BROAD SHEEP - December 2022/January 2023

BROAD sheep

december 2022 january 2023

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

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BROAD ‘A Contents Small Ads Sam’s page Philosophy Mega-planning 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

BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP Tel: 07786 131159

week is a long time in politics’ said Harold Wilson apparently misquoting The Liberal politician Joseph Chamberlain who is recorded in 1886 as having said: ‘In politics, there is no use in looking beyond the next fortnight.’ Meanwhile here in the real world 2yrs is an awfully long time - given the decrepit state of my memory cells. Therefore it was no big surprise to discover that the infamous Lugg Blogg, Sally Butler curated during the lockdown, was still accessible online and that I had pretty much forgotten all the stuff that was in it.

If you never saw it at the time I highly recommend you have a butchers. Between April 20 and April 21 Sally produced fifteen of these blogs that are a round up of local art, music, photographs, writing and creative bits and pieces that make for excellent reading even if you are not stuck at home while coughing, zooming your cousin in Canada and baking another loaf of sourdough bread.

My musical contributions to the Blogg along with Dave Luke, Nigel Dodman, John Hymas, Tony Lawson, George Vass, Kay Foreman, Ian Marchant, Mark Williams and Alex Dufort are mostly YouTube clips and the occasional self-made film. I must have been spending an awful lot of time on YouTube finding crazy bits of stuff and it is no surprise that I have forgotten about most of them. I highly recommend you have a look at the blogs themselves www.luggblogg.co.uk but if you just want to see some youtube clips here are my top five recommendations in various categories.

O n t h e o t h e r h a n d i f Mother Falcon you don’t do inter net stuff (says he - who has never Twitted, Twatted, Whatsapped, Instagrammed or Apped) then wise up and get with the program otherwise you are about to discover you will not even be allowed in your local supermarket, let alone actually buy a can of beans, without the correct facial recognition software! All the clips below are still up on YouTube.

TOP FIVE CRAZY BITS OF MUSIC MAKING Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring – Melodica Men, Super Organism – NPR Tiny Music Desk, Mother Falcon – NPR, Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers – NPR, Tikanga – Fula Miziki Kinshasa Music Warriors.

FAMOUS FAMILIES AND THEIR OFFSPRING Jacob Dylan – Go Where You Wanna Go, Adam Cohen – Turn On The Sun, The Marsalis Family – A Jazz Celebration, Joachim Cooder – The Story Of Over That Road I’m Bound.

JUST GOOD STUFF Latasonica/ La Cumparsita – Homenaje 100 anos, My Baby – Haunt Me, live @ NPO Radio2, Lous and the Yakuza – NPR Tiny Desk, Whiskey Moon Face – Dead Dog, Anges – Neil Moriceau, Anna Kendrick – Cups (Pitch Perfect’s When I’m Gone) Email: info@broadsheep.com Website: www.broadsheep.com

MADE IN PRESTEIGNE The Beach Boys Sing The Rolling Stones – Get Offa My Cloud, 21st Century Outlaws – Pete Dave and John, Shipbuilding – String Quartet and Pedal Steel, Music in My Head – Pete, Don’t You Want Me – The Human Plague, Life On Mars? – String Quartet and Pedal Steel.

Happy listening - and don’t forget there is loads and loads more stuff on www.luggblogg,co.uk Melodica Men

Fula Miziki Kinshasa Music Warriors

Cover pic: ‘Marcel’s Peaches & The Raven’s Dream’, a novel by Cliona Woods - Foreshore Publishing

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small ads SPINDWYER RECORDS Specializing in Folk, Blues and Country. Search my 20,0000 at www.spindwyerworld.uk 07709 904836.

VIOLIN LESSONS: ex Halle , ECCO, Guadagnini Trio, professional violinist RCM dip hons ARCM. 30 years experience. Classical, World Music traditions taught.

Kirsten 07421 453114, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS Introductory courses, talks on bees and beekeeping and one to one tuition.

For further details phone 07813 276308/01886 884752, or email woodruffbank@btinternet.com CHAIR REPAIRS: seats rushed & recaned. Also Danish cord & Habitat sheet cane seats. Paul Richards, 01544 209140.Email - paulrichardsft@gmail.com PIANO LESSONS IN PRESTEIGNE. All ABRSM grades or simply for fun. Contact Mzia 07981752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £75.00 per day.

Try me. Roy 01547 520164.

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

Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday.

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

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 FRUIT TREE PRUNING From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. apjervis@myphone.coop 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 P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katy 01547 520328.

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.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE PRESTEIGNE TOWN WEBSITE FOR 50P PER WEEK Support your town website and publicise your business on our popular site. For more information please contact the Town Clerk, Tracey Price on presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com or 01547 528575.

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

John Hymas 07969 440183.

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

Anne 01544 267997.

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EQ. Tel: 07527 298199. Hay’s Headline Making Independent Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved machine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more.

Stuck for a present for Christmas or Birthday?

Why not buy a subscription for BROAD Sheep?

Only £25 for the whole year (includes p&p) Just post a cheque, payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ together with the name and address you want it sent to Broad Sheep, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR1 3RQ or email Clare for further details info@broadsheep.com

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Post details with cheque to: BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP

For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159

sam’s page

Festive Shopping - The Guide I

N this Season of Shopping our aim is as always to squirt goodwill in all directions, in, naturally, a sustainable low carbon manner, and supply a few hints re Best Practice.

Since we do not wish to inflict the CO2 contained in postmen’s breath on the climate, we have biked into Kington to buy the sustainability issue of an extremely glossy magazine, and will be using it as a festive requirements guide.

The first few pages are full of pictures of nice-looking young people wearing clothes, watches and scent. They are looking bloody miserable, perhaps because they are thinking about the climate, or maybe because they skipped breakfast in order to stay suicidally thin. After a while the writing begins. There are lovely articles, many aimed at sustainability. First, resurrect that old black dress, but bring it up to date with a pair of cowboy boots, £1495. Then there is cold-water swimming, which is of course free, though doing it round here may expose you to a certain amount of chicken shit and digestate runoff. Never mind, because the lady who wrote the article says it is the new Viagra, and it is in a magazine so it must be true, or anyway a bit true, or actually perhaps not true at all.

A few pages on, it is sustainable children’s party time. Eco-conscious mummies and daddies shooing the tinies in from the Range Rover are encouraged to ban glitter, which is merely another word for microplastics, and splash out on special eco picnic bags, eleven quid a go, featuring a sandwich, jelly, and vegetables, poor mites. The mummy writing the piece tries to use washable tablecloths, though this is hard. Back in the Range Rover, and home we roar!

Next there is new new new social media, including an app that only connects good people with good people and donates a teeny bit to charity in the process. Once you have been accepted, you may be invited to ‘a pancake party in Primrose Hill or go gardening with Camilla El Fayed at her biodynamic farm’. But actually now I come to read this drivel I see that the app is only available in London or Los Angeles, so here in the mists of the Marches we are safe.

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For the true narcissist there is of course gym membership. The trouble with getting yourself a stomach like corrugated iron, though, is that gyms are by all accounts niffy places where people drink water out of plastic bottles. Someone has changed this. ‘A lot of people aren’t lucky enough to have yet found the exercise they love. So those people need to make it as comfortable as possible. And it’s easier to do that when you’re being handed a nice cool towel.’ Beside each gym machine there is therefore a handy red button that summons a butler with nice cool towels, or perhaps cream buns. It is not known whether the gym machines are linked, as they are in some marina gyms, to the National Grid, producing up to a planet-saving 5 watts of power.

By now we have strayed alarmingly far from clothes, so the next few sustainable pages have more pictures of attractive dresses inhabited by gloomy girls.

After which, thank goodness, we arrive at watches. You can get something more or less acceptable for £176,000, but a watch is no good without a house to wear it in, and sustainability is still key, obvs. ‘Straw bales are actually a really good thing to build with - we produce a lot and they aren’t eaten much by horses any more’ says an architect, just before she is hauled off by the RSPCA for crimes against equine nutrition.

Right. Nearly there, thank goodness. It is wine time, and we are recommended ‘Ferdinando Principiano 2015 Barolo, which is (who knew?) a perfect match for baby goat’. Then there are more advertisements for furniture and cars, sustainability tapering off now, and finally a column about the luxury of guilt. The argument being that if you have brought yourself to buy this shite, you will have entitled yourself to a heavy dose of smugness whose full effect can only be experienced if you feel a smidgin of remorse – moral salt and vinegar on yer self-indulgent chips.

I give up. But wait a minute, what is this I see?

A bottle of Chateau La Fleur-Pétrus 2007, a snip at £295.

A lot tastier than greenwash, and hell, it’s only money.

Bottoms up, and festive greetings!

Llywelyn ap Pycysmas

Further sustainable and seasonally appropriate writings by Sam, many of them about gardening, can be found in Digging with the Duchess and Digging Deeper with the Duchess

www.newhatbooks.co.uk

James Roose Evans It is with sadness that we announce the death of our founder, James Roose-Evans.

November 11th would have been James’s 95th birthday. He died quickly and peacefully at home on a warm Autumn evening, 26th October, comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love.

James Funeral took place in London on November 11th.

Everyone who knows the Bleddfa Centre will be aware of his unique contribution.

The story of how it came about is told on our website here:

https://bleddfacentre.org/about/our-history

philosophy

Kant and Prattle?

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the great Immanuel Kant turned up and spread some DOUBT around.

Socrates

‘Those sheep you see on yonder hill, those sheep are REAL, you think?’

‘Oh dear,’ exclaimed a shepherd boy, I’m sure he’s on the drink!’

‘OF COURSE they’re real’, the young man said, ‘I’m with them day and night.’

‘Quite so,’ quipped Kant, ‘but are they real when once you’re OUT OF SIGHT?’ Disappearing sheep indeed! Exactly the sort of daft questions philosophers ask - according to those who see philosophy as nothing but a silly game, played by people with too much time on their hands and nothing better to do. Whatever next? You might as well ask if a falling tree makes a noise only when there’s someone around to hear it.

Yes, it has to be admitted that philosophy doesn’t sit comfortably in the public imagination, often seen as obscure, over-technical, nit-picking and far removed from the reality of daily life. Ultimately pointless, a bit like golf.

While philosophers enjoy the luxury of sitting and thinking, the rest of us just get on with the nitty-gritty of everyday living.

The late great Oxford philosopher Bernard Williams eventually gave up admitting, when asked about his profession, that he was a philosopher. People had no idea how to react, and he didn’t much like the expression on their faces. My own experience has been similar. People imagine that to be a philosopher you must be too clever for your own good, or unnaturally wise, or too wealthy to need proper work, or, most likely of all, mentally unhinged.

One way or another, abnormal.

Yes, philosophy is fair game - but take very great care: it has a habit of turning round and biting you. Usually when you least expect it.

Saddled with the traditional image of being an ivory-tower activity, practised out of sight by grey men in university lecture theatres and disseminated through dusty volumes on obscure and unbelievably boring subjects, philosophy seems uprooted from its natural and rightful home - the community of lived experience.

Some two and a half millennia ago, Socrates had the RIGHT IDEA, even though his idea turned out to be a bit too right for comfort, leading to his eventual arrest and execution. His philosophizing consisted in roaming the streets of Athens, engaging people in conversation and encouraging them to examine their beliefs on all manner of subjects, but always subjects of down-to-earth importance in their daily lives, such as politics, ethics and religion.

However, you don’t do this sort of thing without the risk of

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ruffling a few feathers. Getting people to think about their possibly unexamined convictions is not going to make you flavour of the month, as Socrates found to his cost. The authorities regarded him as subversive. A threat to the status quo. He had to go.

Despite the various flaws in his method of philosophizing, Socrates hit the nail on the head by setting up philosophy as the persistent questioning of our basic beliefs and as such showed philosophy to be the potentially disturbing, but potentially creative, activity that it remains today.

Of course, many are the factors that can make philosophy off-putting: the complex nature of most of its topics, not to mention the sheer mental stamina required to think about them in a sustained and systematic way.

But a further difficulty, all too obvious in our 21st century world, is our ever-increasing inability to listen. We’re long on talk, but desperately short on listening. Plato was not the only philosopher to remind us that we have ONE tongue, but TWO ears.

If philosophy is to return to its rightful home – the street, the marketplace, the café, the place of worship, the seat of government – we need to rediscover our listening skills.

We need to recognize that the other person might well have insights we have overlooked. Of course, they might also be wrong, and an important function of philosophy is sometimes to challenge conventional wisdom.

The issues that philosophers tackle are ever with us, for they concern questions that matter to people in their daily lives. Such questions often simmer just below the surface of life, but sooner or later come to the boil. Oh yes, such questions are here to stay, and so is philosophy.

Postscript: If you’re tempted to think philosophy asks odd questions, take comfort from the following gem. It appeared on an Oxford theology finals paper.

Discuss the following proposition: ‘While it is not possible to offer a definitive proof that God necessarily exists, it must be conceded that if He exists, He does so necessarily.’

Keep calm, Matron will be round shortly with your pills.

Philosopher-in-Residence

mega-planning

A Line in the Sand A

CCORDING to the online architectural newsletter Dezeen, there are at least 10 mega-cities currently on drawing boards around the world, from a new capital for Egypt to a floating city in the Maldives. Biggest of the bigs is The Line, designed by Morphosis, the LA-based architecture studio founded

by Pritzker prize winner Thom Mayne. It is part of a hugely ambitious desert urbanisation project in the Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia, on the shores of the Red Sea, the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At the launch of The Line, he described the scheme as “a civilisational revolution that puts humans first on a radical change in urban planning.”

Its genesis is unknown, but there are certainly neofuturistic echoes of the sci-fi ideas promoted by the 1960s Archigram group. In 1965 Peter Eisenman and Michael Green proposed a liner city for a New Jersey.

And let’s not forget Italian architect Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti community, begun in 1970 on the edge of the Arizona desert.

The Saudi Line will be formed by two parallel mirror-clad slab blocks, 105 miles long (that’s roughly the distance between Hereford and Salisbury), housing 9 million people (the population of urban Tokyo). Sandwiched between the two slabs will be a 500m-high denselyplanted park, with the slabs’ inward-facing facades stratified with verdant cantilevered balconies. Visuals of these are reminiscent of the Indianna Jones movies. There will be educational, recreational and leisure facilities for residents, as well as a renewable energy-powered highspeed mass transit system running the length of The Line.

Cars, say the Saudi promoters Neom, will be unnecessary (there will be no roads), though judging by the long line of ocean-going yachts shown moored in the visuals, residents will all have personalised transport.

Since Greco-Roman times planning through organic growth has been the norm. ‘Designed’ urbanisations - from Brasilia to Milton Keynes, or desert-located Masdar to the Chinese eco-city of Tianjin are very much exceptions, pushing forward the frontiers of urban development. There is no arguing with the Saudis’ claim that The Line marks ‘a civilisational revolution’. Like Masdar in Abu Dhabi, the Saudis have chosen the most inhospitable environment for their experiment.

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As with the construction of this winter’s World Cup football stadiums in Qatar, the workforce is likely to be predominantly North Korean. Trial piling in the desert is said to have already taken place. Constructional details are hard to come by but prefabricated modular sections would seem a natural choice. Job opportunities (a huge domestic workforce will be needed) aren’t spelt out, but by 2030 the promoters say they expect 380,000 residents to be working from home in the desert.

Parallel mirror-clad residential blocks will be over 100 miles long - the first appartment building to be visible from outer space

Dezeen sceptics greeted news of The Line with scorn – one subscriber even offering “to eat everyone’s hat if this thing ever gets built.” Headwear scrunching naysayers may soon have to reach for their condiments, as rogue drone images have recently appeared on the internet, showing fleets of hgv’s delivering foundation ballast to the site. Other critics commented on everything from The Line’s massive carbon footprint to the multiple bird strikes likely to be caused by the mirrored slab blocks. The promoters say they are confident that both land-based and airborne migrating wildlife will be able move through ‘curated corridors’ within the structure. In October the developer announced that it had commissioned Zaha Hadid Architects as lead designers for the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Six years doesn’t seem long to conjure up a whole man-made Alpine landscape in the desert, but perhaps they’ve drafted in the ever-resourceful Sepp Blatter.

Nick Jones

BROAD sheep

Would like to wish its readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank all the support from contributors, distributors and advertisers throughout 2022.

art POWYS Studer Fine Art, Art - The Gallery, 4 The High Street, Presteigne.

Dec & Jan Festive exhibition features new work by MARK HEARLD & JOHN BROADLEY alongside ANGELA HARDING’s 2022 screenprints - ‘North Norfolk Triptych’. Plus ANGELA SOULIS - jewellery. TONY HALL NICK MEMBURY, RAY FINCH, GILL TENNANT EYLES, SIMON HUBERT & JASON BRAHAM - ceramics. NIA BENNET & TANIA MOSSE sculpture. RICHARD STUDER & KEITH PETTITT - prints.

LAURA ROWLATT - willow. Tues-Sat, 10.30am - 4pm for the festive period until new year, Thurs-Sat for January.

Memorial Square, Halls and Beyond, Hay-on-Wye , 07989 980601 10 Dec Hay-on-Wye Christmas Fayre.

50+ traders bring Christmas to the street of Hay with festive gifts, hot food, mulled gin, singing from Hay Shantymen, carols, children’s treasure hunt and more. Memorial Square, Halls and beyond, 10am-4pm.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions.

Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

CHATWOOD Celf gan Osian Gwent (Art by Osian Gwent) No. 6 Long Bridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EE 0800 999 1953 www.osiangwent.com Exclusive and original paintings by Welsh contemporary artist OSIAN GWENT. Luxury works of fine art paintings and limited edition fine art giclée prints. Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm.

Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777 Until 22 Dec LLANDRINDOD WELLS ART GROUP. Open Wed - Sun 2pm-7pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Gallery, shop, cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

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Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye www.haycastletrust.org 17 & 18 Dec Hay Castle Christmas Fair.

Open 10am-5pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 19 Jan ‘Print Works’. SHANI RHYS JAMES & STEPHEN WEST. Until 18 May 2023 ‘Super Size Grain’.

RICHARD WOODS. 2 Dec - 5 March The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Featuring contemporary responses by PHILIP EGLIN, CLAIRE CURNEEN, ADAM BUICK, CECILE JOHSON SOLIZ, JACQUI PONCELET, BEVERLEY BELL HUGHES, CHRISTINE MILLS & DEWI TANNATT LLOYD. Until 21 Sept 2023 ‘Oriel Watching’.

ELLEN BELL will be working in the galleries making live drawings of visitors.Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Until 18 Dec ‘A Brush with Nature’.

SEAN MILNE. Open theatre times.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513 Dec & Jan Search Radnorshire Museum Facebook page for up-to-date exhibitions, workshops and events.

Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

The Table, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com Until 17 Dec ANTHEA STILWELL. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until Jan Christmas exhibition.

Visiting artists include AMANDA RAY jewellery. ALICE SHEPHERD ceramics. NICOLA LILLEY - jewellery.

REBECCA FIEREK - ceramic birds & PENNY WARREN - jewellery. Plus a range of affordable and unique crafts if you are looking for that very special gift. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours.

Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 24 Dec Christmas Craft Fair.

Pottery, clothing, class work, knitwear, accessories, art, felt art, jewellery, toys, decor, pyrography, fabric, fine art, wood and more. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

The Radnor Arms Hotel, New Radnor LD8 2SP 07879 903007 3 & 4 Dec Selling exhibition.

RADNORSHIRE ARTISTS with NEW RADNOR ART CLUB & FRIENDS. Open 11am-4pm.

Until 13 Dec Silent auction.

Details of lots www.32auctions.com/ theradnorarmshotel Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Dec & Jan ROSIE FAREY & MANDY COATS - baskets. SUSAN GALLAGHER - paintings. 11am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders.

Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com Dec & Jan ‘Here we come a Wassailing’. Many packs of Charity Christmas cards, calendars and a plethora of gifts from Traidcraft, Lightstyle, Meri-Meri and Beamers plus local craft ideas. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm up to Christmas Eve. Open on New Year’s Eve 10am-1pm, then closed until Thursday 19th January.

Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079 Until 8 Jan ‘The Printed Line’. An Arts Council Collection Touring exhibition.

Expect works by BRIDGET RILEY, WALTER SICKERT & MATISSE. Meadow Arts. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe.

Jan January Sale. Closed 25 Dec, reopening on 4 Jan. Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369 Until 18 Dec Christmas Open & Represented Artists exhibition. Artwork by artists living and working in Wales.

Perfect opportunity to buy original art locally as a Christmas present.

Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

Lily Irwin, The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny

Charlie Adlard, The Hive, Shrewsbury

Dewi Owens, Greenstage Gallery, Bishop’s Frome John Broadley, Studer Fine Art, Presteigne

Sue Calcutt, Greenstage Gallery, Bishop’s Frome

Seren Bell, Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge

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.

Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849 www.foundgallery.co.uk Until 22 Dec Festive Season at Found.

HELEYNE JENNINGS - multi-media artist. SUE HUNT & ARABELLA SHAND - artists. RICHARD STUDER - printmaker. TONY BENNETT photographs. FAYE LAVERY GRIFFITHS - woodturner. KIM COLEBROOK & PAUL VINING - ceramics.

CHRISSIE NASH - jewellery. HENRY COLE - woodcarving. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Memorial Square, Halls and Beyond, Hay-on-wye 07989 980601 info@haymarkets.co.uk 10 Dec Hay-on-Wye Christmas Fayre.

50+ traders bring Christmas to the streets of Hay with festive gifts, hot food, mulled gin, singing from Hay Shantymen, carols, children’s treasure hunt and more!. 10am-4pm.

The Art Shop, Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH 01873 852690 Until 28 Jan ‘The Power of Enchantment’. Long Winter show.

Myths, legends and other worlds - the curious, the fabled and the playful.

Works on paper including etchings, lithographs, monotypes, drawings and collages; alongside paintings, jewellery and ceramics. Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk Until 28 Jan Young Welsh Artists.

Until 4 Feb ‘Assemblage’. COLIN WILLIAMS. Until 4 Feb ‘Flux’. STEPHEN KINGSTON. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm, by appointment only.

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad St, Knighton The Museum is run entirely by volunteers and reflects the social history of the area. The majority of the exhibits have been either donated or lent by local people and reflect the varied history of this border town from the drovers to the flannel weavers; from trade to agriculture. Wed- Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Little Gallery Studio, Radnor Building, Presteigne 8 - 24 Dec Cards, prints and pottery by artists near and far.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-2pm.

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The Old School, Whitton, near Knighton LD7 1NP 01547 560936 Museum of Welsh Textiles. A fine collection of Welsh costume, textiles.

With a selection of antique textiles and blankets for sale, alongside changing exhibitions of art and antiques. Open by appointment, please phone to book.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Rhayader Museum are offering an enjoyable opportunity to take part in the creative process of making and installing the displays and installations, working with our team. Please email all@carad.org.uk for details. Look out for new activities and sign up for our free information newsletter online: www.carad.org.uk Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EY 01597 258118 3 Dec Christmas market, 12pm-6pm. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk HEREFORDSHIRE Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1FN www.meadowarts.org Until April 2023 Meadow Arts & Hereford College of Arts present the work of Lothar Götz. Vibrant and geometric public artworks on each end of the building, as well as a number of dazzling flags. The first of four new bold new public artworks that will engage with the site over 4 years.

Jenny Pickford Sculpture Gardens, Newton Lane, Leominster HR6 0PF 07985 246056 www.h-art.org.uk info@jennypickford.co.uk 2 - 4 Dec Christmas Bizarre Bazaar.

Handmade arts and crafts featuring sculpture, paintings, prints, jewellery, copperwork, basketry. Try taster blacksmith lessons, copper workshops, mulled wine and roast chestnuts.

Open 10am-6pm, free entry.

Herefordshire Archive & Records Centre, Fir Tree Lane, Hereford HR2 6LA 01432 260750 Until 23 Dec ‘Foldlines’. KATE MORGAN-CLARE, HELEN CASS, KATE GREEN & JACKIE H MORRIS. Other exhibitors include Studio Mirai, Martha Cass, The Lugg Embroiderers including Maggie Crompton and Rose Tinted Rags. Open Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm, (plus second Sat in month) 10am-4pm.

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460 Dec The Village Arts Club. Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk GEORGINA FRANKLIN jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk Dec & Jan SHEILA HERRING pottery. ANDREW McGARVA stoneware pots. CLARE McGARVA stitched textiles. PATIA DAVIS porcelain & pots. BEN CASSON furniture. SHEILA CASSON - stoneware & earthenware pots. CLAIR HODGSON - silver. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed pottery. CLYDE HOAR - baskets.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

Leominster 10 Dec Leominster Victorian Christmas Street Market. 70 stalls, free horse and carriage rides, Punch & Judy shows, roasted chestnuts, street food, mulled beverages, entertainment and more. Independent shops also open selling unique gifts. Free parking all day. 10am-3pm.

Oxenham Art, Broad St, Leominster HR6 8BT 01568 611898 Dec & Jan Featured artists include JILL STEWART - jewellery. DAVID MARK HARRIS - paintings. LYNNE LITTLER - wire sculpture. ALISON CHESMAN - stained glass and HENRY MUTLOW - woodturning.

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm.

Lion Ballroom, Leominster 01568 612277 info@lionballroomleominster.co.uk 3 Dec ‘Chopin & Champagne’. An evening of live music by concert pianist Helen Farrar and live painting on stage

by Fine Artist, RICHARD GOWER RBA. 6.30pm, £29 includes glass champagne, canapes and programme, booking essential.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford 01432 374200 Until 31 Dec ‘Waste Not, Want Not’.

Showcasing items from the collections that have reused or repurposed older materials and given them a new lease of life. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, normal admission applies.

17 Dec Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair, 9.30pm-4pm with carol singing at 12pm. Free entry with collection to support the work of Hereford Cathedral.

Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 6 - 17 Dec ‘Designed for Christmas’.

Unique gifts by local designer makers.

Open 10am-4pm, Closed Sun. Then closed until Easter.

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 www.madeinthemarches.com Beautiful work from local artists and makers, including ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, wearable art: clothes & jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal and willow, cards and gifts.

Commissions and vouchers available.

Dec All things bright and beautiful for the festive season, including unique gifts, creative kits and artisan decorations and cards, from artists, HELEN ARTHUR, RICHARD BAVIN, LIZ BEAGLEY, CAROLINE BEAUMONT, JANE BISBY, ROSAMUND BLACK, RACHAEL BLAKEWAY, SHANNON DONOVAN, REBECCA FINNEY, NANCY FROST, FREYA GAMBLE-MAPES, JANE KEAY, MALCOLM MELLEN, SUSAN MULCOCK, JUDE PIPER, REBECCA REYNOLDS, HELEN SMITH, MARY SMITH, ZOE WRIGHT and more!

Open Tues–Sat, 11am-4pm.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414 9, 10, & 17 Dec THE CRAFTY LADIES. Quality crafts. 10am-3.30pm.

Until 17 Dec Cards for good causes. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Beautiful Chapel available to hire for Exhibitions and Sales, for information contact allsaintssouthchapel@gmail. com The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 7 Jan ‘100 and Not Out’.

HEREFORDSHIRE ARTS AND CRAFT SOCIETY. Centenary exhibition, 1922-2022.

13 Jan - 12 Feb ‘Into a Wave’.

SUE MAUD. Open theatre times.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Rd, Hereford HR1 2UA 01432 263937 www.applestoregallery.com Until 17 Dec ‘Christmas Delights’.

3 & 4 Dec Meet the artists, 10am-3pm.

19 Jan - 5 March ‘Rockfield Arts’. ASG and Artsite 3 Studio artists. Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

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RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX 07810 526006 caroline@ridgebank.art Instagram: @ridgebank Rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Open Fri-Sun 12-6pm.

Made in Ross, The Upstairs Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk Dec & Jan Made in Ross.

A co-operative of local art and craft makers who produce a wide range of beautiful work, for all tastes and budgets. Open 10am-4pm.

The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com Beautiful handwoven lampshades, fabrics, pottery, willow baskets and glass. Also a range of eclectic lighting.

Open Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, East St, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until 31 Dec ‘Winter Curiosities’.

Featuring TAMSIN ABBOTT - stained glass. MARY GRIFFIN - pastels.

SEREN BELL - pen and ink drawings.

JO VERITY - mixed media decoupage.

RACHEL WRIGHT - textile collage embroidery. RACHEL BLAKEWAY - papier mache recycled art . JOSIE WALTER & LYN HARRISON - pottery.

All year ‘Shadows on the Grass’.

Garden sculpture exhibition. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including ironwork, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, ceramics. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mon & Tues by appointment.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Dec & Jan Plus JOHN MAXWELL STEELE, ZOE TAYLOR, STUART ELLIS, LEYLA MURR, TESSA HOUGHTON & STEPHEN RIPPINGTON. Thurs-Sat 10-4pm.

St Peter & St Paul Church, Rock, DY14 9RX 01299 266353 4 Dec Christmas Craft Fair.

Woodwork, art, jewellery, floral art and ceramics. Open 11am-4pm, refreshments.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 www.greenstagegallery.co.uk Until 24 Dec Christmas Show featuring work by SUE CALCUTT, SARA HUXLEY-EDWARDS, DEWI OWENS & JANINE PARTINGTON as well as a host of gallery favourites.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk From 3 Dec CASTLE ARTISTS 10am-4pm.

3 Dec Christmas Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm. Christmas Lights activities with Father Christmas 5.30pm.

From 7 Jan GEMMA MOORE. 10am-4pm.

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

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970 Until 9 Dec ‘Life’. CHARLIE ADLARD - selection of figurative sketches. Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 www.twenty-twenty.co.uk Dec ‘Winter Festival’ with MARION ELLIOT, CHRISTOPHER CORR, JONNY HANNAH, JIM PILSTON, IRVINE PEACOCK and more.

Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-4pm.

The Gateway Gallery, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB gatewaygallery@mail.com Until 16 Dec ‘Dazzle!’ Open exhibition with the theme being ‘Colour’. All work for sale and nothing over £150.

From mid Jan ‘A Charm of Goldfinches’. Celebrating the famous painting from 1654 by Dutch artist Carel Faritius. Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm.

Ragleth Gallery, 1 Sandford Place, Church Stretton SY6 6DY 01694 723225 A contemporary gallery full of original art, inspired by the landscape and wildlife of the Shropshire Hills.

Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, prints, photographs, automata and more.

Mon & Tue10am-5pm, Thurs - Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com 3 & 4 Dec Brampton Bryan Open Studios. Six fantastic makers, special offers and prize draw.

4 Dec Aardvark Christmas Fair with over 20 stalls, find that special something. Filled with great Christmas presents. Also featuring live Christmas Jazz with Dutch Lewis Trio, plus hot food, free mulled wine and more. Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 3 Dec Christmas Gift Fair. 10am-4pm.

Brampton Bryan Open Studios 3 & 4 Dec Christmas Open Studio trail event including Alice Draws The Line Studio (on the junction next to Forge Hair, all welcome. Six fantastic makers, special offers and prize draw.

Open 10am-3pm.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881 Every Tues Until 6 Dec ‘Spotlight Talks’. Each week one of the curators, volunteers or members of staff will give a 20 minute talk, 12pm. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Ogilvie Vaile Conservation, Unit 9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan SY7 0JU 07780 616067 www.ogilvievaile.com Specialising in the conservation and restoration of fine art.

The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 Dec & Jan Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist.

PRISCILLA HANN - bronze sculpture.

DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary jewellery. KIM DAVIS - wood turning.

MEGAN EVANS - collagraph prints.

JAN JAY - textile designs and screen prints. PIP JONES - watercolours.

SARAH BILLINGHAM - pottery.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk Open daily 10am-5pm.

Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery.

Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478 Rustic homewares, fine art and craft.

Local makers. Turned wood, slipware, lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Castle Square, Ludlow 6, 13 & 20 Dec ‘Tinsel Tuesdays’.

Over 40 stalls brimming with local artists, crafts people and artisan food makers. Open 9am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops Single, dated listings are free.

Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced.

Dates to suit you. 01432 760961.

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ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY STUDIO - POTTERY EXPERIENCES & LESSONS Church Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3BS, Powys. Open 7 Days a week, Bespoke family Days, Throwing Workshops and Courses. Children’s Parties, Corporate Festivities, Hen Dos. Hand-building, Gift Sales and Vouchers available. From £40pp Tasters - Half day or Full day.

Call for more details: 07443875016 e: alexallpressceramics@gmail.com alexallpress.co.uk Alex Allpress Pottery Studio Experiences & Lessons IKEBANA: THE ANCIENT ART OF JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING ‘Foam-free’, using seasonal materials.

Workshops for maximum 6 people are run by Qualified Teacher and Master in Ikebana (Ohara School). Individual lessons are possible by arrangement.

Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com.

Western flower arranging workshops are also available, see website ‘Western Style Workshops’, or ring 01432 880126 or email noellaplasman@gmail.com KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP We meet Monday daytime at the Civic Centre, Knighton (near the Clock Tower) during spring and autumn terms. We have weekly topics with friendly tuition. All abilities, beginners welcome. Learn at your own pace.

Discover new skills and increase your confidence. Own choice of art materials. Contact local artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

MOOR HALL STUDIO ~ BOBBY BRITNELL Inspirational art and textile related courses delivered throughout the year by highly qualified tutors. Some courses are on-line, and others face to face. Refer to www.bobbybritnell. co.uk for further information and details of all courses. Contact Bobby Britnell on 01547 510664, or email at bobby@ bobbybritnell.co.uk VILLAGE ART CLUBS Love art? Come and join us! Friendly, local clubs with professional tuition run for three terms per year. Beginners and experienced painters all welcome.

Call Liz on 07938 563716 or see the website for details www.villageartclubs.co.uk

LAZY DAISY CHAINS CHILDREN’S SEWING WORKSHOP ‘Baubles and Bunting’ is our next workshop on Saturday 10th December, 10:00-1:00, at Make-it-Happen, Gomond St, Hereford. For children aged 7-11, no experience is necessary. Cost £22.

For more details go to https://www. facebook.com/lazydaisychains STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS Monthly in Llangarron HR9 6PH. Glenn Morris, sculptor, leads an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Full tuition, safety equipment and tools provided. Stone available if required.

Copious refreshments guaranteed.

01989 770776.

Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors, all based in beautiful countryside with outstanding views and local produce.

We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Enamelled Jewellery, Felt-making, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Hedgerow Medicine, Mosaics, Painting, Pastels, Photography, Plant Dyeing, Spinning and Weaving, Rag Rug Making, Sewing, Stained Glass, Stonecarving, Woodblock printing, Drawing and Upholstery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - treasure it – or give it with pride!

BASKETMAKING USING RUSH Presteigne. Courses available throughout the year covering many techniques. Small groups and all levels taught. All materials and equipment included. For more information see Rushmorebaskets.com or contact Clair at rushmorebaskets@ gmail.com 07713 514902.

