Broad sheep December 2017 / January 2018

BROAD sheep

december 2017 january 2018

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

sheep

BROAD

Contents Small Ads

4 Ian Marchant 6 Deborah Moggach 8 Art 10 Art workshops 16 Cinema

22 Dance 26 Food

28 Music 30 Music workshops 46 Band directory 48 Theatre 50 Word 54 Grass roots 58 Comp therapies 60

The Elephant in the Room I

HAVE exciting news. The first driverless bus service has just started in The States. Guess where it is? Las Vegas!

I have some bad news. The first driverless bus crashed after two hours in service. It seems a large truck reversed into the road and the driverless bus had no problem seeing it and braked abruptly to a halt. However the software couldn’t get the bus to reverse out of the way as the truck kept on coming, so ‘Kerrash’.

Damn! Back to the drawing board. Still it is looking increasingly possible that we will have self-drive cars on the road within the next couple of years and not only cars and buses but there is also lots of research going on with pilotless planes!!!

I suppose this is a natural part of a movement that has been churning away for a while.

Back at the beginning of the 20th century you’d have been mad to try and undertake a journey by automobile without having somebody on board who could take a car apart by the roadside (and put it back together again). By the 1930’s things had got a little better but you’d still expect on an average car journey to have to change a couple of spark plugs, top up the oil and put some chewing gum in the radiator. It wasn’t until after the war that you began to see people driving around who actually didn’t know the first thing about what went on under the bonnet.

In the 1950’s my father, a civil servant by trade, would come home on a Friday night and change into his overalls so he could begin his real weekend job of keeping all the cars in our street running. A trail of neighbours would arrive on our doorstep all requiring his services. Everybody from the Yobbo opposite with his ridiculous Straight 8 Packard to the Colonel with his Daimler that rarely came out of it’s garage. By the 1960’s things began to change and you stood a 50/50 chance of getting where you were going without any hold-ups and despite British Leyland’s best efforts, that trend continued until the end of the century. By the millenium cars were so reliable, car manufacturers had suddenly twigged that nobody knew how to mend their cars anymore and so with the help of the microchip and the catalytic converter, the turbo-charger and fuel injection they started building cars which you can’t mend or take apart even if you wanted to.

This inevitably led to the notion that having got rid of the owner as mechanic, it was probably best to follow the lead of dishwashers, self-drive mowers and rocket-propelled drones and dispense with the human operator altogether. As I see it the final frontier is now within reach. Let’s get rid of the passengers and just let the bloody things drive aimlessly around, bumping into each other and going nowhere.

By the way, if you need an antidote to this technological hell and would like to We take no responsibility go and see some fabulous ‘old school’ for the veracity of the engineering go to Nantes at the mouth information herein of the Loire. Since the 1990’s the street theatre company, Royal de Luxe has been Clare Edwards a key feature of the city. When the city The Lodge, Westhide, councillors decided Nantes needed a Hereford, HR1 3RQ boost to it’s tourist economy they looked at Bilbao and the effect the Guggenheim Tel: 01432 850444 Museum had made on the city’s fortunes.

However, instead of building a museum Email: info@broadsheep.com they decided to make Royal de Luxe and Website: www.broadsheep.com their fantastic machines the key to their regeneration. A former ship building site on the banks of the Loire has become the home of the Great Elephant and it is from there that it sets out every day to wander around the Isle de Nantes. The site is also the workshop space for Royal de Luxe’s projects which include monstrous machines that have now been seen all over the world. You might know about their giant spider, their dragon, their young girl (as tall as a three-storey building) and their old granny. Each one more extraordinary than the last.

We went to Nantes last month to see one of their more recent creations, a three-storey carousel, a tribute to Jules Verne who once lived in a house overlooking the shipyard. The top storey of the carousel is populated by boats, turtles and other things you might see above the surface of the sea. Then the bottom two layers are deep sea creatures, fishes and submarines. As the carousel turns, the creatures rise up and down, the smoke billows, the waves crash and what’s more you can sit in or on the crazy creatures as they go round and waggle their fins and flap their mouths. It’s great. Then in the middle of all this the Elephant turns up and starts squirting water at all the kids. Marvellous mayhem.

That’s the kind of city regeneration we can all get behind. Go Hereford!

Cover pic: The Carnival Band - 15 December, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton

small ads

SINGER WANTED FOR INDIE/PUNK BAND, phone 07976 433753 for more info.

LEARN GUITAR (ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC) Individual tuition for adults 16 plus, music graduate, professional guitarist. Whatever level, you’ll learn songs or music you enjoy. 07729 059847, 01584 876584, paul.wrightson@gmail.com DYNAMIC SPEAKER AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISATIONS: Veteran presenter to many W/I.’s: Townswomens Guilds: Probus Clubs and others.

Interactive, educational, entertaining. Topics include Suffragettes and Votes For Women: Boom, Bust and Beyond. USA: Civil Rights USA: Abolition Of Slavery: Pity of War 1914-18 . £40 plus travel. contact: paddyhannigan12@gmail.com POETS AND ARTISTS COLLABORATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT 2018. Call to contemporary artists and poets interested in participating in an exciting collaborative creative project with the aim of exhibiting and appearing in Ledbury Poetry Festival in July 2018.

Details from paddyhannigan12@gmail.com P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katie 01547 520328.

PIANO LESSONS. Lavinia O’Meagher, LRAM, has been a senior tutor at the Music Department of the City Literary Institute in London, and had long experience of teaching adult amateurs of all grades, from beginners to post-graduate students and professionsals. She has given recitals for many years. She is a performing and teaching member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. 01547 510 355. laviniaomeagher@gmail.com PEMBRIDGE ALLOTMENT’S ASSOCIATION have several plots to let for the coming season large or small lovely setting and very reasonable rates, please contact Rosie on 078660 27774 for details. We look forward to welcoming new members.

EXPERIENCED LOCAL SPANISH TUTOR. Prepare for a holiday abroad, academic exams or I can come to your community group to host a language session. Learning another language helps you improve your memory and is known to induce laughter! Call Moira 07967 428703 to arrange.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday.

Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com TREE PRUNING SERVICES From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656.

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

Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams.

Now taking students in Presteigne and surrounding area.

Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com

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

FIDDLE LESSONS - Friendly, experienced fiddle teacher available for lessons, all ages, all levels. I teach in a fun and relaxed way. I will help with confidence, flow, technique, bowing, style and tune repertoire. My focus is mainly on the Irish tradition. Please get in touch.

Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Gloucestershire area.

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

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

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

Teagowns and Textiles.

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

John Hymas 07969 440183.

OBOE LESSONS Experienced qualified teacher, beginners to advanced, near Ludlow. Contact Simon, 01584 823294.

MANTON CUSTOMS Shropshire based luthier.

Handmade electric instruments and guitar repair services. info@mantoncustoms.co.uk 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.

OIL & WATER GILDING / CHAIR CANING / RUSHING Furniture repairs. Advice.Paul Richards 01544 209067.

WORKSHOPS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC: Get ready for GDPR, a practical workshop aimed at small businesses and organisations. Book on Eventbrite.

Visit our website at www.smallbusinessclinic.co.uk or call 07825 987114 for details of this and our other workshops.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit. SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail. com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363.

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

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

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

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, 2 Castle Wall, Hay-onWye, HR3 5EQ. Tel: 07527 298199. Headline making independent music shop only a one minute walk from the main car park. A destination shop packed with machine cleaned vinyl records, CDs, books and more. 1000’s of items £4 or less.

FOR SALE: EXHIBITION SYSTEM, hinged wood frames with infill display boards. 6ft high x 4ft wide. £20 per pair.

Tel: 01497 831507.

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER 01432 850444

ian marchant

It’s Christmas! And New Year!

F

EW things say ‘Christmas’ to the hard-working long suffering hack louder than the email reminding him of the fast approaching deadline for the seasonal piece that he promised months ago. And few things say ‘New Year’ like the reminder from HM Tax and Revenue that the scheme to bury all your ill-gotten income in the Cayman Islands has come to naught, because you barely have enough income to keep you in pipe tobacco.

And nothing says ‘desperation’ more than the sudden realisation that you have given up smoking anyway, and you are going to have to churn it out un-nicotined.

If I was a rabid right-wing nutcase, such as various columnists on The Daily Mail, or the Foreign Secretary (at time of writing, though fingers crossed he’ll be working the Northern club circuit by the time this comes out), or The President of the United States, (who can’t read or write) I could knock out 700 words on how it’s all Happy Holidays now, and you’re not allowed to say Christmas any more because #politicalcorrectnessgonemad etc etc.

Sadly, this is not an avenue which is open to me, as it is patently untrue. You ARE allowed to say Happy Christmas, unless you are a Jehovah’s Witness or a Seventh Day Adventist. I say Happy Eid to my Muslim friends, and Happy Diwali to my Hindu friends, and yet the sky has not fallen. Happy Christmas. There we are.

So; the John Lewis Christmas ad. Surely I can squeeze a few words out on the subject of the John Lewis ad, how it’s commercialising this magical time of the year, or not commercialising it in the right way, or blah blah blah. But, even in my annual Christmas bit desperation, I find that I just can’t muster the energy to watch it, on this computer, which I clearly could at the press of a few keys. But, I realise that I simply don’t care enough to look at the thing for the necessary two minutes.

Things are getting serious now. How about fifty words on how it starts too soon, and how I saw tinsel for sale in Poundland in Oswestry in June? And that people who

put up their decorations at a different time from me are idiotic half-wits? Or, a personal favourite, how it stops too soon, because Christmas has twelve days, and people who take their decorations down before I do are also idiotic half-wits?

Sanctimonious? How it’s a time to think about people less fortunate than oneself? (Which is what I said to my daughters every year they didn’t get Scalextric, i.e., every year). Something on ‘The True Meaning of Christmas?’ (To keep the retail sector afloat as the economy collapses). How about cynical? How Santa is really a spirit summoned by Siberian shamen after drinking the urine of reindeer who have been eating psychedelic mushrooms? How Santa is really just an invention of Coca Cola? How Santa is a cross between a drug crazed reindeer piss fuelled wizard and a Coked up out of work actor from LA? How I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe, which was odd, because it was two weeks before Christmas and Daddy was away on a sales conference in Kettering?

Marvellous. Which brings us onto the subject of New Year, or Hogmanay, as we don’t call it here, or, indeed, anywhere. It’s a time for reflection, for taking stock, for looking back on the cliches that we churned out last year, and forward to the ones we’re going to be rehashing in this.

I’m not one of those desperate old hacks who knock out 700 words on the subject of Christmas and the New Year for 5p a word. Well, yes, I am, obvs. But that’s not the most important message to take away from this piece. The most important thing to remember at this very special season of the year is that I have a new book out early in 2018, which I am desperate to flog. It’s called ‘A Hero For High Times’. If someone you don’t like very much has given you a book token for Christmas, you could pre-order my book come the New Year. Namaste.

The Orgasmic Cider Company

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

Open daily 1st - 24th December, 12pm-5pm.

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

Handcrafted unique Christmas Gifts.

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

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

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

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Ian Marchant

deborah moggach

You’ll Never Shop Alone A

FEW weeks ago I went to a conference about loneliness in old age. They’d asked me to speak because in my novel “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” I’d dispatched a bunch of pensioners to live in a hotel in India. We’ve outsourced everything else, why not outsource the elderly? It’s not as mad as it sounds.

India’s warm, and cheap, and they treat old people a sight better there than they do here.

But then I started talking about something I’d actually done myself, a few years ago. Not nearly so brave, but still a bold-ish decision. In my mid-sixties I moved from London to the Welsh Marches.

Like everyone, I knew about the problems of getting older deep in the countryside – the isolation, the cutting of bus services, the closure of village shops and pubs. It’s not easy for the elderly, but nor is it easy living in big cities like London, where nobody knows their neighbours – exhilarating for the young but not much fun when you’re stuck at home with no company but your cat, and even the supermarket cashiers have been replaced by those creepy bagging stations with their automated voices telling you what you’re doing wrong.

