Broad Sheep April 2020 by Broadsheep

BROAD sheep

april 2020

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On - Herefordshire & The Marches SINCE GOING TO PRESS, DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, MANY VENUES ARE NOW CLOSED & EVENTS CANCELLED OR POSTPONED.

New on T.V. - The Broad Sheep Challenge

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OU might remember that in the last few editorials I have been giving BMW a hard time for not allowing me to join their electric car hire scheme because I’m over 70. I guess I knew they’d find a way of hitting back at me, but surely this Coronavirus thing that’s keeping all 70s+ locked up in the cellar can’t be their doing - or is it? Anyway, even though it’s a bit dark down here I can still sort of see to write and I promised not to write about electric cars or bikes for a few months so I guess it’s back to my other subject - crap T.V.

Contents Small Ads Streetscape Letters Art Art workshops Cinema Dance Food Music Music workshops Band directory Theatre Word Grass roots Comp therapies

The most popular form of crap T.V. at the moment is undoubtedly the ‘nail biting, high stakes, timed, reality competition?’ Be it food, music, general knowledge, athletics or building high speed cars out of scrap, they are all over the T.V. channels like a rash and it’s no surprise I’m hooked on all of them and I don’t just mean Bake Off and The Voice. Oh no, there’s some really weird shit hidden away on D.Max, Pick, The Food Network, Forces T.V. and Quest. Anyway, the only way to write about this stuff is in the form of my own reality competition. So ladies and gentlemen, settle down in front of your copy of Broad Sheep while we play

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BROAD SHEEP EDITORIAL CHALLENGE MASTERS!!! The set up is really simple, each idea for an editorial subject will be given 10 minutes to think up a 50 word synopsis of their idea and these will be judged by me, Baggy (the cat) and some bloke from DHL who just popped round to deliver another 500 toilet rolls from Viking. Okay, good luck contestants, your time starts NOW!

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

Contestant 1 I think I’d like to write about an exciting new show on the Discovery Channel. I’ve only seen about three minutes of it and it involved a human, racing over an obstacle course and then climbing a tree while being pursued by a large angry bear. The three bears in the show are called Bart, Honey Bump and Tank and I hope in the final they get to eat the winning competitor. “I’m doing this competition for my Dad who lost one of his fingers trying to stop a Weasel eating out of our rubbish bins”. Man vs Bear, Saturdays on D Max.

Contestant 2 If you are finding the contestants on Pop Idol and The Voice a bit too professional for your liking then try the Scottish programme, Love Songs. It’s bad karaoke, but with a live band and a very inebriated audience and the possibility of a shag at the end of it. To quote the publicity ‘Quiet dog walker Douglas from Montrose finds it difficult to talk to dates but will a song from The Monkees sung to three potential dates help him find his singing soulmate?’ He says “I’m doing this for my Granny who once had a disastrous affair with Mickey Dolenz.” BBC Scotland, late at night. Contestant 3 (He’s really boring) I am a bit more serious than the other two contestants and I am of the opinion that our very own General Election is the ultimate competition on T.V. Being able to sit in front of the television while some of the most distinguished and intelligent members of our society give us the reasoned and incisive views on how best to set Britain on the right track for the next five years is a privilege that only members of a healthy democracy such as ......... “SORRY, your time’s up I’m afraid you didn’t finish and won’t be allowed to progress to the next round.” “Well thank you contestants, you have all performed incredibly well and it’s made it super difficult for us to choose a winner in this round. The cat has buggered off to chase a squirrel round the garden, but it’s safe to assume he would have chosen the bear one. As a musician I’d prefer ‘Love Songs’ with its exciting mix of sex and badly sung classic anthems. So it’s all down to the man from DHL to decide the winner and yes, he’s gone for the bears and he wants us to sign our name with our finger on a weird electric device. P.S. My actual favourite is Scrapyard Supercars on Dave T.V. where two teams of amateur mechanics have four days to construct a car out of scrap to race against an existing genuine supercar. Cover pic: Calan, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon - 30 April

small ads SPINET Very pretty sound, lovely case. Early Music Shop, made in Ludlow. £200 ono. alixnathan@ymail.com 01588 630068. VIOLIN/VIOLA AND HARP LESSONS Beginner to advanced. All ages taught by a Royal Academy of Music graduate. Email nickyviola24@gmail.com EXPERIENCE UKRAINE Nataliya from Herefordshire is taking small groups, (up to 8 people) to experience Ukraine and Georgia this year in a responsible way. All tours are fully inclusive and are 8 days long and will give you a chance to understand culture, meet locals, learn local cooking and other traditional crafts in a very safe and friendly enviroment. Departures are from May to September. All information about these small group tours can be found on the website www.experienceukraine.co.uk or just give Nataliya a ring on 07963 090838 and ask questions regarding any of the tours. She can also make a tailor-made tour to Ukraine or Georgia. CHAIR REPAIRS: seats rushed & recaned. Paul Richards, 01544 209140. Email - paulrichardsft@gmail.com GARDEN MAINTENANCE JOBS Including Small Tree removal, Hedge Cutting, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Fence Painting, Shed Felting and Basic Garden Repairs. Call Brian on 07722 233417. RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £75.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164. WYNNES OF DINMORE COUNTRYSTORE Tea room, Poultry, Pygmy Goats, Supplies & Housing. Tuesday Saturday 9am-4.30pm. Wynnes.co.uk 01568 797314. BEEKEEPING COURSES FOR BEGINNERS Interested in keeping bees in 2020? Our weekend ‘Bee Ready’ course will prepare you with essential information and allow you to develop confidence before you get your own hive of bees. 2020 dates - May 2nd/3rd and June 6th/7th - now open for bookings. For further details phone 01886 884752/07813 276308 or email woodruffbank@btinternet.com. PIANO TUNER AND TECHNICIAN Based in Llanidloes, serving Mid-Wales. Contact Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789 or email vicky@mousematt.net

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

BLACKSMITHING EVENING CLASSES MORNING CLASSES AND SHORT COURSES at Bluefoot Forge. For details, phone 01544 267810. info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk or visit www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk 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. CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325. 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. 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 WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit. SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail.com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363. VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught. John Hymas 07969 440183. PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday. Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com 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.

MALE SEEKS INVOLVEMENT WITH MICRO BREWERY Start Up/Help running/Cider production etc.. Send details Brendan.Ellis@gmax.co.uk 07909 972560.

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCMENT Owing to the ongoing health situation, it is felt it may be necessary to cancel the publication of Broad Sheep for May and possibly June. A decision will be made in light of further developments. Subscriptions, ongoing workshops etc will of course, be carried forward to future publications. Please refer to the website for up to date information. www.broadsheep.com

streetscape

Hidden Offa A

CCORDING to an informative little booklet published by Hereford City Council (Hereford City Sculpture Trail, by Garth Lawson) there are no less than 16 examples of open-air civic art to be found dotted around the city. The 12-page guide thoughtfully groups them together into walking and cycle tours, with an annotated centrefold map. Pride of place, understandably, goes to Brian Alabaster’s realistic Hereford Bull, standing alongside the Old House in High Town, though for my money I prefer Jemma Pearson’s informal study Sir Edward Elgar, sited in the south-east corner of the Cathedral Close. In 2018 Ms Pearson contributed a second work for the city: a life-size bronze of Lance-Corporal Allan Lewis VC (1895-1918), who died in northern France seven weeks before the end of hostilities. The ‘immediacy’ of both these works is that the artist has eschewed any form of protective enclosure (such as railings). Dear old Elgar stands on a stone quadrant, leaning against his trusty bicycle admiring the cathedral’s north door; while Lance-Corporal Lewis stands dutifully to attention outside a busy Costa coffee bar by one of the pedestrian approaches to the Old Market shopping precinct. Flanders poppies magically appear around his army boots on 11th November. Two war heroes who aren’t yet honoured within the city are the Fijian SAS sergeant Talaisi Labalaba BEM (1942-72) killed in Oman; and the SOE agent Violette Szabo (1921-45), executed in the Ravensbrück concentration camp, the only woman to receive both the George Cross and the Croix de Guerre. A plinth-mounted bronze head in High Town, honouring Violette Szabo in this 75th anniversary of her death, would be an inspiring addition. Heroism and national pride are the currency of municipal statuary. After Nelson’s death there was a huge outpouring of grief, culminating in the erection of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Ten others were to follow, many financed through public subscription. Hereford’s, on Castle Green, commemorates a private river trip made by Nelson and his mistress in 1802 to Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth and Chepstow (the Admiral wanted to investigate the possibility of turning Chepstow into a naval dockyard). The lovers even took Lord Hamilton along for the boat ride. Sadly, Hereford’s monument doesn’t feature an effigy of Nelson (just an urn) as the budget ran out. Typical Hereford. In the city, the best traditions of Victorian streetscape are represented by frock-coated Sir George Cornewall Lewis, arms haughtily folded, standing in front of the Shire Hall. This local MP attained no less than three of Parliament’s High Offices: Chancellor, Home Secretary and Defence Secretary. This austere bronze figure really only becomes animated once a year, when New Year revellers usually plant a traffic cone on his bald head!

Herefordshire is the chosen home of two sculptors of international repute: Walenty Pytel, who has a studio near Ross-on-Wye, and Angela Conner who lives at Monnington-on-Wye. Walenty Pytel has a number

Magical and menacing. The sandstone and bronze effigy of King Offa, hidden behind Tesco’s Hereford supermarket. Photo: Alex Thimm of pieces which can be found in the city, including (my favourite) Old Hospital Swans, in the grounds of Hereford’s former General Hospital, now private apartments. This Polish-born sculptor is probably best known for the striking steel structure, entitled Take Off, which marks the approaches to Birmingham International Airport. Angela Conner – once an assistant to Barbara Hepworth – has produced bronzes of a host of famous figures, including Prince Charles, Noel Coward, General de Gaulle, Laurence Olivier and the Queen Mother. One local celebrity who is missing from the streets of Hereford is Nell Gwyn (though there is a wall-mounted plaque marking her birthplace in Gwyn Street). Perhaps British Land and Waitrose should jointly commission Ms Conner to create a full-size bronze of Charles II’s mistress, to be sited outside the entrance to the supermarket. It would sell a lot of oranges! My nomination for Hereford’s most secret piece of streetscape goes to Offa, an arresting sandstone and patinated bronze depiction of the eighth century Mercian war lord. It is both magical and menacing. You will find him hidden behind the Tesco supermarket in Bewell Street (the rather obscure location is said to have been suggested, at the time of the store’s construction, as the possible site of Offa’s Hereford palace. Who commissioned and who carried out this fine work remain a mystery). This statue certainly deserves a more prominent location. And where better than on the triangular stone plinth in front of All Saints Church, replacing that offensive collection of scrap metal. It should face directly down Broad Street towards Hereford Cathedral, where, in front of the Lady Chapel, is the Shrine of St Ethelbert the King, put to death on Offa’s orders in 794. Nick Jones

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

Specialising in the conservationrestoration of works of art on paper and oil paintings. Unit 9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan, SY7 0JU.

Please call or email Louise Vaile for appointments and further information.

T: 07780 616067 E: info@ogilvievaile.com W: ogilvievaile.com

letters We are living in an extraordinary time when humans are finally becoming aware of the enormous impact our species is making on the rest of life on earth – including ourselves. We have created technologies that shape us culturally, physically and politically. We are at a point where the choices made now by individuals, civil society, and governments, will have a profound impact for generations to come. This is why the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (passed in Wales in 2016) is so important, and needs to be known about and taken seriously by all those making decisions affecting almost every aspect of our lives. There is no room for delaying tactics or complacency. What we eat, how we dispose of our waste, the building materials we use, how we travel and communicate, educate, stay healthy, entertain ourselves, all of it matters. The system that has brought us where we are today has largely defined human wellbeing in economic terms, and has been rooted in inequality, both among ourselves, with hierarchies of dominance and unfair distribution of wealth and resources, and our relationships with the other beings on the earth, treated as so much collateral damage to the notion of economic progress and productivity. In a sense, it would not be unreasonable to say that the current models of society are based on war and conflict. Not just war against other humans, which is bad enough, but increasingly, war against other species and against the very land we inhabit. The use of pesticides; the casual way in which we exploit or eradicate other species, often merely for short term gain; the pillaging of mineral wealth, with its ensuing destruction of landscape, communities – both human and non – and beauty; the damming of rivers; the pollution of oceans and freshwater; and much more. In such a context, it is not so surprising that the bombing of innocent people and their homes is perceived as somehow part of the normal order of the world. But there is nothing normal about endless war, especially when it spawns whole industries that make profits for corporations, and those corporations answer to no laws except their own. All life on earth is part of a food chain and no creature survives without food. How we eat is intimately connected with our relationship to the rest of life on earth. It does not need to be a war - somehow we need to put love into the process. Even if you are meat-eating, it does not follow that you should not care about the provenance of your meat. And the same goes with any crops – is their cultivation improving soil structure, helping wild flowers and insects to flourish? Do the birds sing nearby? The basic question is: can we eat in a way that does not cause harm or contribute to the poor health of our planet’s ecosystems of which we are part? Granted, whatever you eat, the eaten doesn’t have much fun at the end, whether animal or vegetable. But it is possible to grow food in such a way that doesn’t mean cutting down ancient trees or pouring unwanted chemicals into the soil and water. It is possible for animals to graze off pasture, not imported feed that has been grown at the expense of forests and communities far from here. It is possible to plant trees and wildflower meadows alongside food crops and animal herds. It is also possible for everyone to eat good food. It is plain wrong that society is divided into those who can afford to eat decent food and those who end up eating badly for lack of income. Inequality is built into systems run for profit, and poor people are just another casualty of a world at war with itself and life. What would our countryside look like

if farming was done to provide good food for everyone, regardless of income or social status AND to improve the health of soil and ecosystems? Can we imagine a future where blatant inequality is unacceptable and forms no part of any society or community? When people say they love the countryside – what do they mean? Will loving it mean you protect it, fight for it with your life? Some embattled communities all over the world are having to do to so, faced with corporations who want to extract oil, water, coal or uranium from hitherto pristine landscapes. We need to know if our better quality of life, our ability to wake up each day to a comforting normality, depends on a worse one for others, and take action if we find it does. If we are to take our responsibilities seriously, then we need to stop waging war against ourselves, our communities, and our land and landscapes - all over the world. We have to imagine ourselves into the future – what do we want to leave behind for future generations? War-ravaged landscapes destroyed for short-term profit, crowded with the equivalent of concentration camps for animals, or flourishing landscapes that will support life, in all its richness and diversity, far into the future? The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act could – could - can - help us to make wise decisions. Camilla Saunders ***** Earth just had hottest January since records began, data shows • Average global temperature 2.05F above 20th-century average. The record temperatures in January follow an exceptionally warm 2019, which has been ranked as the second hottest year for the planet’s surface since reliable measurements started. • The past five years and the past decade are the hottest in 150 years of record-keeping, an indication of the gathering pace of the climate crisis. • The average global land and ocean surface temperature last month was 2.05F (or 1.14C) above the 20th-century average. This measurement marginally surpassed the previous January record, set in 2016. • Last month was the hottest January on record over the world’s land and ocean surfaces, with average temperatures exceeding anything in the 141 years of data held by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. • The four warmest Januaries on record have occurred since 2016, while the 10 warmest Januaries have taken place since 2002. The world’s governments agreed in 2015 to keep the global temperature increase to well below 2C, compared with the pre-industrial era, in order to stave off disastrous flooding, food insecurity, heatwaves and mass displacement of people. However, planet-warming emissions from human activity are not showing any sign of decline, let alone the deep cuts needed to meet the 2C goal and address the climate crisis. • According to scientists, the world must halve its emissions by 2030 to stand any chance of avoiding disastrous climate breakdown. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/13/ january-hottest-earth-record-climate-crisis John Main via Royal Society of Biology

