bromyard Juniors (Year 3-6) 4.50-5.30pm, £39 per term. Bromyard Intermediates (Year 7-9), 6pm, £43 per term. Bromyard Seniors (Year 10+), 7.30pm, £46 per term. Wed - Kington Juniors (Year 2-6) 4-4.45pm, £36 per term. Kington Intermediates (Year 7- 9), 5pm-6pm, £39 per term. Kington Seniors (Years 10+) 6pm – 7.30pm, £43 per termThe Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE Are you passionate about drama, performing and being involved in theatre? Aged 4 to 25? With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up, this is a great opportunity to explore and create exciting theatre, develop as a young actor and grow in confidence. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the new Theatr Brycheiniog’s Youth Theatre productions. Theatr Brycheiniog is a member of The National Association of Youth Theatres. Mondays 3.45pm - 4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2.

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

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

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow. org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

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

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

Tuesdays (during term time) PRESTEIGNE YOUTH THEATRE two sessions. For ages 9 - 12 years 4.30pm 6pm, contribution per session £2. For ages 13 - 16 years 6.15pm - 7.45pm, £3.50 each session. More info: 01544 267163 or info@midborderarts.com. PYT is an inclusive provision and is open to any young person.

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

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm.

Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

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

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

Alternate Fridays (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, £5. Wyeside, Builth Wells, details Sue Best, 01597 811487.

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word BOOK REVIEW - Rails Through the Heart of Wales At Builth Road, the railway built two streets of railway workers cottages, complete with gardens allotments and a communal bakehouse with facilities for transporting cattle and sheep, coal and mail.

At Craven Arms: “A chap used to go out with a great big horse and dray delivering round Craven Arms,” recalls P. Lloyd, “because there wasn’t lorries and motors in those days. There was two shunters, a foreman shunter and one under him in the yard and they worked three shifts. You’d be shunting all different wagons and forming trains. Pushing coal. Timber and sugar beet.”

“It had been a busy market day and my grandfather had sold a lot of pairs of a particularly popular shoe, so we sent off an order to Jennings the wholesalers that night.

The last post went at 7.30 p.m. with our order. It cost a penny. The order was sent on the Thursday and arrived in Knighton on the passenger train on the Saturday, just two days later.” P. Middleton.

This is just one snippet from a new book entitled “Rails Through the Heart of Wales,” written and compiled

by Gary Essex. The personal stories and evocative photographs which Gary has ferreted out for the book are compelling. These are the lives and times of a region that is forever connected to the railway.

The Heart of Wales Line opened just over 150 years ago. Take a journey the length of the line today … up hill and down dale, through tunnels and across valleys and over rivers that meander in summer but rise up with the rains to become racing torrents … and then ask yourself “how did they have the bottle to build a railway line across such a wild landscape?”

It began with companies such as the Llanelli Railway and Dock Co and The Knighton Railway who pioneered the construction of a series of railway lines across the hills and valleys of mid Wales. Their purpose was largely to carry coal to the factories and burgeoning cities of the Industrial revolution. These individual lines eventually joined up to become the Central Wales or Heart of Wales Line.

The history of the line is not limited to coal. It takes us through two world wars and the advent of passenger trains, the much loved story of how the line just managed to avoid closure during the sixties at the time of infamous Dr Beeching, and right through to the present. At each juncture in the story there are more snippets of real lives:

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“Twice a day at Talley Road, milk from six farms would arrive in milk churns, to be loaded on the down GWR to Llanelli and hence to Paddington. The morning milk would be despatched on the 9a.m. down, the evening milk went on the 7p.m. down and empties collected.

This pattern of milk collections happened on most stations of the line before the days of the milk tankers.”

C.Boyd.

The book continues, with the story of the Heart of Wales Line Traveller’s Association, which was formed in 1981 by regular passengers who wanted to promote the line and act as a voice for its users. This organisation together with the Heart of Wales Line Development Co has been part of the development of community rail, station adoption and the creation of a long distance walking trail. With the advent of Transport for Wales, we see genuine commitment to these grassroots organistions. With such strong roots in community, the railway is guaranteed a lasting place in our hearts.

The final section of the rail trail is opening on the 28th March 2019 with a grand launch at Llandrindod Wells Station. More at www.heart-of-wales.co.uk including how to plan your journey.

Rachel Francis

“Rails Through the Heart of Wales” is written by G.P. Essex.