But I was moving to a small town – Presteigne, population 2,400. And I wasn’t alone, because I’d married Broad Sheep’s esteemed film critic. It’s set me thinking about old age, however, and how we cope with the last great taboo – loneliness – now our life expectancy has lengthened so dramatically. Within a few weeks of moving the answer came, and it was blindingly obvious.

Live in a small town. Preferably Presteigne, or somewhere like it.

It’s a cliché, of course, that in a place this size everybody knows everybody else. What I hadn’t been prepared for, however, was the sense of continuity. In London I’d see friends for supper and then not for ages – relationships are staccato affairs. More formal and organized, with gaping gaps in between. Here in Presteigne one just bumps into people all the time and

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so we’re all loosely involved in each other’s lives. “Have you found your specs yet?” somebody calls across the high street. “Did you get those tulip bulbs I left at your back door?” Actually, because nobody locks their back doors it’s “Did you find them on your kitchen table?”

Maybe some people find this claustrophobic but I’m a novelist and naturally nosey. I adore the thrumming links that bind people together in a small place, and the ongoing drama of their lives. I adore the sense of community. And a strange thing happens. Even people one doesn’t particularly like, and visa versa, become as familiar as members of ones family. As time passes you can’t tell whether you like them or not, it’s irrelevant.

Besides, you can’t fall out with anyone because you’re always bumping into them in the newsagents. You grow scar tissue and just carry on from there.

It’s the perfect place to grow old because everybody looks out for you. The great thing is that towns like Presteigne still have a high street full of independent shops. Their hearts haven’t been sucked away by a huge supermarket outside town. If I go into the greengrocers and they’re out of parsley Leon, the owner, says “Go and pick some from my garden. ” You wouldn’t get that in Morrisons.

We’ve fought and must still fight hard for these shops. They’re absolutely vital for people’s well-being, especially the elderly. The shopkeepers know everyone and you can have a laugh. They deliver stuff to your house; they sound the alarm if you’re not around.

And there’s so much going on. We’re miles from any city so we have to make our own entertainment.

And nobody need feel shy about joining a club or a singing group because they’ll know half the people there already.

Still, I don’t need to tell you all this – you’re lucky enough to be already living in this amazingly beautiful part of the world.

So forget India. This solution is much easier and you won’t get Delhi Belly. Though maybe a bit more rain.

Deborah Moggach

Studio / Office to rent £60 per week Next door to the Workhouse Gallery and Café.

Presteigne Industrial Estate LD8 2UF Call 01544 267 864 or email info@theworkhousegallery.co.uk

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The Little Black Dog Cafe 5 The Mews, St Owens Street, Hereford, HR1 2JB Our festive menu launches Thursday 16th November We’ve brought together some of our favourite flavours from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African cooking and added a hint of Britishness (pigs in blankets anyone!)

Lots of vegetarian and gluten free choices all to be shared and enjoyed together… book now to eat, drink and be merry!

Call us on 01432 263451

Check out our menu and other delights on our Facebook and Instagram littleblackdogcafe

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art POWYS CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Until 2 Dec ‘Little Black Dress’.

RACHEL BLAKE. 9 Dec ‘A Very Rhayader Christmas’.

Street market and activities. Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton 01547 529530 Dec & Jan Mixed exhibition of local artists and makers. Including a collection of pewter jewellery, bronzes, leather bags and silk covered books, plus books from Seren and Logaston.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

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

Globe at Hay, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762 Until 10 Jan ‘Gathering Hay: My Tribe at Play’ JAMES ROCK - photographs.

Open Wed-Sun 9.30am-5pm.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 01544 260777 www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org 8 & 9 Dec Christmas Fair. A wonderful selection of gifts from local artists and makers. Also an exhibition of vintage Indian handlooms, embroidered textiles and a selection of new hand weaves for sale. Plus a chance to enrol for textile study days starting in the new year, exploring some of the techniques used and adapting them to new works.

Open Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 Dec ‘Deck the Halls’ with: Wintry art, Advent nativity sets, Traidcraft Christmas gifts, metal toys, lots of Reindeer! Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

NB. January – Gallery will be closed until Friday 19th.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Dec & Jan Rare antique carpets and kilims. Cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

Old School Gallery, Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton 01547 550377 3 - 22 Dec Christmas Crafts and Gift Fair. A selection of high quality, hand-crafted items including decorations, cards, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, pottery and more.

Open Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm.

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Makers Gallery, The Old School, Penybont Rd, Whitton LD7 1NP 01544 260777 10 - 24 Dec Exhibition of artist’s work.

Open Sun & Mon 11am-5pm.

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

Brook Street Pottery and Gallery, Hay on Wye 01497 821070 Until 6 Jan ‘Winter Draws Nigh’.

The third exhibition by pop-up RESTLESS GALLERY showing ceramics, wood engravings, paintings, mosaics, drawings and jewellery by JANET LYNCH, JITKA PALMER, JAMES CAMPBELL, JONATHAN GIBBS, GUY ROYLE, MATT & AMANDA CAINES. Open Wed–Sat 10.30am-5pm.

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

CHARLES MacCARTHY - paintings.

SOPHIE MacCARTHY & LYNNE HUTCHINSON - ceramics. CHARLIE HIGH & DEBORAH KING - jewellery.

CHRISTIAN RYAN & SUE THORNE - stained glass. REBECCA STARK clocks. Open daily 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 5 Dec - 5 Feb KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP. Tues & Wed 12.30-9pm, Thurs-Sun 2-pm, closed Mon. The Table Gallery, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 Until 30 Dec CHARLES MacCARTHY. Open Thurs - Sat 10am-5pm or by appointment. Also every Sunday Nonna Caterina serve a four-course Italian Sunday lunch in the gallery, 12-3pm no booking necessary.

Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821898 Until end Jan Hereford College of Arts 3rd Year Photography degree students. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown 01686 614555 5 Dec - 15 Feb HYWEL PHILLIPS. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm.

Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth 01654 703355 Until 2 Dec ‘Llanbrynmair - Soft Mutations’. NICKY ARSCOTT. Until 2 Dec ‘Still Life’. KIM DEWSBURY. Until 2 Dec ‘Windows, Mirrors and Shadows’. BRIAN ADAMS photographs.

2 Dec - 13 Jan ‘Six Self-Portraits’.

CHERRYL FOUNTAIN, ARTHUR GIARDELLI, EVELYN GIBBS, AUGUSTUS JOHN, MICHAEL ALAN KIDD, TECWYN WILLIAMS. 2 Dec - 10 March ‘Weather’.

RICHARD DEACON - sculpture.

2 Dec - 10 March ‘Brotherhood of Ruralists’. ANN ARNOLD, GRAHAM ARNOLD, ANNIE OVENDEN AND PETER BLAKE RA. 2 Dec - 10 March ‘Flock’. PHILIPPA ROBBINS. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 15 Jan ‘Haymakers Christmas Collection’. Local designer makers exhibit their varied work.

Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 23 Dec Christmas Craft Fair 2017. Work produced by local craftspeople including woodturning, pyrography, jewellery, knitwear, textiles, felt, stained glass, paintings, pottery, books, metal work, photography, fine furniture and more.

Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm.

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.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Dec Winter exhibition. Artists include MATT PEARCE, LYNNE CARTLIDGE RCA, KAREN PEARCE, MATTHEW WOOD, PETER KETTLE RCA, CERI AUCKLAND DAVIES, HEIDI ARCHER, ANNE BOSSET, KEITH BOWEN & MARTIN DUFFY. Mon-Sat 10.30-5pm.

Powysland Museum, Welshpool 01686 640689 7 Dec - 6 Mar Exhibition of Andrew Logan’s work. Open Mon-Fri 11am5pm, Sat 11am-2pm, closed Wed. Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny, NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Until 24 Dec Member’s Christmas Exhibition. 10.30am-5pm.

Knighton Art Group, Wyeside, Builth Wells

Chris Williams, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Penelope Timmis, Kerry Vale Vineyard & Gallery, Pentreheyling, Church Stoke

James Rock, The Globe, Hay-on-Wye

David Wilkinson, Lion Gallery, Leominster

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 2 Dec ‘Re-Enactment’.

LOUISE BRISTOW - paintings.

Until 2 Dec NEASA TERRY, Litmus Residency part 3.

Until 27 Jan 2018 ‘The Kitchen’.

A creative social space, where art, performance, craft and film will be made, shared and inspired.

Until - 31 Dec Screening until the end of December, the current Migrations Dance Film programme features some of the best dance shorts from around the world.

9 Dec - 27 Jan ‘Litmus’.

PAUL EASTWOOD. 9 Dec - 27 Jan ‘Colourfelt’. ANDREAS RÜTHI. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane Campus 01432 273359 www.hca.ac.uk 23 Jan BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing Open Day, 10am, 24 Jan - 7 Feb School Arts exhibition.

Open 9am-5pm.

25 Jan University-level Open Day (College Road Campus), 4pm.

25 Jan Foundation and Portfolio & GCSE Open Evening, 6pm.

27 Jan GCSE Open Day and Year 9 Taster Session, 10am-11pm.

De Koffie Pot Gallery, Bridge St, Hereford 14 & 15 Dec ‘Take 3, Give 1!’ Pop Up Student exhibition, 14 Dec 5-7pm, 15 Dec 9am-5pm.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth 01600 719401 2 Dec Christmas Fair.

Open 11am-2.30pm.

Open Studio, Castle Orchard, Putley, near Ledbury HR8 2RH 01531 670075 2 & 3 Dec ROWAN McONEGAL glass artist - small panels for sale and lots of Christmas offers. www.rowanmconegal.co.uk Artistree Gallery, The Heritage Centre, Church Lane, Ledbury Until 17 Dec ‘Artistree Unwrapped!’

Seasonal delights and more from Artistree members’ vibrant and outstanding range of contemporary talents including paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, glass, textiles, wood designs and more.

Open Wed-Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

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Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Dec & Jan JILL CAMPBELL, ZOE TAYLOR, CELIA JOHNSON & STEPHEN RIPPINGTON, plus introducing new artist SHARON YORKE. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Hampton Court, Hope-underDinmore, near Leominster 01568 797676 1 - 3 Dec 9th Annual Magical Christmas Fair. Gifts, local crafts and produce. Open daily 10.30am-5pm, £3.50 adults, £1.50 5-14 year olds.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 3 Jan ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed’. Open theatre times.

Tinsmiths, 8a High St, Ledbury HR8 1DS 01531 632083 Dec ‘Tinsmiths Christmas’.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

Open on Mondays during December.

South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 16 Dec Sale of charity Christmas cards for good causes.

Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Studio 54, 54 Bridge St, Kington 01544 231527 Dec & Jan Sculpture, paintings, ceramics and prints by RACHEL RICKETS RBSA and guest artists.

Open Dec Tues-Sat 11am-4pm, Jan Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Marsh Cottage, Yatton, near Aymestrey HR6 9TP 01568 770177 Dec BRONTË WOODRUFF. Studio visits welcome, by arrangement.

Wide variety of original work, framed and unframed, cards etc.

Hereford Cathdral 01432 374212 16 Dec Cathedral Christmas Fair with over 40 stalls of seasonal gifts, food and crafts. Carols for shoppers, 1pm, free entry. Open 10am-4pm.

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

Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate St, Worcester 01905 25371 Until 6 Jan ‘Warhol to Walker’.

American prints from pop art to today.

Until early Jan ‘Crafted For You’.

Jewellery, glassware, ceramics and other handmade crafts. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, closed Sundays and Bank holidays.

The Market Hall, Mill St, Kington 07867 483135 9 & 16 Dec KINGTON ART AND CRAFT MARKET. We offer high quality art and craft desirables, all by local designer-makers. Bespoke botanical lampshades; handbags, waistcoats and other textiles; original paintings, prints and artists cards; ironmongery; Alpaca products; knitted toys and wearables; French delicacies; handmade herbal skin care; jewellery; ceramics; personalised children’s wear; gift items and more. Our growing market is an event not to be missed!