VICKI NORMAN WORKSHOPS 13-15 Jan - ‘Mastering Water’, online zoom workshop. Vicki Norman Art School, 21 Mill St, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF, www.vickinormanstudio.com December HAY CASTLE WORKSHOPS 7 Dec - Lino Printing Masterclass and workshop with Hannah Firmin, 10.30am-4pm, £40. 10 Dec - Luxury Wreath Making workshop, 10am-4pm, £75. 11 Dec - Journal Making workshop with Nina Vangerow, 10.30am-3.30pm, £35. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, www.haycastletrust.org

ALICE DRAWS THE LINE WORKSHOPS Learn lettering, start watercolour or have a go at drawing. All workshops from Alice’s studio in Brampton Bryan.

All dates and info, www.AliceDrawsTheLine.co.uk 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

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December SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE WORKSHOPS 10 & 11 Dec - Breakfast with Santa, 9am-11am, £8.50, booking essential.

10 & 11 Dec - Tea with Santa, 4pm-6pm, £8.50, booking essential.

21 Dec - Christmas Crafts. For children aged 4-11, 11am-3pm, drop in sessions, £4.40 per child.

27 Dec - Winter Crafts. For children aged 4-11, 11am-3pm, drop in sessions, £4.40 per child.

31 Dec - New Year’s Eve Children’s Celebration. For children aged 4-11, 11am-3pm, drop in sessions, £4.40 per accompanied child. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

December & January MID WALES ARTS CENTRE Thurs - After-School Pottery for children 7-11 years, 5-6.30pm, £7.

Thurs - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club for all ages and abilities, 2-4pm & 7-9pm, £10. Fri - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpure Club, 11-1pm, £10.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

Eastnor Pottery December MELISSA HUNT JEWELLERY COURSES 3 Dec - Soldering Tips and Practice, 10am-4pm. 15 Dec - Cabochon Stone Setting. All workshops are one day in duration. Melissa Hunt, Brampton Bryan, www.melissahuntjewellery.com December & January EASTNOR POTTERY INTO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £49 per person. Perfect indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups.

1.5 hr sessions take place on specific dates through the Winter. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 2, 3, 10 & 11 Dec. 7, 21, 28 & 29 Jan. £150 day £280 weekend. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury.

Please check availability book online www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

December & January ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY First Saturday of the month, until 3 Dec - Monthly Figure Drawing with Lois Hopwood, 10.30am-1pm, £20 per session. Book online or in the gallery.

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

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

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

Phone 01584 810085

December & January HEREFORD CATHEDRAL 5 Dec - 3 Jan - Family Nativity trail, around the cathedral to find the different parts of the nativity story.

7 & 14 Dec - Year of Prayer Lantern Workshop for all the family, 3.45-4.45pm, book through website.

20 Dec - Christmas Messy Church - make a selection of seasonal crafts to take home, 11.30am-3pm, free drop-in event.

21 Dec - Christmas Lego Club, 12-3pm, free but limited, so please book.

Mondays, term time - Toddler Group, craft activities and prayer; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374225, www.herefordcathedral.org

January PAINTING FOR THE STAGE: BACKDROPS AND SCENERY With Angela Gladwell. Second of two terms of 9 sessions each. This term each participant will make a painting, drawing or model of their own design in response to the theme. Shropshire Museums Collections Centre, Ludlow, 10.30am-1pm, £130, booking at www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk

December & January CARAD WORKSHOPS 10 Dec - Talk and Draw Fossils with Jo Botting and Sorrel Matei. Talk only £5, talk and draw £9.

Tues - TimeScape, drop in free activities, board games, crafts etc with refreshments, 10.30am-3.30pm.

5 - 19 Dec & 9 - 31 Jan Weekly classes. CARAD, Rhayader Museum, Rhayader. Further details, www.carad.org.uk

Tuesdays DRINK AND DRAW Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Upstairs at The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 7-9:30pm, £8, 07587 192495.

December & January THE HIVE WORKSHOPS Every Tues - Life Drawing for all ages, 7-9pm.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

December & January SIDNEY NOLAN WORKSHOPS Every Monday - ‘Make’. Weekly arts and creative sessions for young people aged 10-14, using a wide variety of materials and mediums, no experience or skills are needed, 3.30-5pm, free. To book - 01544 260149 or www.sidneynolantrust.org

Fri 2 December LEDBURY FLOWER CLUB Annual Christmas Open meeting and demonstration for the festive season. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10 includes festive drink, 01531 670037.

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

Wednesdays DRINK AND DRAW Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Ty Tan Gallery (opp. Blue Boar), Hay-on-Wye, 7-9:30pm, block book in advance £90 for 10 weeks or drop-in for £11, 07855 628626.

Thursdays HEREFORD LIFE DRAWING The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-1pm, £7.50, 01432 340555.

3rd Friday of every month FRIDAY CRAFT CLUB Bring your crocheting, embroidery, paper crafts or jewellery making to this informal meet. Complete your projects in good company with a side of tea and cake, no booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 10.30am-12.30pm.

www.tents4elements.co.uk

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cinema 22 Dec THE POLAR EXPRESS (U) Relaxed screening 26 - 31 Dec MATILDA: THE MUSICAL (PG) 20 Jan SING-ALONG-A THE GREATEST SHOWMAN The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

LIVING (12A)

Based loosely on Kurosawa Akira’s IKIRU, director Oliver Hermanus chose Bill Nighy, who usually plays slightly mischievous highborn eccentrics but here inhabits a world-weary, introverted civil servant, Mr Williams who, following a cancer diagnosis decamps to the south coast in search of redemption for a life less lived.

After a drunken night with a louche stranger (Tom Burke) he begins an odd flirtation with another former civil servant (Aimee Lou Wood, SEX EDUCATION’s Aimee Gibbs) that turns into something more consequential and mutually affectionate.

He also utilises his hitherto wasted administrative abilities to establish a children’s playground on a rundown estate and, as in Kurasawa’s original, his illness get the better of him in the third act and via flashbacks we get a better understanding of the empty life he finally escaped. A great and even surprising performance from Nighy gives LIVING a contagious poignancy.

All reviews by Mark Williams

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

14 Dec OUR LADIES 4 Jan PARALLEL MOTHERS 18 Jan COMPARTMENT NO. 6 1 Feb MAUDIE Melville Centre, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD. Check for times. A limited number of seats available for non-members aged 18+ www.abergavennyfilmsociety.com

6 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12A) 20 Jan THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard.

01885 488575

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 1 Dec LIVING Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 873229

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP 16 - 18, 21 - 21 Dec MATILDA THE MUSICAL (PG) Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 01497 822010

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

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5 Dec CRIES AND WHISPERS (15) 9 Jan MINARI (12) 6 Feb CASABLANCA BEATS (12A) 7.30pm, Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. 01874 623166

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 2 - 7 Dec THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) 3 & 6 Dec AMSTERDAM (15) 3 Dec LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE (PG) 4 Dec MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Brunch screening 5 Dec CALL JANE (12A) 6 & 13 Dec HILMA (12A) 11 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Festive afternoon tea screening 11 - 20 Dec LIVING (12A) 12 & 19 Dec DECISION TO LEAVE (15) 16 Dec WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) Dementia Friendly screening 20 Dec THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Hereford Food Bank donation screening

2 Dec THE DUKE (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717 2 Dec FISHERMANS FRIENDS - ONE AND ALL (12A) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752931 2 Dec WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 2 Dec TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841 3 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Hanley Broadheath VH 07972 183164 3 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Ballingham Old School Hall 07967 017759 3 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Bettws-yCrwyn Parish Hall 01588 640233 3 Dec KING RICHARD (12) Yarpole Parish Hall 4 Dec LA VIE EST UNE LONGUE FLEUVE TRANQUILLE (15) Malvern Cinema 01684 892277 5 Dec THE DUKE (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 5 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 6 Dec HIT THE ROAD (12) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 6 Dec WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 7 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 7 Dec FISHERMANS FRIENDS - ONE AND ALL (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 7 Dec THE DUKE (12A) Chetton VH 01746 789257

8 Dec WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 9 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Clungunford VH 01588 660159 9 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 9 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Great Witley VH 01299 896412 9 Dec TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Colwall VH 07891 668124 10 Dec THE DUKE (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 10 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273 10 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 10 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 10 Dec FISHERMANS FRIENDS ONE AND ALL (12A) Martley Memorial Hall 01886 888406 11 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Priest Weston VH 07912 274891 12 Dec RAISE THE RED LANTERN (PG) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 12 Dec TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 13 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574 13 Dec AFTER LOVE (12) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 07789 778048 13 Dec RESPECT (12A) Garway Hall 01600 750465 14 Dec THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 15 Dec OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12) Pencombe and Little Cowarne Parish Hall 01885 400311 15 Dec THE DUKE (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 15 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Gorsley VH 01989 750649 15 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Norbury VH 01588 650306 15 Dec THE OUTFIT (15) Diddlebury VH 07375 326381 15 Dec FISHERMANS FRIENDS ONE AND ALL (12A) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619 15 Dec OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12) Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 07508 072206 16 Dec WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Marton VH 01743 792790 16 Dec PARALLEL MOTHERS (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (15)

Cannes-winning regular, writer/director Ruben Östlund (FORCE MAJEURE, THE SQUARE) here aims his acerbic lens towards social influencer Yaya (talented newcomer Charlbi Dean) and her model boyfriend Carl (Harris Dickenson, COUNTY LINES) both preeningly attractive, if insecure, and in an archly hilarious opening scene, the Botox-ready space between fashionistas’ eyebrows explains the film’s title. However things really get going when Yaya’s legion of admirers wins them a cruise on a wincingly luxurious yacht captained by the drunkard and improbably Marxist Thomas (Woody Harrelson, having a ball). As with FORCE MAJEURE, the natural scheme of things soon descends into mayhem courtesy of some decidedly unsavoury characters, some equally distasteful bodily functions, naked class warfare and a major storm which… well I won’t spoil the ending of what is a hugely funny, bitingly topical social satire but let’s just say that there’s much turning of tables.

16 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 16 Dec A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD (PG) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 16 Dec BRIAN AND CHARLES (PG) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333 16 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841 17 Dec ELVIS (2022) (12) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615 17 Dec THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) (U) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 528842 17 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Waverton VH 01244 336055 20 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 20 Dec THE ANGEL’S SHARE (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 20 Dec THE BAD GUYS (U) Callow End VH 01905 830469 21 Dec MINIONS: THE RISE OF THE GRU Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 21 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Myddle VH 07706 450075 29 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Almeley VH 07557 659291

4 Jan THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Cardington VH 01694 771295 5 Jan WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Brilley VH 07501 133194 6 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 6 Jan FISHERMANS FRIENDS - ONE AND ALL (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717 7 Jan OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12) Hanley Broadheath VH 07972 183164 7 Jan RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (PG) Little Witley VH 01886 888122 10 Jan BRIAN AND CHARLES (PG) Garway Hall 01600 750465 13 Jan MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333 14 Jan BELFAST (12) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 14 Jan DEATH ON THE NILE (2022) (12) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 15 Jan LA FAMILLE BELIER (12) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277 17 Jan TICKET TO PARADISE (12) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 19 Jan WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Huntington VH 01544 370692

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19 Jan ELVIS (2022) (12) Norbury VH 01588 650306 20 Jan MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Marton VH 01743 792790 20 Jan THE DUKE (12A) Clungunford VH 01588 660159 20 Jan THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 20 Jan THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Callow End VH 01905 830469 20 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Lingen VH 01568 770920 21 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273 21 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 24 Jan THE OUTFIT (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 26 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 26 Jan SUMMERLAND (12) Grimley Peach Hall, Sinton Green 01905 641572 26 Jan THE DUKE (12A) Almeley VH 07557 659291 27 Jan JEAN DE FLORETTE (PG) Crescent Christian Centre, Newtown 07939 273525 28 Jan ELVIS (2022) (12) Church & Chetwynd Aston VH 01952 813234 28 Jan WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Yarpole Parish Hall 28 Jan TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545

THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 2 Dec THERE IS NO EVIL (15) 16 Dec ANOTHER ROUND (12) 6 Jan FILL THE VOID (U) 20 Jan CHARLATAN (15) 3 Feb YOU WILL DIE AT TWENTY (12) Shrewsbury Film Society. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 234970

LEINTWARDINE COMM. CENTRE

12 Dec & 23 Jan BUGGY FLICKS Parent/baby/toddler screening, 9.30am, creche.

15 Dec THE DUKE (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

THE LOFT, HEREFORD

9 Dec MOONAGE DAYDREAM (15) 10 Dec HOME ALONE (PG) 11 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) 14 Dec THE HOLIDAY (12A) 18 Dec DADDY’S HOME 2 (PG) 19 Dec THE SANTA CLAUSE (U)

26

21 Dec ELF (PG) 22 Dec HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (PG) 23 Dec THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 24 Dec LOVE ACTUALLY (15) 24 Dec DIE HARD (18) 30 Dec GREMLINS (15) The Loft, 18a West St, Hereford HR4 0BX 01432 507460

MKT. THEATRE, LEDBURY 7 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA (PG) 16 Dec PARALLEL MOTHERS (15) subtitles Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB 1 Dec BELFAST (12) 15 Dec THE OUTFIT (15) 12 Jan ELVIS (12) 26 Jan GOOD LUCK TO YOU LEO GRANDE (15) Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 8pm, 01686 668442

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS.

1 Dec THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) 2 - 8 Dec TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (15) 5 - 8 Dec ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE 9 - 15 Dec SHE SAID (15) 10 & 11 Dec CBEEBIES PANTO: DICK WHITTINGTON & HIS CAT (U) 11 Dec BROS (15) 15 - 24 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984) (U) 16 - 22 Dec THE MENU (15) 16 - 31 Dec ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (PG) 23 - 30 Dec CHARLOTTE (12) 28 - 31 Dec LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE (PG) Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 2 Dec SMALL BODY (12A) 16 Dec THE DUKE (12) 6 Jan FILM TBC 20 Jan FILM TBC www.presteignescreen.org.uk Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm.

SAVOY, MONMOUTH 1 Dec THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) 2 - 8 Dec PINOCCHIO (PG) 6 Dec ROCKS (PG) 16 - 22 Dec MATILDA THE MUSICAL (12A) Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE 1 Dec TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) 8 Dec WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) 20 Dec THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) 12 Jan BIG V SMALL (12A) 17 Jan TICKET TO PARADISE (12) 2 Feb HIT THE ROAD (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS 1 Dec MATILDA THE MUSICAL (PG) 1 Dec BROS (15) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 1 Dec HOPPER: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

3 Dec CEZANNE: PORTRAIT OF A LIFE Exhibition on Screen. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 01743 281281.

4 Dec CEZANNE: PORTRAIT OF A LIFE Exhibition on Screen. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

7 Dec THE SEAGULL National Theatre encore screening.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

7 Dec CEZANNE: PORTRAIT OF A LIFE Exhibition on Screen. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

7 & 8 Dec ANDREW RIEU IN DUBLIN Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442.

8 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm, 01584 878141.

9 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm, 01584 878141.

11 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Ballet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

14 Jan FEDORA New York Met. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555.

14 Dec THE HOURS Metropolitan Opera encore screening.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555.

19 Jan LIKE WATER FROM CHOCOLATE The Royal Ballet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.15pm, 01588 630321. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442.

14 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Ballet encore screening.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125.

18 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House encore screening.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

31 Dec BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER New Year’s Eve concert.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 4pm, 01885 488575.

7 & 8 Jan ANDRE RIEU IN DUBLIN Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

8 Jan ANDRE RIEU IN DUBLIN Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 2.30pm, 01885 488575.

22 Jan LIKE WATER FROM CHOCOLATE The Royal Ballet.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

24 Jan LIKE WATER FROM CHOCOLATE The Royal Ballet.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm.

26 Jan THE CRUCIBLE National Theatre. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Blake Theatre,

The Crucible

Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. Old Market Theatre, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

31 Jan THE CRUCIBLE National Theatre. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

WORKSHOPS Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.15pm & 6.45pm, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

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dance The Nutcracker

Sat 14 January LEOMINSTER WASSAIL With Jenny Pipes Morris. Meet Corn Square, Leominster 11am, process to Community Orchard for the wassail ceremony, 07961 795466.

Sat 21 January FOXWHELP MORRIS Bredwardine Wassail. Details 07549 096291.

Dance Performance Sat 10 December BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BALLET THEATRE present one of the most enchanting love stories of all time. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, 01600 719401.

Fri 16 - Sun 18 December THE NUTCRACKER BRECON FESTIVAL BALLET return with a winning combination of a magical story, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music performed by the Welsh Chamber Orchestra, Christmas presents, snowflakes and sweets.

The perfect Christmas show for all the family. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, also showing at 2.30pm on Sat & Sun, 01874 611622, www.breconfestivalballet.com December & January LEOMINSTER MORRIS 10 Dec - Leominster Victorian Market.

26 Dec - Dancing and Mummers play, New Inn, Pembridge, 12pm. 6 Jan - The Wassail & Mummers play, Burton Court, Eardisland, 7pm. www.leominstermorris.org Sat 7 January WASSAIL & CEILIDH Foxwhelp Morris, Join The Dots Ceilidh Band and caller.

Monkland Village Hall, 6pm, £8 including supper, cash bar, 01568 720510 or 07787 154308.