Published by Albion Books and available to purchase at Scene by Rail https://scenebyrail. wordpress.com/shop/

Kington Operatic Society Thurs 21st, Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd Feb 7.30pm Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £7, £5 under 18s

Lady Hawkins’ Community Centre Tom Bounds Electrical Kington 01544 231303 day 01544 231501 evenings

Poetry & Storytelling Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 20 Feb - Poetry Open Mic. Bank House B&B, High St, 7.30pm. 24 Feb - Storytelling with Amy Douglas. Bank House B&B, 2pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Fri 8 - Sun 10 February SIT! AND OTHER SUGGESTIONS Poet Matt Harvey presents a collection of funny, mad, sad, strange drawings mostly of dogs, all embellished with poems, captions and observations. 8 Feb - The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01948 660660.

9 Feb - Quatt VH, 2pm, £10/£6. Plus Pets and their People Art Workshop at 10.30am-12.30pm, £7.50, 01746 781759. 10 Feb - Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. Arts Alive.

Fri 8 February STORYTELLING WITH AMY DOUGLAS & FRIENDS String and Mud, Straw and Blood, Sal Tonge and Anne Marie Lagram take you through the old folk tale of Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £7, refreshments available, 01588 630023.

Sat 23 February DEAN ATTA - POETRY EVENING Atta’s poems deal with themes of race, gender, identity and growing up. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £6, 01743 234970.

Wed 27 February POETRY BREAKFAST Join us for poems and delicious breakfast. Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell, 9.30am-10.30am, £8, for more information email Anna annadreda@icloud. com Sun 3 March KING LEAR RETOLD BY DEBS NEWBOLD In this dark and challenging epic, Debs channels her love of Shakespeare’s language to whip up a great storm.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £10 from The Workhouse, Presteigne, or wegottickets.com

Comedy

Sat 2 February FARCICAL COMEDY CLUB Featuring Lloyd Griffith with support from Bob Wildlife, Jon Wagstaffe and Laura Ollerton. The Speakeasy, Hereford, HR4 9DG, 7.30pm, 310, 01432 357753.

Sat 2 February PAUL FOOT: IMAGE CONSCIOUS Suitable for ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £16.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 2 & Fri 15 February ALFIE MOORE - GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER Former Detective Sergeant turned stand-up. 14+.

2 Feb - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £14, 01600 772467. 15 Feb - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £15.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 8 & Fri 22 February HEINEKEN COMEDY CLUBS For ages 18+. 8 Feb - Starring Jarlath Regan and Danny Clives. 22 Feb - Starring Katie Mulgrew and Kai Sumra.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, £12.50, 01432 340555.

Fri 8 February JUSTIN MOORHOUSE - NORTHERN JOKER The golden age of the Northern straight white male comedian has gone the way of the dinosaurs. How will he adapt and survive? For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15.50, unwaged £5, 01743 281281.

Tues 12 February COMEDY & CURRY Telford Comedy Club. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm, £8 with meal, £5 without, 01952 610888.

Wed 13 February COMEDY NIGHT Featuring Craig Deeley plus support. The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm, free. 01432 274968.

Wed 13 February SINDHU VEE - SANDHOG 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15.50/£13.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 14 February STEPHEN BAILEY - OUR KID 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £16/£13, 01743 281281.

Sun 17 February NISH KUMAR - IT’S IN YOUR NATURE TO DESTROY YOURSELVES Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £24, 01743 281281.

Thurs 21 February JIMEOIN - RESULT! For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 23 February CLARE SUMMERSKILL - RIGHTS OF PASSAGE Playwright, actress, singer-songwriter and lesbian comedienne. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2pm, £5, 01743 234970.

Sat 23 February THE COMEDY CLUB Featuring Howard Read, Seymour Mace and Kevin Dewsbury. The Underground, The Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10 on the door. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Thurs 28 February SHAPPPI KHORSANDI: SKITTISH WARRIOR ‘Confessions of a Club Comic’. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £15, 01600 772467.

Thurs 29 February COMEDY CLUB Featuring Catherine Bohart, Ray Badran and Edd Hedges.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £10/£20, 01874 611622.

Sun 3 March SEVERN JESTERS Discover new stars of stand-up. Featuring Simon Wozniak, George Rigden and Charlie Baker. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £9 in advance, £10 on the door, 01743 281281.

Sun 3 March JUNIOR JESTERS Family friendly comedy club for children and parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude bits. Featuring MC Charlie Baker, George Rigden and Dan the Man. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4pm, £7.50, family £25, 01743 281281.

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Talks February HAY CAMERA CLUB 5 Feb - Presentation by club member, Colin Lawrence.