Held on the third Saturday of each month from April through December.

Open 9.30am-3pm.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Dec & Jan A varied show of work for Christmas including many of our regular makers, new to the gallery prints - ANNABELLE OPPENHEIMER, natural history photographs - DAVID WILKINSON and new ceramics from KEN EARDLEY. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

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

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 16 Dec ‘Christmas Delights’.

Seasonal offerings from local artists.

Open Wed-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

2 & 3 Dec h.Art weekend.

Open 10am-4pm.

10 Jan - 3 March ‘Rockfield Arts’.

ASG and Artisite, three artists showing current work. Open Wed-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Framing available.

Upstairs, Market House Gallery, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 Dec & Jan Paintings, textiles, acrylics, glass, wood, sculptures. 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.

Weaver’s Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 amanda.wright7@btopenworld.com 5 - 16 Dec ‘Designed for Christmas’.

Annual exhibition by six designer makers. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Made in the Marches Gallery, No. 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 Dec ‘Tis The Season!’ Visiting artists include ANGELA DAVIES, DRUSCILLA COLE, ROGER OAKES, ANNE DOYLE, DAVE MULLIN, BAS TITFORD, MARY SMITH, KARLIN RUSHBROOKE, GINNY LE BOILLY & FREYA GAMBLE. Cards, ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal and willow. Commissions and gift vouchers available. See website for details of demonstrations, workshops and events. Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm and 11am-2pm Christmas Eve! Please note: Made in the Marches gallery will be closed from Christmas Day, returning EASTER 2018.

GreenStage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome, Worcester, WR6 5BT 01885 490839 Until 24 Dec Mixed Christmas exhibition by gallery artists. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm, closed Mon except Bank Holidays.

The Chapel, 2 Forbury Chase, Sherford St, Bromyard, HR7 4DL 01885 788064 www.thechapelbromyard.com Open 11am-5pm with pop-up cafe.

Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until mid Jan ‘Winter Curiosities’.

Christmas exhibtion. An eclectic collection of British and contemporary fine arts and crafts, from jewellery, textiles, lighting, paintings, original prints, ceramics and glass to Christmas decorations, candles and cards. 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Tues by appointment.

SHROPSHIRE Kerry Vale Vineyard & Gallery, Pentreheyling, Church Stoke, SY15 6HU 01588 620627 Until 17 Dec PENELOPE TIMMIS art sale - land and seascapes, fowl and flower paintings.

Open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5FD 01588 638269 2 Dec Craft Fair. 20 stalls and refreshments. Free entry. 2-6.30pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH 01547 530744 10 Dec Aardvark Christmas Fair. Over 20 stalls, kid’s Christmas crafts, live jazz from the Dutch Lewis Trio and free mulled wine. Open 10am-3pm.

Minerva Arts Centre

Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms, SY7 9NW 01588 676176 National Museum of British Popular Culture. 11am-5pm daily, closed Wed. Motte House, Walford, Leintwardine, Craven Arms SY7 0JT 07886 412987 9 & 10 Dec Open Day. GARRY JONES - ceramics. Open 10am-4pm.

Gallery 3, Gateway Arts Centre, Shrewsbury 01743 355159 Until 8 Dec Shropshire Open 2017.

12 Dec - 26 Jan ROBIN Mac FARLAN. 30 Jan - 9 March PHILIP CARTLAND. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Until 31 Jan Winter exhibition.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 2 Dec Antique & Flea Market, plus Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights, 10am-8pm.

2 Jan - 6 Jan Annual Young Person’s Art Competition. Open to 7-18 years.

15 & 16 Dec Persian and Afghan rug sale.

18 Dec - 5 Jan Display of the Primary Schools art work.

6 Jan Antiques & Flea Market.

Open 9am-4pm.

WEEKEND COURSES

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

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

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH 01743 258885 Until 21 Jan Samurai: Warriors of Japan.

Until 21 Jan Uncommon Threads.

9 Feb - 15 April ‘Lego: Brick History’.

Open Tues-Sun 10am-4.30pm.

FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Upper Circle, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 Until 7 Jan ‘In the Hands of Boys’.

Through dance, poetry and photography, boys and young men explore and share stories about Shropshire’s involvement in WWI. Until 7 Jan ‘Champions of Flight’.

MediaActive Projects - using digital storytelling to explore and share stories about the role of flight and air services in WWI. Open Mon-Sat from 10am.

Bear Steps Gallery, St Alkmonds Place, Shrewsbury 01743 344994 Until 9 Dec JOHN WILLETS, PAT GRIFFITHS AND GILL STOKES. 10 - 23 Dec ALISON STAFFORD & FRIENDS. Open daily 10am-4pm.

Closed then until 11 Feb. Twenty Twenty Gallery, 3 - 4 High St, Much Wenlock 01952 727952 2 Dec - 31 Jan Winter exhibition.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS 01588 676060 Until 19 Dec ‘Behind My Lens’. JEAN MacDONALD - seascapes and water-themed photographs. Raising money for the Linden Davies Cancer Fund.

Until 19 Dec ‘Shropshire Gateways and Other Landscapes’. HELEN WORRELL - watercolours. 10am-5pm.

20 Dec - 6 Feb CLAIRE ALLEN BRUNN - limited edition prints.

RON KELLY - photography.

Open 10am-5pm.

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

CALLING ARTISTS TO DRESS A GIRAFFE IN ARTWORK Artists are being offered a chance to decorate giraffe sculptures which will form an art trail through the city streets for Worcester and public places for 10 weeks in summer 2018.

St Richard’s Hospice and Wild in Art hope to create a visually stunning trail to raise money for hospice care.

Artists can enter up to three designs and closing date 5 Jan, each selected artist will be awarded a commission of £800. www.worcesterstandtall.co.uk

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR ART SKILLS ?

Hereford Botanical Art Group welcome new members. A friendly group with an interest in creating beautiful pictures of plants and flowers in a variety of mediums.

We have a tutor on a regular basis and meet in the United Reformed Church Hall, Hampton Park, Hereford every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm.

Details, contact alisonbarter@hotmail.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION Brilley & Borders Environment Initiative. Free, open to all, photo competition themed ‘The Magic of Trees’. Photos must be taken within a 10 mile radius of Brilley and within the timescale of 1 Aug - 21 Nov. See www.brilley.co.uk/environment/ photo-competition-the-magic-of-trees ARTISTS AND MAKERS WANTED! Recruitment is now open for Shropshire Hills Art Week 2018. The event will run from 2–10 June 2018. Do you need more exposure for your art? Do you want to open your studio or join a group show? Shropshire Hills Art Week (SHAW) is looking for artists to sign up, join in and get involved for the 2018 event! We particularly encourage work inspired by landscape and wildlife, to showcase this stunning area. Register NOW: SHAW MEMBERSHIP £120 (Note there will also be commission and/or venue costs). Visit the website to find out more. Deadline 12 January 2018.

Contact Jules McRobbie 0773 638 1287, or visit www.ShropshireHills ArtWeek.co.uk, Email jules@ shropshirehillsartweek.co.uk CREATIVE WILLOW Weekly classes for beginners and intermediates, exploring willow weaving techniques for basketmaking and garden structures. Builth Wells and Crickhowell. Mary Zammit, 01982 552072, mary@marywillowgarden.co.uk GLASSBLOWING COURSES Experience the magic of glassblowing.

Hay-on-Wye. www.glassgallery.co.uk GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Fun, recreational art sessions for EVERYONE. Start painting, drawing, printing & textiles. Guided by Ginn with 25 years in teaching & inspiring art & design.

PLUS Ginn’s School of Sewing Tel: 01432 760961 www.ginnscreativeworkshops.co.uk

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

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

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

Wednesdays 4-6pm. With different art techniques by local artists. Teme Valley Youth Project, Wigmore. Email: youthtvyp1@yahoo.co.uk or call 01568 770110.

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

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

December ORIEL DAVIES WORKSHOPS 2 Dec - Festive Wrapping Paper with Nicole Hudson for ages 5+, 10.30am, £5. 9 Dec - Festive Gingerbread Houses with Sophie Scharer for ages 5+, 10.30am-12.30pm, £5. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041.

December JEWELLERY MAKING With Melissa Hunt. 7, 14 & 21 Dec, Intermediate jewellery days, levels 2 & 3. 2 Dec - Taster half day, make a pair of cufflinks, all levels, 2-5pm. 9 Dec - Soldering tips and practice all levels.

15 Dec - Tension setting, levels 2 & 3, 10am-1pm. Plus on Tuesdays running blocks of 6 week evening classes, 6-9pm, £150. All courses in Brampton Bryan, bring a packed lunch or buy from the cafe at Aardvark Books, two minute walk from the studio. Details 07931 351233.

December SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE WORKSHOPS 21 & 28 Dec ‘Crafty Christmas Activities’ for ages 3-11 year olds, 1-2.30pm, £4, please book.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Rd, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

The Lion Gallery 15b Broad Street Leominster

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

ARTISTS AND MAKERS AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, PRESTEIGNE

CHRISTMAS FAIR DECEMBER friday 8th, 12pm - 8pm saturday 9th, 10am - 4pm a wonderful selection of gifts from local artists and makers. also an exhibition of vintage indian handlooms, embroidered textiles and a selection of new hand weaves for sale.

FOR DETAILS SEE WEBSITE

www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org EXHIBITION AND ARTIST’S GALLERY MOVE TO THE OLD SCHOOL, WHITTON FROM 10TH DECEMBER. OPEN SUNDAYS & MONDAYS UP UNTIL CHRISTMAS. for details contact Rosamund 01544 260777

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December & January EASTNOR POTTERY Family Pottery Fun during December and January 10am-4pm. Turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects using real clay, including potter’s wheel.

No minimum order of participants required and projects start at just £5. Excellent, creative indoor activity.

Potter’s wheel workshops 2, 9 & 10 December 6 & 7, 13 January. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Day £130 w/e £240. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. To book a space, simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or telephone 01531 633886.

December & January PRINT SHED COURSES www.theprintshed.net or email theprintshed@swinmoor. net For info and bookings Contact Jill Barneby 07796 673123.

December WORKSHOPS AT THE VINERY 1 Dec - Wreath Making with Cat, 6-9pm, £35, mulled wine and mince pies included. 9 Dec - DIY Christmas Decorations with Cat, 10am-4pm, 10am-4pm, £65, materials, lunch and refreshments included. All other workshops materials and refreshments included.

The Vinery, Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8AR, for more information email thevinerycollective@gmail.com or 01432 839300.

Fri 1 December FLORAL ART CLUB Christmas Decoration. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10 includes festive drink, 01531 635404.

December THE GLOBE, HAY ON WYE WORKSHOPS 2 Dec - Furzie Wool Sculpture Courses. Needlefelting classes, 10am-4.30pm, £65. Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

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

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

Sat 2 December CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP The Hub, St Peter’s Centre, Peterchurch, 10am-1pm, children’s activities also available, 01981 550043.

Sat 2 December CHRISTMAS CHARITY WORKSHOP Create your own Christmas decorations. CARAD, Rhayader, 10.30am-12.30pm, £5, raising money for Bracken Trust and Maggies, 01597 810561.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

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

Phone 01584 810085

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Sat 2 & Sat 9 December ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY WORKSHOPS 2 Dec - Festive Wrapping Paper.

9 Dec - Festive Gingerbread Houses. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, details, 01686 625041.

Thurs 7 December & Fri 26 January LIFE DRAWING Fully supervised session with a professional life model.

For both experienced artists and those who just want to give it a go. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10am-1pm, £18 per class, includes refreshments, 01547 550377.

Sat 23 December CHRISTINGLE NATIVITY WORKSHOP Make Christingles, share refreshments and listen to a Christmas story. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, 10.30am-noon, 01432 374256.