Dance Workshops

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

Sun 18 December & Sun 15 January MONKLAND STEP SESSIONS Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

Tues 13 December & Tues 10 January COME AND HAVE A GO MORRIS DANCING With Foxwhelp Morris. The Red Lion, Bredwardine, details, 07549 096291.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Adult Classes. Mon - Contemporary Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk. Tues - Street Jazz with LG Dance, 7.15pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Adult Irish Dance, 8pm, £60 for 10 week course, ludwigtheatrearts.com. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, £6 per session, www.starlightcompany. co.uk Thurs - Adult Performance Class with LG Dance, 8pm, £48 for 6 weeks, £8 drop in, www.laruagale.co.uk Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15pm, £6 per session. Junior Classes with LG Dance. Mon - Junior Contemporary, 4.30pm, £21 per month. Mon - Senior Contemporary, 5.30pm, £21 per month. Tues - Junior Street Jazz, 5.15pm, £21 per month. Tues - Senior Street Jazz, 6.15pm, £21 per month. Thurs - Mini Musicals, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs - Junior Musical Theatre, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs Senior Musical Theatre, 6.40pm, £28 per month, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Irish Dance with Ludwig Theatre Arts, Beginners (6+) 6pm, advanced 7pm, £5 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4, 11.30pm, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

HPA FEST 2023 Registration is open for Herefordshire’s Performing Arts Festival. Classes available for music, choirs, speech and drama, rock and pop and dance. Open to everyone and catering for all standards. Have a go! Classes range from £5-£15, deadline to enter 31 Jan. HPA Fest 2023 Homepage | Encore Enterprises (encore-enterprises.com) LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton. Tues - Pembridge Village Hall.

SaxonHall. Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Wed - Burford Village Hall, Tenbury Wells. Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern. Lyppard HUB, Worcester. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street. Abberley Village Hall. Sun Eardisley Village Hall. For more information please e-mail info@coolmovesdance.co.uk Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

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SHIMMY CENTRAL WITH ALANYA Open Level Adult Belly Dance Classes. Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB. 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3pm.

Pay-as-you-go - please book by the previous Wednesday.

For full information visit www.alanyabellydance.com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

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

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 Paul 01497 821003 or Jed 07549 096291.

Wednesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm. Mely 07837 169505.

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

Wednesday mornings & Thursday evenings TUDOR & MEDIEVAL DANCE Would you like to learn to do Tudor and Medieval dances? Come and join us in Leominster on Wednesday mornings or Thursday evenings. Beginners welcome; no previous experience necessary. Contact Maureen Crumpler on 01568 613477 or email alancapriole@talktalk.net

Monday

Bartestree Village Hall, HR1 4BY, 7.30-8.30pm Silvester Horne Institute, SY6 6BY, 7.30-8.30pm

Tuesday

Saxon Hall, HR2 6HE, 7.30-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB, 7.30-8.30pm Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY9 1AZ, 7.30-8.30pm

Wednesday

Burford Village Hall, Tenbury, WR15 8LA, 7.30-8.30pm Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR, 7.30-8.30pm Lyppard HUB, Worcester, WR4 0DZ, 7.45-8.45pm

Thursday

Ledbury Dance Studio, HR8 2AA, 7.30-8.30pm Abberley Village Hall, WR6 6AZ, 7.30-8.30pm

Sunday

Eardisley Village Hall, HR3 6NH, 7.30-8.30pm

Great Fun * Friendly Atmosphere Improves Fitness Join Any Time * Meet New People

Thursdays WILD WEST SALSA Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.45pm, £6, students £5, social dance only £4, 01432 357753.

Thursdays JENNY PIPES MORRIS is a lively well established female Morris side looking for new dancers to join us, all abilities welcome including beginners. If you are a musician (male or female) looking to play for Morris dancing, then please join us and have some fun! We dance Cotswold and Border Morris, practicing on Thursday evenings at 7.30 at Stoke Prior Village Hall, Leominster, HR6 0LG. Contact Helen 07821 411236 or Rose 07815169566.

Fridays CHANCE TO DANCE For the over 50s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am, £4.50, 01432 340555.

Fridays DANCING TOTS For ages 2-4 years. Courtyard, Hereford, 11.30am, £4, 01432 340555.

THE NUTCRACKER

16th - 18th December

with the welsh chamber orchestra

www.breconfestivalballet.com www.facebook.com/breconballet

BRECON FESTIVAL BALLET

www.leominstermorris.org

food page The Fforest Inn and Border Bean

A

S someone who every month distributes this mighty organ to pubs, restaurants and cafes across the Marches, in these straightened times it’s been dispiriting to witness a steady number of them closing down or mothballing for the winter as energy, food and drink costs spiral beyond their commercially viable means. This of course is exacerbated by us, as punters, having to tighten our own belts with less to spend on eating out so this month I’m featuring one success story and also a café where value as well as a toothsome if modest menu offers succor for a quick lunch or social hobnobbing.

THE FFOREST INN was originally 16th Century drovers’ stopover at Llanfihangel-nant-Melan, halfway up a hill on what is now the A44 at the junction of the A481 to Builth. I’ve always been impressed that even when popping in with Broad Sheep of a midweek lunchtime it’s usually lively and so I wasn’t surprised when my friend LC – those are actually her initials – and I took supper there on a cold, wet Wednesday night to find the smallish, plain if comfy dining room, with its welcoming wood-burner already very busy and a friend enjoying a sociable pint in the bar. The genial landlady explained that of the three draught beers Old Speckled Hen was a permanent fixture whilst Hobson’s Town Crier and Three Tuns XXX – a personal favourite – were guest ales.

For starters we shared skewers of succulent and suitably moist Teriyaki Chicken Strips served with a small salad and yummy prawn crackers – a fine combination whetting my considerable appetite after a hard day’s scribbling for something called Pithivier, a new one on me and although I’m not normally of that persuasion, a vegetarian option chosen because it contained beetroot and butternut squash which I’m a slave to. These, along with cashew and lentils were lightly steamed and then roasted within a substantial puff pastry pie of an exquisite conflation that’s usually very hard to get right, served with more than enough twice cooked chips and, again, a small salad. However keen carnivore, LC made the interesting choice of Jerk Chicken, which bespoke its Caribbean origins with a not-too-heavily spiced marinade, enhanced by goodly pile of rice and salad. Moreover a delicious mango salsa more than compensated for the breast itself being maybe a smidge on the dry side.

I left it to LC to order Chocolate Fudge Cake, smothered with chocolate sauce and garnished with homemade ice-cream, which she quickly scoffed allowing me only a spoonful which although not being a huge desserts man, I must say was mighty fine. What’s more, the bill for us two, plus a glass of very decent Shiraz, was excellent value at but a shade over £50.

True, both supper and lunch menus embrace fairly standard pub fare, e.g. steaks, beef and bean burgers and scampi, but if the standard of cooking applies to them, too, and the extremely friendly atmosphere are anything to go by, and they were, then the trip from Builth, Llandod and points west on the A44 or from Kington would well reward your effort.

The Fforest Inn - www.thefforest.co.uk Tel: 01544 350526 Talking of the latter, Kington’s BORDER BEAN CAFE is now a well-established High Street feature offering two spacious rooms where you can socialise over their excellent coffees and teas or in my case recently, hammer away at a laptop for an hour or more without any tut-tutting from the cheerful ladies who run the place.

However after a morning’s somewhat soggy hiking a friend and I stopped by for lunchtime sustenance the other week where the soup of the day served, with hearty chunks of freshly-made bread, was leek and potato (£4.10), and the day’s special filling for pannini, ciabatta or in my case a large, perfectly baked potato – was the imaginative mélange of cranberry and brie (£4.60). The range of standard fillings, sandwiches and soups is also considerable. And seriously tantalised by the wide range of cakes and slices on offer, even my tooth was sweet enough to gobble down a plump flapjack with a delicious raspberry and yoghurt topping (£2.80) and I’ll obviously be back for more.

Border Bean Cafe - Tel: 01544 231625 Mark Williams

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December THE COURTYARD EVENTS 1, 8, 15 & 22 Dec - Bottomless Festive Small Plates.

2, 10, 16 & 17 Dec - All Out Chritmas, 7.30pm.

14 Dec - Cheese & Wine Night, 7pm. The Chase Lounge, The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sat 3 December KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD FROM THE BORDERS 100 thrilling top exhibitors, street food. Music in the streets of Kington including Mice in a Matchbox, Whitton Voices, local choirs, Streetsax and Guitar and Ethan Roberts. A gastronomic inspiration from the Marches. Free and free parking. Kington, 9.30am-3.30pm.

Sun 4 & Wed 28 December BEEFY BOYS & DIVINE DONUTS The Oak Inn, Staplow, 3.30pm-7.30pm, 01531 640954.

Fri 13 January LITTLE BENTO BOX: POP UP Serving a delectable East Asian fusion menu, four courses of plant-based flavour. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6pm, £25, www.potandpage.co.uk Wed 25 January BURNS’ NIGHT CELEBRATION Dinner. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 6.30pm, £70, www.haycastletrust.org Every Saturday LUDLOW COUNTRY MARKET 9am-12pm at The Womens Centre, Ludlow. Local produce, handicrafts, plants & veg, cut flowers, cards.

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

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

The best collection of artisan food producers in the area.

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

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023, www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk 2nd Saturday of every month LEOMINSTER FARMER’S MARKET Corn Square, 9am-1pm, 01568 797427.

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

Third Saturday of every month BURGERS, BYTES & BOARDGAMES Table top games in good company, fast food and drinks on tap! Play in-house games or bring some of your own to share. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7.30pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk Third Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023.

Every Monday HEREFORD LEFT BANK Half price on all food and drinks from 5-7pm. Coffee House (overlooking the river), Left Bank Village, Hereford, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk First Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET The Barn, Ledbury, HR8 1EA, 6-8pm. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET Regular stalls on the lower floor. First Thurs of the month, using both floors with community cafe. Open 9am-3pm, www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/market 07790 100462.

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-2.30pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043.

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

Every Friday & Saturday from 5pm STEAK NIGHTS Floodgates Restaurant & Bar, Left Bank Village, Hereford, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary delights. Each month we meet to discuss a different book and share a meal inspired by the story. Nov - ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £40 per year.

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

Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays.

THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Tues-Sat 9.30am-3pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

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.

PLANTASTIK cic, 15 WEST ST, LEOMINSTER is closed now but has morphed into NORI’S CAFE. Vegetarian and vegan food from your old friend. Open Thursday 11-3, Fridays and Saturdays 10-4 ffi: noriscafe@yahoo.com RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & wholefoods. The Old Garage Shop Knighton LD7 1EN. Wed. - Fri. 9 - 4, Sat. 10 - 2. Free parking.

Thursday morning market stall in Presteigne.

Local deliveries of veg. boxes. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm.

Why not advertise your eating establishment?

IT’S ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

BROAD sheep

EVENTS

Just post the wording you require (around 40 words) together with a cheque payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ and post to: Broad Sheep, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall St, Hereford,HR4 9HP Further enquries, call 07786 131159

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music

DECEMBER Thurs 1 December LEDBURY BRASS BAND Christmas concert. Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, 7pm, £10 on the door or 01531 670634. Drinks and nibbles.

DAN JAY Indie DJ set. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com

Fri 2 December THE GOLD ROOM The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

ABBA SENSATION ABBA tribute act. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

PAT FULGONI BLUES EXPERIENCE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

THE MAKINGS The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

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

LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARTY Plant-based Christmas taster-menu, live music and festive cheer!. Pot and Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, from 6pm, www.potandpage.co.uk ACOUSTIC SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

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RHYTHM THIEVES The Chindit, 113 Merridale Rd, Wolverhampton, 8pm.

CATRIN FINCH Harpist. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

LEDBURY LATE NIGHT SHOPPING Ledbury’s wealth of independent traders and eateries will stay open until 8pm to welcome you to their annual late night Christmas Shopping event. Carol Singers, Bell Ringers, Mulled Cider & Charity Mistletoe Sale. For information call:- 07983 495698.

CULTURE SHOCK + LAST TREE SQUAD The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk

GLASSHOUSE Blurring the lines between composition and improvisational jazz. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, £7, 07791 654799, www.themusebrecom. com RUBBLE Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HAY MUSIC ‘Music for Queens of Heaven and Earth’. Featuring Hexad. Eight voice a cappella choir sing music from the 15th century to the present for Tudor Queens, the Queen of Heaven and to remember and celebrate Queen Elizabeth II (with guest speaker Peter Florence). Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, £15 / under 25s - £7.50 www.haymusic. org Tickets also available from Hay Tourist Information Centre.

THE STRIPLIGHTS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

MIDWINTER REVELS GreenMatthews present their new festive show, spanning several centuries. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs and toe-tapping tunes.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

LUCY BOWEN ‘An Entertainment of Sweet Singing’.

Kindle Centre, beside ASDA, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552. Hereford Arts Appreciation Society.

Sat 3 December FLATWORLD West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, 8pm, £11, 07974 725374.

PHIL RAM AND THE MAÑANA KIDS Bring their special offering of British rock with prog punk twist. Iron Bar, Radnorshire Ales, Brookside Farm, New Radnor, LD8 2SU, 7.30pm, £10 on the door, 07789 909748.

Proceeds going to The Radnor Arms Refurbishment Fund.

JUNIOR BILL Reggae pop. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

BDS SILVA SHIVA Hip Hop DJ set. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

ENCORE YOUTH MUSIC CONCERT Encore Youth Music presents Herefordshire Youth Concert Band and Herefordshire Youth Orchestra.

Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross Rd, Hereford, 7.30pm, £7 on the door.

RUBBLE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE PHOENIX SINGERS Featuring Haydn’s Harmoniemesse.

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15, under 18s free, 01743 234970.

TENBURY TOWN BAND Christmas Charity Concert.

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

Phil Ram & The Mañana Kids GREENMATTHEWS ‘Midwinter Revels’, a celebration of Yuletide past, featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs and toetapping tunes. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

FARRAR & GOWER ‘Chopin and Champagne’. An evening of live music by Helen Farrar a concert pianist and live painting on stage by Richard Gower. The Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 6.30pm, £29, includes a glass of champagne, canapes and a programme on arrival. Booking essential, 01568 612277 or email info@ lionballroomleominster.co.uk HARRIET EARIS & CLOVIS PHILLIPS The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

NORTHERN SOUL NIGHT Malvern Cube, Albert Road North, Malvern, WR14 2YF, 7pm, £7.50 on the door.

EBBW VALE MALE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Choral music with a distinctly Christmas theme. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £10/£8, 01600 772467.

Sun 4 December

SARAH MCQUAID Experience the lush, distinctive vocals of this singer-songwriter combined with performances on acoustic and CHRISTMAS SPARKLE ORGAN electric guitars, piano and floor tom CONCERT drum. For ages 16+. Escleyside Hall, Lunchtime organ recital of Advent and Michaelchurch Escley, 7.30pm, £12, Christmas favourites given by Peter children £6, family £30, 01981 510116.

Dyke. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free Arts Alive. with retiring collection.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY QUIZ LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY In aid of Hereford & Worcester Animal Featuring works by Ralph Vaughan Rescue. Plus The Beefy Boys and Williams. St Laurence’s Church, Divine Donuts on sale from 3.30Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

7.30pm. The Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, EDDY GARTRY’S BIG MAGIC DANCE booking advisable, 01531 640954.

BAND CHRISTMAS FAMILY RAVE Dorrington Village Hall, SY5 7LD, Full of bubbles, balloons and all your 7.30pm, licensed bar, £10 in advance favourite tunes, Crimbo classics or £12 on the door, 07730 454864 or included. Suitable for all ages. The 07762 449935. Proceeds in aid of Courtyard, Herefeord, 2.30pm & 4pm, Midland Air Ambulance.

01432 340555.

JOHN KIRKPATRICK Presents Carolling and Crumpets.

Plus the launch of his new record, ‘Joy & Jubilation’. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, children £8, 01588 630321.

THE ORIGINAL WANTED Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

THE PENYARD SINGERS ‘A Radiant Dawn’. An advent concert.

Ross Parish Church, 7pm, £10, 01989 750233.

KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD FROM THE BORDERS 100 thrilling top exhibitors, street food.

Music in the streets of Kington including Mice in a Matchbox, Whitton Voices, local choirs, Streetsax and Guitar and Ethan Roberts. A gastronomic inspiration from the Marches. Free and free parking. Kington, 9.30am-3.30pm.

HOSPITALITY NIGHT With Rookie DJ. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE An organ concert performed by Peter Dyke, featuring all kinds of festive favourites for Advent and Christmas.

Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free with retiring collection.

WOODCHUCK Grape Vaults, Leominster.

DUTCH LEWIS TRIO Aardvark Christmas Fair, with over 20 stalls, filled with fantastic Christmas presents. Hot food, free mulled wine and more! Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, 10am-4pm, 01547 530744.

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS The Boat Inn, Penalt, Monmouth, 3pm, free.

The Orgasmic Cider Company

Award winning Cider & Perry Makers Great Parton, Eardisley, Herefordshire, HR3 6NX

Open Wednesdays - Sundays.

Cider, Perry, Apple & Pear Juice, Sloe Gin, Christmas Trees, Locally produced Ales, Gins, Chutneys.

Handcrafted unique Christmas Gifts.

Ample parking, warm welcome! ‘Try before you buy’.

While you’re here, pick up a Christmas Tree, various sizes.

Tel: 07773 037448. www.orgasmiccidercompany.co.uk Find us on:

THE FORFEITS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

HELLENS MANOR TOURS See 7 Dec for details. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. After the tour mince pies and mulled cider/apple juice will be served and included in the price, £22/50, £18 students, to book www.hellensmanor. com/events TALGARTH MALE CHOIR Stirring renditions including ‘Men of Harlech’, ‘Calon Lan’ and ‘Bring Him Home’. Weobley Parish Church, HR4 8SD, 7pm, £12 on the door.

Graffiti Classics

Sun 4 December HR4K OPEN MIC Unit 12a Thorn Business Park, Hereford, 6.30pm, pre-booking advised, martinchapple1@gmail.com HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring The Sauce City Jazz Band.