12 Feb - ‘My Journey into Digital’, presentation by Tony Thomas. 19 Feb - ‘Beginner’s guide to photography’, presentation by Chris Warren. 26 Feb - Presentation by club member. 5 March - Carmarthen Cameras.

All meetings at Masonic Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £5, www.haycameraclub.co.uk February & March LINTON & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY 6 Feb - ‘The Very First Action of D-Day’ by Lt Col Ian Gumm. 13 Feb - ‘Timber-Framed Buildings’ by Valerie Boxley. 27 Feb - ‘The Early Career of John Nash’ by David Whitehead. 6 March - ‘Gertrude Bell’ by Jan Long.

All talks are held in Linton Village Hall, 7.30pm start, £2 members, £3 visitors, students free, 01989 780634.

February SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB 2 Feb - Jumble Sale - in the spirit of recycling for the garden. 27 Feb - ‘Pruning Shrubs and their Aftercare’, a talk by Duncan Coombs. Lydbury Village Hall, talks 7.30pm, £5 non members, www.gardeningshropshire. co.uk 01588 680454.

Fri 1 February ALAN JOHNSON: IN MY LIFE One of the most popular politicians of recent times and now a best-selling author. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £18, 01952 728911.

Sat 2 February DAN SNOW - AN EVENING WITH THE HISTORY GUY ‘The History Guy’ will recount anecdotes of memorable experiences and also research and include historical facts and stories relating to Hereford. The show will conclude with a 20 minute Q&A. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 9 February HARDY PLANT SOCIETY - HEREFORDSHIRE AND MID-WALES ‘Water-lilies’. A talk by Charles Overton.

Pembridge Village Hall, 2pm, £4, 01544 262795.

Sun 10 February DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE ‘Rob Fitzroy: a Napoleon or a Nelson’. Lecture by Dr Peter Moore. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £12, 01743 281281.

Tues 12 February THE ART SOCIETY BRECKNOCK ‘The Origins of the Tudor Rose’. A talk by Jonathan Foyle. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £8, 01874 611622.

Fri 15 February HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY ‘Dennis Schiavon: American Roots Music’. Dennis is a local musician, singer and actor: in his day job he administers The Music Pool, the county’s musical charity, he is also a member of the Whiskey River band. The Kindle Centre, by ASDA, 2.30pm, annual membership £10, visitors £2, 01432 357552.

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Sat 16 February MORTIMER HISTORY SOCIETY HALF-DAY CONFERENCE ‘On the Record: Writing the Mortimers into History’.

Three talks by Dr Michael Staunton, Dr Philip Morgan and Professor Helen Fulton. Private display of medieval manuscripts from the Cathedral Library. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, 9.15am - 1pm, £9, non-members £13, full programme online www.mortimerhistorysociety. org.uk or 01584 831654.

Tues 19 February LUDLOW AND MARCHES HUMANISTS “The big change in religion & belief - how a humanist might respond?” A talk by Jeremy Rodell, Humanists UK Dialogue Officer. The Friends Meeting House, St Marys Lane, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01568 770282.

Tues 19 February GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP ‘Alfred Watkins: Herefordshire Polymath’. A talk by historian, David Whitehead. Garway Community Centre, 7.30pm, £5 includes refreshments, all welcome, 01600 772656.

Wed 20 February & Wednesday 20 March EATON BISHOP GARDENING CLUB 20 Feb - ‘Iona to Holy Island’ , a talk by Rev Ian Skinner. 20 March - ‘Miss Jekyll’s Daisy Grubber’, a talk by Bill Lawes. Eaton Bishop VH, 7.30pm, eatonbishopvillagehall.btck.co.uk Wed 20 February LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Sarah Arrowsmith will give a talk on the latest discoveries found on the Mappa Mundi. John Abel Room, Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, £4 on the door.

Wed 20 February FRIENDS OF BRECON & DISTRICT MIND ‘Mums Matter’, a talk by Deborah Wilkie. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7pm, £5, 01874 611529.

Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 20 Feb - Ida Gandy: The War Years by Jane Cursiter.

Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm. 21 Feb - ‘Crete - The Great Island’ by David Preshous. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm. 21 Feb - Bishop’s Castle Arts Society Open Meeting, 2pm, all welcome. 22 Feb - ‘Iris Murdoch 1919-1999 and Barbara Pym 1913-1980’, a talk

by Paul Barn. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm.