art POWYS Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777 Until 9 April ‘The Long and Winding Road’. AMANDA WELLS. 16 April - 28 May Celf Able: ArtAbility. Open Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm. Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells LD2 3SY www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk 25 & 26 April Wonderwool Wales 2020. Annual extravaganza that celebrates all that’s great about wool and natural fibres. More than 200 stalls, woolschool workshops, with topics from knitting, spinning and weaving to needle felting. Plus exhibitions, daily demonstrations and have-a-go sessions and the entertaining Sheepwalk. Open Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm, day ticket £10, weekend ticket £18, under 16s free. The School House Gallery, The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, LD7 1PA 01547 550377 11 April - 31 May ‘Consequences’. A collection of recent work by YVONNE CROSSLEY RWA - mixed media works incorporating drawing, painting and print. Open Fri-Sun, plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-5pm. POSTPONED. Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Opens 7 April Tourist Information Centre. Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sats 10am-12pm. Ardent Gallery, 46 High Street, Brecon 01874 623333 16 April - 8 May Open Art Exhibition 2020. A diverse exhibition by a wide variety of artists as the result of an open call. Painting, drawing, mixed media work, sculpture and more. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm. The Table, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com Until 11 April PETER STILWELL - new drawings. 18 April - 9 May CHARLES MacCARTHY & DANIEL MacCARTHY. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011 April ‘A Moment in Wire’. SUSAN BAIN - wire sculptures. VANESSA RHEAD - local paintings and buildings.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369 10 - 12 May Easter Egg Hunt in the Children’s Sculpture Trail, £2 per child. Until 24 May ‘A Retrospective’. ANGELA THORPE - limited edition lithographs. OWEN THORPE ceramics. Until 24 May FIESTY FELTERS spring exhibition. Open Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm. Minerva Arts Centre, Hight Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467 4 - 19 April ‘20:20 Vision’. WELSH HERITAGE QUILTERS. 2 - 30 May ‘Walking with Minerva’ showcasing the Turning Point Art Textiles Group and Hilary Beattie’s students exhibiting their work, ‘Personal Views’. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 10.30am-3.30pm. The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until 9 May New work by the Hay Makers. Visiting artists EMILY HEDGES - textiles. NICK & GABI WARD - ceramics. JO BOSLEY ceramics. HOLLY BELSHER jewellery. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Art by Osian (Celf gan Osian), 3 Short Bridge St, Llanidloes SY18 6AD 07484 763507 www.osiangwent.com Open all year ‘Art by Osian’. OSIAN GWENT. A working studio and gallery of contemporary, modern and expressive art by Welsh artist. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours. April Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555 8 April - 30 June ‘A Brush with Nature’. SEAN MILNE - wildlife illustrations, a variety of prints and original paintings. Open theatre times. Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 April A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions. Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com April ‘Spring, the Sweet Spring’. Flora and fauna from ANTHONY COLLIER, MARTIN DUTTON, RUTH KIRKBY, KATH HOBBY, SARA PHILPOTT, JOHN HALL THORPE, DAVID WEIGHT & BRONTË WOODRUFF. Over 450 different greeting cards in stock. Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 April Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders. Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm. Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849 www.foundgallery.co.uk Until 19 April ‘Found in the Towns and Hills’. MICHAEL HOWARD - rural scenes in oils. With artist ROGER REESE, NICK MEMBREY - pottery. Plus collaboration between TIM RAWLINS - bronze sculpture and MATT DAY - photographs. Two talks will also take place by Roger Reese and Tim Rowlins. 22 April - 17 May ‘A Local Story - Let it be Hushed’ Exhibition and events to coincide with the 75th anniversary events for VE Day. DEB GILLINHAM - artist and the poetry of a young WWII RAF pilot. JOHN TURNOCK paintings reflecting the poignancy of war memorials. ‘Resistance Revisited’, RICHARD GREATREX - photographs. JASON BRAHAM - salt glazed stoneware. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk Until 9 May ‘Being There’. DAVID WOODFORD R.C.A. Until 9 May ‘From Dawn to Dusk’. CHRISTOPHER MIKE - land and seascapes. Until 6 June ‘Migration and British Art’. Refuge and Renewal. Until 6 June ‘Welsh Emergency Blanket’. DANIEL TRIVEDY. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 April ‘Baubles and Bangles’! Open Wed-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Tottie Aarvold, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Sharon Griffin, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow

Philippa J Anderson, Greenstage Gallery, Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frome

Roger Reese, Found Gallery, Brecon

Sean Milne, Wyeside, Builth Wells

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 April Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne LD8 2LL 01544 260149 4 April - 10 May ‘Stone Moon’. A new collaboration between UK poet FIONA SAMSON and printmaker ALISON GRANT. 4 April - 10 May ‘Quantel Paintbox’. Inaugural Nolan exhibition of 2020. Examples of works by SIR SIDNEY NOLAN created using the Paintbox. 16 May - 12 July ‘Landlines’. Wilderness Art Collective. Showcasing artists working in or with the landscape. Open Wed-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays 12pm-4pm. Closed Mon/Tues. Adults £6, gift aid £6.60, concessions £5, £5.50 gift aid, F/T students £5, under 16s free. Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 6 May CAMERON MORGAN ceramics and paintings. Open theatre times. Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538 Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm. The Art Shop, Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH 01873 852690 Until 11 April ‘The Printmakers’. Diverse print techniques on show by a selection of gallery artists. Open Tues-Sat 9.15am-5pm. HEREFORDSHIRE The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk April GEORGINA FRANKLIN jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken. Market Hall, Kington 07867 483135 3rd Saturday in April Quality work by local makers. Kington Market Hall, 9.30am – 3pm. Plus KLEEN Repair Café on site. Contact AKCrafts@gmx. com

Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St, Hereford 01432 383383 4 April - 20 June ‘Ice Age Herefordshire’. Massive mammoth, bones and stones, Ice Age ponds and caves. Explore the Ice Age through the science lab, cave painting, creating a baby mammoth and more. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07544 368547 www.madeinthemarches.com 3 - 5 April ‘Yn Dod i’r Olwg’. Curated by Dave Mullin. Emerging and established makers from the Anglo-Welsh borderland. April ‘Homegrown’. PAUL BAINES willow. ROSAMUND BLACK jewellery. GILL DAVIES & DEE MILLS - alpaca knits. REBECCA FINNEY, JANE KEAY - paintings. NANCY FROST, DAVE MULLIN - pottery. CELIA KIBBLEWHITE - lampshades. MALCOLM MELLEN - stone. GINNETTE NEWMAN - paper. HELEN SMITH & ALYS WALL textiles and leather. Plus cards, gifts and art materials. 2 & 3 May A venue for the Marches Makers Festival Live. Open Tues–Sat, 10am-5pm. Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 780495 April LYDE HOARE of Wild Wicker baskets. PATIA DAVIS, SHEILA HERRING, CLARE & ANDREW McGARVA, JEREMY STEWARD ceramics. PETRA STWARD ceramics and prints. BEN CASSON furniture and treen. NINA McGARVA - glass sculpture and glass jewellery. CLAIR HODGSON - jewellery. LUCY CASSON - sculpture. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Berrington Hall, near Leominster HR6 0DW www.meadowarts.org Until 10 May ‘Skin Deep’. OLIVER JONES - contemporary art with large-scale pastel drawings, touching on issues of self-obsession and self-esteem. Open 11am-5pm, usual National Trust admission charges apply.

Blue Ginger Gallery, Cradley, WR13 5NW 01886 880240 www.blue-ginger.com Until 31 May ‘Jungle’. A selling exhibition of new work. TAMSIN ABBOTT, JULIA MANNING, HANNAH WILLOW, CLARE DE LA TORRE, NIGEL LAMBERT, JO VERITY, CLAUDIA PETLEY & PAUL SHEPHERD, ELEANOR BARTLEMAN, ELLY MENTAL, KATHLEEN MURPHY, RACHEL LARKINS, JO DEWAR, HENRIETTA CORBETT, SARAH BROOKER, PRATIMA KRAMER, MICHAELA McMILLAN, KAT CHRISTOU, CAREY MOON, JEANNE JACKSON. Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral 01432 374210 Until 27 Jun ‘Saints in the Making’ exhibition. Through books, documents and objects from the cathedral’s historic collections. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-onWye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com April Beautiful handwoven lampshades, fabrics, pottery, willow baskets and glass. Also a range of eclectic lighting. Open Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm. Libraries: Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Kington & Leominster www.herefordshirelifethroughalens. org.uk

Artistree, Above the Heritage Centre, Church Lane, Ledbury www.artistreegallery.org April ARTISTREE, co-operative of local artists, paintings, sculpture, furniture, photographs, ceramics, glass, textile and encaustic work. Wed-Sun 10.30am-4.30pm. Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1EB 01432 273359 28 April Degree Level: Artist Blacksmithing, open event, 10.30am. 30 April Degree Level: Top-up open event, 2-7pm. 6 May & 6 June Degree Level open event, 10am. 7 May MA Level open event, 7pm. Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.

Until 6 April ‘The Photos’. Exhibition of photographs from the Derek Evans Studio archive, 1940s-1970s. At Ledbury & Ross Library. 9 - 18 April ‘The Photos’. (As above). At Kington & Leominster Library.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 www.greenstagegallery.co.uk 4 April - 10 May Easter exhibition. Featuring the works of PHILIPPA JA NADERSON & VERONICA HUDSON. Tues-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm or by appointment. South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 4 April GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFTS SOCIETY. 14 - 18 April ‘Love Zimbabwe’. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information. 20 - 25 April GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY. 27 April - 4 May SIAN THOMAS stained glass. 4 - 9 May ‘Love Zimbabwe’. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 April New work by RACHEL SUDWORTH & STUART ELLIS plus gallery artists. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm. Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 April Sculpture, mixed media, woodblock printmaking and textile printmaking. Alongside contemporary ceramics, paintings, jewellery, prints. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Herefordshire Archive & Records Centre, Fir Tree Lane, Hereford HR2 6LA 01432 260750 Until 17 April ‘Herefordshire Life Through a Lens: The Photos’. A multi-venue exhibition of photographs from the Derek Evans Studio archive 1940s-1970s. Press cuttings and prints. Open Mon-Fri & 2nd Sat of the month 9am-5pm. Upstairs, Market House, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk April A selection of local arts and crafts at affordable prices. Open daily 10am-4pm. Mike Gell, Contemporary British Jewellery, 3 East Street, Hereford. 01432 278226 Jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 70 designers. Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm. The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 4 - 25 April ‘Eclectic’. CHRIS CURSONS DipAD BA Hons (1st class) MA RCA - paintings and sculptures. Open theatre times.

Tobias James Art & Framing Gallery, St Owen St, Hereford 07760 316959 April Works by local and national artists. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 18 April ‘New Futures’. Framework Herefordshire members and friends. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Framing available. Cheltenham Racecourse www.greenstagegallery.co.uk 23 - 26 April Fresh Art Fair. Featuring works of DOUG EATON, JULI-ANNE COWARD, ROB RITCHIE, BETH RICHARDSON, IAN COOK RI RSW, JO LUCAS, SALLY STAFFORD, PETER SHARMAN, ROB VAN HOEK, PETER KOTKA, PAUL POWIS & PIERRE WILLIAMS. Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 10 - 19 April Easter Exhibition. New work from ANGIE HUGHES embroidery. CHERYL DAVIES pastels and line drawings. ANNELIESE APPLEBY - linocuts. CLAIRE BILLINGSLEY - ceramics. CAROLINE OWEN-THOMAS calligraphy. DAVID ENGLAND stonecarving. STEPHEN BUCK pewter and clocks. 10.30am-4.30pm. 27 April - 2 May ‘Discoveries’. MIDLANDS TEXTILES FORUM. Meet the artists each day. Open 11am-4pm. Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until 30 April ‘Earthly Delights’. Spring exhibition. A selling exhibition featuring new work: JANE WINTON - folk art. JEMIMA JAMESON - painted wood. TAMSIN ABBOTT - stained glass. HANNAH WILLOW - silver jewellery. MARTIN EVERSON DAVIS - pit fired burnished pots. STUART AKROYD studio glass. KATHIE BARRS - textiles. RACHAEL BLAKEWAY - mixed media Up Cycled. From 3 May and throughout the year ‘Long Shadows’. An ever changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media. Open 11am-5pm, Creates Gallery, 15 Church St, Monmouth NP25 3BX 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Until 2 May ‘Spring exhibition’. Fine art, ceramics, glass, sculpture and jewellery by Master Jeweller, PAUL HATTON. Open Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Creates Gallery Coffee Shop & B&B, 7 Church St, Monmouth NP25 3BX 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Until 9 May ‘First Showcase’. Fine art, ceramics, glass, sculpture, photographs, textiles and jewellery. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm. Sun 11am-4pm. Tues by appointment. SHROPSHIRE Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 Until 21 April MATT JENNESON landscapes. KIRSTY GIBBS - local landscapes and flora. 10am-5pm. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 Until 4 April VICTORIA HEATH exhibition of work. 4 April Flea Market, 9am-4pm. 11 April - 9 May MARK ZENICK. 2 May Antiques and Flea market, 9am-4pm. 23 May Craft Fair, two floors filled with crafts by local artisans. 10am-4pm. 16 May - 11 June PENNY TIMMIS. The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 Until end April Unique pop-up art gallery featuring PRISCILLA HANN bronze sculptures. DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary turned home decor and accessories utilizing native timber. MEGAN EVANS collagraph prints. JAN JAY - printed textiles and framed prints. PIP JONES - watercolours and mixed media. SARAH BILLINGHAM - earthenware and decorated pots. KIM DAVIS wood vessels and objects. SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife digital prints. 10 - 13 April ‘Easter Event’. Open daily 10am-5pm. Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery. Gallery 3, The Gateway, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB Until 10 April PIP JONES. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com From 10 April ‘Revolution: Resistance!’ exhibition ONLINE ONLY. Due to public health emergency, please check website or social media to confirm opening times. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-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. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881 Until 31 May ‘Evolving Shropshire’ The story of the collections, evolution and discoveries. Until 2 June ‘Lost and Found’. ANGELA GLADWELL M.A. (RCA) - paintings. Plus rock pools, wood, stone, museum artefacts and specimens. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Ragleth Gallery, 1 Sandford Place, Church Stretton SY6 6DY 01694 723225 April A contemporary gallery full of original art. Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, prints, photographs, automata and more. 2 May - 9 June GERRY PLUMB. 13 June - 21 July NATALIE TOPLASS. Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Until 4 April ‘Landscape Real and Imagined’. ELERI MILLS, solo show. Also exhibiting - HALIMA CASSELL, JO SWEETING - sculpture. DENNIS FARRELL, GAIL ALTSCHULER ceramics. LOCO STUDIO GLASS - glass. 11 April - 9 May ‘Conversations’. SHARON GRIFFIN & ZOE TAYLOR contemporary paintings and sculpture. Tues-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 Until 10 April in theatre foyer ‘The Cabinet of Secret LIves’. ARTY PARTY present images of secret lives viewed through doors. Mon-Sat from 10am. Rock Church, DY14 9SD 01299 832833 11 - 13 April Easter Art and Craft exhibition. 150+ artworks for sale from 35+ artists, craft stalls and refreshments with watercolour artist JOHN INSTANCE. 11am-4.30pm. Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478 April Rustic homewares, fine art and craft. Local makers. Turned wood, slipware, lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £40 per year. ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY SCHOOL - POTTERY WORKSHOPS Newbridge on Wye, Mid Wales. Courses/workshop throughout the year. Throwing, Hand building, glazing, kiln firing and much more. Clay and equipment and your own wheel included. For more details 01982 552854 / alexallpressceramics@gmail.com / alexallpress.co.uk QUILTING WORKSHOPS Available at Hay on Wye, Hereford + Ledbury. All levels taught. Beginners welcome. Small groups. Expert tuition. Jacqueline on 01981 501043. Bee-spokequilts@hotmail.com GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Flexible dates to suit you. 01432 760961. 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 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 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, Quilting 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. April & May MADE IN ROSS WORKSHOPS Every Thurs eves - Learn to Knit with Chris. 5 April - Beginners Jewellery, make a silver ring with Jackie. 11 April - Make a recycled tin can dragonfly. 16 May - Needlefelt a bird. Upstairs in the Market House, Ross-on-Wye, 01981 769398, www.madeinross.co.uk April DE KOFFIE POT WORKSHOPS Every 3rd Thurs - Drawing Club, 7.30pm, all ages welcome, 7.30pm, free. De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753. April ENAMEL WORKSHOPS Make your own beautiful pieces of glass enamel. Turn them into fab pieces of jewellery or treasure them as mini pieces of art. Three hour taster (9am - 12 noon) £40. 8, 9,10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 29, 30 April. More dates available. The Severn Studio, The Old School Campsite, Shelve. info@creativeoutdoorsuk.com www.creativeoutdoorsuk.com April THE HIVE, BELMONT WORKSHOPS 3 & 24 April - Buzzy Beats! Creative, music with Mary Keith for under 5s. 8 April - Lino Printed Tote Bags, for ages 8-13 years, 10.30am-12.30pm, £12. 16 April - Easter Pottery for Adults, 7pm, £25. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970. April TRUMPET CORNER WORKSHOPS Mons - Knit, Stitch & Natter Group, 1-4pm, £2. Weds - Knit and Craft Group, 10am-1pm, £2. Weds - General silver classes, 10am-12.30pm, £125 for block of 5 classes. Sat monthly - General silver classes, 10am-12.30pm, £40. Trumpet Corner Tea Room & Gallery, near Ledbury, 01531 670082. April & May CARAD WORKSHOPS Every Wed - Morning Makers Group, 10am-1pm, free to join. Every Thurs - Art and Crafters Group. Bring your own crafts and join for a cuppa and a chat, 1.30-3.30pm, donation only required. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810561.