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £8, 01432 276304.

Mon 5 December CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

Tues 6 December ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

Wed 7 December GABBA GABBA HEY! Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

EX CATHEDRA ‘Christmas Music by Candlelight’. A seamless blend of seasonal favourites, little-known gems and inspiring new music. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, 01432 374210.

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HELLENS TUDOR TOURS The year is 1575. Join merry, madcap kitchen maid Lizzie as she goes about her errands helping to prepare the house for Christmas, meet Lady Elizabeth Walwyn as she gets ready for the party of a lifetime. Character tours suitable for everyone from 8 and over.

Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. After the tour mince pies and mulled cider/apple juice will be served and included in the price, £22/50, £18 students, to book www.hellensmanor.com/events

SIRINU Music for medieval castle, featuring vocal and instrumental music from the 12th to 14th centuries. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

THE PLAGUE DOCTORS CURE FOR ALL - FEVER PITCH! Monstrous grooves, high energy, powerhouse playing. An electric band with jazz/prog/funk rock influences.

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

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, 07791 654799, www.themusebrecon.com WILD FRUIT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

Thurs 8 December JAM ON TOAST Presents Cheating Lights with support from Monday Club and Ben Frederick Johnson. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 8pm.

HELLENS MANOR TOURS See 7 Dec for details. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. After the tour mince pies and mulled cider/apple juice will be served and included in the price, £22/50, £18 students, to book www.hellensmanor. com/events BOAT INN OPEN MIC NIGHT Boat Inn, Whitney on Wye, 8pm.

Contact martinchapple1@gmail.com or just turn up!

Fri 9 December BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA Four players who play a blistering barrage of traditional folk and gypsyflavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £20, 07967 517125.

THE DUB PISTOLS A riotous collision of drum and bass, hip-hop, ska, dub and punk. The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk MINI FESTIVAL Featuring Undaunted, Shred Belly, Him & Me and Frontrunner. In aid of MacMillan Cancer Charity, Roebuck, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 3-10pm, entry donation on the door, raffle and food available, 07547 188402.

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

GRAFFITI CLASSICS THE COMEDY STRING QUARTET 16 Strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with one aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating. This hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy cabaret show bursts the boundaries of a traditional string quartet. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £14/£6, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

HOT ROXX & PIGDAZE Ludlow Brewery, 01584 873291.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LEFT BANK VILLAGE Featuring All About Abba plus DJ Roddy Hankins. Enjoy a three-course Christmas meal including canapes, 7.30pm, email enquiries@herefordleftbank.com SONIC BOOM Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

FOLK AT THE FALCON Featuring Grey Wolf with support by Dustbirds. Falcon Mews, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10 from the Falcon Hotel or 07726 462220.

OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. Hundred House Inn, Purslow, SY7 0HJ, 8pm.

Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail.com CHRISTMAS MISCELLANY Conquest Spotlight. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 10 December WILL KILLEEN Acclaimed local musician, known for his slide guitar skills and unique blend of Celtic roots and American country and blues. Hereford Beer House, West St, Hereford, 7.30pm, free entry.

EDDY GARTRY’S BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND The Cowshacc, Clive Owen Building, Welshpool.

RAVE ON The Rise of Rock and Roll featuring The Bluejays. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

LEOMINSTER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STREET MARKET Featuring Leominster Morris, 70 stalls, free horse and carriage rides, Punch & Judy shows, roasted chestnuts, street food, mulled beverages, entertainment and more. Independent shops also open selling unique gifts. Free parking all day. 10am-3pm.

THE OUTLAWS OF BABYLON Duo. Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 8.30pm, 01547 550400.

RP MCMURPHY Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

SWEETBOY SOUNDS & INDUSTRY DJ SET House, garage, breaks. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

HELLENS MANOR TOURS See 7 Dec for details. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. After the tour mince pies and mulled cider/apple juice will be served and included in the price, £22/50, £18 students, to book www.hellensmanor. com/events HAY-ON-WYE CHRISTMAS FAYRE 50+ traders bring Christmas to the street of Hay with festive gifts, hot food, mulled gin, singing from Hay Shantymen, carols, children’s treasure hunt and more. Memorial Square, halls and beyond, 10am-4pm, 07989 980601.

NICK AND JANE Christmas party. Poptastic duo performing the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s and more. Lindridge Parish Hall, Eardiston, 8pm, www.lindridgeparishhall.co.uk HOTROX Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

CHRISTMAS PARTY Danny Graham, DJ night. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Back by popular demand

PHIL RAM & THE MAÑANA KIDS bring their special offering of British rock with prog punk twist

Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm, £10 on the door

Iron Bar, Radnorshire Ales Brookside Farm, New Radnor, LD8 2SU

Proceeds to the Radnor Arms Refurbishment Fund Radnor Arms Action Group theradnorarmshotel

07789 909748

MID WALES R&B CLUB Featuring Blues Boy Kings plus Michael Parker. The Muse, Brecon Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12, www.midwalesrandb.club CHRISTMAS AT THE LEFT BANK VILLAGE Featuring All About Abba plus DJ Roddy Hankins. Enjoy a three-course Christmas meal including canapes, 7.30pm, email enquiries@herefordleftbank.com MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR Featuring Syrinx Ensemble. An evening of light classical music from this professional wind quintet and piano ensemble. A Christmas theme, a few surprises and humour for good measure. New Radnor Community Hall, Hall Lane, New Radnor, LD8 2SW, 7.30pm, £15, under 14s £3, wine and soft drinks available, bring your own snacks, 01544 350268.

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK Featuring Chris Gumbley Quintet Music of Cannonball Adderley.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, £23, under 22s £12, 01743 234970.

ABF Annual Christmas concert with school choirs and bands. The Soldiers’ Charity Christmas concert. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, 01432 374210.

Good Habits

Thurs 15 December DAN OWEN Shrewsbury Abbey, 01743 361666.

STONES NIGHT AT THE DUKES The return of the annual tribute to The Rolling Stones on the bands 60th anniversary. All the usual suspects contributing. The Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8pm, £5.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY BRASS BAND Christmas Concert in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and church funds. Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, 7.15pm, £10 on the door, refreshments available, donations welcome, 01531 670634.

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

Sat 10 December SHRED BELLY Rose & Crown, Burford, Tenbury Wells.

HAY MADRIGALS CHOIR & ORCHESTRA Programme includes Handel, Charpentier, Michael Haydn and Rathgeber. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 3.30pm followed by seasonal cakes, tea/coffee/wine. £10 on the door, www.haymadrigals.org HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY A special candlelit performance of Handel’s Messiah with Marches Baroque. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, www.herefordchoralsociety.org/tickets BROMYARD WIND BAND Christmas concert. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10, 01885 488575.

Sun 11 December HEREFORD CHURCH SINGERS ADVENT CAROL CONCERT Modern and not so modern, some audience participation. St Peter’s Church, Withington, Hereford, HR1 3QE, 4pm, refreshments, retiring collection. 01432 850074.

HELLENS MANOR TOURS See 7 Dec for details. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. After the tour mince pies and mulled cider/apple juice will be served and included in the price, £22/50, £18 students, to book www.hellensmanor. com/events

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GABBA GABBA HEY! ALLDAYER Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 01743 241124.

WHISKEY RIVER TRIO With Alan Cooper. Tiney Rebel Brewery, Rogerstone, Newport, 7pm, free.

CHORAL EVENSONG Ross Parish Church, 6pm.

HOSPITALITY NIGHT With Rookie DJ set. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

DANGEROUS DAVE Grape Vaults, Leominster.

THE MOSQUITOES Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, free.

Mon 12 December POP-UP JAZZ In Bill’s Kitchen, Christmas Special. Get a delicious meal and some great music, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £25, 01584 877956.

JILL Jazz. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 2-4pm.

Wed 14 December BRECON JAZZ Featuring a Trio, some local jazz players and also invite participants to a jam session. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £10 in advance, www.breconjazz.org MARCHES CHOIR AND BRASS QUARTET Big Christmas Sing! A festive evening of music and carols with audience participation. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £8, children/ students free, 01588 650315 and on the door.

TRI-CITY FANFARE The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

Fri 16 December CHRISTMAS AT THE LEFT BANK VILLAGE Featuring All About Abba plus DJ Roddy Hankins. Enjoy a three-course Christmas meal including canapes, 7.30pm, email enquiries@herefordleftbank.com DELTA SOUL Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

CHRISTMAS PASTORALE A concert of contemplative seasonal music with Ruth Watson - oboes, Leila Basletic - organ, John Hymas - violin and Marion Rowlatt - mezzo soprano with the Saint Andrew’s Sisters.

Programme includes works by Bach, Corelli and Berlioz. Warden View Methodist Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £10, 01544 350559.

KICKBACK Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

VERA VAN HEERINGEN With Beresford, Williams and Foote.

Contemporary folk/Americana.

Moriah Chapel, Vine Square, Llanfyllin, SY22 5BN, 7.30pm, £12, booking essential, www.eventbrite.com OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm.

GOOD HABITS A young, award-winning duo with a fresh look at folk. Re-working familiar songs and playing their own.

Bitterley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01584 318047. Arts Alive.

AMARYLLI Hannah Grove (soprano) and Elizabeth Pallett (lute). Songs, lute solos and poetry from 12th – 18th century with a Christmas/winter theme. Lion Ballroom, Leominster 11am, £12 (including refreshments served from 10.15am).

Leominster TIC 01568 616460 or Hereford Courtyard 01432 340555.

FUNK AND DISCO DJ set with Jordan Read. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford.

DIRTY ROCKIN’ SOUNDRELS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

THE PERCY VEER BAND The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

OPEN MIC AND BLUES JAM Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose and Crown, Ludlow, SY8 1AP, 8pm.

Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail.com

Sat 17 December THE CAMBRIAN HILLSIDERS Covers. Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 8.30pm, 01547 550400.

VISIT THE SNOW QUEEN In her Ice Grotto. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 10.30am-4pm, £5, www.haycastletrust.org

GOOD HABITS A young, award-winning duo with a fresh look at folk. Re-working familiar songs and playing their own.

Llanymynech Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01691 839147. Arts Alive.

THE MADHOUSE BAND Christmas gig. Classic covers (some festive) and awesome originals. The Bridge Inn, Kentchurch, HR2 0BY, 8pm.

LIAM WARD BAND AND BLUE MOON Ludlow Brewery, £12 in advance, £15 on the door, 01584 873291.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LEFT BANK VILLAGE Featuring All About Abba plus DJ Roddy Hankins. Enjoy a three-course Christmas meal including canapes, 7.30pm, email enquiries@herefordleftbank.com LEDBURY COMMUNITY BRASS BAND Christmas concert. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 3pm, £10, students £4, 07967 517125.

Sun 18 December EDDIE MARTIN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm, 01531 632250.

STEVIE KEYS The Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 6-8pm.

OCG - THE OXNAM/CHAPPLE GROUP Fab tunes mainly from the 60s to 80s.

De Koffie Pot, Hereford, 1-3pm.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Christmas concert. Community Barn, Wents Meadow, Presteigne, 2pm, free.

Donations for mulled wine and mince pies. Please bring a chair.

HOUSE & DISCO DJ SET

By Honey B. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

HOSPITALITY NIGHT With Rookie DJ set. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

TEAM OAK’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Featuring Tom Jones tribute act.

The Oak Inn, Staplow, 6.30pm, £50 to include welcome drink and 3-course Christmas meal. Please book in advance, 01531 640954.

SP3 Guitarists Steve Payne and Lyndon Webb, together with Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero harpman Billy Boy Miskimmin. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

BLACK HEART ANGELS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm, free.

NUADHA QUARTET In memory of the great Colin Tully.

With classical guitarist Hope Cramsie.

Llanwarne Village Hall, HR2 8JE, 7pm, free event, but booking essential online Ticketsource: Llanwarne Village Hall.

EDDY GARTRY’S BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND Berriew Community Centre, SY21 8BA. THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS SATURDAY AFTERNOON The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Wed 21 December GREENMATTHEWS: MIDWINTER REVELS A celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs and toe-tapping tunes. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

MUSIC QUIZ The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 6pm.

MIDWINTER CONCERT With Whitton Voices, led by Sue Harris.

Cheering songs and merry music for the Solstice. Also featuring Benji Kirkpatrick. St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne, 7pm, £10, children free, 01547 550158, email suemarieharris@btinternet.com Raising funds for Refugee Council.

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS Totally acoustic session. Christmas curry special. Nori’s Cafe, 15 West St, Leominster, 7.30pm, £25, please book in advance, 01584 831386, noriscafe@ yahoo.com THE ALBERT HALL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SINGALONG! An evening of fun, games and bit of festive cheer. There may even be a special visitor. Free refreshments and prizes. Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 6.30pm, £4/£2, 0300 102 4255.

GOOD HABITS A young, award-winning duo with a fresh look at folk. Re-working familiar songs and playing their own. Cawley Hall, Eye, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£0, 01568 615836. Arts Alive.

VISIT THE SNOW QUEEN In her Ice Grotto. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 10.30am-4pm, £5, www.haycastletrust.org NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Leominster Priory, 4.30pm followed by seasonal refreshments.

CAPTAIN STINGRAY’S GROOVE MACHINE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

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TREMORS DNB Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

Thurs 29 December CHRISTMAS PASTORALE A concert of contemplative seasonal music with Ruth Watson - oboes, Leila Basletic - organ, John Hymas - violin and Marion Rowlatt - mezzo soprano with the Saint Andrew’s Sisters.

Programme includes works by Bach, Corelli and Berlioz. Knill Church, near Presteigne, 3pm, followed by mulled wine and nibbles, 01544 350559.

GreenMatthews

Thurs 22 December GREENMATTHEWS: MIDWINTER REVELS A celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs and toe-tapping tunes. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

JAM ON TOAST Presents Le-Nasty with support from Frankie Allen. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 8pm.

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Hereford Cathedral, admission ticket only, 7pm. www.herefordcathedral.org/ events JOHN PAUL GARD & FRIENDS Groovetide happening. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

THE ENDINGS The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

90S LIVE Great vocals, genius costumes and of course; all the dance moves you know and love. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £27, 01686 948100.

Fri 23 December BUSK UNTIL DAWN The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

HEAD HONCHO Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

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

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THE TRANSPORTERS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Hereford Cathedral, admission ticket only, 7pm. www.herefordcathedral.org/ events

Sat 24 December SWEETBOY SOUNDS DJ set. The Jam Factory, 40 Widemarsh St, Hereford, 9pm.

CHRISTMAS EVE WITH DJ COLON Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

BREAKING GROUND Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

CHRISTINGLE NATIVITY SERVICE A celebration of Christmas light for children and families. Hereford Cathedral, 2.30pm, admission free with retiring collection for the Children’s Society, ticketed, www.herefordcathedral.org/events

Mon 26 December BOXING DAY SPECTACULAR Live music and DJs. Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

CALL OF THE KRAKEN Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS Dancing and Mummers play. New Inn, Pembridge, 12pm. www.leominstermorris.org

Wed 28 December DAVE LUKE & CHUCK MICALLEF WITH FRIENDS Country, Americana and roots classics to fill the post Christmas, pre-New Year blues. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £10, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or WeGotTickets.com

QUIZ The Balance Inn, Luston, 8pm, £2 with all proceeds going to a different charity each month. Every team gets a free homemade pizza. Plus raffle and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ with cash prize.

01568 616801.

Fri 30 December NYE EVE WITH DJ COLON Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

Sat 31 December NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE LEFT BANK Four floors of festive fun! Each hosting its own night of music, DJs and live bands. Street food and fireworks display. The Left Bank Village, Hereford, 7.30pm, £25, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk TWO PUSH CHARLIE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CASINO & DISCO PARTY Featuring H as your DJ. A welcome to 2023 cocktail at midnight. Serving Queen Elizabeth II themed menu. The Oak Inn, Staplow, £50 per person, booking in advance, 01531 640954.

THE ALLEY CATS Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. Ticket only event, 01432 880274.

NYE SHREWSBURY 2022 With Ego Friendly and DJ Colon.

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY With DJ Max Galactic. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 821762.

NICK AND JANE A 60s and 70s New Year Eve Party with popastic duo. Dress in your 60s and 70s gear. Market Tavern, Tenbury Wells, 8pm, £15, food included, ticket only.

JANUARY Sun 1 January THE INSTITUTIONS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

Mon 2 January CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

COME AND SING HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sarah Westwood, soprano; Samantha Lewis, alto; William Smith, tenor; Paul Henley, bass. St Michael’s Church, Munslow, ST7 9BP, 3pm, £10 including refreshments, plus £10 deposit for score hire if needed, refunded on return of score. Raising funds for Team Cleo (paediatric brain tumour research) and church funds.

Info, 07745 825700.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

Thurs 5 January ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com

Fri 6 January ACOUSTIC SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

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

THE HUSTLE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS The Wassail & Mummers play.

Burton Court, Eardisland, 7pm. www.leominstermorris.org

Sat 7 January WASSAIL & CEILIDH Foxwhelp Morris. Join The Dots Ceilidh Band and caller, no experience necessary. Dress accordingly (short walk to the orchard). Monkland Village Hall, 6pm, £8 including supper, 01568 720510 or hi@themonklandarms.co.uk HOT ROX Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

THE WASSAIL A ceremony of singing, carousing and general merriment with torch-lit procession and The Silurian Border Morrismen. Weston’s Cider, Much Marcle, Ledbury, HR8 2NQ, 7pm.

St Michael’s Hospice.

WELSH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA ‘Return to Vienna’. Featuring Strauss, Korngold and more. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 4pm, £18.50/£17, under 16s £5, 01686 948100.