23 Feb - ‘The King of Siluria, or How Shropshire came to be known to Geologists Everywhere’, a talk by Professor Martin Rudwick, The Church Barn, 2pm. 24 Feb - ‘Not Your Average Country Gentleman, Robert Clive in Shropshire’, a talk by Bob Fowke. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm. All free, donations welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Thurs 21 February WIGMORE & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB ‘The Restoration of Capability Brown’s last garden at Berrington Court’. A talk by Ellie Jones who works at National Trust Berrington Hall. Wigmore Village Hall, 7.30pm, £2, all welcome, 07813 733240, email cathleenj2001@yahoo.co.uk.

Mon 25 February AN EVENING WITH CLARE BALDING Proceeds to Samaritans of Shrewsbury. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Tues 26 February THE STORY OF THE TREASURE IN THE PIANO Fundraising evening for Sport and Arts in the Community.

Peter Revell from the British Museum will present the real story behind the hidden hoard of gold coins discovered in the piano at the Community College. The winning entry for the best alternative story will also be revealed.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm.

Wed 27 February HELEN LLOYD - ADVENTURER Helen Lloyd talks of her travels and encourages others to get out and live their dreams. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Wed 27 February & Thurs 14 March JASON DONOVAN & HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS Celebrating his 50th birthday and with a wealth of tantalising tales under his belt, plus some of the songs you know and love! 27 Feb - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. 14 March - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01686 614555.

Thurs 28 February ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS Featuring James Taylor whose talk is titled ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’. Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £6, all welcome, 01938 555938 or 01938 555574.

Workshops & Courses Mon 11 & 25 February PUBLIC SPEAKING GROUP. We welcome guests to discover the speaking and leadership skills, they already have and help them improve, in a friendly supportive environment. 2nd & 4th Monday, 7.20pm – 9.30pm at the Mascall Centre. Ludlowspeakers. org.uk Wed 20 February SPANISH CLASSES Beginners only. Presteigne, 7pm. Also classes in Hayon-Wye. Call Mely for more information 07837 160505.

Wed 20 - Sun 24 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 20 Feb - Poetry Workshop with Jean Atkin. Bank House B & B, High St, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £5. 22 Feb Young People’s Poetry Workshop with Deborah Alma for ages 8-12. Made’s Old Shop, No. 1, The Cobbles, Bishop’s Castle, 10am-11.30am, free. 23 Feb - Surgery with the Emergency Poet, Deborah Alma, offering consultations and prescribes poems as cures. Made’s Old Shop, No. 1, The Cobbles, Bishop’s Castle, 11am-3pm. www. bishopscastleartsfestival.com PUBLIC SPEAKING GROUP Discover the speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. 2nd and 4th Monday at the Mascall Centre, Ludlow, 7.20pm-9.30pm, details Ludlowspeakers.org.uk ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP Meet monthly for lunch and a chat in Italian at a local hostelry, venue and date is flexible. If interested call Hilary on 01588 638426.

WEA HEREFORD BRANCH 25 Feb & repeated 18 March - Medieval Colour with Rosemary Firman. Cathedral Library, Hereford, 01432 880545. 28 Feb - The Butterflies of Britain with

Michael Colquhoun, 10am-12pm, £10. 6 March - The Illustrated Letters from the Boyhood of Brian Hatton with Robin Thorndyke, 10am-12pm, £10. 12 March - Buttons by the Gross! A History of the Dorset Button Industry with Carolyn Mace, 10am-12pm, £10. 20 March - Iron Age Herefordshire with Tim Hoverd, 10am-12pm, £10. All At Museum Resource and Learning Centre, 58 Friars St, Hereford. Study Day - 2 March: The Musical World of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Listen to and watch dance, ballet and vocal/instrumental music performances illustrating Baroque music. Places limited, to book or details email herefordbranch@wea.org.uk 01432 880545.

DEATH CAFE Run by Mollie Lord. Not a grief support group, but tackles the complex ideas that surround death.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free, 01497 821762.

Starting Fri 1 February WRITING COURSES Run in association with University of Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning by local author Lara Clough.

9 sessions ‘Writing with Attentative and Feeling’.

10.15am-12.30pm. Please see: www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-learning for latest details or ring 01970 621580.

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP Meet monthly at local hostelry, Bishop’s Castle. Hilary 01588 638426.

1st Saturday READING GROUP Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, afternoons, free, 01547 550377.

Mondays WRITING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every 2nd & 4th Monday TERRIFIED AND TONGUE TIED? Toastmaster provide a friendly and supportive environment to practice public speaking. Constructive feedback to help you improve. An opportunity to grow.