April & May MID WALES ARTS CENTRE 10 - 12 April - Easter Egg Hunt in the Children’s Sculpture Trail, £2 per child. 22 April - ‘New Approaches’. Ruth Kirkby Watercolour Workshop, 10am-4pm 8/10 May & 27/28 June - Wood Firing & Making Workshop, £55 per day. 28 May - Insect Eco-Hotels, a children’s workshop making insect hotels to hang from trees, 12-3pm, £3 per child, all materials supplied. Pottery sessions. Every week - 1-1 pottery tutorials on throwing. Wed - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club for all ages and abilities, 7-9pm. Thurs Adult Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club, all abilities, 2-4pm. Thurs - Children’s Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club, all abilities, 5-6.30pm. First Sat - Family session, 2-4pm. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 07970 671819. April, May & June HEREFORDSHIRE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 7, 14, 18, 25 April, 9, 16, 23, 26 May, 6 & 20 June- Ice Age Explorer with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s WildPlay team, 11am-3pm, (drop in). 8 April - Cave Art Hand Printing with Herefordshire Museum Service, 11am-3pm (drop in). 15 April - Pebble Painting with Herefordshire Museum Service, 11am-3pm, (drop in). 27 May - Cave Painting with Herefordshire Museum Service, 11am-3pm, (drop in). 4 April - 20 June - Ice Age Expedition Trail through Hereford High Town. Follow the trail to find the clues to uncover the hidden word. 14 May Ice Age Herefordshire talk at Museum Resource & Learning Centre, Hereford, 10.30am-12pm, £5. 4 April - 20 June in the exhibition, available daily - Science lab with microscopes, specimens and materials. Help create a baby woolly mammoth. Ice Age shelter. Dressing up as a wolf, reindeer or dog. Make your own cave art, drawing and tracing, Chalk Board Mammoth. Build a Lego Ice Age model. Hereford Museum & Gallery, Broad St, Hereford, 01432 383383. April ELAN LINKS WORKSHOPS 4 April - Make your own Mythical Creatures Workshop. Elan Valley Visitor Centre, 1pm-4.30pm, £2 per child. 5 April - Pottery Making Workshop with Alex Allpress. Rhayader Museum & Gallery, East St, Rhayader, 10am - 3.30pm, (90 minute slots), free, but for £5 you can get the piece fired and piccked up from CARAD at a later date. 8 April - Caveman Creations, using natural pigments and brushes. Rhayader Museum & Gallery, East St, Rhayader, 10am - 2pm, £2 per child. 8 April - Nature Crafts, join Tir Coed tutors making whistles, twine from natural materials and more. The Old Hospital Site, Elan Village, 1pm-4pm, free. 01597 811527.

April EASTNOR POTTERY INTO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL for families, couples and individuals during April. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Projects start at £30 inclusive of firing & glazing. Fabulously creative indoor activity. (CLOSED 10-13 APRIL).POTTERS WHEEL COURSE 4 & 5, 18 and 25 April. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £150 day £280 weekend. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. CLAY MODELLING Spring flavoured Family Pottery Fun at Eastnor Pottery. Current theme: Funny Bunnies! 1st – 30th April 2020. Tuesday - Saturday sessions start at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Places cost £20 per person. (CLOSED 10-13 APRIL) Booking essential. Simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book a session. April THE GLOBE, WORKSHOPS 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April - Art with Marianne, 10am-12pm or 12.30-2.30pm, suitable for beginners and anyone wanting to gain confidence or hone their skills. 21 April - Globemakers - an informal craft group, 7.30pm, further details corin@lordburgess.co.uk Every Wednesday - Little Willows, friendly outdoor children’s playgroup, 9.30am-11am, £1.50 per child. Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am, free. Every Tuesday - Chess Club, 4.15pm, free, contact Drew on 07714 767779. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Eastnor Pottery

May QUILT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOPS & DEMONSTRATIONS 9 May - Drop in demonstration, make a plastic free bag with Norma McCrory and Lisa Arundale, 10.30am-1pm. 11 May - Mixed Media Textiles with Suzette Smart, 10am-4pm, £60. Booking essential. 13 May - Making Coasters with Gwyneth Rose, 10am-1pm, £10. Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes, 01686 413467, www.quilt.org.uk May SIDNEY NOLAN TRUST 1 - 3 May - Printmaking Masterclass with Alison Grant, course fee £240 including materials, food and accommodation, £160 course fee and food only. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, www.sidneynolantrust.org 01544 260149. April ASSEMBLY ROOMS WORKSHOPS Twice monthly, Tues, Oscars, 7.30pm, Ludlow Photographic Club, 01584 879180. First Thurs, Studio, 7.30pm, Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 01584 831458. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141. April LOUDWATER STUDIO WORKSHOPS 2nd and 4th Fridays - Sewing for Pleasure, 10.30am1.30pm, £15. Group Activities for Disabled Adults: 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month - Tuesday Creative, 10.30am12.30pm, £10. 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month Craft ‘n’ Sew, 1.30pm-3.30pm, £10. Loudwater Studio, Bromfield Rd, Ludlow, 01584 877272. www.loudwaterstudio.org.uk April COURTYARD WORKSHOPS Sat 4, 11, 18 & 25 April - Family Saturday, activities range from interactive workshops, films and live shows with all free pre-activitiy. Booking advisable, 10.30am. Thurs - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £7.50. Tues - Playing Together, bringing older people and pre-school age together, 10.30am-12pm, £2 per participant, parents and carers free. Dementia friendly. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. April BLEDDFA WORKSHOPS 14 & 28 April - Bleddfa Sewing Group. Informal and friendly, Hall Barn, Bleddfa, 10.30am, 01547 550377. April - November BASKETMAKING COURSES With Jenny Pearce. Weekend Willow Basketmaking Courses on 4/5 April, 30/31 May, 4/5 July, 10/11 October, 21/22 November. Vicarage Cottage, Canon Frome, near Ledbury, HR8 2TG, 01531 670574. www.jennypearce. co.uk April CUP CERAMICS WORKSHOPS 6 - 10 April - One week Intensive Course, £250. Thurs, day and eves - Throwing on the wheel development sessions, £25 for 2 hour session. 4 week Throwing Course + One months 4 hour per week membership £150. Cup Ceramics, Unit 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford, HR1 2SF, 07855 868771.

June & September VICKI NORMAN WORKSHOPS 1 - 5 June 5 Days Painting in Cornwall. Tuition only, £295. 20 - 27 June - The Watermill, Posara, Italy, £1695 full board. 7 - 11 Sept - 5 Days Painting on Location in Shropshire, £295 tuition only. 16 - 23 Sept - Art in the Algarve, Olhao, Portugal, £865 full board. Further details email vicki@vickinormanstudio.com VOLUNTEERS WANTED For Leominster Museum. Can you spare half a day a week or month? The museum is open six days a week until end of October. If interested, call 07771 798712 or email chairman@leominstermuseum.org.uk Sat 4 April UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING WORKSHOP Making traditional wax-resist’ Easter Eggs or “Pysanky’ is an old Ukrainian tradition. The two hour workshop is an introduction fo the Pysanky tradition and method by artist Helena Orlowski and Nataliya Cummings. The Workshouse Gallery, Presteigne, 10am-12pm, £30 includes materials and a cup of aromatic herbal tea. The cafe menu will also have a Ukrainian treat if you choose to stay for lunch. www.experienceukraine.co.uk/shop or for cash from the Workhouse. Tues 7 April INTRODUCTION TO HAND-BUILDING WITH CLAY Coiling - Make a small bowl with Kate Dawson. Apple Store Gallery, Hereford, 10am-3pm, £40, children £20 includes materials and refreshements, 01432 263937. Wed 8 April EASTER GARLAND WORKSHOP With Debbie Coplans. Castle House, Castle St, Hereford, 10.30am-3pm, arrangement and two-course lunch £55, 01432 356321. Sat 11 April WILLOW PLANT SUPPORT WORKSHOP Create a durable plant support obelisk, perfect for climbing veg or ornamentals. Wigmore, 9.30am-11.30am, £15. Details and bookings, 0790 4454227, www.weavefutures.com Wed 11, Thurs 12, March & Wed 22 & Thurs 23 April LLANGARRON STONE CARVERS Small informal group led by Glenn Morris, meet monthly. New members welcome. Details Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk or 01989 770776. Sat 18 April BETWEEN THE LINES Calligraphy workshop. Tutor, Val Yost. Modified capitals using coloured pencils. Monkland Village Hall, 10am-4pm, £21, £18 members, 01544 327657. Marches Scribes. 27 - 31 July SUMMER SCHOOL - WORD PRINT CLOTH BRUSH A week of exploratory lettering and blockprinting to create your own practical ‘Fabric Sample Book’ of patterns and brush calligraphy. Only 8 places, all skill levels, focusted tuition with Caroline Owen-Thomas & Jeanette McCulloch. In Ledbury. £280 for 5 full-day workshops including all materials. Further information, email Caroline - ilovelettering@outlook.com Wednesdays INFORMAL ART GROUP All welcome, help given if required. The Old School Community Hub, New Radnor, 2-4pm, 01544 350242.

cinema PARASITE (15) The first of three this month from noted foreign auteurs, South Korean Bong Joon-Ho’s PARASITE, has already garnered its writer/ director Oscar gongs and a box-office bonanza for its small UK distributor. So you may already know that it’s the farce-like tale of a slum-dwelling family who gradually and cunningly insinuate their way into the glitzy lives of a business mogul (Lee Sun-kyun) and his vacuous wife (Cho Yeo-jeong) which they shamelessly profit from. However like several of the director’s previous films (e.g. SNOWPIERCER, THE HOST) it reflects the unjust nature of capitalism and class-hierarchy, eventually and very effectively utilising horror movie tropes to make its point. Arguably unknown here, the (mainly T.V.) actors are perfectly cast and although PARASITE bears a remarkable resemblance to Horokazu Koreeda’s 2018 SHOPLIFTERS (see below), it’s even more assured and has a sheen and a pace amply justifying its Oscar status. All reviews by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

1 & 2 April ORDINARY LOVE (12A) 1 April THE TWO POPES (12A) 2 & 8 April JUST MERCY (12A) 4 - 9 April ONWARD (PG) 4 & 8 April THE GENTLEMEN (18) 7 - 15 April THE CALL OF THE WILD (PG) BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC 10 - 16 April DOLITTLE (PG) 1 April WILDLIFE 18 April PAW PATROL: READY, The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, RACE, RESCUE (U) Free pre-activity 8pm, £40 members, £5 guests, 10.30am 01588 680445 17 - 28 April MISBEHAVIOUR (12A) 20 - 22 April RICHARD JEWELL (15) BLAKE THEATRE The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, 24 April WILDERLAND WILDLIFE Hereford 01432 340555 FILM FESTIVAL The best of the world’s short wildlife films. Blake Theatre, Almshouse St, Monmouth NP25 3XP 01600 719401 11 April OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) 14 April FUNNY FACE (U) 18 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) 24 April THE AERONAUTS Details Assembly Rooms, Ludlow 01584 878141

BRECON FILM SOCIETY 6 April CANARIES (15) 4 May SORRY WE MISSED YOU (ctbc) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. Membership enquiries 01874 623166

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 3 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

2 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 3 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 501031 3 April THE GOLDFINCH (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926

3 April THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 3 April JUDY (12A) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 3 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 4 April DIRTY DANCING (15) The Bay Tree, Welshpool 07950 807625 4 April FROZEN 2 (U) Dolau Community Hall 07904 883038 6 April FROZEN 2 (U) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 6 April RED JOAN (12A) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 6 April OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 7 April SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 8 April 3 FACES (15) Ryton VH 01743 718237 8 April DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 8 April WOMAN AT WAR (12A) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 9 April O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? (12) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 10 April FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797932 10 April BALLOON (12A) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 10 April SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640109 11 April ROCKETMAN (15) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574 14 April THE CHAMBERMAID (LA CAMARISTA) (15) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 14 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 14 April KNIVES OUT (12A) Garway VH 01600 750465 14 April 3 FACES (15) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 568705 15 April WILD ROSE (15) Myddle VH 01939 290907 16 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Bagley Sports and Social Club 07773 983963 16 April SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 17 April HONEYLAND (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 17 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 17 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 17 April JUDY (12A) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821

18 April JUDY (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 18 April THE FAREWELL (PG) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780279 18 April BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) Priest Weston VH 07854 441235 18 April A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE - FARMAGEDDON (U) Chapel Lawn VH 01547 530258 18 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672 18 April HARRIET (12A) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 19 April MEETING GORBACHEV (PG) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 19 April L’HOMME DU TRAIN (12) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277 22 April LE MANS 66 (12A) Chetton VH 01746 789257 22 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Lea VH 01989 750679 23 April KNIVES OUT (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 23 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Almeley VH 07557 659291 23 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 24 April MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) Little Wenlock VH 01952 503945 24 April A PRIVATE WAR (15) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 24 April THE LION KING (2019) (PG) Marton VH 01938 580116 24 April KNIVES OUT (12A) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 24 April AD ASTRA (12A) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 25 April LE MANS 66 (12A) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 28 April KING OF THIEVES (15) Loppington VH 01939 809236 30 April THE GOOD LIAR (15) Goodrich VH 01600 890609

THEATR HAFREN, NEWTOWN 29 April GREEN BOOK 4 May THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD (1952) Light lunch at, £6, booking essential, film at 12pm & 1.30pm. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555.

THE HIVE, BELMONT 3 April HAPPY AS LAZARRO (15) 17 April UNDER THE TREE (15) 1 May GAZA (15) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

THE TRUTH (PG)

Justifiably feted in his Japanese homeland, writer/director Horokazu Koreeda’s recent outings SHOPLIFTERS and MY LITTLE SISTER did well on Britain’s arthouse circuit, but his first set outside Japan has two doyennes of French cinema strutting their very considerable stuff. With a sense of playful self-irony, Catherine Deneuve plays, well, a doyenne of French cinema about to publish her autobiography, an occasion which her scriptwriter daughter (Juliette Binoche), actor husband (Ethan Hawke) and adolescent daughter (Clementine Grenier) arrive in Paris from New York to celebrate… sort-of. In fact the candid if not sometimes fabricated nature of mum’s memoir causes all sorts of ructions and punctures the illusion of happy movie family. And apart from some dramatic revelations, Koreeda laces his typically nuanced narrative with wonderfully acerbic humour – at one point Deneuve’s character proclaims “I’m an actress, I won’t tell the unvarnished truth – it’s far from interesting.” Which is very far from THE TRUTH (ouch!).

THE LOFT, HEREFORD 3 April TRAIN WRECK (15) 4 April SCOOBY DOO! WRESTLEMANIA MYSTERY (PG) 4 April SCHOOL OF ROCK (PG) 4 April THE WRESTLER (15) 5 April MOANA (PG) 5 April THE PRINCESS BRIDE (PG) 6 April TANGLED (PG) 7 April BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991) (U) 8 April BROTHER BEAR (U) 9 April HUMAN TRAFFIC (18) 11 April ROBIN HOOD (1973) (U) 11 April LIFE OF BRIAN (12A) 14 April BRAVE (PG) 15 April CARS (PG) 16 April ZOOTROPOLIS (PG) 17 April TARZAN (U) 17 April LAST OF THE MOHICANS (12) 18 April HERCULES (U) 18 April BAIT WITH PRODUCER Q & A(15) 19 April 101 DALMATIANS (U) 20 April OLIVER & CO (U) 25 April BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (PG) 25 April SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) 25 April ON THE BLACK HILL (15) 26 April POCAHONTAS (U) 26 April ARMAGEDDON (12) The Loft, 18a West St, Hereford HR4 0BX 01432 507460 www.loftcinema.co.uk

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY 3 April THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) 8 April DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) 1 May HITSVILLE - THE MAKING OF MOTOWN (12A) Details Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 18 April HARRIET (12A) 19 April MEETING GORBECHEV (PG) 25 April LE MANS 66 (12A) 9 May THE GOOD LIAR (15) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 17 April TRANSIT (12A) Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, doors open 7.30pm, 8pm start. 01544 370202, 01544 260577

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 3 & 6 April DARK WATERS (12A) 4 & 9 April TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG (18) 9 & 10 April DOLITTLE (PG) 15, 16, 18 & 20 April MILITARY WIVES (12A) 2 - 4 May PETER RABBIT 2 5 & 7 May VIVARIUM Regal Cinema, Teme St, Tenbury Wells 01584 811442

THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG (18)

2 April CYRANO DE BERGERAC National Theatre. Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 3 April SWAN LAKE Royal Opera House. Methodist Church, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. 4 April SWAN LAKE The Royal Ballet. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583.