January GLASBURY ARTS WORKSHOPS 21 Jan - Painting Workshop for Young People with Kate Freeman, 10.30am-4pm, £13. 28 Jan - Felting with a Resist Workshop with Fiona Evans, £65/£55. Glasbury Village Hall, please book online at www.glasburyarts. co.uk or 07583 544110.

January & February WEA DAY SCHOOLS 13 Jan - Collograph Printmaking with Dru Cole.

Lingen Village Hall, 10am-4pm, £43 to include materials. Course Code: C3125703. 3 Feb Needlefelted Pet Portraits with Clare Linford. Bring several photos of your pet. Leintwardine Village Hall, 10am-4pm, £43 to include materials. Course Code: C3125710. To book, enrolonline.wea.org.uk or 0300 303 3463.

LOTTIE O’LEARY STONE CARVER

Where will he be this Christmas?

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www.lottieolearystonecarver.co.uk

Mondays LIFE DRAWING 10am – 4pm at Llanigon Village Hall. Beginners welcome. MODELS WANTED. Contact 01497 831 550.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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cinema SUBURBICON (15) Once again George Clooney steps b e h i n d t h e camera, now directing a screenplay co-written with the Cohen brothers in whose Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? he starred. Unsurprisingly then, this twisted tale of dark doings beneath a superficially squeaky-clean 1950s suburbia boasts the hallmarks of both the writers’ and director’s sharpest comedy-dramas.

Up-tight salaryman Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) reeling from a break-in by not-quite-thieves who kill his wheelchair-bound wife (Julianne Moore) enlists her twin sister (also Moore) to help raise his young son (Noah Jupe). But when Lodge fails to recognise the killers in a police line-up, rats start to smell, not least by a wonderfully snippy insurance agent (Oscar Isaac). A sub-plot involving Lodge’s newly arrived, and unsettlingly black neighbours further upsets the applecart which all concerned push along with obvious relish.

5 - 11 Jan STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) 6 - 11 Jan WONDER (PG) 10 & 11 Jan OUR LAST TANGO (12A) 12 - 15 Jan JANE (PG) 12 - 16 Jan KALEIDOSCOPE (15) 12 - 17 Jan BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A) 17 Jan MOVING PICTURES: MAMMA MIA! (PG) 22 - 25 Jan STRONGER (15) 22 - 25 Jan BRIGSBY BEAR (15) 22 & 25 Jan SUBURBICON (15) 25 Jan TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (ctbc) 26 Jan - 1 Feb MOLLY’S GAME (15) 26 Jan - 1 Feb ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (ctbc) 27 & 31 Jan FERDINAND (PG) 30 Jan - 1 Feb MENASHE (U) Details 01432 340555

All reveiws by Mark Williams

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC. 13 Dec MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE (PG) 10 Jan A MAN CALLED OVE (15) 24 Jan FRANTZ (12A) 7 Feb THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (15) Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, doors open 6.45pm, films start 7.30pm, 01873 850167

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 2 & 6 Dec BLADE RUNNER 2049 (ctbc) 4, 6 & 8 Dec THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) 5 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Dementia Friendly screening.

18 & 20 Dec THE PARTY (15) 19 - 21 Dec BREATHE (12A) 18 & 19 Dec THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE (U) 18 & 21 Dec CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) 22, 23, 27 - 29 Dec, 3 & 4 Jan THE STAR (ctbc) 23, 27 - 29 Dec, 3 & 4 Jan MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (ctbc) 22 Dec A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN) (U) 5 & 6 Jan BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A) Details 01584 878141

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC.

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6 Dec HAIL CAESAR 10 Jan GLORIES OF TANGO 24 Jan MANCHESTER BY THE SEA 7 Feb EL SUR Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, 01588 680445

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

Full programme www.boothbooks. co.uk 01497 820322

BRECON FILM SOCIETY 4 Dec AFTER THE STORM (PG) 8 Jan THE RED TURTLE (PG) 5 Feb MOONLIGHT (15) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

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

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 1 Dec ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON (12A) 19 Jan HAMPSTEAD (12A) 26 Jan VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 2 - 6 Dec BREATHE (12A) 10 - 27 Dec MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A) 11 - 13 Dec MARJORIE PRIME (12A) 17 - 19 Dec THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) 23 - 27 Dec FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) 29 Dec - 15 Jan PADDINGTON 2 (ctbc) 29 Dec - 4 Jan THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (PG) 2 - 4 Jan THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (15) 2 Jan LOVING VINCENT (12A) 3 & 4 Jan BREATHE (12A)

1 Dec ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 2 Dec VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640254 4 Dec A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 4 Dec THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 4 Dec THE HOURS (12A) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 5 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984) (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 5 Dec GOING IN STYLE (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 6 Dec LA LA LAND (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 7 Dec LION (PG) Brilley VH 01544 327227 8 Dec MINDHORN (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926 8 Dec ME BEFORE YOU (12A) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797473 8 Dec THEIR FINEST (12) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 501031 8 Dec BABY DRIVER (15) Knighton Community Centre 07751 221487

8 Dec CHEWING THE CUD: MEMORIES FROM HEREFORD (U) Sarn VH 01686 671205 8 Dec THE OLIVE TREE (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 8 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017) (PG) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 8 Dec CHURCHILL (PG) Bedstone and Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 8 Dec THE BLACK HEN (12A) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 9 Dec SIXTY SIX (12A) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 9 Dec THEIR FINEST (12) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 10 Dec MOANA (PG) Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510696 11 Dec BRIDGET JONES’S BABY (15) Pattingham VH 01902 700586 11 Dec A QUIET PASSION (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 11 Dec DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 12 Dec MEET ME IN ST LOUIS (1945) (U) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 12 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017) (PG) Loppington VH 01939 809236 12 Dec THEIR FINEST (12) Ashford Carbonel VH 01584 831574 12 Dec A QUIET PASSION (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 07956 456290 12 Dec LOVE IS THICKER THAN WATER (15) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 12 Dec THEIR FINEST (12) Garway VH 01600 750465 13 Dec HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Cuddington and Sandiway VH 01606 888931 13 Dec GOING IN STYLE (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 13 Dec PADDINGTON (PG) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 14 Dec DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 15 Dec LA LA LAND (12A) Wilstone VH 15 Dec DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Dorstone VH 01981 550943 15 Dec THEIR FINEST (12) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 15 Dec HAMPSTEAD (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 16 Dec TOMORROW (DEMAIN) (PG) Chaple Lawn VH 01547 530258 18 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 19 Dec DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 20 Dec A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) Myddle VH 01939 290872

THE FLORIDA PROJECT (Cert TBA) Movies starring children can veer between mawkish and improbable, but Sean Baker, whose knack for making youthful friendship central to his highly engaging no-budget work – Tangerine was shot on iPhones to much acclaim – attracted substantial funding for his latest, The Florida Project, which will go down as one of the truly great movies about childhood. It stars two gifted if not precocious amateur 6 year-olds, Brooklyn Prince and Valeria Cotto, who play best friends living below the poverty line, the former with her feckless mum (Bria Vinaite, also a gifted first-timer) in a tacky tourist motel managed by a caring but sharp-witted and never better, Willem Dafoe. The girls’ infectious lust for life is free of moral and economic consequences, although these become apparent as the heady action careens joyously along. Simply wonderful.

21 Dec ELF (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 23 Dec ELF (PG) Waverton VH 01244 336055 29 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017) (PG) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01684 833549 4 Jan THE OLIVE TREE (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 5 Jan SULLY - MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON (12) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 5 Jan VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752548 5 Jan VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 5 Jan THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860065 6 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Ripple Parish Hall 01684 592781 8 Jan WHISKY GALORE (2016) (PG) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 8 Jan CHURCHILL (PG) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 10 Jan LION (PG) Cuddington & Sandiway VH 01606 888931 11 Jan HOWARDS END (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 12 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Great Witley VH 01299 896412 13 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Martley Memorial Hall 01886 888406 13 Jan HAMPSTEAD (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 13 Jan LAD A YORKSHIRE STORY (12A) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 16 Jan DAD’S ARMY (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 17 Jan TONI ERDMANN (15) Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510696

18 Jan VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 19 Jan HAMPSTEAD (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 19 Jan GOING IN STYLE (12A) Shifnal VH 01952 462787 19 Jan THEIR FINEST (12) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 19 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 20 Jan VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 20 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 20 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545 20 Jan GOING IN STYLE (12A) Tasley Parish Room 01746 764881 26 Jan A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) Longden VH 07539 545846 26 Jan MY COUSIN RACHEL (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 26 Jan VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 26 Jan THEIR FINEST (12) The Red House, Albrighton 01902 373854 26 Jan LION (PG) Little Wenlock VH 01952 505888 26 Jan LION (PG) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 27 Jan KINKY BOOTS (12A) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 27 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Rodington VH 01952 770524 27 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 30 Jan GOING IN STYLE (12A) Loppington VH 01939 809236 2 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

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PADDINGTON 2 (PG) It’s almost Xmas and so based on the enduringly popular children’s books, the huge success of 2014’s eponymous a n i m a t e d f e a t u re a l m o s t guaranteed this captivating sequel. Ben Wishaw again voices the lovably furry character, whilst Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins reprise their roles as his surrogate parents, Mr and Mrs Brown. This time Paddington does various odd-jobs to raise money to buy a very special book for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, which inevitably exposes his penchant for pratfalls, especially when he tries window-cleaning! But when the precious book is stolen, Paddington and the Browns must track down the villain. Director/co-writer Paul King returns to ensure consistent appeal, but new characters adding to the fun include Hugh Grant as a vain, faded celebrity and Brendan Gleeson’s fearsome safecracker.

THE HAFREN 20 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555

THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 1 Dec INCENDIES (15) 10 Dec THE JUNGLE BOOK (U) 19 Dec ON GOLDEN POND (PG) 20 Dec BROADWAY DANNY ROSE (PG) 5 Jan JULIETA (15) 10 Jan INVESTIGATION OF A CITIZEN ABOVE SUSPICION (subtitled) (18) 19 Jan THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (12) 24 Jan THE HEADLESS WOMAN (subtitled) (12) 31 Jan THE LOST HONOUR OF KATHARINA BLUM (ctbc) 2 Feb THE CLAN (15) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

LINGEN FLIX 8 Dec THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (12A) Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, children £3.50 01544 267736, www.lingen.org.uk

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB 8 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) (7.30pm). Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, mike.mills@montgomery-wales.uk

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. 1 - 7 Dec BATTLES OF THE SEXES (12A) 8 - 14 Dec THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (PG) 15 - 31 Dec PADDINGTON 2 (PG)

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15 - 24 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 2 - 4 Jan THE PARTY (15) See website for full details.

01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 1 Dec I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12A) 15 Dec THE RED TURTLE (PG) 12 Jan FILM TO BE CONFIRMED Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, www.presteignescreen.org.uk

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 1 - 6 Dec MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (ctbc) 8 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) 12 & 13 Jan STAR WARS - THE LAST JEDI (12A) Details 01584 811442

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS Until 3 Dec GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Until 3 Dec THE LEGO NIJAGO MOVIE (ctbc) Relaxed screening 19 Nov 1 - 31 Dec MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (ctbc) 1 - 3 Dec THE PARTY (15) 1 - 3 Dec JUSTICE LEAGUE (ctbc) 1 Dec - 4 Jan PADDINGTON 2 (ctbc) 8 - 28 Dec FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) 8 - 14 Dec DADDY’S HOME 2 (ctbc) 15 - 21 Dec SUBURBICON (15) 15 - 23 Dec BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A)

15 Dec - 4 Jan STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (ctbc) 1 - 4 Jan THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (ctbc) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 5 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820322. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15pm, 01584 878141. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281.

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

7 Dec YOUNG MARX National Theatre live. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 820322. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401, SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321.

9 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House encore.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2pm, 01584 878141.

10 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Ballet from The Royal Opera House. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 2pm, 01885 488575.