Ludlow Speakers, Blue Boar pub, Mill Street, Ludlow.

Monthly, 7.20pm-9.30pm.

Every Tues & Wed SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Tues - Level 1, 7pm, Wed - Level 2, 10am, with Mely.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505 or www.hayspanish.com Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

Fourth Tuesday SCIENCE CAFÉ Informal group, talks and discussions on scientific topics. The Swan at Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome, sciencecafe@outlook.com First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

2nd Wed of each month WYESIDE WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7pm, £2.50, 01982 552555.

Every other Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762. philosphycafe@outlook.com Fridays READING ROOM EXTRA The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-8pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350 Leominster Writers' Circle, Leominster Community Centre, Frank Pavitt, chairman LWC, 01568 614973,

49

grass roots Earth now shifting dangerously under pro-fracking MPs

I

N that flat period between Christmas and New Year, I received an email from someone calling himself Richard the Piano Tuner. The name did not ring a bell, but he soon explained himself. He is one of the Frack Free Four – three of whom were jailed in September after disrupting work at the Preston New Road shale gas site near Blackpool in Lancashire.

I was delighted to hear from Richard. I felt a bit guilty as well. Because I had been hoping to visit Lancashire in the autumn to join campaigners protesting against the draconian sentences imposed on him and the two others. But I had not yet got around to it.

The men had been found guilty of public nuisance after a seven-day jury trial in Preston. They had not attacked or threatened anybody. They had simply camped on top of some lorries for four days - to prevent supplies being delivered to a fracking site. The three were jailed, and not just for a few days or weeks. Two of them were sentenced to well over a year inside. They claim to be the first people to be jailed over an environmental demo since 1932.

In October, after they’d been in jail for several weeks, appeal court judges ordered the three men to be released at once and conditionally discharged. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, said that the men’s “immediate custodial sentence had been manifestly excessive”.

The protest group had failed to prevent the fracking, near Blackpool. Work got underway around the time of their release. It did not go smoothly. The company involved, Cuadrilla, had to stop operations repeatedly because of earth tremors that were judged to exceed safe limits. According to the website DrillOrDrop, a total of 57 earthquakes were triggered in two months. The company then suspended work.

The worry about such tremors is not that they will knock teacups off tables or cause cracks in people’s walls. The real threat is the damage that may be caused thousands of feet underground. A breach in the walls of a shale gas well might allow gas, fracking fluid, acid, and other toxic substances to escape into aquifers, poisoning water supplies for many thousands of people.

Cuadrilla’s chief executive, Francis Egan, has said that regulations which forced the stoppages at Preston New Road are threatening to strangle the industry before birth. Whilst that might raise a cheer among villagers in Lancashire, fracking is expected to begin again later this year.

In the spring of 2018, the government moved to load the dice against local objectors to fracking - part of an effort to fast-track the planning process for shale gas.

The proposal was to treat preliminary shale gas drilling as “permitted development”.

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This, say critics such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, would mean exploratory drilling would not require planning permission. Sizeable shale gas sites

would be treated rather like the gardens of residents wanting to erect small sheds or conservatories. The CPRE and Friends of the Earth fear this could lead to the industrialisation of thousands of square miles of countryside.

Opponents of fracking are worried also by what they see as the shortcomings of the politician in charge. The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, Claire Perry, has never visited a fracking site and appears to have only a loose grip on some basic facts about energy. In a tweet last May she suggested that “onshore shale” offered “low carbon energy production solutions”. A former energy secretary under David Cameron, Ed Davey, a liberal democrat, told Utility Week, “It is deeply alarming that the minister… thinks that gas is low carbon.”

To find out how many Tory MPs share Claire Perry’s views I went back to a short commons debate on shale gas held at the end of October. I read the transcript with growing amazement. Although around a dozen MPs, mostly Tories, spoke, not a single conservative, apart from a government minister, expressed any enthusiasm for fracking.

Where were the shoals of shale gas supporters who once populated the Tory benches? Are they disillusioned or just fearful? A veteran anti-fracking campaigner from Sussex, Kathryn McWhirter, says that, while planners and councils have been instructed to look favourably on oil and gas development, “…the regions have not been as compliant as the government hoped.”

Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and a member of the Environmental Audit Committee, may have put his finger on it. He has said that fracking “has the potential to turn whole regions against the government.” Maybe many Tories now realise that in another very tight general election, like the last one, public opposition to the government’s gung-ho support for fracking could make all the difference between their survival and their defeat.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events

HEREFORD BRANCH WYNNES OF DINMORE COUNTRYSTORE Poultry Keeping - Free 1/2 hour session. Covers laying hens, housing, feed, bedding, health & hygiene + Question & Answer time. Held at Wynnes of Dinmore Countrystore - off the A49 (through village centre).