Ned Kelly and his murderous cohort have long favoured international cinema with at least five fictional histories already having hit the screen, the best known, if least well acted, fronted by Mick Jagger in 1970. This one however has the blazing passion George Mac-Kay displayed in Sam Mendes’ 1917, ramped up several notches thanks to rising Aussie director Justin Kurzel and writer Shaun Grant in this bloodthirsty but compulsively watchable thriller. The story is familiar but the relationship between Ned and his mother (played with foul-mouthed intensity by Kurzel’s wife, Essie Davis) is key to his deter-mined lawlessness and the loyalty he demands from a gang recruited from other young nothing-to-losers. Ned’s roguish if not thuggish education is provided by seasoned outlaw Harry Power (a magnificent Russell Crowe) and indirectly by a local lawman (Charlie Hunnan) who happens to be sexually servicing his mother, and the film’s punkish mood is enhanced by its harsh landscapes, cinematography and soundtrack.

SAVOY, MONMOUTH 2 April PARASITE (15) 3 - 17 April PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY (PG) 3 - 10 April EMMA (PG) 14 April EIGHTH GRADE (15) 10 - 17 April MILITARY WIVES (12A) Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE 21 April MRS LOWRY AND SON (PG) 23 April KNIVES OUT (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS 17 - 20 & 25 April ONWARD (ctbc) 2 April MILITARY WIVES (ctbc) 17 - 20, 25, 26 April, 2, 9 & 16 May PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY (PG) 17 - 23 April, 2, 9, 12 - 14, 16 May, 4 & 5 April DOWNHILL (15) 4 - 9 April GODZILLA VS KONG (ctbc) 6 & 7 April PARASITE (15) 8 & 9 April MR JONES (15) 17, 18, 20 & 25 April CALL OF THE WILD (PG) 26 April & 3 May MULAN (12A) 10 - 16 April RADIOACTIVE (ctbc) 10 - 16 April TROLLS WORLD TOUR (ctbc)

26 April MISBEHAVIOUR (12A) 17, 18, 20 & 22 April DARK WATERS (12A) 24 - 26, 28 - 30 April THE NEW MUTANTS (15) 24, 25, 28 & 29 April A QUIET PLACE II (15) 1 - 3, 5 - 10, 12 - 14 May BLACK WIDOW (12A) 1 - 3, 5 - 7, 9, 10, 16, 20, 29, 30 May, 14, 21 & 28 June DREAM HORSE (12A) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 1 April SWAN LAKE Royal Opera House. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 822010. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.15pm, 01874 611622. 1 April RIVERDANCE: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY Recorded live in Dublin. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm & 7.30pm, 01600 772467.

5 April SWAN LAKE The Royal Ballet, encore screening. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2pm, 07967 517125. 5 April IN SEARCH OF HAYDN Exhibition on Screen. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 612583. 7 April EASTER IN ART National Theatre. Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, pre-screening talk with art historian Linda Casey, 6pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 612583. 9 April CYRANO DE BERGERAC National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. 10 April SWAN LAKE The Royal Ballet. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 11 April TOSCA Metropolitan Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575. 13 April TOSCA Metropolitan Opera. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 4pm, 01584 878141. 14 April IN SEARCH OF MOZART Exhibition on Screen. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442. 16 & 19 April DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A LIFE ON OUR PLANET Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm on 16th, 4.30pm on 19th (encore), 01600 772467. 18 & 19 April MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE ‘Back Together’, screening from the O2 Arena. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm & 7pm, 01743 281281.

21 April CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA/ PAGLIACCI Royal Opera House. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 822010. Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci

23 April EASTER IN ART Exhibition on Screen. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 25 April LUCIAN FREUD, A SELF PORTRAIT Exhibition on Screen. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 25 April TOSCA Metropolitan Opera encore screening. Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. 25 April CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA/ PAGLIACCI Royal Opera House. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583.

26 April CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA/ PAGLIACCI Royal Opera House, encore screening. Market Theatre, Ledbury 2pm, 07967 517125. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321. 28 April LUCIAN FREUD: A SELF PORTRAIT Exhibition on Screen. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

28 April 42ND STREET THE MUSICAL Live at the Theatre Royal, London’s West End. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. 29 April KING JOHN Royal Shakespeare Company. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. 30 April CYRANO DE BERGERAC National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

First Scents of Spring ... apparell’d like First Scents of Spring on a Western Wind... onthe a Western Wind... spring

www.55millstreet.com 25

dance Fri 1 May THE PRITAM TRIO & THE NACHDA SANSAAR DANCE COMPANY A blend of Indian classical, English folk and jazz music traditions, creating new and exciting music with a trio of master musicians. Plus traditional Bhangra dancing. St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Leintwardine, 7.30pm, tickets from Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Griffiths Garage, online or in person.

Dance Workshops

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

Dance Performance Wed 1 April ONE NIGHT ONLY VIV KELLY SCHOOL OF DANCE THEATRE. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7,30pm, £15-£12, 01743 281281. Fri 3 April I.D. NIGHT 2FACED DANCE COMPANY. Championing the work of emerging artists. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. Fri 3 April HAVANA NIGHTS A mix of Latin dances with individual performances from Graziano and Giada as well as entertaining group numbers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30, VIP meet and greet £58, 01743 281281. Tues 7 & Wed 8 April RHYTHM OF THE RAINBOW NICOLA’S SCHOOL OF DANCE present local talent with an eclectic mix of both classic and contemporary dance. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, plus Wed matinee 2pm, 01432 340555. Thurs 9 April BALLETBOYZ Original and innovative forces in dance. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20-£18, students £15, 01743 281281. Tues 21 April KIN NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES perform three powerful pieces of dance about poetry, sport and identity. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £9/£7. Get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how dancers prepare before the show, 12.45pm, free. (See also dance workshop).

Thurs 30 April EVERYTHING (BUT THE GIRL) 2FACED DANCE COMPANY present a triple-bill of emotionally charged, packed with raw-energy and exceptional movement. With live musical accompaniment from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 14 April KNIGHTON & DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB - TEA DANCE Dance instructors, Frank and Pauline Davis will provide the music and tuition. Entry free, all welcome, with or without partner. Refreshments. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 2pm, 01544 267898. Wed 22 April DISCOVER DANCE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES. Try some dance, then watch the professionals in action. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 1pm, £3.50, 01686 614555. THE LEOMINSTER MORRIS George, our youngest dancer (17) says - “Ever tried Morris dancing... still have a spring in your step?” Come and join us, we meet every Wednesday at The Forbury Chapel, Church St, Leominster. We are an unmixed side dancing local and Cotswold Morris. Beginners are very welcome. Enquire at contact@leominstermorris.org or ring Tony on 07811 592522. ALANYA’S BELLYDANCE CLUB - OPEN LEVEL Monkland Village Hall - Mondays 7.30-9pm. Miro Studio, Hereford - Fridays 10.30am-12pm. No-obligation taster £6, then pay per term or block. For information and other classes visit www.alanyabellydance. com or call Abbie on 07962 161081. Pritam Trio & The Nachda Sansaar Dance Company

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Tues - Zumba, 1-2pm, £5.50 per session. Fri - Chance to Dance for the over 50s, 10.15am-11.15pm, £5 per session. Tues - Laura Gale Contemporary Dance, energetic class for beginners and experienced dancers, 8-9pm, £8 drop in or £39 for 6 weeks. Tues - Laura Gale Street Jazz, 7-8pm, £8 drop in, £39 for 6 weeks. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet for the over 55s, 1.30-2.30pm, £5 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4 years, 11.30am-12.15pm, £4 per child. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. Mondays SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Join an enthusiastic adult group on Monday evenings to learn how to dance jigs, reels and Strathspeys at Llanelwedd School Hall, Builth Wells from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. £2.50 per session (first free). No need to bring a partner. Beginners and experts welcome. 01982 570324/01544 350707. LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Mon, 7.30-8.30pm, Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB. Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR. Thurs, 7.30pm-8.30pm, Northolme Community Centre, HR2 7SP. Thurs, 7.45pm-8.45pm Ledbury Dance Studio, HR8 2A. Fri, 11am-12pm, Tupsley Whitehouse Community Hub, Gentle Jive. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. or info@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults. Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561. Tuesdays FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing? We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders. All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary! Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 01544 327311 or Paul 01497 821003.

We are sorry that this event has been postponed, but our usual programme of events and workshops remains in place.

Wednesdays CIRCLE DANCING Leominster Community Centre, 2-3.30pm. Telephone 01568 616411 or 01584 877446 Kathryn. Wednesdays BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FOR MUMS AND TOTS! Dance Centre, Llandrindod Wells, 2-3pm, £3 drop in, for tots aged 8 months+, 01597 824370. Thursdays WILD WEST SALSA Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.45pm, £6, students £5, social dance only £4, 01432 357753.

www.tents4elements.co.uk

food page The Feathers, Ludlow

R Pernickety has held back from reviewing the re-ordered Feathers Hotel in Ludlow for several months since it reopened, in order to approach the task without prejudice, for Mr P has always endeavoured to perform his function in a spirit of fairness. In the case of The Feathers, he will admit that he was so aghast at the way this venerable, distinguished building has been refurbished, that he didn’t think it possible to find anything positive to say about it. How this happened is a puzzle. To make a beautiful old building look good inside it requires only an understanding of its history and an empathy with it to find textiles, floor coverings and furniture that will resonate with the outstanding authentic C17th timber carvings and plaster mouldings it possesses. The new owners clearly had no such empathy and compounded this by hiring a ‘designer’ who has committed some serious crimes of cultural vandalism. They have, for instance, laid laminate, fake ‘oak boards’ in the very entrance of this historic building. It’s true to say that The Feathers, a famously handsome structure, has offered at best indifferent hospitality for many years. The former owners never did anything to realise the tremendous potential of the place, then lost all credibility when they allowed an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease, leading to a fatality, which closed the place. The hotel was then bought cheaply by Crest Hotels, who have no visible track record of operating distinguished hotels. Thus it was with considerable misgivings that Mr P and his old friend, the Wrinkle Rocker, and former chef, booked a table for dinner in the main dining-room. Stifling the visual distress caused by the splatter carpets, shiny faux industrial lighting and ugly furniture – they were shown to their corner table. A young waiter arrived promptly with the menu. Mr P and his guest were struck at once by the sheer ambitiousness of the menu. The prices looked high, especially for Ludlow. However, they were prepared to be optimistic that the chef could deliver. The young waiter, who told them he was in the middle of his GCSE mocks, took their order efficiently and helpfully and shortly afterwards they were served an amuse bouche – a tiny tump of delicious steak tartare, accompanied by a small orange blob which turned out to be a poached quail yoke, with an interesting texture but not much flavour. To drink, Mr P requested an apple juice and was served a Britvic juice, not one of the excellent local versions. The

WR chose a Chilean Carmenere @ £6.95 a large glass. It was fine, he said, and he didn’t care about the price because he wasn’t paying. The WR’s starter arrived: Home Cured Gin Salmon, Crab Coriander and chilli Salad, Pomegranate, Dill Emulsion (£9.50) for the WR. He took a few mouthfuls and nodded his approval. The spoonful of crab salad on the tump of gin-soaked salmon made a good coupling, though he thought the salmon needed a shot more acid – some lemon juice, probably. Mr P’s Duo of Wood Pigeon, Confit Leg of Pigeon, Pan Fried Breast, Celeriac Purée, Brandy-soaked Prunes, although presented on a hideous oblong plate (all the crockery looked Woolworths, c 1970) appeared right, and so it proved. The confit was light and cleverly conceived, the breasts perfect and well balanced by the prune and celeriac. Mr P and his guest looked at one another in slight surprise; so far, so good. The WR’s main course was Roasted Breast of Barbary Duck, Parma Ham & Redberry mousse, sweet potato fondant, and Buttered Caballero Nero. This last typo startled the WR, who assumed it should have been Cavolo Nero – black kale. ‘Caballero’, as most people know, means gentleman. But he was well-pleased by the dish. His craggy visage lit up. ‘The confit is super,’ he muttered with his mouth full, ‘and the breast deliciously rare.’ Mr P specified that he wanted his Peppered Loin of Venison with Juniper & Red Wine Jus (£24.95) to be served rare, and it was, though a little under-seasoned and the jus a tad bland; nevertheless it was an impressive and enjoyable dish. He and his guest ended with a Peanut Butter Parfait, and, for Mr P a pair of Crepes Suzettes (£7.50) which were too thick and heavy and would have been better served straight from the pan at the table. They concluded that, taken overall, dinner at The Feathers, had by any standards been exceptionally well cooked and served (albeit on a very quiet night) and was probably as good as any on offer in Ludlow at the moment. Whether it is worth tolerating the heart-rending horrors of the surroundings is, frankly, doubtful. The truth is that ambience, as Mr Pernickety has reiterated consistently over the years, is as important to the enjoyment of food as the skill of the chef, and though Mr P commends the food at The Feathers, he won’t be going back there to eat again. Mr Pernickety

Fri 3 April & Fri 1 May FREE TASTING DAY - SWAN BREWERY 3 April - Bald Eagle 3.5% American Pale Ale; fund raising head shave 4.30pm; pizza , 9am-8pm. 1 May - Swan on the Wye, 4/2% beer in the spotlight + 4 other cask ales. Japanese food from Miniyakis, 9am-8pm. Swan Brewery, Unit 17 Brunel Rd, Enterprise Park, Leominster, 01568 617709. Fri 10 April EASTER COOKING Make Easter treats such as devilled chicks, cotton tail biscuits and hot cross buns. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-11.30am, £7.50 per accompanied 3-11 year old, booking essential, 01588 676060. 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. Third Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180. Third Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023. 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.

FOOD BYTES

AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. BLEDDFA CENTRE READING ROOM CAFE 01547 550377 11am – 5pm every Saturday and Sunday (as well as Friday and Mondays on Bank Holiday). Teas, coffees, cake and soup. www.bleddfacentre.org 01547 550377 hello@bleddfacentre.org THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Tues-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof. THE HEREFORDSHIRE GOLF CLUB, WORMSLEY, HR4 8LY Open daily for food and beverage also a Sunday Carvery 12.30pm-3pm every week, one course £10.95 two courses, £14.95. We can also cater for your private event, price includes free room hire. Call our Catering Team on 01432 830219, option 3. THE ORGASMIC CIDER COMPANY, GREAT PARTON, EARDISLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR3 6NX 01544 327244 or 07773 037448 Craft cider and perry off licence and gift shop with local products. Open Friday and Saturday 12 to 5pm. Group tours available. THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm. RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & whole foods. The Old Garage Shop, Knighton. Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Free parking, opposite Old Library. Friday Morning Market stall in Presteigne. Local deliveries of veg. boxes. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk RUTH WATSON RESTAURANTEUR AND PRIVATE COOK. Bespoke Food for all Occasions. Parties, special occasions, holiday home catering, pop-up food. Friendly personal service. Ring or email: 01544 350559/ 07870 752325. ruthwatsonfood@gmail.com

Why not advertise your eating establishment?

BROAD

IT’S ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

sheep

EVENTS

Thurs 2 April EASTER VEGETARIAN COOKERY COURSE Guided and helped by Milly, create four versatile dishes and sweet treats. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, £35, bring storage containers and tubs so you can take your goodies home. Booking essential, 01588 676060.

Just post the wording you require (around 40 words) together with a cheque payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ and post to: Broad Sheep, The Lodge Westhide, Hereford HR1 3RQ Further enquries, call 01432 850444

music

APRIL Wed 1 April CHAMBER MUSIC FOR STRINGS An informal concert premiering two works by newly-resident-in-Presteigne composer, John Hyslop. The works for a viola trio and string quartet, employ traditional musical forms infused with hints of Ibero-Celtic Iron Age pop music. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 4pm. Admission free with suggested £10 on the door. All proceeds to children’s cancer charity, Team Cleo. COFFEE MORNING Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm, all welcome, no entry charge, 07396 541340. THE WOO TOWN HILLBILLIES Plus Norrie on Washboard. Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, 7.30pm, £25 includes meal, 01568 612876, please book in advance.