Sun 8 January CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT The Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

Mon 9 January POP-UP JAZZ In Bill’s Kitchen. Get a delicious meal and some great music, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £25, 01584 877956.

Wed 11 Jan VO AND TYLER Nori’s Cafe, 15 West St, Leominster, 7.30pm, £25 with meal, please book in advance, 01584 831386, noriscafe@ yahoo.com

Thurs 12 January BACK TO BACHARACH A non-stop parade of classic hits.

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £23, 01873 850805.

BOAT INN OPEN MIC NIGHT Boat Inn, Whitney on Wye, 8pm.

Contact martinchapple1@gmail.com or just turn up!

Martin Harley

Sun 15 January WHISKEY RIVER BOYS The Golden Lion, Magor, Newport, 3pm, free.

WEDDING FAYRE Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 11am-3pm, £3.50, 01686 948100.

Wed 18 January LAURA COPPINGER & DAVID PALMER Soprano and pianist. Featuring Ravel and James MacMillan, in addition to music from Germany, Spain and Ukraine. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

Thurs 19 January Fri 13 January MARTIN HARLEY Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £15, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or WeGotTickets.com OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

FOLK AT THE FALCON Featuring Looma, acoustic roots and folk. Support from John Bloor and Phil Marshall. Falcon Mews, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10 from the Falcon Hotel or 07726 462220.

Sat 14 January CLUN VALLEY JAZZ Featuring Xhosa Cole Quartet.

‘Rhythm-a-ting’ European Tour.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321.

LEOMINSTER WASSAIL With Jenny Pipes Morris. Meet in Corn Square, Leominster, 11am to process down to the Community Orchard for the wassail ceremony. All welcome including musicians and singers, 07961 795466. Grange Court cafe will be open for refreshments/lunch.

WIRED 2 PARTY Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

HEREFORD BIG BAND ‘Aristocrats of Swing’. Joined by fine vocalists Tim Brown and Nicole Warfield. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

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FRANKIE A celebration of legendary hall-of-fame Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 20 January OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose and Crown, Ludlow, SY8 1AP, 8pm.

Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail.com OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

THE INDIGOS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

RANAGRI Folk band with harp and bodhran create attention-grabbing sound.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £15, 01694 720132, www.silvesterhorneevents.co.uk

ALIVE AND BREL A cabaret revue of music by Jacque Brel. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, free to anyone in full time education. The bar will be serving French style snacks as well as drinks in the evening. www.hellensmanor.com/events ABBA FOREVER Tribute show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

Sat 21 January ELO AGAIN The universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

THE HISTORY OF ROCK A jaw-dropping night transporting you through the golden ages of rock from the 1950s to the 1980s. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £20, 01873 850805.

Sun 22 January VELVET VIOLIN Sunday night cabaret is back.

Featuring Around About Dusk, playing original music with influences ranging from musette, new Orleans jazz, Old Time and European folk traditions. Also featuring Little Rumba, playing Eastern European, South American, jazz and blues. With DJ Andre Voiture Rouge and an Elvis based quiz. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or WeGotTickets.com

Around Abour Dusk Velvet Violin

Mon 23 January BATTLE OF THE BANDS! A chance to support local talent and witness some up-and-coming acts.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

Tues 24 January OPEN MIC FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS The Underground (Public Hall), Bishop’s Castle, 6.30pm, 01588 630321.

Wed 25 January MADISON VIOLET Multi-instrumentalist duo combine heart-wrenching songwriting and luscious harmonies with natural storytelling of folk, Americana rhythms and catchy pop hooks. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £17.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 26 January LUNCHTIME RECITAL Talented students of Shrewsbury School will perform a varied programme of solos and small chamber ensembles.

Shrewsbury School, 12.30pm, 01584 878141.

QUIZ The Balance Inn, Luston, 8pm, £2 with all proceeds going to a different charity each month. Every team gets a free homemade pizza. Plus raffle and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ with cash prize.

01568 616801.

Fri 27 January MOZART’S BIRTHDAY CONCERT Performed by friends of Holy Trinity Bosbury, from early to late compositions and from solos and duos to larger groups. Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, HR8 1QT, 7pm, £12 on the door or 01531 670634. Drinks and nibbles.

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

LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

Madison Violet

MAX BOYCE Legendary Welsh entertainer will be performing some of his famous songs.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £37, 01686 948100.

Sat 28 January MAN OF THE WORLD The music of Peter Green. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £15, 01885 488575.

BACK INTO HELL A tribute to Meatloaf and Jim Steinman.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

STONE COLD BAND Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

PETER DYKE Peter Dyke will give a performance of Olivier Messiaen’s organ masterpiece ‘La Nativite du Seigneur’. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, tickets from www.herefordcathedral.org/events KEITH JAMES The songs of Leonard Cohen. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm.

WHISKEY RIVER Full 6-piece electric line-up. Gloucester Cajun & Zydeco Festival. The Guildhall, Gloucester, 1-3pm. Tickets from The Guildhall.

SUPERSONIC QUEEN A five-piece fully live tribute performing all the hits of Queen. Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £18/£15, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sun 29 January MARTYN JOSEPH Jaw dropping guitar player who has developed a unique percussive style, teamed up with a powerful showstopping voice and has been called ‘The Welsh Springsteen’. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20.50, 01743 281281.

FEBRUARY Wed 1 February THE BUG CLUB Plus support. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk

Thurs 2 February ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com MADE IN TENNESSEE Country fans are given a taste of Nashville with Soul Street Productions’ brand new show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

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Sat 4 February CAPTAIN ACCIDENT & THE DISASTERS Plus support. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk THE HISTORY OF SOUL A celebration of soul music through the decades. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

Mon 6 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT The Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

POP-UP JAZZ In Bill’s Kitchen. Get a delicious meal and some great music, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £25, 01584 877956.

Tues 7 February MAX BOYCE Legendary Welsh entertainer will be performing some of his famous songs. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 01873 850805.

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.

Mondays, term time only LIVE WIRE MUSIC MONDAYS You will have the opportunity to play songs with other musicians who are just starting out and grow alongside them as the weeks progress. You can explore creating your own musical parts all the way from a riff to a whole song.

We will rehearse suitable covers where you should never feel out of your depth. Ages 11-21. Close House, Hereford, 4-6pm. Email lisa@encore-enterprises.com Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5, tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954.

Wed 8 February

Monday BANDAMANIA Bright and breezy traditional and original music.Assembly Rooms, Presteigne. Mondays at 7.30pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158

JARUALDA QUARTET Programme includes Beethoven, Henley and Ravel.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

Monday (from Sept) GARRICK SINGERS For over 55s, no prior experience of singing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £5 per session, lisa@encore-enterprises.com.

Music Workshops

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

HPA FEST 2023 Registration is open for Herefordshire’s Performing Arts Festival. Classes available for music, choirs, speech and drama, rock and pop and dance. Open to everyone and catering for all standards. Have a go! Classes range from £5-£15, deadline to enter 31 Jan. HPA Fest 2023 Homepage | Encore Enterprises (encore-enterprises.com) Sun 4 December TAIKO TASTER SESSION (No unaccompanied children under 12). Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, families 10am, adults 12pm, 01874 611622.

Sat 10 December SINGING WORKSHOP With Charlotte Woodford. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 1.30pm-3pm, 01686 625041. Donations to Hafren Choir with mulled wine being served.

Mon 12 December HEREFORD MUSIC CIRCLE Enjoy classical music? Meet fortnightly at Holmer Parish Church Centre, Hereford, 10.30am -12.30pm. £3 includes coffee/biscuits. Member of Federation of Recorded Music Societies. 07942 503347.

Sun 22 January SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform.

Led by Andy Watts. FREE for newcomers! Instrumentalists (typically flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin and cello) are particularly welcome.Lydbury North Village Hall, 2-5 pm. trevorchalkley@gmail.com

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2023 BRASS & WOODWIND REPAIR COURSES 3 - 7 April - Brass Repair (foundation), £1118.00. 10 - 15 April - Woodwind Repair (foundation), with Richard Hamer, £1318.00. 20 & 21 May - Just Trombone Slides - slide repair and re-alignment, £596.00. 29 May - 2 June Saxophones Galore! Advanced and general repairs with Richard Hamer and John Pratt, £1378.00. Trevor Head, Llangunllo, 07971 083089, email trevorhead@btinternet. com

Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm, 07723 016837.

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, VH, near Brecon.

Tuesdays term time only LIVEWIRE SESSIONS The Castle Green Pavilion, 5:30 - 7:30pm. A drop-in for anybody interested in music. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re a grade 8, classically trained or not, we invite you to flex your musical muscles. In these sessions you can explore different song & lyric writing methods, an original take on covers, music production, rap, band development & recording. Ages 11-21. Information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR During Liv’s maternity leave our leader is Hannes Kaiser. He has a Steiner background and is drawingbeautiful harmonies from the choir. Come and have a inspiring sing -7.15 - 8.45 at Leominster Community Centre ffi 01568 369074.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

Traditional, world and original songs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Call Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

Wednesdays (online session only) SINGING FOR LUNG HEALTH GROUP Specifically for people who suffer from progressive lung diseases, these sessions help you breathe better, reduce stress and have fun. 11am, email lisa@ encore-enterprises.com for information.

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm.

Sue Harris 01547 550158.

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

Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9pm. 01584 823604 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks 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 CLUN SINGERS Informal community choir, traditional and original songs taught by ear. 10am in High Town Hall, Clun. Sue Harris 01547 550158.

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 CANTORION LLANDRINDOD A non auditioned mixed voice choir early and classical music. Rehearsals currently in Holy Trinity Church Llandrindod Wells. 7.30pm-9.15pm.www.cantorion-llandrindod.org 01597 810601 Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

Every Friday WELLSPRINGS Song-writing course, open to anyone over 18 who would like to improve their mental wellbeing. For more information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR We are a non-audition choir formed 10 years ago with 25+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3.50 per session paid termly, first trial session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. Info: term dates etc: lhvoices.wix.com/ home Facebook: @LittleHerefordVoices

CHRISTMAS DANCE featuring

EDDY GARTRY & THE BIG BAND Sat 3 December, 7.30pm

DORRINGTONN VILLAGE HALL £10 in advance, £12 on the door, 07730 454864 or 07762 449935

Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music filled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £7, 01743 234970.

Friday CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE Craven Arms Community Centre.10.30 a.m - 11.45 a.m. regularly during term time with some holiday sessions. Join our friendly group to learn traditional djembe rhythms from Africa and samba rhythms from Brazil - Adults £5 (children accompanying their parents can join in with holiday sessions - £1, second child free).

Enquiries carol@mkgriffs.plus.com Friday 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 back next issue JAZZ PIANO COURSE * Understand jazz chords * Learn how to improvise * Play classic jazz tunes * Learn to improvise in four important styles: blues, swing, mainstream/modern and Latin Presteigne, Knighton, Kington & adjoining areas

Simon Deeley A.L.C.M T: 07890 303681 simondeeley@aol.com

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

Maker & Restorer of Violins, Violas & Cellos

Repairs, Fitting Up, Tonal Adjustments Bow Repairs etc

PEMBRIDGE M: 07901 064875

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

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

APPLEBY STONE Live acoustic duo/trio, guitar, flute, saxophones, voices, double bass, jazz, folk, R&B, pop, many originals, perfect for private and public events. applebystone.com 07979 542 449.

BAGPIPES Authentic Highland music for your formal event or gathering from international piper Keith Wellings.

Keith is a former British diplomat bringing Scotland’s music to festivals, theatres, balls, weddings and funerals. Contact by phone 07580 389903, email keiththepiper@gmail.com facebook keith.wellings instagram keiththepiper BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com BEST FOOT CEILIDH BAND The hottest dance band on the borders + caller. Available for weddings, barn dances and parties. Contact: 07969 440183 or john@johnhymas. com THE CHICAGO SWING KATZ - New Orleans Blues to Chicago Swing. 6/7 Piece band playing foot-tapping, fun music that will make you feel happy. Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate events, Festivals, even funerals - but book well in advance for those! Traditional Jazz Trios, Quartets also available. email: chicagoswingkatz@aol.com, www.thechicagoswingkatz.co.uk, Jeff Matthews 07831 383636 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!

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MELOMANICS A wacky, Shropshire-based Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopolitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out how much fun a ceilidh can be with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises).

For more info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich on 01743 718612. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk MODE-X Female fronted Party/function band, playing a diverse and up to date range of pop/rock by great artists/ bands like Blondie, Bonnie Raitt, PJ Harvey plus driving grooves from the post punk era like Elvis Costello, XTC, Martha & The Muffins etc. We can supply all the logistics to support and enhance your party/function.

“Professional purveyors of punchy pop rock”.

Sue 07397 188543.

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

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.

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

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

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

Available for all types of events and celebrations.

Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail. com

THE ROTUNDAS are a pair of jolly chaps who sing and play contemporary versions of industrial and social folk songs from Birmingham and the Black Country. Listen on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/therotundas and contact us at our Facebook page @TheRotundas or email therotundasband@gmail.com SHRED BELLY Ludlow/Shropshire based acoustic duo, playing covers of popular ‘Dad’s Rock’ songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and more. Full band can also be available. All bookings and enquiries please contact: Kevin on 07873 426205 or Paul on 07957 247851.

VENUES 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. Concerts/gigs.

SIMON THE PIPER Highland Piper with 20 years experience. Available for all occasions - weddings, funerals, Burn’s Night, Hogmanay, festivals, processions etc. Based in Hereford. Call 07791 045831 or facebook. com/simonthepiper Email simonthepiper@hotmail.com SINGLED OUT Experienced, 3-piece band covering the best pop and rock music from the 50’s to the current era.

We focus on great tunes that don’t usually get played by other bands, but which everyone will know. Of course, we do some of the more usual songs as well! www.singledoutband.com email: info@singledoutband. com Phone 07518 291 676.

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 THE CHERRYSTONES are Aly (whistles, flute, accordion, vocals), Matt (bass, foot drum, vocals) and Dave (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, vocals) who bring you a mix of original and traditional folk songs and tunes.

From thoughtful, well-crafted songs to infectious uptempo Irish whistle tunes, we will warm your heart and stir your souls and soles! Contact : Dave 07817 220016, dgand2@btinternet.com. Find us here Facebook.com The Cherrystones. Website coming soon!

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.

For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk UNDAUNTED Female influenced indie rock band hailing from South Shropshire. This lively 4 piece brings you strong vocals, great rocking sound, fun and always something different from the norm. For events and booking contact Tracey 07547188402 or Liz 07807531151. Enquiries welcome.

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

ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255 ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141 BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968 BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670.

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

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540 BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811 THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434 THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963 BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000 CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192 CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, Ludlow 01584 872063 CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575 THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555 THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318 DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408 THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412 THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762 THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274.

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

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373 THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330 HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003.

HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541 KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487.

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679 LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821 LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277 LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291 THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712 MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352 NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908 OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020 THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008 THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322 PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867 REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368.

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336 ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720 THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555 THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023 THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797 THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998 VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189.

WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577 WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

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theatre Thurs 15 & Fri 16 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL EUROPEAN ARTS COMPANY. Actor John O’Connor faithfully recreates Charles Dickens’ famous performance of his best-loved story. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Earwig

PERFORMANCE Fri 2 December PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DISASTER Priscilla Queen of the Disaster is brutally honest about being a mum. With tears streaming down your face, laugh along with the sometimes savage experiences that can be motherhood. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 9 - Sun 11 December JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH ALBERT HALL PLAYERS present the nativity as you’ve never seen it before! Fun for all the family. Amateur production. Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Fri/Sat 7.30pm, Sat/Sun 2.30pm, £5/£2.50, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk Sat 10 December EARWIG TIME AND AGAIN. Marigold’s research into beetles is unparalleled but as a deaf woman in 1927 she is ignored.

Earwig explores what it meant to be deaf in the early 20th century during the Art Deco decadence of the inter-war years. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, 07967 517125.

Sat 10 & Wed 14 December MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE present a live radio play version of the Oscar winning classic film. A play that will delight the young and old alike with this tale of festive feeling.

10 Dec - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 6116222. 14 Dec - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, 01686 948100.

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Wed 14 December OLD HERBACEOUS A drama suitable for the festive season. Lydbury North Village Hall, details www.gardeningshropshire.co.uk South West Shropshire Gardening Club.

Sat 14 January AS YOU LIKE IT THE WILLOW GLOBE COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY perform Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy.

The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7pm, £12, under 16s £6, family £30, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or WeGotTickets.com Mon 16 January ABANDON THE WRITING ROOM. Fifteen writers, one word, a myriad of meaning. Short rehearsed readings combine to be the first showcase of the year from this writers’ group.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 26 January HOWERD’S END Frankie Howerd was one of Britain’s most loved comedians. But had a secret - and his name was Dennis.

Mark Farrelly’s acclaimed play takes you to the heart of a clandestine relationship. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 27 January HAUNTINGS An evening of three tales of the supernatural from writers EF Benson ‘Naboth’s Vineyard’ and ‘The Hanging of Alfred Wadham’; and MR James ‘Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 28 January MALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Murder Mystery Night. A year after Alice was crowned Queen, all hell has broken loose across the Kingdom...