Open Tues - Sat 9am-4:30pm. For more information email info@wynnes.co.uk or telephone Roxy or Ann 01568 797314.

February KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST Volunteer with us to learn about woodland management and associated skills such as coppicing, tree care and cutting firewood. Task days on 3, 7, 17 & 21 Feb in Beggar’s Bush. Details email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/ woodland-project February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE First Sunday of every month - Become a Habitat Helper!

For all ages and abilities. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

Sat 2 February SEED SWAP WITH POTATOES Swap seeds, plants and tips. Plus seed potatoes for sale, 15p per tuber. Stalls including Tools for Self Reliance, Tool sharpening service, Cottage Herbery, Composting advice, Bees/Honey/Jam and more. Plus a free talk at 11.30am

by Kevin Alviti on Unusual Vegetables. Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-2pm, free, www.swapseeds.org.uk 07880 730880.

Thurs 7 February GREENPEACE Informal meeting of local activists and supporters to discuss campaigns and environmental issues. Featuring the film ‘Tawai’ by Bruce Parry, 8pm. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, for info, email pbdelphiee@hotmail.com Sat 9 February TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP Run by Karen Limbrick. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-1pm, 01588 676060.

Sat 23 February SEED SWAP Teme Valley Environment Group. Knighton Community Market, Community Centre, Knighton. Details email sheila_clarke@hotmail.com Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

First Sat of the month FARMERS MARKET Local produce, gifts and crafts. Eaton Bishop VH, 10am.

Charity No. 1112775

Spring 2019 Workshops

Explore fascinating historical artefacts with experts.

Cost £10 each workshop

WEA in partnership with Hereford Cathedral Library

10am-12.30pm at the Cathedral Library Mon Feb 25th repeated Mon Mar 18th: Medieval Colour

Places limited, to book or for further details contact 01432 880545

WEA in partnership with Herefordshire Council 10am-12noon at MRLC, Friar Street, Hereford Thurs Feb 28th: The Butterflies of Britain Weds Mar 6th: Illustrated Letters from the Boyhood of Brian Hatton Tues Mar 12th: A History of the Dorset Button Industry Weds Mar 20th: Iron Age Herefordshire

Places limited, to book or for further details contact 01432 880545 10am-12noon at HARC, Rotherwas, Hereford Fri Apr 12th: The Spanish Flu; Story and Science Mon Apr 15th: The Coningsby’s of Hampton Court and their Atlas Weds Apr 24th: Reformation and Repression in Herefordshire Weds May 8th: The Story of Democracy in the UK

Places limited, to book or for further details contact 01981 250819 Study Days 6 hr sessions in Hereford

Sat 2nd March: The Musical World of Louis XIV, the Sun King Listen to and watch dance, ballet and vocal/ instrumental music performances illustrating the rich array of Baroque music performed at Versailles and Paris.

Sat 23rd March: Harlem Renaissance-Art & Literature in 1920s New York The day will involve a study of Black Culture with a focus on the flowering of art and literature.

Sat 13th April: Handwriting 1550-1700 part 2 Tutored practical sessions to enhance your reading of secretary & italic hand in a range of historical document types.

Lecture & guided walk Sat 30th March: Hereford Historic Buildings in the Cathedral City Discover more about fascinating buildings at the heart of the medieval city & how Hereford developed from earliest times to present day.

Places limited, to book or for further details contact 01531 634460

Full programme from Herefordshire Libraries or email: herefordbranch@wea.org.uk

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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.

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 ACUPUNCTURE Vanessa Hamilton LicAc MBAcC I am an experienced acupuncturist with 31 years’ experience and have expert skills in listening and communication which are essential for correct treatment. A free 15min phone consultation is available to help you decide whether or not acupuncture is suitable for you . The Retreat, Studio 2a, Presteigne Industrial Estate, Presteigne, LD8 2UF, 07811120386, 01547 550387, for more info visit www.hereford-acupuncture-clinic.co.uk ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536.

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.

AMAZING HEALINGS Help is available for physical and mental challenges at the The Terrace Healing Centre, near Kington. Gentle, effective emotional guidance and bodywork can free your vitality! The therapist, James Gee, has been studying healing since 2004, and has an excellent track record.

Call to discuss your situation: 01544 231348.