HAY MUSIC Featuring Lore Lixenberg, mezzosoprano and Bartosz Glowacki, accordion. Programme includes Bach, Purcell, Eccles, John Cage and Acquaviva. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12.50, students £6, under 18s free, tickets from Richard Booth’s Bookshop, 01497 820322. MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster. MZLEADING The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. INDIGO MACHINE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. WHISKEY RIVER BOYS Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, 9pm.

THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

BENJI KIRKPATRICK & THE EXCESS Benji and his band bring their brand of roots/folk/rock to this classic Shropshire pub. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8.15pm start, £15, students £10.

GET THE BLESSING Jazz special. Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

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

Thurs 2 April

CELEBRATION OF SIMON AND GARFUNKEL Featuring Tim Chu and Ian Bailey. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12, 01694 720132.

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com MUDD CLUB Plus Asteroids. Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. THE SOUND OF SRINGSTEEN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26-£24, 01743 281281.

Fri 3 April

BACK TO BACHARACH The soundtracks of the 60s and beyond. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £23, 01873 850805. LOKIA Plus guests. Feel good house music. Chang Tahi, Market St, Ludlow.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Howlin’ Rick and the Rocketeers. Original rock and roll and rhythm and blues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6 in advance, £8 on the door, 01497 821762. WHAT THE FLOYD? The music of Pink Floyd. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01874 611622. THE LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND ‘Emerging Talent’, this year’s young composers in a working session with composer Rhian Samuel and students from the Royal College of Music. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 3pm, free. Welcome reception, Ludlow Assembly Rooms Studio, 5.30pm, free. Toby Spence in Recital. With Michael Trainor and Iain Burnside. Programme includes Tippett, Britten and Philip Lancaster. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7pm. Late Night Film: Poets in a Barren Age, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10pm. Facebook LudlowSong CUSTARD COLLECTION Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 4 April HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19.50, 01743 281281. ACADEMY OF SOUL Malthouse, Ironbridge. REMI HARRIS LIGHT & SHADE TRIO Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard, 7.30pm, £12/£7, 01348 873421.

Opera Boys

RICHARD JENKINSON & BENJAMIN FRITH Cello and piano. Programme includes Brahms and Schumann. Discovery Session 1 - 2pm-3.15pm, concert 3.30pm. Discovery Session 2 5.15pm-6.30pm, concert 7.30pm. The Gateway, Shrewsbury, 01743 365561. PERGOLESI, STABAT MATER Catherine Hughes, soprano; Lucy Green, mezzo; Valeri Whiston, piano. St Mary’s Church, Cusop, 6pm, preceded by refreshments, entry free, with retiring collection for charity. CHRIS MAYFIELD Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767. DANGEROUS DAVE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Sat 4 April CONTRABAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. SONYA SMITH Singer. Contemporary and timeless well known songs and original songs on acoustic guitar. The Bulls Head Inn, Chelmarsh, 9pm. THE LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND ‘Looking Ahead’ Discussion panel with Katy Hamilton, Oliver Soden, Ceri Owen, Stephen Banfield and James Murphy select their pick of the weekend, while Rhian Samuel, John Greening, Martin Bussey and Philip Lancaster introduce their works. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10am. ‘The Moon & I’, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 11.30am. Piatti Quartet, St Laurence’s Church, 2.30pm. ‘When Finzi Meets Hardy’. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 5pm. Young Composers Showcase, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7pm. ‘The Phantom’ Matthew Durkan, Bozidar Smiljanic, Iain Burnside with Richard Goulding. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 8pm. Facebook - LudlowSong THE ROCK SHACK BAND The Ducker, South St, Leominster, 9pm. WHOLE LOTTA DC AC/DC tribute band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. MARCHES CHOIR AND SINFONIA Performances of Hadyn’s Creation and the Hallelujah Chorus from Beethoven’s Mount of Olives. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12, students/ children free, 01588 650448 or on the door. MUSIC BINGO Vaga, Hereford, 7.30pm, £10 for four games.

BOO HEWERDINE + DEBORAH ROSE & GREY WOLF Old time American string band and country music. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £15, 01588 630023. LIVE MUSIC Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. HEREFORD STRING ORCHESTRA Spring concert. Programme includes Wagner, Prokofiev and Beethoven. St John’s Methodist Church, St Owen St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01568 760633. THE IMPERIALS Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. FROM GOLD TO RIO Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £23, 01873 850805. OUT OF ORDER The Swan Hotel, Kington, 9pm. THE BAR-STEWARD SONS OF VAL DOONICAN Hailing from Barnsley Rock City in t’North, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15, 01743 234970.

Sun 5 April HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring The Dixie Hot Shots. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 276304. BACCHUS BLUES BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. BLUES SUNDAY Featuring The Rads. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529. OPERA BOYS - A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £21.50, 01743 281281.

THE LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND Ann Murray Masterclass, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10am. The RPS Conversation: Storytelling, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 12pm. Roderick Williams recital, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 2.30pm. Festival Evensong, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 5pm. Facebook - LudlowSong

Mon 6 April CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. QUIZ NIGHT Volunteer Inn, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £2pp includes chips and prizes, martinchapple1@gmail.com AMERICANA PLUS SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm. LLOYD COLE Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29.50, 01743 281281. JACKIE OATES & JOHN SPIERS Multi award winning contemporary folk duo. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

Tues 7 April LESLEY GARRETT Britain’s most popular soprano. Accompanied by pianist, Anna Tilbrook. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20-£18, students £15, 01743 281281. OPEN MIC NIGHT The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

FUN BINGO For children and adults. Vaga, Hereford, 3pm.

Rusty Shackle

CUSTARD COLLECTION Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. DIRE STREETS Tribute band. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £19.50, 01584 811442. SHRED BELLY The Bull Hotel, Ludlow. WEIRDSHIRE GIG Featuring Alex Rex and Sound of Yell. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, £8. KRAZY LEGS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Tues 7 April VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Wed 8 April THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Thurs 9 April WEIRDSHIRE GIG Featuring Me Lost Me. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford. ALEX REX Songs of love, loss and loathing dark and wild. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, under 18s £6, 01588 630321, www.sparctheatre.co.uk FABIO & GROOVERIDER Return to Rage. Butter Market, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 281750. ELECTRIC BLUES REBELLION Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. ANDREW HAWKEY With Clovis Phillips. Cosy launch gig for new CD, ‘Long Story Short’. Great Oak Bookshop, Llanidloes, 6.30pm, free. YOU WIN AGAIN Celebrating the music of the Bee Gees. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 10 April STEVE YEOMANS DUO White Horse Inn, Clun. OVERBOARD The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Matthew Frederick + Aled Rheon. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6 in advance, £8 on the door, 01497 821762. FRIDAY NIGHT TURNTABLES DeKayDK. Liquid dance. Chang Thai, Market St, Ludlow.

PERGOLESI, STABAT MATER Catherine Hughes, soprano; Lucy Green, mezzo; Valeri Whiston, piano. Hardwicke Holy Trinity Church, 6pm, within a wider meditation with input from The Monday Choir. Entry free, with retiring collection for charity. LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Phil Riley and Neil Mercer with The Three Disagrees. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. PAUL PARKER AND ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. THE BRITANNIA BEAT Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 11 April WALK RIGHT BACK The story of The Everley Brothers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281. OPEN MIC Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, 3-6pm. BLIND EYE Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm, 01547 550400. KERI HOFFMAN The Golden Lion, Knighton. OPEN MIC Credenhill Social Club, 8pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com RUSTY SHACKLE Supported by Noble Jack. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £13/£11, 01874 611622. PERGOLESI, STABAT MATER Catherine Hughes, soprano; Lucy Green, mezzo; Valeri Whiston, piano. Pen-yr-heol Chapel, LD3 0DW, 3pm, followed by tea and cakes, entry free, with retiring collection for charity. SHOP FRONT HEROES White Horse Inn, Clun.

THE ENDINGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. BLUZEBOX Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC Featuring Chris Green and Sophie Matthews, who encompass 600 years of musical history in 90 minutes. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, 07967 517125.

Sun 12 April JAZZ LUNCH Sunday roasts and smooth sounds of live jazz. The Cliffe Hotel, Dinham, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063. SAMMI ELSTON White Horse Inn, Clun. TASHA The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. THE RONALDOS Housman’s Bar and Restaurant, Church Stretton, booking essential, 01694 724441. STEVE HERBERT Vaga, Hereford, 7pm. ALBINO FROGS Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767. ACOUSTIC UNDERDOGS Malthouse, Ironbridge. HOT ROD 55 Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. TWO PUSH CHARLIE Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. BLUES SUNDAY Featuring Mosquitos. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529. C-JAM Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. HOT CLUB SWING Transatlantic Hot Club. Cafe Jazz, Cardiff, 6.30pm, £5 on the door.

The Grahams, Saturday Shenanigans

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS The Dubliners. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26/£24.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 16 April WEIRDSHIRE GIG Featuring Alison Cotton. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford. MELVIN HANCOX Musical evening. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. BC/DC Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Mon 13 April EASTER EGG HUNT Follow the clues to find the painted eggs, then back to the VH to claim your prize. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 12-2pm, £2.50 each, under 3’s free, sensible footwear recommended.

Tues 14 April VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Possibly the Best Shop in Town! Rock, Jazz & Blues records bought and sold for cash. Antiques & Collectables. Gents & Ladies country clothing. Books & Pictures. Transport, nostalgia and rural subjects. All items under £50.00 A warm and friendly service. “A shop like shops used to be...”

BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Rachel Hayward Swing Quartet. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £10 members, £12 visitors, www.breconjazz.org

Wed 15 April THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060. COFFEE MORNING Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm, all welcome, no entry charge, 07396 541340.

The Pritam Trio and The Nachda Sansaar Dance Company

Fri 17 April THE OXLEY-MEIER GUITAR PROJECT Jazz. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £15, 01584 878141. HOT RUBBER Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Mock Deer + Sky Coloured. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5 in advance, £7 on the door, 01497 821762. WINGWALKERS Malthouse, Ironbridge. WYEFI The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. CALL OF THE KRAKEN Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. PHIL BEER BAND Country, rock, folk and blues. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 18 April

Friday 1st May, 7.30pm St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Leintwardine

Blast from the Past, 3 Black Swan Walk, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8HU E: mrdeanmorris60@gmail.com F: Blast from the Past Leominster 07534 020843

MINERVA PIANO TRIO Programme includes Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Mendelssohn. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18, 01873 850805.

Tickets from Griffiths Garage or Ludlow Assembly Rooms (online or in person) Refreshments by Neil Cooper

DIRE STREETS Tribute band. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805. SONYA SMITH Contemporary and timeless covers, plus original songs on acoustic guitar. The Swan, Ironbridge, 9pm. JUNK HOUSE DOGS Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring The Grahams. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £8 in advance, £10 on the door, 01497 821762. TALLULAH’S GOAT Credenhill Social Club, Hereford, 8.30pm, members free, non-members £1.

Monday (starts 20th April) Tuesday (starts 21st April)

Wednesday (starts 22nd April)

Thursday (starts 23rd April) 7.30-8.30pm

Friday (starts 24th April)

Sun 19 April FRAN MCGILLIVRAY & MIKE BURKE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. HIGHWAY 49 Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767. BOON DOGZ The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. REBECCA LOEBE AND EMILY MAE WINTERS Award-winning songwriter and internationally recognized singer. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £14, 01743 234970.

Mon 20 April Tom Bullough, Bright Field

Sat 18 April THE ENDINGS Malthouse, Ironbridge. LIFE I KNOW Featuring Ant Law, innovative guitarist/ composer and leader of this quintet with some of the finest musicians in jazz today. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £18, £9 under 22, 01743 234970. Shrewsbury Jazz Network. THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £20/£18, 01874 611622. FRONT RUNNER Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. PIANO RECITAL Christopher Northam, piano with Tim Bannerman, narrator. Programme includes Beethoven, Soler, Schubert and Chopin. Also Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood with poems by Tim Bannerman who will also narrate the story of Babar, the Little Elephant by Poulenc. Birch Hall, Steiner Academy, Much Dewchurch, 7.30pm, £10, children £5, family £25 on the door or in advance, 01981 580461. CAKE & ALE VARIETY CONCERT Featuring Dave Price Trio, Jakey Boy Hughes, Sarah Williams Band, Jonny James. Plus host, Janice Dany. Hay Parish Hall, 5.30pm, refreshments, acts 6-7pm, free entry, pay what you like as you leave. THE VERTIGO BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. SOUNDS OF WALES The South Wales Male Choir, plus Emma Linney and poet, Michael Carding. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £22-£18.50, 01743 281281.

PRIDE LUDLOW SOCIAL LGBT plus social gathering, drink chat and quiz. Chang Thai, Market St, Ludlow, 7.30pm. SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun.

Tues 21 April ENGLISH TRADITIONAL TUNES SESSION All musicians welcome. The Crown Inn, Woolhope, 8pm, 01432 860468. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Wed 22 April THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060. AMERICANA SESSION The Press Room, Leominster, 8pm. SONYA SMITH Contemporary and timeless covers, plus original songs on acoustic guitar. Housmans Bar & Restaurant, Church Stretton, 8pm.

Thurs 23 April FROM THE JAM Butter Market, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281750. BEEZ NEEZ Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. ST GEORGE’S DAY AT THE BOOT Mumming play featuring George & The Dragon. New script to include ‘European Issues!’ Featuring Leominster Morris and Jenny Pipes. Folk session afterwards. The Boot Inn, Orleton, 7.30pm, 01568 780833. THE FUREYS Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01584 811442.

THE BLUES DUO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. CALLING PLANET EARTH - 80’S Relive, sing, dance to the many of the best 80s songs. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 24 April UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE Featuring top-flight musicians with video projections, light show and two hours of Pink Floyd’s music. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £24, 01686 614555. SINGLED OUT The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. LOUISE JORDAN ‘The Hard Way’, the story of Hannah Mitchell. Clungunford Parish Hall, 7.30pm, 01588 660152. Arts Alive. OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. Please pre-book your slot by emailing markianrichards@hotmail.com The Sun, Leintwardine, 8pm. FOOTPRINTS QUINTET Mixing jazz, funk and Latin with a repertoire that includes Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and more. All Saints Church, Hereford. Supper and bar 6pm, concert 7.30pm, £15, 01432 340555. THE FORFEITS Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm. BRIGHT FIELD Featuring LIsa Knapp + Moon Goose + Tom Bullough. A quarterly celebration of music and spoken word celebrating the start of each season. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £10 earlybird, £13 in advance, £15 on the door, 01497 821762. BLACK ‘N’ BLUES BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Jazz night. Drinks, light bites or dinner. The Cliffe Hotel, Dinham, Ludlow, 8-10.30pm, 01584 872063. BLUES JAM Hosted by Blue Moon. Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm. Fundraiser for cancer charities. COUNTRY SUPERSTARS - DOLLY PARTON & FRIENDS Sarah Jayne, Andy Crust and The Tennessee Allstars Band. Tribute to Dolly Parton and other most influential icons who shaped Country music history. The Courtyard, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

SONYA SMITH Singer. Contemporary and timeless well known songs and original songs on acoustic guitar. Last Inn, Newport, 8.30pm. LOUISE JORDAN ‘The Hard Way’. One-woman show of storytelling and song. Clungunford Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £10, 01588 660152. Arts Alive. STEELYARD BLUES White Horse Inn, Clun.

Henry’s Funeral Shoe

Sat 25 April NEWTOWN & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR A night of traditional and popular songs and will be joined by soprano, Shan Cothi and tenor, Rhodri Prys Jones. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £16, 01686 614555.

TOUR OF TRANSYLVANIA Romanian fundraising event/ presentation. Tea, coffee, cake stall, donations please. £5 will buy a ton of sand, £30 will buy horse and cart transport for a week. Adforton Church, 10am-12pm, details 01568 770527.

WHALEBONE ‘Totally Plucked Show’. Guitar duo, Steve Downs and Char Watson. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10, £6 children, 01981 250408.

THREE LEGG’D MARE Traditional songs and tunes. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10, 01588 630023.

AN EVENING OF CABARET Featuring Alive & Brel. A cabaret revue of the finest songs of Jacque Brel. With cheese, wine and Belgian chocolate. The Hub, School Lane, New Radnor, open 6.30pm, music at 7.30pm, £10 for music, food and drinks pay as you go, 01544 350559. HENRY’S FUNERAL SHOE Supported by Heavy Flames and The Doublecross. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £14, 01874 611622. JACK ‘N’ BLACK Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

HILLBILLIES Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Mr Tea and the Minions. Balkan beats with ska, dub and swing. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £8 in advance, £10 on the door, 01497 821762. THUNDER DAZE Malthouse, Ironbridge. AMERICAN TROUBADOUR SONGS AND STORIES The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £12, 01743 234970.