13 Dec CANALETTO Exhibition on screen. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

13 Dec YOUNG MARX National Theatre, encore screening.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

14 Dec YOUNG MARX National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

28 Dec ANDREA CHENIER All ‘Opera live at Teatro alla Scala.

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

28 Dec HAMLET National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

31 Dec BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER New Year’s Eve Concert. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 4pm, 01885 488575. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 01743 281281.

9 Jan A CHRISTMAS CAROL Independent. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555.

10 Jan RIGOLETTO Royal Opera House. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555.

11 Jan YOUNG MARX National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

16 Jan RIGOLETTO Royal Opera House. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555.

21 Jan RIGOLETTO Royal Opera House. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 630321.

23 Jan CEZANNE Exhibition on Screen. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 12 noon, 01743 281281.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

23 Jan CARMEN All’Opera. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

Tosca

25 Jan DAVID HOCKNEY AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Exhibition on Screen. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321.

27 Jan TOSCA Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

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

30 Jan WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE Classic Spring Theatre Company.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

7 Feb TOSCA Royal Opera House. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 5.55pm, 01584 811442.

10 Feb L’ELISIR D’AMORE Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5pm, 01600 719401,

WORKSHOPS

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

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dance Dance Performance Sat 9 December THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE UK. Traditional Christmas ballet will be performed in a unique setting with 24 international dancers, from companies around the world. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, 01600 719401.

Wed 24 January DANCE TO THE MUSIC Starring Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor and Oksana Platero. Argentine tango, rock ‘n’ roll, contemporary ballet, Salsa and more. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £33-£30, 01743 281281.

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £40 Sun 3 December CIRCLE DANCE IN BISHOP’S CASTLE With live music from Bellamonda. Church Barn, Church Lane, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AF, 4.30-6.45pm, to book call Rosa 01588 630648.

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

The village hall is signposted from the Brilley to Kington road and is approximately 500 yards from St Mary’s church, Brilley. RHAYADER, CARAD MUSEUM & GALLERY, EAST STREET, LD6 5ER 4th Friday of each month. (These dates may occasionally be subject to change). 7.30pm £10 (concessions available). Info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 07905 743272 / 01982 552535.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GARETH GWATKIN

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

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

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T: 01547 560150 M: 07884 231104

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

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

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

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Tuesday, 7.30pm-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB. Wednesday, 7.30-8.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wednesday, 8-9pm, Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR. Thursday, 8.30-9.30pm, Beginners Lindy Hop, Bishop’s Frome Village Centre, WR6 5AZ. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. orinfo@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

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

Mon RIPPLERS DANCE CLASSES For 8-11 year olds.

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

Mon YOUTH DANCE CLASSES For ages 11 and over.

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

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

Tues FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing?

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

All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary!

Beginners welcome. Contact Jude 01497 821775 or Paul 01497 821003.

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

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

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

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

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 813711.

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

Village Beats gives you a chance to drop out of that busy thinking mind and to drop down into your body. This is an active meditation to some a-m-a-z-i-n-g tunes! No steps tolerant. Nothing to get right or wrong. No upper age limit.

All levels of physical fitness welcome. Little Birch Village Hall, Barrack Hill, Much Birch, Hereford, HR2 8AZ, 9.45-11.45am. Sessions are drop in, £8 per class.

Contact Zoe 07879 425458.

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

27

food page Jules Restaurant, Weobley

W

HAT is the connection between the appearance in the nation’s supermarkets of piles of cheap, nasty objects in scarlet and green, and the birth of a baby in the Middle East 2,000 years ago? Search Mr P – but it happens every year, so it can’t be mere coincidence. It is sometimes said by the less wellinformed that religion has been the principal cause of war throughout history. It isn’t; all wars are tribal and usually about money, but sometimes the religion of the protagonists indicates on which side they are fighting. It can be said more accurately that in the modern world, religion is the single greatest inspiration for hideous taste in consumer products – a visit to any High Street around Christmas or Easter will clearly demonstrate this.

As Mr P has commented frequently on this page, there’s a great deal of bad taste lurking in the nation’s pubs and restaurants, too, but not, he is delighted to report, in the object of this month’s review.

As soon as Mr Pernickety’s Lovely Companion poked her pert little nose through the front door of Jules Bar, it wrinkled with pleasure at what she saw; the pleasure lingered as she and Mr P dined there.

She had not been to Jules before, and it was with pleasure that Mr P introduced her to it.

Julian and Juliet Whitmarsh moved from The Radnor Arms at Llowes to Weobley to open Jules around 1990. Mr P first ate there shortly afterwards and returned often. In the last dozen years, though, always leaving it until the last minute, he’d been unable to book a table on the few occasions he tried.

Now that he finally had, he was looking forward to seeing how much the place had changed.

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He and the LC were shown by the titian-haired Juliet, who has been front of house since they opened, to a table intimately placed between two pine settles, like a horse’s stall and a nostalgic reminder of 60s London bistros. Basking in the clever moody sounds of Miles Davis’ trumpet and Stefan Grapelli’s fiddle, Mr P was happy to observe that the restaurant had been redecorated since his last visit in a way that subtly improved on its former charm. The walls are papered with lemon trees and hung with lovely prints, tastefully framed, and a portrait of a youthful Juliet. The table was covered in a cloth of green and white polka dot coton pasltifié and lit by a single candle in a slender brass stick.

There remains a French feel to the place, leavened now by some groovy mid-century chrome and ply chairs. It is seldom that Mr P and the LC find such a pleasing interior in an eating place - stylish, but unpretentious.

They wanted a glass of chilled fino to kick off, but sadly there was none - perhaps there will be next time, as Mr P feels this aperitif is due for a comeback. All the wines on offer are organic, which in Mr P’s experience doesn’t much affect the taste, but he felt good about poisoning Gaia a little less. The LC liked her glass of french Domaine de Pajot Noisette made from the unusual Gros Manseng grape. Mr P enjoyed a few glasses of Italian Merlot.

To start, the LC chose a Duck and Wild Mushroom Scotch Egg with Spiced Apple Chutney - she loved it; the coating was unexpectedly light, she said. Mr P’s Smoked Haddock and Welsh Rarebit Gratin was super, and a dish he’d never eaten before.

The promise of the starters was born out by the main courses - the LC’s Rare Breed Pork Steak from Mr Tudge of Richards Castle with a Dijonaise, Mustard, Cream and Cider Sauce was succulent and tasty, pointing up the huge difference between handreared pork and the commercial, water-filled stuff from supermarkets.

Mr P’s only complaint of his delicious Chicken Supreme was that there was too much of it - no doubt Jules’ response to the large number of wellheeled, ruddy featured members of the farming community who are their main clientele in this rustic corner of Herefordshire.

After that, the puddings on offer were so tempting that Mr P abandoned his usual practice of sharing the last course with the LC and ordered two - for him a Vanilla Crême Brulée with Caramelised Oranges in Cointreau and for the LC a Lemon Tart with Damson Sauce and Ice-Cream - both outstanding and memorable.

They left Jules utterly stuffed, but happy. www.misterpernickety.com

EVENTS

Sat 2 December KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD/DRINK FROM THE BORDERS 13th Annual Festival in the centre of town. A free event.

Lots of great music. 85 fantastic food and drink exhibitors. Begin the festive season in Kington.

9.30am-3.30pm, enquiries mppeek@btinternet.com

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

Mon 4 - Thurs 21 December CHRISTMAS DINNER Delicious food and warm welcome at the Herb Garden Community Centre, Station Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, 3 courses £20, 2 courses £16.50, please book, 01597 823082, www.herbgardencafe.co.ukk

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

Thurs 7 December CHRISTMAS VEGETARIAN COOKERY COURSE Join Milly for a hands-on cookery session. Everything you make you take home, along with recipes, tips and ideas. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10m-2pm, £35 to include all ingredients, booking essential, 01588 676060.

Sun 10 December ABERGAVENNY CHRISTMAS FAIR Abergavenny Market Hall, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire 10am - 5pm. Over 85 seasonal producers and expert demonstrations from top chefs on the Market Hall stage on how to make your festive food stand out. Kids’ activities throughout the day, and there’s Santa’s grotto and sleigh rides outside The Angel Hotel. Wristbands cost £5 for adults (plus booking fee if bought in advance via abergavenyfoodfestival.com) or £5 on the day. Free for under 16s with a paying adult. Tickets for additional tasting workshops at Homes of Elegance will need to be purchased separately via the website.

Mon 18 December TASTING EVENING With an 8-course tasting menu. The Cider Barn, Dunkertons Cider Mill, Pembridge, booking essential, 01544 388161.

Mon 25 December CHRISTMAS LUNCH Red Lion, Madley, 1pm, reservations required, 01981251696.

Throughout December FESTIVE MENU Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African cooking with a hint of Britishness. Plus vegetarian and gluten free choices. The Little Black Dog Cafe, The Mews, St Owen St, Hereford, 01432 263451.

Fri 26 - Sun 28 January 6TH LEDBURY BIG BREAKFAST Food shops, cafes and hotels in and around Ledbury will be offering all kinds of food to celebrate breakfast. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm. The best collection of artisan food producers in the area.

2nd and 4th Saturday of every month KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET With live music a regular feature in the cafe. Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am12.30pm, 07751 221487.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BLEDDFA CENTRE READING ROOM CAFE 01547 550377 Open Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am – 4:30pm.

Café, gift shop and an eclectic selection of books to borrow or buy. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and simple snacks, “ginger cake to die for” NB: Closed in November throughout retreat. Open again 3 December.

THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

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

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

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

The India & China Tea Company at TOWER HOUSE GALLERY, HIGH STREET, KNIGHTON 01547 529530 www.galleryknighton.co.uk Homemade soups, breads and cakes, Italian blend coffee and over 30 different varieties of leaf tea. Wednesday to Saturday. 10.30 to 5.00, (Sun, Mon & Tues - CLOSED).

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

Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm.

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

Old Garage Shop, Knighton. Tues-Sat. Free parking, opposite library. Friday morning market stall in Presteigne. Veg boxes delivered to local area weekly. Restaurant orders welcome. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP, MARKET SQUARE, BISHOP’S CASTLE 01588 638318 CAFE serving coffee, tea and cakes. Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm. SPECIALISES IN Secondhand classical music, 5000 CDs, 1000 LPs, 7000 books.

Come and browse.

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music

DECEMBER Fri 1 December MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

THREE LEGG’D MARE The Lost Arc, Bridge St, Rhayader, £7.50, £9 on the door.

BELLA COLLINS & GARETH EVANS Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

JIVE TALKIN’ Bee Gees tribute. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

PARSLEY’S CLOCK Christmas Early music. Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, 8.15pm, £12.50 in advance, £15 on the door, price includes supper, 01686 640689.

THE IMPROETRY COLLECTIVE Poetry and music at play. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 7.30pm, £7, 01691 662196.

CALL OF THE KRAKEN Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

ROCK SHACK BAND The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

BELLA COLLINS & GARETH EVANS Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL MC Elle and free chips at half time.

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

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE BIG BAND Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £24, 01873 850805.

THE NOTORIOUS BROTHERS Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

THE KAST OFF KINKS Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £21/£19, 01584 878141.

THE WEEKENDERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

PAUL PARKER Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

ANTHONY DOYLE (Bongo Man). White Horse Inn, Clun.

EX CATHEDRA Christmas music by candlelight.

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 25s and under £10, 18s and under £1, 01743 367482.

THE SPEEDGUMS Jazz blues and country rock. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9pm, free.

RHYTHM THIEVES Newhampton Inn, 17 Riches St, Wolverhampton.

ACADEMY OF SOUL Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 2 December CUSTARD COLLECTION Malthouse, Ironbridge.

KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD/DRINK FROM THE BORDERS 13th Annual Festival in the centre of town. A free event. Lots of great music.

85 fantastic food and drink exhibitors.

Begin the festive season in Kington.

9.30am-3.30pm, enquiries mppeek@btinternet.com BROOKS WILLIAMS Roots and blues. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 8pm, £10, 01691 662196.