AROMATHERAPY in Kington: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Providing holistic care since 1988. Massage, herbal facials and intensive foot treatments. Bach Remedies. roz.brown@btinternet.com. 07967 137208.

BALANCED BEING -Is based near Church Stretton and a lovely environment where you can receive sessions of Natural Spiritual Healing, Progressive Counselling/Life Coaching, Hatha Yoga or Pure Meditation Foundation Alternatively come and see us in clinics in Brecon, Hay-on Wye, Ludlow or Shrewsbury.

We offer bespoke residential retreats and B&B serving vegetarian food. Please call for details and also check the workshop listings for dates of our forthcoming longer courses in Pure Meditation, Animal Healing Training and Weekly Yoga classes. DipNsph / Dip Prog Couns Coach / Dip THY&R / SRMHC Reg’d Teachers and Associates. Members IYN, Reps.

Tel: 01694 771559. www.balancedbeing.org.uk BOWEN TECHNIQUE Bowen is a holistic, non invasive therapy consisting of gentle moves over soft tissue and muscles, interspersed with periods of rest. Suitable for adults and children. Working from clinics in Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. Home visits available. Contact ROB ROWE MBTPA tel: 01588 630648, email rob@robrowe.co.uk or learn more at www.bowentherapy.org.uk BOWEN & ENERGY HEALING: Releasing imbalances on many levels; listening to the body with compassion. Gentle deep body-work for pain, muscles, joints, internal conditions & whole health. Also clearing emotional, spiritual, mind-brain-body stuckness. My passion is to help clients discover more freedom & ease, enabling them to move forwards in life! Tenbury Wells & Ludlow (also home visits). Phone me for a chat or appointment. Hilary Foxwell 01584 819010.

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CLAIRE KERBY COUNSELLING (Post grad dip Counselling, MBACP). Having someone to talk to outside your normal circle of friends / family can really help to gain a new clarity and sense of perspective. I would love it if you would call me, in confidence, with no judgement on 07971 816541, or email me at Claire.kerby@btinternet.com.

CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST with over 25 years professional NHS experience, providing psychological help to adults. Please see website for details: www. drmatthewfaull.co.uk. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals, and offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. Please contact me by email: mfaull@btinternet. com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello!

CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low self-esteem and more.

I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 01544 350384 or www. cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor COUNSELLING. Person-centred, focused on you. Do you need someone to talk to in confidence? I am a qualified counsellor based between Ludlow and Leominster. Home visits are also available. Contact me - Wendy Clare on 0792 3311550, email vivada.advice@gmail.com or visit my website wendyclare.weebly.com Together we discover what works for you.

COUNSELLING IN LUDLOW area. Talk in complete confidence, with warmth and without judgement, with Julia Walling BA(Hons), PGCE, Dip.EH.P.NLP (BHR), MAC. In private practice for 25 years, I am trained in a wide variety of therapies and combine them to meet your needs. Clients consistently report improvements in wellbeing within a few sessions. Panic/anxiety specialist. Short and long term for individuals, couples and families. 01584 874636 07796 596451 julia.walling@btinternet.com and www.juliawalling.co.uk COUNSELLING & MINDFULNESS COACHING with Matthew Ward MBACP, Accredited Mindfulness Trainer.

I provide a safe and confidential counselling service to explore the challenges that life can bring such as loss and anxiety.

I also offer individual mindfulness coaching and run regular courses locally. 01568 708836 or 07982 466224 marchesmindfulness.co.uk CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair.

Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk DRUM MANTRA MEDITATE Lead by Roise (roe-sha) On the first Thursday of the month 9.50am - 11am. £8 It’s fun, it energises the body and calms the mind.

Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells

EMOTIONAL THERAPY: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), MNCS (Accred) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their emotional and spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/loss, anxiety and depression. Centres in Powys/ south Shropshire. Ffi including workshops and talks see www.thewritetofeel.com.

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics at Hereford Centre for Natural Health and Monmouth Natural Health Centre. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing.

Based on their individual symptoms, the homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. Clinics in Llandrindod Wells, Kington and Presteigne. 01597 851021.

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.

NO HANDS® MASSAGE works on every level: physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s deep, transforming touch with no pain. Come and train with Wendy Mills, Master Therapist and Instructor. Clinic and Courses held in Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. 07858137889; millsw1@tiscali.co.uk; www.wendymills.co.uk MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation.

Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford.