OWEN MONEY JUKE BOX HEROES 3 Plus special guests who will pay tribute to the legends of the music world. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £17, 01873 850805. STAR OF THE SEA Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. THE TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE Tribute band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 26 April FAUSTUS Featuring Benji Kirkpatrick, Paul Sartin and Saul Rose. Ludlow Brewing Company, The Railway Shed, Ludlow, www.wegottickets.com HARDWICKE CIRCUS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. BLUES SUNDAY Featuring Paul Bridgewater & The Electric Blues Rebellion. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529. SUNDOWN JAZZ SOCIETY Seven-piece jazz band. Courtyard Cafe Barn, 7pm, £25 including canapes, 01432 340555. SHRED BELLY The Wheatsheaf, Shrewsbury. BLACK MOUNTAIN JAZZ Featuring The Claire Roberts Trio. Melville Theatre, Abergavenny, 8pm, www.blackmountainjazz.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 OPEN EVERY DAY aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Due to the public health emergency we have cancelled our Easter Event on the 11th of April. Our April Exhibition ‘Revolution: Resistance!’ will be available online only on our website from the 10th of April. If you are planning to visit Aardvark Books please call us or check our website or social media to confirm opening times. We can also post or drop off orders locally if you are unable to visit in person, and most of our stock is available on our website. With love & best wishes to all our customers – particularly those who are at most risk. Until we meet again.

ANDY PEARCE White Horse Inn, Clun.

Faustus

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. LOUISE JORDAN ‘The Hard Way’. One-woman show of storytelling and song. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10, 01885 488575. Arts Alive.

Tues 28 April QUIZ White Horse Inn, Clun. OPEN MIC Volunteer Inn, Harold St, Hereford, 8pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Wed 29 April THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060. COFFEE MORNING Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm, all welcome, no entry charge, 07396 541340. HOPE & SOCIAL Anthemic songs, infectious melodies and a formidable live show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18/£14, 01873 850805.

Thurs 30 April LITTLE RUMBA The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle, 9pm. LUKE DOHERTY & SIMON PERRATT Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. CALAN Welsh folk supergroup. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £17, 01874 611622.

PUBLIC MEETING Displaying the plans and ideas from an Arts Hub based at St Mary Magdalene’s Church. Entertainment, free refreshments and a chance to give feedback to the plans. Leintwardine Community Centre, 7.30pm.

MAY Fri 1 May CRICKHOWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL Freaturing The Carnival Band, ‘Songs for the Seasons’. Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, 7pm, 01873 810935, www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org FROM GOLD TO RIO Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442. SONS OF YODA The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. GROOVE DYNAMITE Malthouse, Ironbridge. MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

Trevor Davies Music

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

We stock Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, Fernandez, Epiphone, Indie, Aria, Ovation, Adamas, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Crafter, Burns, Washburn, Jackson, AER, Marshall, Hartke, Carlsbro, Laney, Zoom, Digitech, Tama, Casio. Plus many other brands. Approximately 500 guitars in stock and Brass, Woodwind, Drums, Keyboards, accessories and thousands of music books and sheet music.

PETE LONG’S ECHOES OF ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA ‘Jazz Planets’. A tribute to Hustav, Holst and Duke Ellington. Church Stretton School, 7.30pm, 01743 365561. THE PRITAM TRIO & THE NACHDA SANSAAR DANCE COMPANY A blend of Indian classical, English folk and jazz music traditions, creating new and exciting music with a trio of master musicians. Plus traditional Bhangra dancing. St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Leintwardine, 7.30pm, tickets from Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Griffiths Garage, online or in person.

Sat 2 May CRICKHOWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL Bach Magnificat, Purcell, Handel, Strozzi. St Edmund’s Church, Crickhowell, 7.30pm, 01873 810935, www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org FRUIT MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge. COLTRANE DEDICATION The Nave, Grosmont, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 01981 570268 and on the door.

TOUR OF TRANSYLVANIA ROMANIAN fund raising event /presentation

Come and support Richard and Steve from Adforton

Saturday 25th April 10am-12.00 Adforton Church SY7 0NF Tea Coffee £1 & Cake Stall. Donations please! £5 will buy a ton of sand £30 will buy horse and cart transport for 1 week

More info: Tony & Rosemary Swainson 01568 770527

Carnival Band, 1 May

Tues 5 May VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. OPEN MIC NIGHT The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 6 May Sat 2 May SONYA SMITH Singer. Contemporary and timeless well known songs and original songs on acoustic guitar. The Smokey Cow, Beckbury, 8.30pm. PUBLIC MEETING Displaying the plans and ideas fro an Arts Hub based at St Mary Magdalene’s Church. Entertainment, free refreshments and a chance to give feedback to the plans. Leintwardine Community Centre, 3pm. OWEN MONEY’S JUKE BOX HEROES 3 With his own band and loads of jokes. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £17, 01600 772467. THE HISTORY OF ROCK Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805.

Sun 3 May BUILT FOR COMFORT Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. IRAQ IN WALES Oud master and composer from Iraq, Ahmed Mukhtar performs with eclectic and multi-genre cellist Sonia Hammond and compser/improviser, Camilla Saunders. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £10, under 18s free, 01547 520929 or pay on door. BODY AND SOUL The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. CRICKHOWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL Morning Festival Service: Bach, Schutz and Buxtehude. St Catwg’s Church, Llangattock, 10am. Haydn Maria Theresa Mass, Mozart, D. Scarlatti, Grandi. St Edmund’s Church, Crickhowell, 7.30pm, 01873 810935, www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org

Mon 4 May CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub AMERICANA PLUS SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm. SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun. CRICKHOWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL Festival finale: Quatuor 21 Saxophone Quartet. Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, 7pm, 01873 810935, www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org

THE FUREYS Legendary Irish folk band. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £21, 01600 772467. MARTIN TAYLOR & MARTIN SIMPSON An evening with two guitar legends working in harmony. Watson Hall, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX, 8pm, £23, 07854 918783, www.versatilearts.co.uk THE DRAGON BIG BAND Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Thurs 7 May THE LOWEST PAIR World-class banjo riffs, timeless folk song influences and haunting vocals. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £12.50, 01497 822999. ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress.com

Music Workshops GREGYNOG YOUNG MUSICIAN COMPETITION Open to all instrumentalists aged 18 and under, who have reached a standard of Grade 8 or above on any orchestral instrument, brass band instrument or percussion. The chosen finalists compete for the Peter Garbett-Edwards trophy and £3000. This year’s competition will be held on Sat 25 April, semi-final round from 10am and final concert at 7pm. For more information visit the website www.gregynogymc.co.uk Sun 5 April TAIKO TASTER SESSION - FAMILIES Play Japanese Taiko drums. Family session 10.30am, adult session 1.15pm, £7.50. Theatr Brycheinog, Brecon, 01874 611622. Mon 6 April SING YOUR SOCKS OFF Family friendly singing sessions with songs from around the world. Workshop 1 - ages 4-7 years, booking recommended, 11am-11.45am. Workshop 2 - for ages 12+, 2-3.30pm, free. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, free, 01597 811527. Sat 25 April COME-AND-SING HAYDN’S “THE CREATION” An opportunity to join like minded people in a fun day of singing this renowned work under the guidance of James Davies. Registration from 9.30am for a 10am start. There will be a morning break, lunch break between 1 and 2pm, and a sing through at 3.30 to 4pm. Scores are included in the ticket price of £16pp (18s free) and free refreshments will be available on arrival and at lunch time. Please bring your own lunch or pre-book lunch at Ye Olde Salutation Inn (01544 318443). Weobley Village Hall, Weobley. See website www.kingtonchoral.org.uk

Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954. Monday THE GARRICK SINGERS For over 60s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm. £5 per session, 01432 340555. Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. Martin on 01694 722500. Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158. Monday GARRICK SINGERS The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £5 per session, first session free, 01432 340555. Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427. Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12.30pm, 01874 611622. Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, Village Hall, near Brecon. Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music. World, folk music, anything goes. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. 01568 369074. Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30-9.30pm, £6. All welcome. Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158. Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe, all taught by ear, led by Sue Harris. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7-8.30pm, £6, 01547 550158. Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR All welcome particularly men! Minimal charge. Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053. Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm. 01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

Thursday KINGTON COMMUNITY Choir rehearsals term time 6.45-8.30pm at Kington Primary School. Formed in 2014 we are a non-auditioning mixed choir of all ages. Website: kccchoir.wordpress.com kccherefordshire@ gmail.com Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Songs to brighten up the day, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD Mixed choir, early/classical music. Howey VH, 7.45pm, 01874 754774. First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495. Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR We are a non-audition choir formed 8 years ago with 30+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3 per session paid termly, first session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. More information, term dates etc: lhvoices. wix.com/home Friday CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE Craven Arms Community Centre. 4.15pm - 5.45pm. Traditional drum rhythms and fun drumming activities. All ages, including accompanied children, welcome. Adults £5 (+ child £1, second child free). Enquiries carol@mkgriffs.plus.com Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music filled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £6, £5 sibling, 01743 234970. Friday FAMILY MUSIC MAKERS Fun sessions for parents and toddlers 12.30-2pm, £4 per adult and child pair, under 1s free. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sessions back next month

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

Stuart Morris HND

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Traditional Barn Dance with live band

MIRRORBALL Saturday 30th May, 8pm-1am @ GWATKIN CIDER of Abbeydore, HR2 0AL

Tickets £10 on the door. Free camping 01981 551906

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. ANIMAL Solo entertainer, piano/vocals, harmonica, mixed music. Also session player on drums. Experienced TV, theatre, cruises, holiday parks, radio, concerts, Britain’s Got Talent 2012. Backed Stella Parton, Tommy Cash, Screaming Lord Sutch, Dr Feelgood, Wishbone Ash, Ruby Murry. To book please phone Paul 0751 484 7966. 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. 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 BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND 10-piece jive/R & R group. ‘Does what it says on the tin!’ Parties/festivals/happenings/weddings etc. Call Eddy on 01691 648729 or 07796 148448. Web: eddygartry.com Email: w.gartry@hotmail. com Management also for The Werewolves of Powys and Blues State UK

sheep

BROAD

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

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

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. Come and hear the band every 2nd Sunday of the Month at the Wild Pig, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, SY3 9JT. Email: chicagoswingkatz@aol.com, www.thechicagoswingkatz.com Jeff: 07831 - 383636 CHRISIE J LOCAL VOCALIST! I sing Jazz. Soul, Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. For more information or to make a booking email chrisiej20@gmail.com or phone 07968 893719. Have a look at my social media for performance videos and more information. Also looking for a band so get in touch if interested. THE DRAGON BIG BAND - 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington, and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to Swing to Latin. Trumpets, trombones, saxes, bass, guitar, keyboard, drums. Come and listen every Wednesday, 8.00 - 10.30, The Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, Powys, SY15 6AE, 01588 - 620060. Comfortable venue, bar, food (book), large car park, fun and with free admission. Band Enquiries: Mike 01686 – 668675 KERI HOFFMAN Keri Hoffman is an energetic yet classy performer. Keri is a well-known name and firm favourite within the industry. Dynamic and versatile her extensive repertoire means she is perfect for any occasion, from small laid back intimate settings, to those high octane concerts of festival proportions. Follow Keri on facebook - @vocalsbykeri. Contact via www.kerihoffmanvocalist.co.uk Keri.hoffman@hotmail.com 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! LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.” Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email – jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues. Available for all types of events and celebrations. Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail. com MAMMAFUNK are a 6-piece funk and soul band available for parties, weddings, corporate and charity events. Covering classic and modern hits we are also available to offer a bespoke set list for any specific song requests you may have. www.mammafunk.com Call 078144 86028 / 079693 27030.

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

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.

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.

SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan. From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@hotmail.com

REVEREND FERRIDAY Upbeat One Man Blues Band. Playing driving slide guitar with rockabilly flair, seasoned with a touch of Americana, a mix of stomping originals and traditional classics. Available for all occasions, large or small. Contact the Reverend: 01584 711700 - 07766 185451 - revferriday@gmail.com - www.revferriday.com RHYTHM THIEVES Funky, folky and fun. Firm favourites at festivals, pubs, parties and events around the Midlands and beyond, Rhythm Thieves are a lively must-see band who deliver an unforgettable and highly entertaining night out. “Full of fire and enthusiasm” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 “Great, super, lovely - our resident band” Genevieve Tudor. BBC Radio Midlands Folk Show. “If they don’t make you smile, you’re probably dead.” Wheaton Aston Folk Festival Tel: 01568 770 134, e-mail rhythmthieves@hotmail.com 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. 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

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

STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com www.dgand2.wix.com/ thestonedcherries THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away. For bookings/enquiries contact Phil 07791 129391 or Adam 07855 037092. Website www.thesultanabrothers.vpweb.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/thesultanabros THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song. Sensational vocals mingled with enthralling stories. Various shows to book, including ‘Songs for Silas’ melting harmonies and tall tales inspired by H. E. Bates’ evergreen My Uncle Silas. “... Absolutely delighted that you have chosen to weave your magical sound around that old rogue, Silas.” Victoria Wicks (Skins, Shadowlands and H. E. Bates’ grand-daughter). For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Ludlow-based, 6-piece, New Orleans/Trad band. Comprising trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, tuba and drums, playing and singing popular foot-tapping songs mostly from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Available for all functions. See us every Tuesday at the Rose and Crown in Ludlow. Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email: vintagejazzrevival@gmail. com website: www.vintagejazzrevival.co.uk WHISKEY RIVER is a 5/6 piece electric Americana band that play swamp blues, Cajun, Zydeco and good country music to set the dance floor rocking. To suit smaller venues and smaller budgets, pruned down acoustic versions of the band are available as “The Whiskey River Quartet”, “The Whiskey River Trio” or as a Duo [“The Whiskey River Boys”]. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! Contact Martin, phone: 07846 669890, 01432 342018. Email: martin@whiskeyriver.co.uk. Website: www.whiskeyriver.co.uk

theatre Great Grimm Tales

Tues 14 - Sat 18 April HEREFORD GANG SHO Hereford’s Scouts and Guides present a variety show full of song, dance and sketches. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, plus 2.15pm on Saturday, 01432 340555. Fri 17 April ILLUSION/DELUSION BY DAVID POLLARD HAND TO MOUTH PRODUCTIONS. Is what you see what you get? (Not suitable for minors). Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. Wed 22 April HOW TO BE HAPPY THEATR WILDCATS explore the meaning of true happiness. Using a mixture of movement, drama, song and film. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, £6.50, 01874 611622.

PERFORMANCE April & May ONE SIDE LIES THE SEA PENTABUS THEATRE, a co-production with THEATRE BY THE LAKE. A musical journey through the brilliant communities that inhabit our coastline. 23 April - Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 7.30pm, 01948 660660. 24 April Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 25 April - Leintwardine Centre, 7.30pm, 01547 540554. 30 April - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 281281. 1 May - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, 01588 630321. 2 May - Quatt Village Hall, 7.30pm, 0333 666 3366. www.pentabus.co.uk Wed 1 & Thurs 2 April FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE. Love among the haystacks with all its joys and pains. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15, £8 under 18s, 01743 281281. Thurs 2 April FAGIN? Join Fagin as he reviews his situation during his final night in prison before being hanged. As madness envelops him, he is ‘visited’ by some old aquaintances. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £1.250/£10.50, 01874 611622. Wed 8 & Thurs 30 April HARPY Starring Su Pollard. Birdie’s a hoarder. The neighbours call her a harridan and a harpy, although most have never met her. Something deeply cherished was stolen from her; Birdie’s not been able to give up anything since... 8 April - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £13, 01686 614555. 30 April - Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18, under 16s £10, 01873 850805.

Thurs 9 April BEACH BODY READY Join The Roaring Girls for a defiantly feel-good show which sticks two fingers up at how the media says you should look. For ages 14+. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £14/£12, students £7, 01873 850805.