NOTORIOUS BROTHERS Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

TROY REDFERN BAND Reet Petite’s first birthday. Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

BIG FAT SHORTY King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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

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

OVER THE HILLBILLIES The Stag, Llanidloes.

JASON JONES From The Voice. Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

EIRA/SNOW A candlelit evening of Celtic, Middle Eastern and European music. St Mary the Virgin, Welsh Newton, near Monmouth, 7.30pm, £10 in advance or on door, 01600 712613.

Ex-Cathedra

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THE RAT PACK CHRISTMAS AT THE SANDS! Featuring all the favourite original hits with live band. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £20/£18, 01874 611622.

Sat 2 December REGIME Reggae, hip-hop, rock. Plus support.

The Lost Arc, Bridge St, Rhayader, £7.50, £9 on the door, www.thelostarc. co.uk SLIPPERY SLOPE & STONED CHERRIES The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5.

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

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Golden Gifts for All’. With Phil Smith.

Songs and stories for Christmastide.

All Saints Church, Glasbury, 7.30pm, £7.50, 18s and under £5, includes mulled wine and mince pie, 01497 847676.

STONED LOVE The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

A HEREFORD MINI-FEST DAY 1 Featuring folk, Americana and more including the 10-piece Knights of Mentis. Hereford Shire Hall, 7pm, £15 from Rocket Cafe or online, £20 to include Sunday event. Food from Rocket Cafe, tinyurl.com/herefest or text 07565 539764.

TEMPERANCE HALL Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

Cajun Roosters KODALY QUARTET Programme includes Haydn, Dohnanyi and Beethoven. Hellens, Much Marcle, 4pm, £18, students £9, tickets from Courtyard Hereford, 01432 850444.

OUT OF ORDER Fountain Inn, Builth Wells.

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE Organ recital by Peter Dyke.

Hereford Cathedral, 1pm.

INDIGO MACHINE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

WINTERLAND FESTIVAL Featuring Werewolves of Powys and Groove City. Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Monday, 7.30-8.30pm

Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT

Sun 3 December

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

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

Tuesday, 7.30-8.30pm

SEAN SAYE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ

Wednesday, 7.30-8.30pm

Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, WR15 8EE

Wednesday, 8-9pm

Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR

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THE CAJUN ROOSTERS Playing the music of the Louisiana swamplands. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01568 616460. Arts Alive.

CLIVE JOHN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

DECIBELLES A festive evening of Christmas music.

Clifford Village Hall, 7pm, £5, bar. www.decibelles-hay.co.uk A HEREFORD MINI-FEST DAY 2 Acoustic afternoon with traditional singers Rosie Hood, Marianne McAleer and invited guests. Bar available.

Great Hall, Bishop’s Palace, Hereford, 1-5pm, £10 from Rocket Cafe or online (£20 to include Saturday event). tinyurl.com/herefest or text 07565 539764.

KIRK BRANDON ‘Akoustik Tour with Sam Sansbury’.

The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 8pm, £12, 01691 662196.

WHISKEY RIVER ACOUSTIC QUARTET The Royal Oak Inn, Whitecroft, near Lydney, 8pm, £7 on the door.

CLIVE JOHN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

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

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm.

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

Tues 5 December VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, free, 01432 340555.

UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pre-booked tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Wed 6 December THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

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DAWSON Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

The Churchfitters

Sat 9 December TENBURY TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

LAST TREE SQUAD Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

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

Thurs 7 December OPEN MIC Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE ALMELEY STEADY SESSION Playing tunes at a pace to suit everybody from relative beginners at 8pm, then normal session at 10pm. The Bell Inn, Almeley, HR3 6LF, details almeleysteadysession.wordpress.com WILL & RUSS HUNT Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: PLUGGED IN King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

MARTIN CARTHY One of folk music’s greatest innovators. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £15.50/£13.50, 01432 340555.

THE CHURCHFITTERS CHRISTMAS CRACKER A folk group like no other. A mouthwatering selection of favourites interlaced with traditional and original festive songs and carols. Cawley Hall, Eye, 7.30pm, £11/£5/£27, 01568 615836. Arts Alive.

Fri 8 December ONLY MEN ALOUD Featuring many different styles of music from Welsh hymns to folk songs, opera and music theatre. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £27, 01686 614555.

BAND OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm. Drums and backline provided.

BEARD OF DESTINY Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Ann Duggan & Rob Hine.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

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THE UNIVERSAL TRANSLATORS The Stag, Llanidloes.

DJ NIGHT With Ros Angeles & Jon Bengry.

Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

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

CHRISTMAS A carol concert with The Shropshire Girl Choir, The Salop Band, The Shrewsbury Brass Band and a host of famous artists reading Christmas stories. Shrewsbury Abbey, 7pm, £10, tickets from Pengwern Books, Theatre Severn and Shrewsbury Abbey.

THE GOLD ROOM Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

SKA BURST Malthouse, Ironbridge.

XL5 Rock and pop covers. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

FLAMENCO THIEF The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

THE CHURCHFITTERS - CHRISTMAS CRACKER See 7 Dec for details. Wem Town Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£5, 01939 232299. Arts Alive.

CHRISTMAS MARKET 21st annual Victorian Christmas street market. Over 70 stalls. Corn Square and Broad St, Leominster, 10am-4pm.

Official opening by Queen Victoria 11am.

THE HICKSTERS The Stag, Llanidloes.

UKEY MONSTER LIVE The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, daytime workshop 1pm-3pm, performance 8pm, £10, 01691 662196.

RHYTHM THIEVES Supporting Darkside. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

A VERY RHAYADER CHRISTMAS CARAD, Rhayader, further details call 01597 810561.

CROWLE A CAPELLA SINGERS Kinnersley Church, HR3 6QF, 7.30pm, £5 in advance, £7 on the door including complimentary glass of wine. Plus Grand Draw. Pre-concert light buffet at Kinnersley Castle (food and drink for donation only). Bookings for concert and buffet call 01544 327555 or kinnersleyjanet@gmail.com BACH MAGNIFICAT Featuring Cantorion Llandrindod and Irfon Singers with The Peregrine String Orchestra. Programme includes Vivaldi and Bach. Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £12.50, under 18s free from The Herb Garden Community Cafe or 01597 824842.

Martin Carthy

STEPHEN CONSTANCE PIANO TUNER & TECHNICIAN Established three generations

Modest Fees - No egotistical website!

Just vast experience - Anywhere

Mobile 07866 290796 Email: jazzconstance@hotmail.co.uk

RHYTHM THIEVES

Phone 01568 770134 Fri 1 Dec Newhampton Inn, Riches St, Wolverhampton Fri 8 Dec Band Open Mic, Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm Sat 9 Dec Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton Fri 15 Dec Wheatsheaf, 50 High St, Shrewsbury Sun 17 Dec The Oak, Wigmore Fri 12 Jan Band Open Mic, Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm Fri 26 Jan

Open Mic, Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm

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John Kirkpatrick

CALAN Folk. The Hive, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

JULIAN ROBBINS Special two-course lunch £10, with acoustic guitar, Leominster Victorian Market. Nori’s Cafe, Church St, Leominster, please book, 01568 612876.

Sat 9 December 80’S POP Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR Featuring John Kirkpatrick - ‘Carolling and Crumpets’. The King of the Squeezebox with his Christmas show, peeling away the tinsel and looking at timeless midwinter rituals. Community Hall, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £10/£3, 01544 350268.

PHOENIX The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

FIRED UP Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

CHRISTMAS WITH ELVIS Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01873 850805.

Proceeds to Gwent Cats Protection.

JOE SEAGER Housman’s Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

SHREWSBURY CANTATA CHOIR ‘German Love Affair’. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £14, www.shrewsburycantatachoir.org.uk SONIC HIGHWAY Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

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

CHRISTMAS CELTIC EVENING Thomasin, Justin and friends perform Celtic music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

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DUTCH LEWIS TRIO Dutch will be returning to Aardvark for his regular Christmas slot in a trio that will again feature Dane Cranenberg on bass. A fantastic musical start to the holiday season. Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell, 11am-2pm, 01547 530744.

CONRADO ISASA Spanish guitar. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 7pm, £8, 01691 662196.

DYNAMITE DICK BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

TRAFFICKER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

ST CHAD’S CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Over 50 decorated Christmas trees with a diverse daily programme of Christmas music, song and dance from 9th to 16th December.

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, free, www.christmastreefestival.org

DUNCAN HONEYBOURNE Piano music from the Romantic Period.

Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 3pm, £12, students £6 from Leominster TIC, 01568 616460.

HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY ‘Handel: Messiah by Candlelight’.

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

THE CHURCHFITTERS - CHRISTMAS CRACKER See 7 Dec for details. Chapel Lawn Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£5/£28, 01547 530871. Arts Alive.

Sat 9 December THE INDIGO MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sun 10 December FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm.

LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roast. Local quartet plays well-known standards, latin and blues.

The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 12-3pm, 01584 872063.

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

SIMON DEELEY’S BLUE HAZE QUARTET ‘From The Blue Hills’. Eleven original compositions by jazz pianist Simon Deeley in styles ranging from lively Latin-jazz to gentle reflective ballads. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 2.30pm, £7, under 16s £3.50, refreshments during the interval, 07890 303681.

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT Yew Tree, Peterstow, 7.30pm.

KRISSY MATTHEWS Richmond Place Club, 69-71 Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529.

LITTLE DAVE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

THE CHURCHFITTERS - CHRISTMAS CRACKER See 7 Dec for details. Kingsland Coronation Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£5, 07905 589830. Arts Alive.

Mon 11 December BRECON TOWN CONCERT BAND’S CHRISTMAS HITS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12.50/£10, 01874 611622.

Tues 12 December BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Chris Quinn, Mozes Rosenberg and Arnoud Van Den Berg.

Guitars with double bass. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 8pm, £10 on the door, info@breconjazzclub.org HAY MUSIC Featuring Elin Manahan Thomas and Elizabeth Kenny, a festive programme of wintry favourites, composers include Purcell, Bach and Scarlatti plus carols.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-onWye, 7.30pm, £15, 01497 820322.

TALON The best of the Eagles. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £22, 01873 850805.

Brecon Town Band

Tues 12 December

Fri 15 December

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

AIRBAG Malthouse, Ironbridge.

BRECON BITES: BILOBA CELLO QUARTET Lunchtime classical music recital by young artists in residence from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1pm, £5, £7.50 with tea and cake, 01874 611622.

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

CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CANDLEIGHT Featuring Ex Cathedra Consort.

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £30/£22/£13, 0121 780 3333.

Wed 13 December MARCHES CHOIR Big Christmas Sing. Carols for choir and also audience participation.

St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £6, under 18s free, 01588 650448.

TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

OPEN MIC With Mike Longmore.

White Horse Inn, Clun.

TALON The best of the Eagles. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £22, 01873 850805.

CHRISTMAS PARTY With Blakes III. Norie’s Cafe, Church St, Leominster, £25 includes meal, please book in advance, 01568 612876.

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

Thurs 14 December SEMI ACOUSTIC/ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

BEAUX GRIS GRIS & THE APOCALYPSE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

BLACK BEAR KISS CHRISTMAS PARTY! Featuring James T Wilde, Plutonium, Future Fires, Leo Golden Child and Black Bear Kiss. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

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

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CLUN VALLEY JAZZ Featuring Elliott Sansom Trio with guest saxophonist Chris Young. The Discover Centre, Craven Arms, dinner 7.15pn, performance 8.30pm, music £12, £8 dinner, 01588 676060.

Please book.

RHYTHM THIEVES Wheatsheaf, High St, Shrewsbury.

OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

SONGS FOR THE STABLE A concert of festive music and readings for Christmas. St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £10, free for students, 01743 350342.

THE STRAYS The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE ENDINGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE CARNIVAL BAND Present ‘A Carnival of Carols’.

Medieval England to le jazz cool.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12.50, children £6, 01694 720132.

BROOME CUPBOARD BLUES BAND Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

CHARLOTTE JONES Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

OSWESTRY JAZZ ORCHESTRA Christmas party. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 8.30pm, free, donations welcome, 01691 662196.