OSTEOPATH. Mr R A Hughes D.O. Registered Osteopath and Sports Therapist. Fully qualified and registered since 1995 Established in Presteigne for over 20 years. Sciatica, Arthritis, Trapped Nerves, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain. Headaches, Sports Injuries. 07961 352056, rahughesosteo@gmail.com The Retreat, Presteigne – free car parking.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy. co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk PRESTEIGNE NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Offers a wide range of Natural therapies including: Osteopathy, Chiropody, Acupuncture, Remedial & Swedish massage, Reiki, Homeopathy, Emmett Technique, Kinesiology, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Counselling, Cranio Sacral Therapy. Visit our website www.presteignenhc.com or facebook page. To make an appointment, call the therapist - numbers on the website or email pnhc2014@gmail.com REFLEXOLOGY &/OR MASSAGE Combination treatments available. Reflexology helps to identify and restore energy to imbalances and health issues helping the body to heal itself, helps regulate sleep and eating habits. Jo Davies ITEC 01544 267100 or 07876796885. Clinic in Presteigne, home visits considered.

SOUND BATH WITH ROISE (roe-sha) On the third Tuesday of the month 7 - 9 pm. Roise plays gentle sounds for groups for healing and relaxation. £12, or £10 with a friend. Roise also offers individual treatments. Phone 07511 621 856.

At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells.

SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299.

SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 28 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

Thurs 21 February ECO SPIRIT CAFE An informatl monthly meeting for people interested in spirituality and connection with the environment.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, paultrees@btinternet.com

Sat 23 February MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP With Matthew Trustman. Bank House B&B, High St, Bishop’s Castle, 3-4.30pm, £8 including refreshments. Booking essential, email gerrybarwell@icloud.com. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

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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Sat 24 February PILATES SESSION With Karen Turner. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10am-12.30pm, £15.

YOGA & AYURVEDA Individual yoga practice. Diet. Exercise. Life Balance.

Jill Bonner BA PGCE Art. DIPL Yoga Therapy.

DIPL Ayurveda Therapy. Details 07789 428109.

PILATES SESSIONS - Pilates is a method of exercise designed to elongate and strengthen the body. It promotes improved core strength and stability which in turn improves posture, flexibility, circulation and physical wellbeing. Classes available in Presteigne and various locations within the North Herefordshire, North Worcestershire and South Shropshire area. All sessions are based on small groups and working to individual abilities therefore booking is essential. Private sessions by arrangement. Contact Jackie on 0782 4114979 or justjackie39@gmail.com

EVENTS IN THE YURT BUILTH ROAD, 17 RAILWAY TERRACE, LD2 3RH Drum and Song Circle 1st Friday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Bring drums, rattles, songs, no experience necessary. Shamanic Exploration 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm journeying for guidance, wisdom and healing for self and others. Our groups are held in sacred space.

Cost is £10, £8, £6 depending on income. For further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272.

Mondays & Wednesdays PILATES Pilates-Based Back Care - Mon 10.30am & Wed 5.45pm. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning - Mon 11.45am & Wed 7pm. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 625992.

First Friday of the month SILENCE AND STILLNESS Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12pm, free, 01547 550377.

First Saturday of the month MEDITATION Bleddfa Centre, 11am-12.30pm, free, 01547 550377.

BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION CLASSES IN HEREFORDSHIRE Led by members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. HEREFORD Mondays, Near LEDBURY Wednesdays, LEOMINSTER Thursdays. All classes 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Give what you can, suggested donation £5. All welcome.

More details from matthew@adhisthana.org 01531 641726 or Meg 01432 830322. Text 07980 892653.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY: Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs.

Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.hedgerowmedicine.org 01531 670075.

REIKI HEALING

Mr R A Hughes D.O.

FOR MIND BODY SOUL

Here is a list of examples of how Reiki may help you, please contact me directly should you require more information.

Registered Osteopath and Sports Therapist Fully qualified and registered since 1995.

Established in Presteigne for over 20 years Sciatica, Arthritis, Trapped Nerves, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain.

Headaches, Sports Injuries.

07961 352056 rahughesosteo@gmail.com The Retreat, Presteigne 54

FREE CAR PARKING

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Stress reduction Depression Anxiety including OCD Self-esteem Mental clarity Sleep disorders Pain reduction or elimination Restorative treatment following surgery General wellness Trauma and grief Help to reduce side affects of medications or treatments (including cancer treatments) Chronic pain or illness Mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing Boosts the immune system Detoxification Individuals in hospice palliative care Spiritual alignment and balancing

Contact: Marsha Usui Reiki Master, TEL: 07791 746825 or Email: reikihealings@btinternet.com