Thurs 23 April GREAT GRIMM TALES BOX TALE SOUP present a new adaptation of Grimm’s most delicious tales, with stunning puppetry, innovative theatre and original score. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. Thurs 23 - Sat 25 April AGNES OF GOD LADS. Summoned to a convent, Dr Martha Livingstone, a court-appointed psychiatrist, is charged with assessing the sanity of Agnes, a novice accused of murdering her newborn, who she insists was the result of a virgin conception. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £11, students £8, 07967 517125. Sat 2 May SPITFIRE SOLO Written and performed by Nicholas Collett. June 2000 For 80 year old Peter Walker, ex-Battle of Britain pilot, an unexpected new challenge is about to begin. The play blends theatre, music and film. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £14, students £10, 07967 517125. Sat 2 & Sun 3 May THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES PUPPET STATE THEATRE. This classic enviornmental tale is a unique blend of comedy, puppetry and inspiring storytelling, suitable for children and grown-ups. 2 May - Priest Weston VH, 4pm, £10/£6/£28, 07854 441235. 3 May - The Hive, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £10/£6/£30, 01743 234970. Arts Alive.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Thurs 2 - Sat 4 April FOOTLOOSE NMTC. Footloose tells the story of Ren, a high-spirited child who moves from the big city to a small, religious town where dancing, his one true passion, is forbidden. For ages 11+. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, plus Sat matinee 2.30pm, £16/£13.50, 01686 614555. Fri 10 & Sat 11 April GREASE GET YOUR WIGLE ON present the original High-School musical featuring unforgettable songs from the hit movie. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £16.50/£14.50, 01743 281281.

Milky Peaks

Fri 24 April MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 Starring Cheryl Fergison, Nicole Barber-Lane, Rebecca Wheatley and Nicki French in a brand-new show, ‘Cruising Through The Menopause’. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 5.30pm & 8.30pm, £31.50, 01743 281281. Sat 25 April JULIET AND ROMEO LOST DOG. It turns out they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstaning, they grew up and lived happily ever after. A blend of dance, theatre and comedy. Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 01743 235384. Arts Alive.

Tues 14 April AIDA RUSSIAN STATE OPERA present Verdi’s timeless and emotional opera with breath-taking melodies. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £39-£31, 01743 281281.

Thurs 30 April - Sat 2 May KIPPS MAD COW. A rip-roaring rollercoaster of a musical, the new Half a Sixpence musical. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm & 2.30pm, £24-£17, 01743 281281.

Tues 14 & Wed 15 April, Fri 1 & Sat 2 May MILKY PEAKS Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia, the small town of Milky Peaks is nominated for ‘Britain’s Best Town’. However, the award bring with it a dark, insidious right-wing agenda, threatening the heart and soul of the town. A fabulous, edgy musical comedy. 14 April - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £17/£15, 01874 611622. 1 & 2 May Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £13, 01686 614555.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Fri 17 April GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN A brand-new musical comedy show. A cast of four refreshingly honest and unreserved girls on a riotious evening of laugh-out-loud sketches and classic pop anthems that define being a 21st century woman. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £26, 01686 614555.

Sat 4 April MORGAN & WEST - UNBELIEVABLE SCIENCE Captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics and bonkers biology. Magicians, time travellers and all-round spiffing chaps. Suitable for children aged 7+. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2pm, £14/£12/£45, 01874 611622. Sat 4 April PEDLAR’S TALES FETCH THEATRE. An intriguing, fun and interactive storyteller’s performance, featuring puppets, music and a mysterious traveller. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 3pm, £6 for all ages, £20 family, 07967 517125.

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage Fri 10 April , 7.30pm FOLK IN THE FOYER PHIL RILEY & NEIL MERCE WITH THE THREE DISAGREES Tues 14 April, 7pm THE SHROUD OF TURIN A presentation by local historian, Hugh (Boz) Farey Fri 17 April, 7.30pm ILLUSION/DELUSION BY DAVID POLLARD Hand to Mouth Productions. Is what you see what you get? (Not suitable for minors) Sun 26 April, 7.30pm LOUISE JORDAN, ‘THE HARD WAY’ A musical story of Hannah Mitchell, suffragette and campaigner

Films 3 April, 7.30pm MRS LOWRY AND SON PG

Screenings 1 April, 7.15pm SWAN LAKE (ROH) 8 April, 7pm, CYRANO DE BERGERAC (National Theatre) 7 April, 7.30pm EASTER IN ART (Exhibition on Screen) 11 April, 5.55pm TOSCA (New York Met) 21 April, 7.15pm CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA/PAGLIACCI (ROH)

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

Mon 6 - Wed 8 April ALICE IN WONERLAND JR GET YOUR WIGLE ON’s young performers take audiences on a magical journey through the rabbit hole with the musical one act version of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 3pm & 6pm, £12.50/£10, 01743 281281. Fri 10 April SARAH AND DUCK Brought to life featuring the wonderful characters from CBeebies show. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1.30pm & 4pm, £13/£11/£44, 01874 611622. Fri 10 April CIRQUE ENFANT Featuring acrobats, jugglers, clowns, hoola hoops and much more. For ages 2-14 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 12pm & 3pm, 01432 340555. Sat 11 April THE CURIOUS GARDEN The makeshift ensemble bring to life the award winning children’s book, all about one boy’s quest for a greener world... Featuring original music, storytelling and puppetry. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555. Pre-show activity 10.30am.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS Sat 4 & Sat 8 April IMPROVISED THEATRE For ages 10+ on 4th, ages 14+ on 8th, under 16s must be accompanied. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-12pm, £8, 01743 234970.

Cirque Enfant

Mon 13 - Sat 18 April VENUS & ADONIS MID WALES OPERA. An inspriational week of music-making and rehearsals culminating in two fully staged public performances of John Blow’s masterpiece at St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne as well as an informal concert at the Judge’s Lodging, Presteigne. Open to all, amateur, student and professional musicians. Participant fees, chorus £150, instrumentalist £125. Young artists £50 (limited number of places, subsidised to include accommodation). Further details, email Bridget Wallbank admin@midwalesoperaco.uk 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. COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2, 5pm, £63.50 per term. Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £68.50 per term. Fri - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 5.15pm, £68.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre, Year 12+, 7pm, £73.50 per term. Courtyard Musical Theatre, Tues for ages 4-8 years, 4-4.55pm, £60 per 12 week term. Thurs for ages 9-17 6.15pm-7.25pm, £66 per 12 week term, contact Laura Gale 07725 357531. Mons - Drama Tots,10am – 10.45am, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Mon - Bromyard Conquest Kids (Reception & Year 2), 3.45pm, £36 per term. Bromyard Juniors (Year 3-6) 4.50-5.30pm, £39 per term. Bromyard Intermediates (Year 7-9), 6pm, £43 per term. Bromyard Seniors (Year 10+), 7.30pm, £46 per term. Wed - Kington Juniors (Year 2-6) 4-4.45pm, £36 per term. Kington Intermediates (Year 7- 9), 5pm-6pm, £39 per term. Kington Seniors (Years 10+) 6pm – 7.30pm, £43 per termThe Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Tuesdays Junior Youth Theatre 9-13, 4.30pm-6pm. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Senior Youth Theatre 14+ 7pm-9.30pm. The Drama Centre, Llandrindod Wells. 07810 350994. Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663. Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555. Thursdays and Saturdays SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Providing training in a range of theatre skills for ages 5-25. All abilities welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. Contact Maggie Love: 07813 026367. Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

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

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Office Address: The Stone Workshop Whitehill Business Park Weobley, Herefordshire, HR4 8QE

word Elvis McGonagall, Ledbury Poetry Slam

Thurs 9 April MATT RICHARDSON: IMPOSTER As seen on ‘Roast Battle’, ‘Celebrity Juice’ and host of ‘The Hangover Games’. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555. Wed 15 April SPONTANEOUS POTTER An entirely improvised Harry Potter comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £17.50, 01743 281281. Sun 19 & Thurs 30 April JOEL DOMMETT - UNAPOLOGETIC (IF THAT’S OKAY?) For ages 14+. 19 April - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £20, 01743 281281. 30 April - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £18, 01600 772467. Mon 20 & Tues 21 April ROSS NOBLE What happens when pure comedy takes human form? Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Poetry & Storytelling Sat 4 April LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL: POETRY SLAM Enjoy a head-spinning cocktail of potent poetry and spirited performances. Bard-tenders Elvis McGonagall and Sara-Jane Arbury call the shots as a bevy of fine wordsmiths pour out vintage verse. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. Sat 18 April FIONA SAMPSON POETRY READING Questions of humanity, of point of view, are at the heart of Sampson’s new collection, ‘Come Down’. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, 7pm, 01544 260149, www.sidneynolantrust.org Sat 25 April POETRY CAFE Light breakfast and poetry readings. Reading Rooms Cafe, Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 9.15am-10.30am, £8, 01547 550377.

Comedy Fri 3 April PETE FIRMAN AND THE AMAZING TBC Magician/comedian Pete Firman will be joined by a special guest who has no previous conjuring experience. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £18, 01743 281281. Sat 4 April CHRIS RAMSEY - 20/20 Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4pm & 7.30pm, £24, 01743 281281.

Sat 4 April & Sat 16 May BOX OF FROGS IMPROV COMEDY BOX OF FROGS brings you a night of high-octane improvised comedy, based entirely on your suggestions. 4 April - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 6.30pm, £10/£6/£35, 01588 630321. 16 May - Chapel Lawn VH, 8pm, £10, 07964 710983. Arts Alive.

Wed 22 April ARABELLA WEIR ‘Does my Mum Loom Big in This?’ For everyone who’s had a mother or been a mother. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19.50, 01743 281281. Thurs 23 April MATT FORDE - BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR Britain’s leading political comedian. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16.50, 01743 281281. Fri 24 April COMEDY CLUB For ages 16+. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £10.50, 01874 611622. Fri 24 April WESTONS CIDER COMEDY CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555. Thurs 23 & Fri 24 April MARK STEEL ‘Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright’. For ages 14 years+. 23 April - Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 8pm, £16.50, 01584 811442. 24 April - Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 8pm, £15, 01873 850805. Tues 28 April ED BYRNE The master of observational comedy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Box of Frogs

Talks

April & May BRECKNOCK ART SOCIETY 14 April - ‘Alice & Meredith Williams, A Creative Partnerhsip’, a talk by Phyllida Shaw. 22 April - Study Day, ‘The Gate of Heroes on the China Trail with speaker, Lars Tharp of the ‘Antiques Roadshow’. (To be held in The Henderson Hall, Talybont on Usk). 12 May - ‘Charles Mackie - Good Friend of Edward Hornel’, with speaker, Pat Clark. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £8, 01874 611622. April & May THE ARTS SOCIETY HEREFORD (TASH) 14 April - ‘Damien Hirst and Contemporary Art’, an illustrated lecture by David Worthington. 12 May - ‘The Ploughman, An Incestuous Knight, An Eloped Heiress and a murderous Queen: Decoding a Medieval Masterpiece, The Luttrell Psalter’, an illustrated lecture by Michelle Brown. The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 2.15pm, members free, guests £9, new members welcome, 01568 797703. April & May SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB 22 April - ‘Creating Beautiful Borders’, a talk by Jack and Laura Willgoss. 27 May - ‘Potagers’, a talk by Chrissy Ching. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, free to members, 01588 620953. April & May HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY 17 April - ‘The Story of British Pub Signs’, a talk by Dorothy Nicolle. 15 May - Outing to the Cardiff area. Kindle Centre, adjacent to ASDA, Hereford, 2.30pm. 01432 890469.

April & May HAY CAMERA CLUB 7 April - ‘Nature Photography’ and ‘Creative Macro’, a video evening. 14 April - ‘Field Trip Photo’, member’s night. 21 April - ‘Demonstration on the use of of graduated filters’, by Allen Lloyd. 28 April - ‘Ladakh and its Mountains and Monasteries’ and ‘Wildlife of Costa Rica’, presentations by Peter and Lin Wyles. 5 May - AGM. Masonic Hall, Brecon Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, non-members welcome, £5. www.haycameraclub.co.uk April HARDY PLANT SOCIETY HEREFORDSHIRE AND MID WALES 11 April - ‘Aulden Farm - From Conception to Chaos!’ A talk by Jill Whitehead. Glasbury Village Hall, 2pm, £4, 01544 262795. Wed 1 April AN EVENING WITH BRIAN BLESSED Actor, writer and presenter will combine anecdotes from his illustrious acting career with tales of his adventuring. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. Wed 1 April TYBERTON SPIRITUALITY TALKS Theme: ‘A Kinder Place: Resilience in a time of change and fragility’. St Mary’s Church, Tyberton, HR2 9PT. Details email abbeydoredmc@gmail.com Thurs 2 April BORN LIPPY: AN EVENING WITH JO BRAND Jo will be in conversation with Peter Florence CBE, Hay Festival Director, talking about her career, including film, TV and book writing, presenting and acting and her passions in life. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 5 April ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE - AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH JOHN CHALLIS Best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses, John Challis will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his career. Signed copies of his autobiography, ‘Being Boycie’ and his novel, ‘Reggie: A Stag at Bay’ will also be available. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £20.50, 01584 811442. Mon 6 April HISTORY OF EATON BISHOP & IT’S LANDSCAPE Eaton Bishop Historical Society. Speaker, David Lovelace. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 7.15pm, members free, £4 visitors, 07979 597483. Tues 14 April THE SHROUD OF TURIN A presentation by local historian, Hugh (Boz) Farey. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Tues 14 April TEACUPS & TIARAS - WILLIAM HANSON Best-selling author and trusted authority on matters of etiquette, enlightens the audience with the history of customs, tastes and manners. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01743 281281. Wed 15 April EATON BISHOP GARDENING CLUB Gardener’s Question Time. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 7.30pm, refreshments. Wed 15 April LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘Second World War time on the Clee Hills’, a talk by Alf Jenkins. Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, members free, visitors welcome, £4 on the door. Wed 15 April ARTS SOCIETY TEME VALLY ‘The Art of the Steal: Nazi looting during WW2. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2.15pm, visitors welcome, £8, Theartssocietytemevalley.org.uk Thurs 16 April EFFECTIVE ALTRUISM Dr Simon Jenkins PhD, Philosophy Department, Warwick University will deliver a lively talk on the concerts that bother people who want to help those less fortunate in other countries. University Centre Shrewsbury, Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ, 7.30pm, tea/coffee/chat at 7pm, 07970 479185. Thurs 16 April WIGMORE GARDENING CLUB ‘The Houses and Gardens of E.L. Lutyens’. a talk by Richard and Gill Rallings, owners of Mynd Hardy Plants at Diddlebury. Wigmore Village Hall, 7.30pm, £2 including refreshments, 07813 733240. Thurs 16 April SHROPSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ‘The Making of Landscapes’, a lecture by Charlie Waite. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281. Fri 17 April FOWNHOPE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP ‘The Life of Blanche Parry, Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber at the Court of Elizabeth I’. An illustrated talk. Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, members free, visitors £3 including refreshments, 01432 860319.

Tues 21 April GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP ‘Boil a Mouse in Urine: The Care of Infants in Tudor Times’, Dr Malcolm Watkins’ description of the Tudor and Stuart’s approach to childbirth and child care follows a very short AGM. Garway Community Hall, 7.30pm, all welcome, £5 non-members. Tues 21 April LUDLOW & MARCHES HUMANISTS ‘Compassion is not a Crime’. A talk by Sarah Wootton, CEO of Dignity in Dying. The Friends Meeting House, St Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872492. Tues 21 April LEOMINSTER & DISTRICT U3A, LEARN, LAUGH & LIVE ‘A Life in Insolvency’. A talk by Eddie Hunt. John Abel Room, Grange Court, Pinsley Rd, Leominster, 2pm, members free, visitors £2, 01568 709246. Wed 22 & Thurs 23 April CLIVE ANDERSON: ME, MACBETH AND I The host of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’, this one man show is guaranteed to be funnier than Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. 22 April - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. 23 April - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £19, 01600 772467. Thurs 23 April ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS ‘A Day at the Roman Games’, with speaker, Mike Clegg. Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, 01938 555574. Mon 27 April CAROLINE CRIADO PEREZ IN CONVERSATION Imagine a world where your phone is too big for your hand, where your doctor prescribes a drug that is wrong for your body, where in a car accident you are 47% more likely to be seriously injured... Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401. Tues 5 May MARCHES MEADOW GROUP AGM will be followed by a talk from Peter Carty of the National Trust, Cardingmill Valley speaking of the relationship between MMG and the Stepping Stones Project. Snailbeach Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01743 791476.