BAD SPANIEL Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

LIVE MUSIC The Stag, Llanidloes.

UNCLE JIM Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

RED ETHEL The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

BLUES JAM The Rose and Crown, Church St, Ludlow, 8pm.

Sat 16 December BLACK HEART ANGELS Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE STRAYS Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

KINSTRIFE The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

CODE-X Christmas dance party. Linton Village Hall, near Ross, 7pm, pre-book tickets £10, 07974 484141.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Golden Gifts for All’. Songs and stories for Christmastide with Phil Smith. St Mary’s Church, Pembridge, 7.30pm, £10 includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pie, tickets from The Olde Steppes Village Shop, Pembridge or 01544 340381.

BOOK AND VINYL FAIR With live music. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 10am-4pm, 01691 662196.

SKYNT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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

OUT OF ORDER Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells.

JOHN KIRKPATRICK ‘Carolling & Crumpets’ Christmas Show. Song-telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable. Plus the mysterious goings on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire and feasting. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, £10, 01588 630023.

GARRY POTTER TRIO Musical wizard of swing. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 8pm, £8, 01691 662196.

TWO PUSH CHARLIE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

FORFEITS Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY ‘Merry Christmas from Around the World’, charity Christmas concert.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7pm, £8, under 18s free, 01584 878141.

BLIND EYE The Stag, Llanidloes.

SULTANA BROTHERS Sarn Village Hall, 8pm, ticket only £10 includes buffet, 01686 670943.

THE BLAST The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

CHRISTMAS CEILIDH Dancing, feet stomping and open to all ages. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £10, 01497 821762.

CUSTARD CONNECTION Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FRUIT MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

DAI ROBS CHRISTMAS PARTY With support from Frozen Cabin.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £7, 01686 614555.

Sun 17 December BRIDGET AND THE BIG GIRLS BLUES Queen’s Head, St James’ St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

RHYTHM THIEVES The Oak, Wigmore.

CAROLS BY THE PHONE BOX 7pm, with nibbles and mince pies after at The Oxford Arms, Kington.

LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roast. Local quartet plays well-known standards, latin and blues.

The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 12-3pm, 01584 872063.

PAUL DARKE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

CHRIS GREVE’S LOCAL BAND NIGHT The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 7pm, 01691 662196.

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

BURNS NIGHT Ceilidh with traditional supper and bar.

Kinnersley Castle, near Eardisley, 8pm, £15, advance tickets only from info@kinnersleycastle.co.uk or 01544 327407.

LIVE MUSIC Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

ACOUSTIC SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm.

Mon 18 December THE WHISKEY RIVER CAJUN QUARTET The Beehive, 112 Wellington Hill West, Bristol, 7.30pm, £12 on the door.

Tues 19 December OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

CASTLE VOICES Led by Sue Harris. Midwinter concert.

Wassails, rare carols and seasonal ditties with merry music, poems and tales for the longest night. Lydham Church, 7pm, £7, children free, refreshments, 01547 550158.

Raising funds for www.ammalife.org and local charities.

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

Thurs 21 December

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

Wed 20 December THE WHISKEY RIVER BOYS + BASS The Old Market Shopping Centre, Hereford, 5pm.

WHITTON VOICES Midwinter celebrations. Songs of great cheer and merry music with Sue Harris, Benji and George Kirkpatrick. Tales for the Solstice. St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne, £8, children free, refreshments, booking advisable, 01547 550158. Help Refugees charity.

DECEMBER MUSIC

Fri 1 - CALL OF THE KRAKEN Sat 2 - THE TROY REDFERN BAND Fri 8 - ROS ANGELES & JON BENGRY DJ Night Sat 9 - LAST TREE SQUAD Fri 15 - OPEN MIC Sat 16 - THE STRAYS Sun 24 - DREW Wed 27 - OPEN MIC Sun 31 - MEAN BUSINESS

JANUARY MUSIC

Sat 13 - JACK BRETT Fri 19 - OPEN MIC Sat 20 - BOONDOGZ Fri 26 - JOSH RYAN Sat 27 - PIG DAZE

Reet Petite, 18 West Street, Leominster

07484 545368

THE ULTIMATE PARTY BAND

LIVE AT THE CHARLTON ARMS, LUDLOW

NEW YEAR’S EVE SEE YOU THERE!!!

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Thurs 21 December FOLK NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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

NEIL IVISON Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

ROLLING STONES NIGHT The annual Stones tribute featuring Dave Luke, Dave Kirk, Bugsy and friends. The Duke’s Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR Christmas Concert. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

THE GOLD ROOM Malthouse, Ironbridge.

CHRISTMAS IN A BOWL Red Lion, Madley, £5, 01981 251696,

Sat 23 December

DREW Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

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

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

BON JOVI TRIBUTE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

MISS LED Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON Carol singing with Cadence from 1pm and Mince Pie Bake-Off at 3.45pm, plus guest appearances! Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Fri 22 December

THE XL’S The Stag, Llanidloes.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS High octane, rockabilly band.

The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

DAWSON Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

PARTY NIGHT Featuring Head Honcho. Charlton Arms, Ludlow, ticket only, £10, 01584 872813.

THE RONALDOS Housman’s Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

LUKE PHILBRICK & DAMON T Blues roots with a bit of folk. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local Quartet plays well-known standards, latin and blues. Christmas party menu available. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 872063.

THE ROOZE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE QUIRE The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762.

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

THE BACKBEAT THREE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICE ‘Light up a Life’ for St Michael’s Hospice. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, admission free but ticketed and must be booked in advance, 01432 374212.

CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICE ‘Light up a Life’ for St Michael’s Hospice. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, admission free but ticketed and must be booked in advance, 01432 374212.

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OPEN MIC CHRISTMAS SPECIAL The Stag, Llanidloes.

ACOUSTIC PHOENIX Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

ADAM HODSON Malthouse, Ironbridge.

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

Tues 26 December LEOMINSTER MORRIS The Mummers Play. The age-old dramatic battle of good and evil.

Featuring traditional and modern characters: St George & The Dragon, The Quack Doctor, Trump and Brexit.

The New Inn, Pembridge, 12 noon, www.leominstermorris.org PHIL COLLINS TRIBUTE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

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

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

Wed 27 December

THE BLACK HEART ANGELS King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

THE JENTS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

PHOENIX Vaga Tavern, Hereford.

Sun 24 December FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR Slippery Slope, Fabulous Festive Party Christmas Concert. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

LUCKY PIERRE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

NEIL REES Karaoke. Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

AMERICANA SESSION American country blues. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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

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

Thurs 28 December RETRIBUTION Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

FABULOUS FESTIVE PARTY Seasonal music quiz with John Hymas and Dave Luke. DJ Max from Super Sonic Disco. Live music featuring Slippery Slope. Fabulously fancy dress, bar, dance floor and cabaret seating. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £15 The Workhouse (only before Christmas), wegottickets.com or 01544 267163.

Raising funds for MBA.

OBSCURE Ticket only event. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE WHISKEY RIVER BOYS The Angel Inn, Grosmont, 10pm, free.

TONY HANCOX Supported by John Edwards. Fun, lively evening to see in the New Year.

Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm, free entry.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Howard and Clare.

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

FANCY FESTIVE PARTY! Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £15.

Fri 29 December LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

FLOYD EARL BAND The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

JOEY THE CROW Folk/rock, bluegrass, Celtic and a lot more. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 30 December KINSTRIFE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

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

Sun 31 December NEW YEAR’S EVE DISCO Vaga Tavern, Hereford.

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

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE GLOBE Featuring Sould, the local 8-piece soul and R & B band. The Globe, Hay-onWye, 8pm, £10 which includes a free glass of fizz on arrival. Food will also be available, 01497 821762.

TIPITINA Booking essential. Housman’s Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton, 01694 724441.

STONED LOVE The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford, ticket only, £5, 01432 358867.

SULTANA BROTHERS The Fighting Cocks, Stottesdon.

Ticket only, £20 to include buffet, 01746 718270.

PHOENIX Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, tickets only, on sale at the bar, 8pm, £6, including a glass of champagne, 01432 360250.

MEAN BUSINESS Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Live sets all night. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

JANUARY Mon 1 January 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.

Tues 2 January UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pre-booked tickets £10, 07970 343148.

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

Wed 3 January THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

Thurs 4 January OPEN MIC Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE ALMELEY STEADY SESSION Playing tunes at a pace to suit everybody from relative beginners at 8pm, then normal session at 10pm. The Bell Inn, Almeley, HR3 6LF, details almeleysteadysession.wordpress.com

HOT CLIMATE Ultimate party band. Charlton Arms, Ludlow, music only £20, meal and music £55, 01584 872813.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: PLUGGED IN King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

DEDICATED FOLLOWERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD Rock covers duo. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY With Groove City. A mixture of 70s and 80s. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 9pm, £35/£30 groups of 4 or more, includes hog/beef/nut roast, puds and a late bar, 01584 878141.

Fri 5 January

LIVE MUSIC The Stag, Llanidloes.

WHIRLWIND AND STAGGER Yew Tree, Peterstowe, 9pm.

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE New 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

AARDVARK CHRISTMAS FAIR - FREE ENTRY Sunday 10th December 10am-3pm Over 20 stalls, Kids Christmas Crafts, live Christmas Jazz from The Dutch Lewis Trio and free mulled wine.

XMAS OPENING HOURS

Aardvark Books is open every day as normal throughout the holiday season apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

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MELVIN HANCOX Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

LIVE MUSIC The Stag, Llanidloes.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

Sat 13 January LINTON WASSAIL With supper and entertainment. Upton Bishop Village Hall, 01989 780495.

LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

Fitty Gomash, 20 Jan

Fri 5 January LET’S GET QUIZZICAL The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

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

Sat 6 January MOJO KICKS King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

OUT OF ORDER Abbeycwmhir Village Hall, 9pm.

SHENANIGANS Featuring Speedgums. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

COALTRAIN Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

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

IN TRANSIT Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS The Wassail. The Herefordshire wassail ceremony plus morris, mumming and song. The Crown Inn, Dilwyn, 7pm, www.leominstermorris.org SONS OF YODA Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

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

Sun 7 January FIZZI DUO The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

MELVIN HANCOX BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

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WELSH NATIONAL OPERA ‘A Night in Vienna’. Programme includes Mozart and Weber. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 4pm, £15/£13.50, 01686 614555.

Tues 9 January BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Debs Hancock and Dave Jones Trio. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £10 on the door.

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

Wed 10 January TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

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

Thurs 11 January EBENZIL WEAZEL Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ERA Featuring Red Hot Boogie performing up-tempo versions of 50s and 60s hits.

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

ACOUSTIC/SEMI ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Fri 12 January OCD The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Dom Prag and The Kitchen Island Band. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

THE HEY YAHS Lively party band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £10, 01432 340555.

BAND OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves.

Drums and backline provided.

Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Luma. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

JACK BRETT Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

ELIAS STRING QUARTET Works by Schubert and Dvorak.

Ludlow Music Society, Moor Park, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £18, students £6 from Assembly Rooms, Ludlow or on the door.

STONED LOVE Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

BISHOP’S CASTLE ORCHESTRA Gala concert with an Italian Flavour.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £10, wine and Panettone included, 01694 720132.

WHITNEY QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Line-up of musicians and artistes.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £23, 01432 340555.

SONS OF YODA The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

SHENANIGANS Featuring Shackleton Trio. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

CATCH 22 Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

JEFF WILLIAMS ‘OUTLIER’ QUINTET World class US/UK quintet led by US drummer and composer Jeff Williams and saxophone star John O’Gallagher.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16, £8 under 22s, 01742 234970.

LONGTOWN WASSAIL Starting at Longtown Village Hall car park, 7pm.

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

MARTYN JOSEPH ‘The Welsh Springsteen’. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01982 552555.

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

ALL TONES King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Sun 14 January

HCA COLLEGE-LEVEL MUSIC GIG Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane, Hereford, 1pm and 7pm, tickets available on reception.