The Left Bank Village, Hereford, 8pm, £45 to include, glass of prosecco, antipasti sharing platters, pre drinks in the Garden Room, three hour murder mystery. Dressing up as your favourite Alice character encouraged! www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

As You Like It

A Christmas Carol

Sat 28 & Sun 29 January JURASSIC LIVE A roarsome adventure, featuring mind-blowing special effects, professional puppeteers and the UK’s most realistic dinosaurs in this 90 minute show. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, various times, £19.50, children £14, 01743 281281.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Thurs 12 & Fri 13 January CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG LUDWIG THEATRE ARTS. A fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 27 January VAMPIRES ROCK A tongue-in-cheek and laugh-out-loud storyline combine with an incredible stage set, lighting and sound to create a show like no other. Featuring over 30 of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32.50, 01743 281281.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Until 7 January BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Packed with colourful characters, glittering costumes, magnificent musical numbers and plenty of panto humour. The traditional family pantomime that will leave you spellbound. The Courtyard, Hereford. Audio described 10 Dec & 7 Jan, 2pm, Sign language 11 Dec, 6.30pm. Relaxed performance 2 Jan 10.30am. Dementia friendly performance 3 Jan 1pm. Check for other times, 01432 340555.

Beauty & The Beast The Courtyard

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East of the Sun, West of the Moon

Thurs 8 - Sat 10 December DEMON DENTIST THE BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY. A terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy. Hilarious and jaw-dropping fun. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, £14, children £12, family £46, schools £10, 01686 948100.

Tues 13 & Thurs 15 December CHRISTMAS ELF STORY LIKELY STORY THEATRE. A daft and wonderful adventure. Playful, visually exciting and full of boundless energy. For all the family. 13 Dec - Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, £3/£2, 01938 538660.

Until Sun 8 January BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Expect hilarious comedy, lavish sets, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, magic and mayhem. Starring legendary Dame Brad Fitt, Tommy J Rolason, Samantha Dorrance, Jo Osmond and Kane Oliver Parry. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, £27.50-£16, 01743 281281.

(Relaxed performance 16 Dec, Stagetext performance 20 Dec).

Thurs 1 - Sun 4 December DICK WHITTINGTON OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY. Dick is off to London Town to make his fortune. On the way, he teams up with a trusty feline friend, falls in love, gets a job at the local sweet shop and has to stop evil King Rat’s master plan to take over London town! Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, Sat & Sun 2pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 3 December EAST OF THE SUN, WEST OF THE MOON FETCH THEATRE. Inspired by a traditional Nordic story, this is a spellbinding tale of adventure, mystery and romance, featuring a magical white bear, a young girl and a troll. For ages 7+. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, £8, under 16s £4, family £20, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or WeGotTickets.com Sat 3 - Sat 31 December SNOW WHITE The beloved story of Snow White is brought to life with a few fun twists, full of creative storytelling, original songs, interactive puppetry and lots of humour. Perfect for children aged 7 and under and their grownups.

The Courtyard, Hereford, check for times. (Relaxed performance 10 Dec, 2.30pm). 01432 340555.

Sun 4 & Sat 17 December SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS Who can save Christmas? An interactive show with loads of familiar songs and colour. Every child can meet Santa and get a personal gift. Perfect for ages 2-8 year olds.

4 Dec - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 11am & 2.30pm, £9.50, under 16s £8.50, family £32, 01600 772467.

17 Dec - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, £11.50, children £10, family £38, 01686 948100.

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Wed 7 & Thurs 8 December THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR CHRISTMAS SHOW Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage, using a menagierie of 75 puppets and charming music. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Wed 2pm & 4pm, Thurs 11am & 2pm, 01874 611622.

Wed 14 December CIRCUS BERZERCUS’S CHRISTMAS SHOW A Christmas show for all the family. Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School, Bryntirion, Rhayader, tickets sold on the door, phone the school on the day for information 01597 810288.

Wed 14 - Sun 18 & Wed 21 - Sat 24 & Mon 26 December JACK AND THE BEANSTALK With a cast of professional actors and local children. Join intrepid Jack on his adventures up the beanstalk and into giantland. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, phone for times, 01584 878141.

Wed 14 - Sat 31 December ROBIN HOOD Tenbury’s all-comedy pantomime, bigger and better than ever! Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, phone for times, 01584 811442, www.regaltenbury.co.uk Wed 14, Thurs 15, Wed 28 December - Mon 2 January TREASURE ISLAND Heave-ho me hearties! This panto takes to the seven seas in search of pieces of eight. A hero, a dame and a pesky pirate. 15 & 30 Dec, adult only, over 16s. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, check for times, £15, under 16s £9, family £45, 01600 772467.

Thurs 15 December THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS LIKELY STORY THEATRE. Newbridge on Wye Young Promoter’s production of The Night Before Christmas.A play for all ages, with lots of fun and sparkle! Newbridge Community Centre, doors open 5.30pm, £3.50, children £2, 3s and under free (cash only) on the door.

Fri 16 - Sat 24 December SANTA IN LOVE Join Santa and friends in this fun-filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. Suitable for ages 2+ years.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

The Demon Dentist

Stars in the Sky

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. 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.

Thurs 19 - Sat 21, Thurs 26 - Sun 29 January SNOW WHITE LADS present a brand new version. Can good triumph over evil and can Snow White really live happily ever after? Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinnes on 21, 22, 28 & 29 Jan, £11, children £6, family £37 (2 adults, 3 children), 07967 517125.

Sat 21 January STARS IN THE SKY Fantastical shadow puppets leap across the scrolling background and even fly out of the box onto a large paper screen. Afterwards the audience are invited to stay and play with the puppets inventing their own adventure among the stars. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, free pre-activity from 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 - Sat 28 January THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY SISTERS! THE WILD WESTENDERS are back with their rootin’ tootin’ panto. Join the Ugly Sisters as they head south to cowboy country in search of a better future after being jilted by the Prince. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, check for times, 01874 611622.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

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 (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 years. All abilities welcome.

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

Thursdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE At Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NN, 2-4.30pm, £6 per session, info@shakespearelink.org.uk for details.

Thursdays Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk.

Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds.

Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

HPA FEST 2023 Registration is open for Herefordshire’s Performing Arts Festival. Classes available for music, choirs, speech and drama, rock and pop and dance. Open to everyone and catering for all standards. Have a go! Classes range from £5-£15, deadline to enter 31 Jan. HPA Fest 2023 Homepage | Encore Enterprises (encore-enterprises.com) COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Sat - Junior Yourth Theatre. Year 3: 9.15am. Year 4: 10.15am. Year 5: 11.15am. Year 6: 12.15pm. Year 7: 1.45pm. Year 8: 3pm. Year 9: 4.45pm, £68.50 per term.

Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. Year 10 & 11, 5.15pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre for Year 12+, 7pm, £73.50 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 3-6: 4.30pm, £39 per term. Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.15pm, £43 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 7.30pm, £46 per term.

The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. Sat - Juniors, Year 8-14: 10am, £39 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury.

Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £39 per term.

Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £39 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

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

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word Poetry & Storytelling

December & January LEDBURY POETRY 2 & 3 Dec - Live at Ledbury Poetry House. Sally Crabtree sprinkles magic and delight with her Sweetshop of Words, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-3pm. 5 Dec - Live at Poetry House, Jean Atkin, the Spellwright, creates poetry theatre, 3pm. 8 Dec, 12 & 24 Jan - Live at Ledbury Poetry House, Brenda Read- Brown gives a talk, Poetry Flowers event, 5-7pm. 10 & 16 Dec - Live at Ledbury Poetry House.

Gifts of hand and heart. Have fun writing wintry gifts with poet Mandy Ross, 11am-4pm. 13 Dec & 10 Jan - Online from Ledbury Poetry, Ledbury Poetry Reading Group, via Zoom, free, 6.30pm. 22 Dec - Live at Ledbury Poetry House, Amy Freeman gives a talk, Poetry Flowers event, 5-7pm. Ledbury Poetry House, The Barrett Browning Institute, Homend, Ledbury, 07747 841576, www.ledburypoetry.org.uk for further details.

Fri 9 December ONCE UPON A TIME Family storytelling with Daniel Morden. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £10/£6, www.haycastletrust.org Fri 9 December & Fri 13 January BLAST STORYTELLING 9 Dec - Storytelling Christmas party with Amy, Suzanne and friends. 13 Jan - ‘The Trouble with being King’; Amy Douglas. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, refreshments available, £8, group of 4 £28, www.ticketsource.co.uk/bcth Mon 16 January ABANDON THE WRITING ROOM. Fifteen writers, one word, a myriad of meaning. Short rehearsed readings combine to be the first showcase of the year from this writers’ group.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 January GRIOTS POETRY A night of spoken word. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Comedy Fri 2 December AN EVENING AND A LITTLE BIT OF A MORNING WITH MARK STEEL There is so much to yell about. There’s the modern world in which you spend so long trying to work out iTunes, that it’s easier to form a band and learn the songs... Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 01873 850805.

Fri 2 December SARAH MILLICAN: BOBBY DAZZLER The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler of a new stand-up show. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £29.50, 01686 948100.

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Sat 3 December FARCICAL COMEDY With Ria Lina, a touring Filipina comedian, actress and writer. The Left Bank Village, Hereford, 7.30pm, £12.50, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk Thurs 8 December COMEDY CLUB Exceptional comedians. (Seated on the stage).

For ages 16s only. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 9, Sat 10, 17 & Fri 23 December & Fri 6 January WESTONS CIDER COMEDY CLUB Laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-andcoming comedians on the circuit. For ages 18+ only.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 13 December COMEDY & CURRY Telford Comedy Club, 7.30pm, show only £7, £12 to include meal, 01952 610888.

Thurs 15 December RICH HALL: SHOT FROM CANNONS Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £18, 01686 948100.

Thurs 26 January HARRY HILL: PEDIGREE FUN! Agile as a tapir! Cunning as an ant! Harry is back with brand new amazing jokes in an all-singing, all-dancing one-man spectacular. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32, latecomers not admitted, 01743 281281.

Thurs 26 & Fri 27 January RHOD GILBERT: THE BOOK OF JOHN This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before. It’s a little bit raw, very personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Rhod Gilbert

Fri 2 December & Fri 20 January HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY 2 Dec - ‘An Entertainment of Sweet Singing’, Lucy Bowen.

20 Jan- ‘Artists and their Gardens’. Bill Laws. Kindle Centre, beside ASDA, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552.

Dame Sarah Connolly Conversations at The Chapel

Mon 5 December ROSS ARTS SOCIETY LECTURE ‘Food For Thought’, a talk by Cindy Polemis. The Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross-on-Wye, 1.30pm, £10, 01989 565465.

Mon 5 & 12 December MEET THE MINOR PROPHETS A lecture series by Dr Maureen Palmer. LIbrary, Hereford Cathedral, 10.30am-12pm, £10 per session, please book, email: library@herefordcathedral.org or 01432 374225.

Thurs 8 Dec & Thurs 12 January GOING WILD WINTER TALKS Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, bar available, no pre-booking required, donations box at entrance, 01588 630023.

Talks Fri 2 December TALKING OF ADVENTURE: ANNA MCNUFF One of the top female adventurers of our time, UK ambassador for Girl Guiding and has run, swum and cycled over 20,000 miles across the globe. The talk is followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Sat 10 December TALK AND DRAW FOSSILS With Jo Botting and Sorell Matei. CARAD, Rhayader, talk only £5, talk and draw £9, www.carad.org.uk Tues 13 December CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL Dame Sarah Connolly, a celebrated Mezzo Soprano, in conversation with Alastair Laurence. The Art Shop & Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690, www.artshopandchapel.co.uk

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE Website: www.aardvark-books.com

50,000+ titles; North Herefordshire’s largest indie bookseller; We buy books Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road.

Tel: 01547 530744 aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Sunday 4th December, 10am-4pm THE AARDVARK CHRISTMAS FAIR!

Over 20 stalls of vintage, original crafts and special Christmas gift ideas. Live Christmas Jazz from the incomparable Dutch Lewis Trio, 11am-2pm. Hot Food, Mince pies, Free mulled wine and a Royal Surprise!

Free entry, all welcome!

Holiday Hours: Open as usual except for 25 & 26 December (Closed), and 1st January 2023 (Closed).

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Wed 14 December LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Duncan James is giving a talk for the Society entitled ‘Leominster’s Historic Buildings - What Hides Behind the Facades?’ Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30 pm. Members free, visitors welcome £4 on the door. Free parking in Etnam Street car park after 6 pm.

Sat 28 January ADAM BOOTH - ON TOP OF THE WORLD Local boy, Adam Booth has climbed four of the world’s hightest peaks, including two successful summits of Mount Everest. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01743 281281.

Mon 19 December CHRISTMAS CAPERS Join cathedral staff and volunteers for a fast-paced evening uncovering festive facts from the Cathedral’s archives and around the building. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £12, www.herefordcathedral.org/events

Workshops & Courses

Fri 13 January TALKING OF ADVENTURE: TORI JAMES A professional adventurer, author and keynote speaker.

Tori is the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Sat 14 January HARDY PLANT SOCIETY ‘A World Under Your Feet’. A talk on how to look after the soil, given by Sally Nex, garden writer and professional gardener. Glasbury Village Hall, 2pm, £5, 07711 719505.

Wed 18 January SIR RANULPH FEINNES: LIVING DANGEROUSLY Sir Ranulph offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Sir Ranulph will be selling and signing copies of his book, ‘Shackleton’.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 21 January SUSIE DENT (COUNTDOWN) Presents ‘The Secret Lives of Words’.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 2pm, £23.50, 01600 719401.

Suitable for ages over 16.

Sun 22 January ERIC KNOWLES - WHAT’S IT WORTH? A witty and entertaining look at the world of antiques.

Meet and Greet... but with a difference! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Meet & Greet 2pm, Eric on stage 3pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Thurs 26 January THE ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS ‘Gordon of Khartoum and the Power of Art’. Dr Max Jones will explore why George William Joy’s painting of the death of General Gordon defined how the British Empire was remembered. The Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 3pm, visitors welcome, £6, 01938 555574.

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HPA FEST 2023 Registration is open for Herefordshire’s Performing Arts Festival. Classes available for music, choirs, speech and drama, rock and pop and dance. Open to everyone and catering for all standards. Have a go! Classes range from £5-£15, deadline to enter 31 Jan. HPA Fest 2023 Homepage | Encore Enterprises (encore-enterprises.com) RECRUITING FOR LOCAL PENTABUS YOUNG WRITERS GROUP This free playwriting programme is open for all young people aged 16-30 from rural areas. Members will write a short play for a professional production, guided by the Pentabus team. It will be run through a combination of online evening sessions and in-person weekend sessions in Hereford. no previous experience is necessary. Contact youngcompany@pentabus.co.uk to register your interest or for more information Fri 2 December & Fri 6 January (monthly on the first Friday) POT AND PAGE BOOK CLUB A meal inspired by the book will be served during the evening and our all local bar will be open serving literary cocktails until close. Free entry, but please book your space online, www.potandpage.co.uk. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 7pm, 01531 248743.

Mondays WRITING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30-8.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

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

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Tues - Advance beginners 10am-11.30am, Wed - Advance Spanish B1, 10am. Thurs - Total beginners, 10am-11.30am with Mely. Private tuition GCSE students and A Level. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505. www.hayspanish.com

www.tents4elements.co.uk Every Tuesday READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS Share words written by themselves or others. Music, good company and food. No booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6.30pm, www.potandpage.co.uk First Wednesday of each month BABARS’ BOOK CLUB All welcome, 6.30pm, Babar’s Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 01432 342334.

First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

Every Thursday WELSH CLASSES FOR ADULTS Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 10.30am-3pm, 01639 841751.

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 Last Thursday of the month BOOK CLUB De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 357753, ECStarling@theherefordacademy.org.uk First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary delights. Each month we meet to discuss a different book and share a meal inspired by the story. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk 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, meet first Tuesday, monthly, 2pm.

Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.

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grass roots The big climate summit! Who’s in, and who’s out?

A

N exchange between two top civil service mandarins, as recently overheard by our man in Whitehall…

OK, this is my latest cast list for the annual climate meeting, gleaned from the palace, the foreign office, and a few permanent secretaries…

But the COP summit in Egypt is all over. Surely it was back in early November?

Well, there was a slight mix-up this year. We need a list in advance for 2023, so that we are not caught at sixes and sevens again. By the way, the 2023 COP is in the United Arab Emirates.

Goodness! Who on earth will want to go there?

Well, it’s a favoured spot for winter holidays.

OK, if you twist my arm…Shall we start with King Charles?

Well, I guess so, though it’s possible the Tories will try to ban him again. And if we don’t send him, he’ll hold his own summit anyway.

Right…what about politicians? How about recent prime ministers?

Er, that’s a longish list! You mean people like Liz….

Don’t say the L word – No one will recall who she was, only that she a) was useless b) destroyed our pensions and c) knew nothing about climate change.

OK. How about other politicians?

Starmer, I suppose…?

But has he ever said anything about climate change?

I can’t remember. Has he ever said anything about anything…?

I’m not sure. We had better assume he has mentioned climate change and that he was more worried about it than Johnson and co.

What about Lib Dems and Scot Nats? Do we know any of their names?

I can’t think of any…what about Caroline Lucas?

Who’s she?

A green person from Brighton. Hang on a minute!

Since when does the government send opposition MPs to represent HMG at any event?

Well, I know it’s almost a year away, but we mustn’t get caught short again.

Let’s go back to well-known names. – What about the previous PM but two? You know, the roly-poly Etonian one?

Johnson?

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Yes …OK, he’s an ex-PM, but he’ll be going as one of the great and the good. Or the not at all good, in

Some recent Prime Ministers

his case!

OK. What about non-government organisations and campaigners?

Well, in the Gulf that concept is dead and buried, because the sheikhs are petrified of any kind of activism!

But surely there must be a seat for Greta Thunberg!

Er no…She hates these big UN events! And, although she’s been hanging around in the UK a lot, she’s not British, and she won’t fly.

But she might add a bit of star quality. Supposing she sets off now? How long does it take to get to the Gulf by camel and boat?

I reckon she’d need to leave Europe by soon after Easter. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are a bit further away than Sharm El-Sheikh.