Workshops & Courses April HEREFORD CULTURE CLUB In partnership with Cathedral Library. 6 April - ‘Book of Chains’ with Rosemary Firman. Cathedral Library, 10am12.30pm, 01432 880545. Or email herefordcultureclub@ gmail.com

April & June SIDNEY NOLAN TRUST 17 - 19 April - ‘Sharpening Your Eye on the Land’. Poetry with Fiona Sampson Price. £250 - course fee, food and accommodation. £170 - course fee and food only. 5 - 7 June - ‘Writing With Nature’. Writing with Sarah Thomas. £250 - course fee, food and accommodation. £170 course fee and food only. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, www.sidneynolantrust.org 01544 260149. Tues 5 - Fri 8 May VOICE COACHING RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP Ledbury Poetry Festival presents an exciting opportunity for new and emerging poets to improve their peformance technique. Applications close 5pm, 3 April. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, HR8 2LY. www.poetry-festival.co.uk Sat 9 & Sun 10 May BOOK FAIR Secondhand books, DVDs and CDs. The Market Hall, Bishop’s Castle. 1st Saturday READING GROUP Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, afternoons, donations, 01547 550377. 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. Fourth Monday SCIENCE CAFÉ Informal group, talks and discussions on scientific topics. The Swan at Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome, sciencecafe@outlook.com Every Tues & Wed SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Tues - Advance beginners 5.30pm, beginners 7pm, Wed - Advance Spanish B1, 10am, with Mely. Private tuition - GCSE students and A Level. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505. Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555. 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. 2nd Wednesday of each month WYESIDE WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7pm, £2.50, 01982 552555. 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 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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Climate Summit Chief

HE call came through about mid-morning. Well three minutes past eleven, to be precise. Actually, it did not really come through because I did not get to the phone in time. Anyway, the call was from Downing Street. At least I am pretty sure it must have been them. I did call the BT operators to check but they said they couldn’t confirm anything. Security, you see. Quite understandable. It’s a racing certainty that the PM wanted me to head up the big climate conference in Glasgow in November, a role for which, logically, I am an obvious candidate. I’ve been steeped in this climate stuff for years. And when I say steeped in it, I don’t just mean that I’ve been knee-deep in River Lugg floodwater. The problem that Number Ten had was that the minister who was in line to headline Glasgow was not exactly well known beyond our shores. Her name will come to me in a minute. Yes! Claire! No, not Clare Balding, but Claire….sorry, I’ll just have to look it up. Claire Perry, that’s it. Or rather Claire Perry O’Neill, as she is nowadays. Under Theresa May, she had been minister of er… Yes! minister of state for energy and clean growth. If climate has never been part of her full ministerial title, that’s because all references to climate change in government ranks were deleted sometime around 2015. As though that would make climate change go away! How could Tory leaders know back then that global heating and extreme weather would intensify? Little Greta Thunberg was at that time barely in secondary school, let alone on regular Friday afternoon climate strike! And many Tories in the shires, like North Shropshire MP Owen Patterson, were climate change sceptics. (He was the Environment Secretary who turned down a briefing on climate change from the department’s chief scientist.) Anyway, Claire Perry O’Neill was low profile, if not totally obscure. And Boris Johnson needed a heavyweight. That’s the impression that Downing Street has given. So, when the name of the new UN climate summit chief was revealed, there was a rustling sound, as heads were scratched and people went scurrying to find their parliamentary guide books. The new conference supremo turned out to be Alok Sharma, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy. The member for Reading West. Previously at the Department for International Development. You had not heard of him? Well no, neither had I, actually. The point is not whether we know him, but what would we suggest he does, to put Glasgow on the map and make the UN climate conference go with a bang.

Well for a start, let’s stop wittering on about getting to Net Zero by 2050. We need to start doing the things that will produce deep cuts in our greenhouse

OUT Claire Perry O’Neill

IN Alok Sharma

gas emissions. And fast! Somehow, I don’t think that banning the burning of coal and wet logs in a million or so fireplaces is quite going to measure up. So, here are some quick random suggestions. a) Reverse the ten years long freeze on fuel duty. b) Take rapid steps to end subsidies for burning of wood in power stations and denounce the idea that this source of energy is any way sustainable. c) Convene immediate global talks to establish worldwide carbon taxes on aviation fuel. And d) Take similar steps with shipping. In the three years to February 2019 aviation emissions within Europe rose by 21%. As I read it, there is no international rule against taxing fuel taken on board a plane at any given airport. The rules only prohibit the taxation of fuel already on board an arriving aircraft. Then, here in the UK, we must tackle the 80 per cent of homes reliant, for warmth and hot water, on gas fired central heating. A major push on air and ground source heat pumps is needed, so that, in the coming decades, householders can dispense with their gas boilers, or use them only in emergencies or extremes of cold weather. At the same time the self-delusion must end. Our ministers must stop claiming that Britain has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% since 1990. The real number, when we include imported greenhouse gas emissions, and all those vapour trails from airliners, is much nearer 10%. There goes the telephone again! It must be the Home Office. They are desperate for help because of the number of people who can’t work with the Home Secretary, Priti Patel. Well this time the phone can go on ringing. I am not at home. No way! There’s been enough bullying and harassment already. You need riot gear over at the Home Office, and that’s just to survive the morning meeting! I am going into self-isolation. Please leave the groceries by the front door! See you in a few weeks’ time! Julian O’Halloran

Green Events GARDENING ON THE ‘BORDERS’ Planting Schemes Perennial Borders Flower Meadows Nurture Maintain Restore Designs A Garden Sanctuary for You and Wildlife Call Michelle - A Plant Guru 01547 528003 M: 07793750691 E: mlrubybrink@gmail.com WYNNES OF DINMORE COUNTRYSTORE Poultry Keeping - Free 1/2 hour session. Covers laying hens, housing, feed, bedding, health & hygiene + Question & Answer time. Held at Wynnes of Dinmore Countrystore - off the A49 (through village centre). Open Tues - Sat 9am-4:30pm. For more information email info@wynnes.co.uk or telephone Roxy or Ann 01568 797314. Thurs 2 April GREENPEACE TALK Informal meeting of local activists and supporters to discuss campaigns and how to get involved. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, details email pbdelphiee@hotmail.com Sat 11 April PAM’S PLANT SALE Clun Methodist Church Forecourt, 10am-12pm. Proceeds to Medecins sans Frontieres and Clun Methodist Church. Wed 15 April SEEDS AND SAPLINGS A nature day for the young and not so young. Find out what is growing in the Pales woodland and hedges. Pales Quaker Meeting House, Llandegley, near Llandrindod Wells, 10.30am-4pm, 01597 851543, www.thepales.org.uk Please check the website in case of postponement. Fri 24 - Sun 26 April KINGTON WALKS SPRING WALKING WEEKEND A wide selection of walks to cater for a range of abilities and interests. Gentle stroll around Bradnor Hill (with lunch at the Golf Glub) to the Arrow Valley Trail from Cwmceste to Leominster (over two days). Mindful Walking, an early morning walk and a creative walk courtesy of The Walking Sketchbook. Plus a quiz at the Oxford Arms on Saturday, 8pm, £3 including light refreshments. www.kingtonwalks. org 07552 087786.

April VILLAGERS WALKS Route around the parish and further afield, 2-3 hours, varying terrain, dogs on leads welcome, Eaton Bishop. Enquries: Mick 01981 250461. April KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST KTAT manages woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and members. Volunteer to learn. Details email woodland@ tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg.org.uk April SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 4 April - Shropshire Way 80K Festival. Runners and walkers, please book your place. 6 - 10 & 13 - 17 April - Easter Holidays Activities, Pond Dipping for ages 3-11 year olds, £4, 1-2.30pmk. 25 April - Discovery Tots - Nature Faces! for the under 3s, £2.50 per child, bring outdoor clothing. 25 April - Discovery Club - Gruffalo Habitats! For ages 3+, 11am-12pm, £2.50 per child, bring wellies etc. First Sunday of the month - Become a Habitat Helper! Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR & SKILL SHARE Stop usable stuff going to landfill. Bring along a broken item, get it fixed and learn new skills. Youth Centre, Hereford St, Presteigne, 10am-12.30pm, free. Wednesdays LITTLE WILLOWS OUTDOOR NATURE PLAYGROUP The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 9.30am-11am, £1.50 per child, includes a bowl of porridge. Themes posted weekly on Facebook page, 01497 821762. Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

Mon 27 April PEACEBUILDING ROUNDTABLES - CLIMATE ACTION The roundtable will address one of today’s most pressing challenges: the existential threat of climate change. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 4-6pm, free, 01743 234970. Wed 29 April SPRING PLANT FAIR Specialist nurseries, plantsmen and makers of garden related products. Demonstrations, raffle and refreshments. Broxwood Court, Pembridge, HR6 9JJ, 10.30am-4pm, £5. All proceeds to The Cart Shed, 01544 318231. Sat 9 May BISHOP’S CASTLE ROUND & ABOUT WALKS Ramble (23 miiles), Scramble (13 miles) or Amble (10 miles). Ramble and Scramble start between 8.30am and 10am. Amble start 1-2pm. Signage, written instructions, refreshments, hot lunch, transport as needed and certificate all provided. Entry fee online £20. All proceeds go to blood cancer research, (Bloodwise). Closing date for applications 4 May. Bloodwise.org.uk/round-and-about

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 & HOLISTIC THERAPIES Joanna Bruce RGN, B.Ac, MBAcC - clinics in Leominster and Kingsland. Treating pain and long term health conditions effectively since 1983. Tel: 01568 709142 or text 07984 460969. Free initial phone consultation jo.bruce@talk21.com 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

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BROAD

Complementary Therapies ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR Just post the details of your therapy (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ You can amend the wording anytime during the year, just call Clare on 01432 850444 or email: info@broadsheep.com

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 BOWEN TECHNIQUE Bowen is a holistic, non invasive therapy consisting of gentle moves over soft tissue and muscles, interspersed with periods of rest. Suitable for adults and children. Working from clinics in Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. Home visits available. Contact ROB ROWE MBTPA tel: 01588 630648, email rob@robrowe.co.uk or learn more at www.bowentherapy. org.uk BESPOKE MASSAGE THERAPY BY CHERYL LILWALL MTI. Sensitive communication through the medium of touch. For physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Clinic held at the Integrative Health Clinic, Holland House, 70 Belmont Road, Hereford. Tel: 07487 738089. www.herefordbespokemassagetherapy.co.uk CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST with over 25 years professional NHS experience, providing psychological help to adults. Please see website for details: www.drmatthewfaull.co.uk. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals, and offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. Please contact me by email: mfaull@btinternet.com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council. CLAIRE KERBY COUNSELLING (Post grad dip Counselling, MBACP). Having someone to talk to outside your normal circle of friends / family can really help to gain a new clarity and sense of perspective. I would love it if you would call me, in confidence, with no judgement on 07971 816541, or email me at Claire.kerby@btinternet. com. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello! CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low selfesteem and more. I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 07484 766371 or www.cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor COUNSELLING, HEALING, MEDIUMSHIP. Spiritual Medium & Author Jenny Martin, offers one to one tuition or personal counselling/healing in Mid Wales. Over 20 years experience. Jenny’s spiritual development manual and her biography are both available via www.jennymartinmedium.com or contact jenny@ jennymartinmedium.com for more information.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair. Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk 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 THERAPY: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), MNCS (Accred) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their emotional and spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/loss, anxiety and depression. Centres in Powys/south Shropshire. Ffi including workshops and talks see www.thewritetofeel.com. 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. Shropshire/Herefordshire/ Borders. Contact me on: 01588 630061/07583 726207; angela@equinereflections.co.uk; or visit www.thehorsestruth.co.uk HEALINGS, INSIGHT READINGS, PERSONAL GROWTH COACHING, ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Healings, insights into life path and situations, space and guidance to explore and help re-align with our inner truth. Also offer help understanding our animals’ behaviour and needs. Enquiries: Kohra 01544 262 110, kohra@gmx.co.uk HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics in Kentchurch, Hereford and Monmouth. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail. com 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, Hayon-Wye and Kington. Email meg@radnorshire.com; phone or text 07910892172

HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. I have worked for 20 years treating individuals for many complaints, whether psychological, mental, emotional or physical. Homoeopathy is about bringing wellness to ones being by triggering the bodies natural system of healing. It is suitable for all ages. Clinics are held at Rock Park Complimentary Health Centre, Llandrindod Wells, Powys and Kington, Herefordshire. 01597 851021. 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). 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. NO HANDS® MASSAGE works on every level: physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s deep, transforming touch with no pain. Come and train with Wendy Mills, Master Therapist and Instructor. Clinic and Courses held in Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. 07858137889; millsw1@tiscali.co.uk; www.wendymills.co.uk MASSAGE, COACHING, YOGA, DECLUTTERING with Wellbeing Therapist Sophie Atkinson, Orleton SY8 Individual powerful sessions to help you create the space you need for the life you want. Web: www.sophieatkinson. co.uk Mob: 07930 353 118 Email: sophie@healing-energy. net

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

Group classes and individual tuition in Stapleton Moving consciously with the breath

Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

MINDFULNESS Alithea Waterfield MBCT teacher offering Mindful Walks in Nature, 8-week Mindfulness courses and Mindfulness Guided Meditations. Committed to helping you reconnect with a more authentic and compassionate self and develop skills to manage life’s challenges resourcefully, skillfully and creatively. 07899 361316 alitheawaterfield@gmail.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. 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 SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299. SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 29 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year. Thurs 2 April FIVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF PRACTISING RETREAT IN OUR DAILY LIVES All welcome. St Mary’s Church, Cusop, 7-8.30pm, details abbeydoredmc@gmail.com

FELDENKRAIS Awareness Through Movement Classes. Learn to move more freely, with greater ease, flexibility and grace, improving posture, balance and coordination; and awakening our innate capacity for life long vitality and continuing self development. Tenbury at S.E.N.S.E. Wednesdays 7pm - 8pm. £7 per class. Open to all. Contact Jane for more information on janesethi@yahoo. co.uk Booking essential. YOGA CLASSES For physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Knighton Community Centre Mondays 9.30am-11am and Thursdays 6.45pm-8.15pm. Also in Clunbury Village Hall near Craven Arms Tuesdays 9.15am-10.45am. Beginners welcome. Contact Kat 07968 819123. katyoga@holwill.net or find me on facebook @KatHolwillYoga YOGA & AYURVEDA Individual yoga practice. Diet. Exercise. Life Balance. Jill Bonner BA PGCE Art. DIPL Yoga Therapy. DIPL Ayurveda Therapy. Details 07789 428109. 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. PILATES SESSIONS Pilates is a method of exercise designed to elongate and strengthen the body. It promotes improved core strength and stability which in turn improves posture, flexibility, circulation and physical wellbeing. Classes available in Presteigne and various locations within the North Herefordshire, North Worcestershire and South Shropshire area. All sessions are based on small groups and working to individual abilities therefore booking is essential. Private sessions by arrangement. Contact Jackie on 0782 4114979 or justjackie39@gmail.com Every Saturday RIVER FLOW YOGA With Graham Nolan. Mixed ability, open to all. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 9.30am, 01497 821762, phone to check class is on. First Saturday of the month MEDITATION For beginners or experienced meditators. Bleddfa Centre, 11am-12.30pm, donations, 01547 550377. Mondays MAMA MOJO YOGA FLOW The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am, £6, 01743 234970.

Sat 25 April UNDERSTAND THE ZENTANGLE METHOD Learn to quiet your busy mind with this mindful drawing technique. Hall Barn, Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10am-4pm, £65, 01547 550377.

Mondays YOGA LESSONS All abilities welcome, bring a yoga mat, small cushion and blanket. Hall, Barn, Bleddfa, near Knighton, £49 for seven classes, 01547 550377.

Wed 29 April THE BREEZE AT DAWN HAS SECRETS TO TELL A day of Sufi-inspired poetry, song and dance, prayer meditation and story. Led by Karim Hadden. Pales Quaker Meeting House, Llandegley, near Llandrindod Wells, 10.30am-4.30pm, 01597 851543, www.thepales.org.uk Please check the website in case of postponement

Mondays & Wednesdays PILATES Pilates-Based Back Care - Mon 10.30am & Wed 5.45pm. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning - Mon 11.45am & Wed 7pm. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 625992.

Fri 1 May AWAKENING THE SPIRIT WITHIN A short talk and workshop with Ayesha Iset Merovingian will guide you in connecting with the Divine within and without. The talk will be follwed by a guided meditation and oracle card readings. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7-10pm, £5, 01588 630023.

Third Thursday of the month ECO SPIRIT CAFE An informal monthly meeting for people interested in spirituality and connection to the environment. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, free, 01497 821762. Last Friday of the month QUIET GARDEN MOVEMENT Sharing outdoor space for the inner journey. 10am-3pm, Rhayader. facebook.com/CefnfaesCottage 07948 469584.

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