How about going by camel and boat, sailing down the Gulf in a felucca?

Yes please! It sounds like that Lawrence of Arabia film, the one with Peter O’Toole!

Right, how many on the list so far? One…or maybe two! What about that handsome Canadian chap, whose father was PM in Ottawa, decades ago?

I’m talking about Britain! We can’t nominate Trudeau!

We’ll be denounced as colonialists and never hear the end of it. Anyway, he’s said he’s not going.

Any more ministers? What about the bedraggled looking woman who somehow got put on the Tory front bench…isn’t she an environment minister?

Coffey?

No thanks, I’ve just had tea.

Julian O’Halloran

A Quiet Place

Queen’s Walk, Ludlow Castle

F

OR a relatively small town, there are precious few Quiet Places to be found in Ludlow. Those pesky town planners from the Middle Ages put paid to that with their fancy street grid patterns, creating high density commerce and housing.

As the modern ‘See Britain in 2 days’ tour coaches struggle through nightmarishly narrow streets, discharging portly Americans and snap happy Japanese, it’s anything but quiet. And that’s got to be a good thing in these days of economic ruin and recession. A happy, bustling, buzzing town. Until 3pm, when shops traditionally and inexplicably close up for the day.

So Ludlow boasts over 500 blue plaque buildings but very little peace. To gain any traction within the town you have to literally move behind the facades and get off the beaten track. The pretty almshouses and timber-framed Readers House around the back of the church make a good starting point that gets you swiftly away from the numbers.

The Bread Walk, Whitcliffe Common and Dinham bridge are slightly out of town but stunning nonetheless. But another top of the range jewel in Ludlow’s sparkly crown is its 11th century ruined castle. Visitors to the town tend to arrive at the ‘front door’ just off the marketplace, which, whilst impressive and full of nails, only hints at the tip of the feudal iceberg. For the full wow factor get yourself inside or walk for free on the Queen’s Walk around the castle.

Sticking closely to the base of the walls, the sheer scale and vertiginous position of the castle is really something else.

If following the footpath heading clockwise, walk through the second stone archway, allegedly frequented by Mary Tudor, and hint at a right. Follow the grassy pathway as far as it goes and claim the last bench for Harry, God and England. Time your visit right after the trees and foliage have been seriously pruned back and you’ll be rewarded with picture postcard views over the languorous loop of the River Teme, its foaming weirs, across the patchwork fields on into Shropshire and ‘those blue remembered hills’.

Peaceful, serene and a top Quiet Place to boot.

So, where are your Quiet Places? We’d love to hear from you.

Dave Fletcher www.cariadwellbeing.co.uk Copyright@2022

Green Events

Mon 5 December THE POWYS GREEN GUIDE ONLINE LAUNCH It’s the launch of a movement - be part of it. 7.30pm. www.pacepowys.cymru/Powys-Green-Guide-Launch December NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME 17 & 18 Dec - Tranquility Haven, 7 Lords Land, Whitton, LD2 3HU, 4-6pm. Open all year by arrangement Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, LD1 6NB, www.ngs.org.uk December & January SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY 10 Dec - Fruit Tree Pruning Course with Karen Limbrick.

Please bring secateurs, loppers and pruning saws, 10am-1pm, £25. 14 Dec - Autumn bird and nature walk with Dave Pearce, 10am-12.30pm, £10. 29 Dec - Guided Meadows Walk with Centre Manager, Grant, 10.30am12pm. 23 Jan - AGE UK Talk on Butterflies, aimed at 60+ years, 10.30am-12.30pm, £3. Booking essential for all events. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060, www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk December & January KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP We manage woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. Volunteer with us on our weekly task days to learn new skills. http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/woodland-project Email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374.

Sat 4 February SEED SWAP Plus talk by Liz Knight, ‘The Art of Foraging’ at 11am.

Tools in need of sharpening can be brought along for service and unwanted or broken tools can be donated.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-2pm, 07880 730880.

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm.

Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997.

Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

Every Tuesday, monthly until end March (except 27 Dec) ENERGY ADVICE SURGERY Providing energy advice to local residents, especially those struggling with their energy bills. Knighton Community Centre, 10am-2.30pm, free, drop-in or book via 01547 520374 or email garydcowell@yahoo.co.uk 2nd Thursday of the month KINGTON KLEEN Networking drinks. Oxford Arms, Kington, from 7pm, www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

Phil Ram Gardening Planting design (formal and wild) Expert garden care Contact: Mobile: 07958 975832 Email: philram1@mac.com FB:: Phil Ram Gardening FB

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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.

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

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

ACUPUNCTURE. 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 ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, LOW SELF WORTH and emotional difficulties - our innovative approach is being used with private and NHS clients with great success.

Clients attend an average of 4 sessions to achieve a substantial, some say transformative, effect on their well being. You can check out the testimonials and book a one to one session on our website www.peaceofmindnow.co.uk or get in touch for more information Mike Buckley 07931 986168 mcmbuckley@gmail.com AROMATHERAPY massage and facials - Bach Remedies - Herbalism - Reiki. For comprehensive, holistic treatment: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Kington clinic.

07967 137208, roz.brown@btinternet.com ASTROLOGY Have you ever wondered if your life is on the right path, or what the year might hold in these uncertain times? Astrological interpretations including natal and year ahead from Pagan Art. www.paganart.co.uk/astrology 10% off first chart with code BS22CA. BREASTS_BIRTH_BABIES with Rachel Giaccone experienced midwife and craniosacral therapist. I offer a wrap around education and support for your pregnancy including hypnobirth, breastfeeding, Rebozo, Closing the bones. Feel free to contact me on 07484295235 or breastsbirthbabies.uk THE BRIGHT N BUTE COMPANY - Medical/Sports & Veterinary - K-laser (low level laser therapy) endorsed by vets (VBS Direct) & NHS (NICE guidance) for GP practices & medical profession. Contact: Louisa Clarke BSc(hons) RVN BHSPT Cert Ed. Email: thebrightnbutecompany@ gmail.com Website: https://the-bright-n-bute-company. business.site

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CLEAR HEAD, FREE BODY, OPEN HEART Craniosacral Therapy, Therapeutic Massage and Yoga Classes with Clare Johnson, to help you feel more at ease and aligned physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I work in Ludlow and Elton, near Wigmore. Please phone 07980 070675 or email clareswork@gmail.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.

COMPLETE BALANCE I am fully trained in the therapies of The Bowen Technique, Health Kinesiology and Reiki and Seichem. These therapies re-balance the individual on physical, emotional, and mental levels helping you to resolve issues and live your best life. I offer face to face sessions from my clinic near Hereford and online consultations via Zoom, Skype, or Telephone. Treatment can resolve a multitude of problems often incredibly quickly, some of these include; back problems, emotional problems, fears, anxiety, sciatica, arthritic pain, sports injuries, hip/ ankle/knee and foot problems digestive disturbances, hormonal imbalance, asthma, hay fever, migraines & headaches and more. Contact: Helen Mawson. Mobile: 07904 457 075 Email: helen@complete-balance.co.uk, www.complete-balance.co.uk CULTIVATING SPACE I offer Wild therapy, Coaching and Decluttering. Let go of the physical and emotional obstacles in your way. Reconnect with yourself, others and nature, and start living the life you wish for. Based near Ludlow.

Contact Tracey Baylis on 01584 823519 or 07905 967263.

Walk/talk, face to face and online consultations available.

Cultivatingspace.co.uk DEEPLY RELAXING Craniosacral Therapy can increase your well-being by releasing emotional and physical tensions. Given a safe space and correct focus, your body knows the way. I am an accredited practitioner, qualified since 2004, based in Shrewsbury, Crickhowell and Mid Wales. Email: cheryljonestherapy@gmail.com Mobile: 07476 012299.

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

For more information see www.thewritetofeel.com.

EQUINE FACILITATED LEARNING. Personal growth for individuals and groups through powerful yet gentle interactions with horses, with seasoned Eponaquest facilitator Angela Dunning. EFL sessions involve spending time outdoors with these beautiful sentient beings, where you will be guided to deepen your connection to yourself and your body; build true confidence; reconnect to your Soul’s purpose and bring greater authenticity to your life. No horse experienced required. Author of “The Horse Leads the Way”. Shropshire/Herefordshire/Borders. Contact me on: 01588 630061/07583 726207; angela@equinereflections. co.uk; or visit www.thehorsestruth.co.uk GONG BATH SOUND MEDITATION SESSIONS Group sessions twice a month. 1:1 sessions. Private groups. www.lizzieyogaherford.com lizegg@live.co.uk 07870 345216.

HAPPINESS COACHING & PERSON CENTRED COUNSELLING I’ve been practicing for 27 years and offer a safe confidential space to off load your stresses and problems bringing relief and skills for life enabling you to be your true, authentic, fulfilled, relaxed and happier self. I’m compassionate, empathic, focused and work with integrity.

Check my profile online at The Body Clinic Leominster and for booking an appointment or call me on 07903 415359.

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Holistic health care with experienced practitioner using homeopathy, essences and homeobotanicals; safe and effective for all ages. I work with you as an individual, listening without judgement, working with whatever issues or problems you may have. Regular clinics in Monmouth, Hereford and Abergavenny, incl. Saturday morning children’s clinic in Hereford. See website: www.julietablett. co.uk or contact Juliet at juliet@julietablett.co.uk or 01981 241456 HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPY: Meg Lawrence MTI. A listening and sensitive therapy, treating the whole person.

For relief from aches and pains, easing of occupational and postural tensions, providing relaxation and calm in peaceful surroundings, 20 minutes from Presteigne, Hay-on-Wye and Kington. Email meg@radnorshire.com; phone or text 07910 892172.

HYPNOTHERAPY Vicky Nicolson-James DipHP HWHP Herefordshire based empathetic hypnotherapist offering online or 1-1 therapy to help you live the life you want and deserve. Professional Hypnotherapy Practitioner Association and National Society of Hypnotherapy.

T:01568 760 306 E: vickynicolsonjames@gmail.com WhatsApp: 07790 162067.

JING - LUCIA LLOYD-CLOKIE ACMT Looking to reduce your pain? Increase range of movement? You’ve found Unwind-clinic to help you! Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy; a unique outcome based system for addressing musculoskeletal pain through a fusion of advanced soft tissue techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and hot stones. Don’t delay, book in today and discover how amazing the body really is. Lucia looks forward to facilitating your healing journey, mobile: 07506 906614; email: hello@unwind-clinic.co.uk; website: www.unwind-clinic.co.uk; on IG and FB. Monday: Hereford Yoga Centre; Tuesday & Wednesday: Peretun, Ashperton; Thursday: Hop Pocket Village, Bishops Frome; Friday: Lotions and Potions, Church St, Hfd. Positive changes, one session at a time.

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Kinesiology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Emmet technique.

Remedial and Holistic Massage. Counselling inc: Couples and Family, Cognitive Behaviour and NLP Stress Management, Child Birth Issues, Psychotherapy. Telephone 01568 616411 email infoleominstercommunitycentre@ gmail.com Or visit Leominster Community Centre, School Road HR6 8NJ (behind Bridge Street car park).

LISA ADSHEAD I.I.H.H.T. ‘HEALING HEART SPACE’.

Relaxing, flowing Massage and Reiki Healing. A time and space for you to feel more ease in your body, let go of tension and allow feelings to be. Over 20 years experience.

Concessions available. Working at The Body Clinic, Leominster. 07512 773146.

LOU WESTON THERAPIES - The Body Clinic Leominster, offering Remedial, Deep Tissue and Pregnancy Massage.

Using a range of effective techniques, treatments are relaxing yet dynamic. Connect physically and emotionally to your well-being. Book online at www. thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Lou directly loulouweston@gmail.com / 07980 650957.

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage.

Clinic in Presteigne (The Retreat), Presteigne, LD8 2UF. Contact: marian@silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST JULIE HOWES If you suffer gut problems, dementia, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue or any degenerative disease, I can help. Four consultations £150. Home visits or therapy room Hereford.

Call 07462 937 389. Web site juliehowesnutrition.com Email juliehowesnutrition@outlook.com 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.

ONE-TO-ONE SHADOW WORK SESSIONS EXPERIENTIAL, RELATIONAL & EMBODIED THERAPEUTIC PROCESS Shadow work is a great way of approaching your inner experience and those things you want to change. It is a deep, sensitive and safe way of working with all manner of issues even when you have no idea how or where to begin. As we unburden ourselves from the limiting beliefs, behaviours and associated stuck emotions what emerges is an integrity and an authentic expression of our true self; a wholeness from which flows a greater engagement and enjoyment of life. I offer experiential psychotherapeutic process for personal development and for the exploration and transformation of inner conflict and difficulty. Find out more and schedule a free 30-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.uk Alasdair Kirk - 07878 964792.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE Groups and one-to-one tuition in Stapleton Move more freely • Breathe better Think more clearly • Experience joy New: Vedic chant classes

Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

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Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

PARKINSON’S LIFE PROGRAMME: 1 to 1 Neuro Physio-Led Coaching, Education and Exercise for People with Parkinson’s and their Families. A Flexible and Positive Approach from Diagnosis onwards. Sarah Edwards Parkinson’s Specialist Physiotherapist, MCSP HCPCRegistered. Clinic Based in Castle Street, Hereford. Home or Gym visits available. Contact us on 01432 628123 or www.edwardsphysio.co.uk 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 REFLEXOLOGY WITH ALICE Offering holistic and tailored treatments at The Body Clinic, Leominster. Reflexology can be used as a safe and effective way to support any number of physical and emotional health needs. Book online at www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Alice directly on reflexologywithalice@gmail.com / 07464948568.

REIKI I’ve been a Reiki practitioner and Spiritual Healer for 15 years. It’s a very gentle powerful healing of the mind and body, relieving pain, stress and anxiety bringing relief, comfort and relaxation. Check my profile online at The Body Clinic Leominster and for booking an appointment or call me on 07903 415359. Suzanna Underwood Advanced Reiki Master.

SPIRITUAL HEALER. 30 years plus experience.

One-on-one healing and ‘introduction to healing’ workshops.

“If you truly know yourself you will truly know freedom”.

Please contact Gilly Williamson, MNFSH, Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

SOULFUL AND SHAMANIC HEALING AND GUIDANCE WITH SUE ROSE GOULD. Facilitating wellbeing to realise fullest potential through Soul Plan coaching and Shamanic Practice. All consultations can be virtual and online.

Contact Sue through website: suepg.co.uk or message 07591 130762.

SOUND THERAPY, with Gongs, Singing Bowls and other therapeutic instruments to relieve stress and anxiety, restoring mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Monthly group ‘sound bath’ sessions in Herefordshire, 1-2-1 treatments, retreats, private groups, celebrations. Cecilia 07857 128 082, csoundspace@gmail.com, www.csoundspace.com THE BODY CLINIC LEOMINSTER Health Support with rehabilitation, pain, mobility, long term health conditions, mental health, wellbeing, women’s and men’s health, fertility and pregnancy and much more. Struggling to figure out how best to approach your health issue? Feeling lost or overwhelmed? Book a Holistic Health Assessment. This will give you the opportunity to talk through your symptoms with an experienced health practitioner who will listen and understand your problem from all angles and advise you on your best course of action. 17 West St, HR6 8EP. www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 01568 368 907, 07493 078 566, thebodyclinicleominster@gmail.com

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Sat 3 December SPIRITUAL CONTEMPLATION, CONVERSATION SONG AND DANCE The day will include the joy of spiritual chant and dance with Mike as well as meditation and thought provoking workshops with Di, Phil and Lama Choesang. Organised

by Herefordshire Interfaith. Green Lane Methodist Church, Leominster, HR6 8QJ,10am-4.30pm, £15/£8, 01981 500764. Please bring vegetarian finger food to share for lunch.

Sat 10 December WINTER SOLSTICE MAGIC Celebration and workshop with Romani Gypsy author/ songwriter/medicine man, Patrick Jasper Lee. Solstice traditions, ancestral communication, Shamanic ritual, Romani gypsy folklore/culture. 10am-4pm, £45, Eardisland, info and to book, www.patrickjasperlee.com Sat 21 January UNITE REHAB OPEN DAY Meet Sam, Sports massage therapist; Lucia, Advance Clinical Massage Therapist and Karina, Clinical Hypnotherpaist and Breathwork Instructor. 26 St Owen’s St, Hereford, HR1 2PR, 10am-4pm, 07506 906614.

Essential to book for taster sessions.

PILATES GROUP CLASSES in Presteigne Memorial Hall, Titley Village Hall & Lyonshall Memorial Hall. Private lessons in my garden studio. All abilities and ages welcome.

Pilates reduces back pain, increases strength and flexibility, tones your body from top to toe. Move tor lose it! Helen Boley info@helenbpilates.com https://helenbpilates.com 01544 231512, 07968 970093.

FELDENKRAIS Awareness Through Movement Classes.

Learn to move more freely, with greater ease and flexibility, improving posture, balance and coordination. The Feldenkrais method uses a combination of gentle movement and relaxed attention to improve comfort and function and to enhance our sense of well being. Online classes (Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings); live classes in Tenbury (Wednesday mornings). To book and for more information, please contact Jane at janesethi@yahoo.co.uk or on 07949 432555.

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.

Every Tuesday MEDITATION EVENINGS IN NEWTOWN Healthy Mind Happy Life. We are a small group who meditate together in the evening at Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, SY16 2EH. Usually 2-5 week courses, £6 per session, no need to book. To find out dates please check our website meditationinwales.org. The class consists of simple guided meditations with practical advice from Buddha’s teachings on how to keep a peaceful and happy mind. Suitable for everyone.