ROGER KENNAN The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Thurs 18 January

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR An afternoon of best in pop from the sixties to the present day. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3pm, tea and cakes, donations.

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT Yew Tree, Peterstowe, 7.30pm.

THE BUZZIN’ HORNETS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

LOS HONTRES Richmond Place Club, 69-71 Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 356529.

INNOVATION ENSEMBLE ‘Quintets at Twilight’. Programme includes Mozart, Vaughan Williams and Brahms. The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 01952 510375.

Tues 16 January VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

Wed 17 January THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

HOT ROD 55 Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

HCA COLLEGE-LEVEL MUSIC GIG Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane, Hereford, 1pm and 7pm, tickets available on reception.

FOLK NIGHT Irish/English traditional. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Fri 19 January WHISKEY RIVER The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE SYMBOLICS Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring The Fordsons. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

LIVE MUSIC The Stag, Llanidloes.

CALL OF THE KRAKEN King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

HAY MUSIC Featuring the Consone String Quartet performing works by Haydn, Beethoven, Boccherini and Mendelssohn.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £13, 01497 820322.

Sat 20 January DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366.

BOONDOGZ Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

FITTY GOMASH With years of experience and an ever growing set of wild tunes, both traditional and original, Fitty Gomash can keep your feet warm by dancing, for as long as you like. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £10 from The Workhouse and wegottickets.com LIVE MUSIC Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

HANNAH SANDERS AND BEN SAVAGE Folk. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £15/£12, 01432 340555.

LUCKY PIERRE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

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VAMPIRES ROCK Ghost Train. Take a ride through some of the greatest classic rock anthems.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26-£24, 01743 281281.

Vera Van Heeringen Trio

Sat 27 January LOCKED AND LOADED King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL CHOIR Accompanied by Marches Baroque.

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, 01432 374210.

PIG DAZE Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

MIDNIGHT IDOLS Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

Sat 20 January THREE LEGG’D MARE Featuring Jon Davies, Kate Saunders and Dafydd Eto. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £7, 01588 630023.

STEVE DAY BAND Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

Sun 21 January LIVE MUSIC Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

DAVE LUKE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Tues 23 January VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

JOE BROWN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29-£27, 01743 281281.

Wed 24 January AMERICANA SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

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

Thurs 25 January COUNTERFEIT STONES Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Howard and Clare.

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

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BURNS NIGHT Scottish music. Norie’s Cafe, Church St, Leominster, £18 includes meal, book in advance, 01568 612876.

SONIC HIGHWAY Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

PIGDAZE Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ONLY REIGN Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

THE COUNTERFEIT SEVENTIES Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

SHENANIGANS Featuring Rolly’s Syndicate, a soul/funk band from Birmingham. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Fri 26 January LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local Quartet plays well-known standards, latin and blues. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 872063.

JOSH RYAN Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster.

PAPRIKA BLUES BAND Crown and Anchor, Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

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

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

LIVE MUSIC The Plough, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

VERA VAN HEERINGEN TRIO Highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with firebrand virtuosity and poignant songs, playing in her watertight trio format featuring Dave Luke on guitar/vocals and double bass stalwart Andy Seward. Knighton Community Centre, 8pm, £10, 01544 350407, 01547 528315.

Sun 28 January

THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £25, 01432 340555.

BREW 22 The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Frankie Wesson. The Globe at Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

LIAM WARD BAND Blues. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

JESSICA LEE MORGAN Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

THE NEW PLANET ANIMALS The Stag, Llanidloes.

SOUTH SHROPSHIRE BLUES CLUB With support from Jack Brett and Blue Moon. Ludlow Brewery, 7.30pm. All profits to Cancer Research UK.

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

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

ANNETTE GREGORY: LADIES OF JAZZ Annette and her band will be performing some of the best loved jazz favourites. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £13, 01743 234970.

THE DELTA LADIES Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY Featuring New British Winds.

St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 3pm, £12 adults, £2 students, 01547 520756, www.knightonconcerts.co.uk WHISKEY RIVER BOYS The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC 600 years of music in 90 minutes starting with the Middle Ages and finishing on the eve of the First World War. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 3pm, £9, 01588 630023.

BUFFALO GALS Miraculous Medicine Show, with a combination of music and far-fetched spectacle while selling seeminly miraculous elixirs. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

SULTANA BROTHERS The Lichfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford, 4pm.

Fri 2 February

MARTYN JOSEPH A modern folk artist, his songs are pictures, and stories and feelings put to music and delivered by a master craftsman. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7,30pm, £18, 01743 281281.

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

Tues 30 January VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 9pm.

Wed 31 January THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, free, donations.

SULTANA BROTHERS Blues, rock. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

MONOCHROMES Yew Tree, Peterstowe, 9pm.

BUFFALO GALS See 1 Feb for details. Silvester Home Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

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

Sun 4 February BUFFALO GALS Steiner Academy, Much Dewchurch, 4pm, £10/£6, 01981 540221. Arts Alive.

Mon 5 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968.

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

CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £35-£25, 01743 281281.

Sat 3 February

Tues 6 February

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

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

FEBRUARY

BRIT POP Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

VO FLETCHER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm.

BUFFALO GALS Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£7, 01746 862104. Arts Alive.

Thurs 1 February

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

UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Wed 7 February THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Sun 28 January SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform. It is what you would have heard in rural parish churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Led by Sue Harris. FREE for newcomers! Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, Station Street. 2-5 pm. bosky@btinternet.com.

December THE HERMON CHAPEL WORKSHOPS 2 Dec - Country & Blues Guitar workshop with Brooks Williams, 2-4.30pm, £10. 9 Dec - Ukey Monster, Ukulele workshop for beginners, 1-3pm, £7. 16 Dec - Rick Wilson Drum Workshop, 12-2pm, £7. The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, 01691 662196.

Buffalo Gals, 1 - 4 Feb

Thurs 8 February THE ALMELEY STEADY SESSION Playing tunes at a pace to suit everybody from relative beginners at 8pm, then normal session at 10pm.

The Bell Inn, Almeley, HR3 6LF, details almeleysteadysession.wordpress.com

Music Workshops

Fri 1, 8 & 15 December BUZZY BEATS Join Mary Keith on a busy, beat-filled musical journey.

For under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am, £6, 01743 234970.

Mon 11 December ABAKWA!!

Funky conga and samba-inspired drumming, rhythm and percussion workshops, all welcome. Glangrwyney Village Hall, NP8 1EF, 7-8.30pm, £6/£5, under 16s £3.50, 07811 628247.

Tues 12 December LYDBURY NORTH COMMUNITY CHOIR Lydbury North Village Hall SY7 8EB, 2-4pm. All vocal abilities welcome - even if you haven’t sung for years. No ability to read music needed as songs are taught by ear. £12 per session. Kate on 01584 890284.

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

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

Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. To find out more contact Martin on 01694 722500.

Mondays BEAT IT - DRUMMING FOR DEMENTIA Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1-3pm, free, 07875 090946.

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

Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music. World, folk music, anything goes. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. Info: contact anniewood@myphone.coop 01568 369074.

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

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON We are a friendly community band which meets each week to practice drumming and have fun. Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, Village Hall just outside Brecon.

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

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

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

Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158.

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Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR for all melody instruments. Learn essential repertoire and take part in local pub sessions. This sociable course will develop your musicianship and understanding of folk traditions.

Expert guidance from tutor Kitty Greenwood. Booking essential. For full details contact Kitty 01584 841564 folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe, all taught by ear, led by Sue Harris. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7-8.30pm, £6, 01547 550158.

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

Wednesdays CON ANIMA Early music group based in Bishop’s Castle, singing renaissance and baroque music a capella and led by George Baker.

Contact Jaqueline jacquelinesw@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com

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

Beautiful chants from a variety of spiritual traditions, no need to be a ‘singer’, just sing from the heart, all welcome. Contact Mike: 01432 261222 mikejhadden@ gmail.com or www.karimandsusanne.co.uk First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

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

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

Sessions back next issue

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

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

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

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

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

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.

Charlie’s AutoRepair Service MOT’S £29.95 (cars & vans) Special Offer Aircon service £29.95 NO RE-TEST FEE, MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT, MOT WORK, SERVICING, RE-SPRAYS, BODYWORK, WELDING, RESTORATION, CAMBELT REPLACEMENT, FREE ESTIMATES All vehicles serviced & repaired

Tel. 01568 613100 Mob. 07702 528088 email: hotsax@hotclimate.co.uk Unit 10, Western Close, Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QD

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

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

Tel: Alan on 01686 627679 or 07580 940006.

BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com MARTIN BLAKE: Fingerpickin’ good guitar, banjo and vocals in a variety of line-ups from duo to 6 piece, including Whiskey River (5/6 piece electric Swamp Rock band) The Whiskey River Quartet (Acoustic 4 piece version), The Whiskey River Boys (duo version of the same), The Grass Snakes (6 piece Honky-Tonk Bluegrass Band with loads of harmony vocals), and Blakes III, (eclectic long standing trio with clarinet, fiddle, guitar & 3 part harmony vocals) - Pubs, Clubs, Parties, Weddings, Divorces etc. Contact: 07846 669890 or 01432 342018. Email: martin@martinblake.co.uk Website: www.martinblake.co.uk THE BUTCHER’S DOGS - Two crazy, high octane Irish Bluegrass Country Americana Rockabilly loving dudes with a lust for life have guitars, banjos and mandolins to bring a borderland Ho-Down to a place of your choice.

Will travel, have played in London, Liverpool, Bristol and Cardiff. Contact Toby 07870 781853, John 01544 230699, email eurolott@tiscali.co.uk 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.

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

DISKAN Breon-Irish-Balkan music, well established band with wide touring and festival experience, available for gigs, private events, ceilidhs, art’s centre performances.

Various formats available (from two to four musicians: flute, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, double bass, vocals).

Follow us on Facebook. Tel: 07588 858010. Email: imiletitch@aol.com FLATWORLD Roots ‘n’ grooves from Eastern Europe and beyond. Lively 5-piece band with magnificent tunes and kicking rhythm for your festival, wedding, party or pub. Also circle dancing with caller. Contact Neil on 01684 569611 or 07866 021489; www.flat-world.org.uk or email info@flat-world.org.uk

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

Contact Pa Fordson on 01981 241436 or email thefordsons@gmail.com GROOVE DYNAMITE ignites the fuse to your dancing shoes! This 8 piece function band brings explosive Soul, Funk and Disco to parties, weddings and special events, packing dance floors across Shropshire and surrounding counties. For bookings/enquiries email groovedynamite@ gmail.com, www.groovedynamite.co.uk or 07964 714754.

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

Viola, violin, accordion, saxophones, guitar, vocals and bass. 01547 520339 www.littlerumba.com MELOMANICS Principally a wacky Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopoloitan repertoire with engagingly humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out just how much fun a ceilidh really can be, either with separate caller or the minimal option with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich 01743 718612. Email tim@ melomanics.co.uk. Website www.melomanics.co.uk MUCH ADO - The band for your ceilidh or barn dance.

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

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

ObScUrE A multi-talented, well-rehearsed fun band.

With songs from Kings of Leon, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Stereophonics, Dire Straits, Peter Frampton, Oasis, Beatles, Rolling Stones and more. Blues to Ballads.

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

Tel: 07951 449658.

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

SAMBUCA Ludlow based acoustic trio, playing a nice mix of jazz standards, classic blues, sambas etc.

For more information call Richard 07974 399524.

SEAN SAYE Great acoustic music for all occasions, easy listening to singalong party. Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@yahoo.co.uk. Website www.seansaye.com.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band).

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

SOUL SUPPLY 6-piece soul, Motown and R & B Party Band. Guaranteed to turn your event into a hive of nonstop dance floor activity. Available for weddings, parties and corporate events. Full PA, lights, staging and disco as required. 079905 75531 or 01568 708868 www.soulsupplyband.co.uk info@soulsupplyband.co.uk SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan.

From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@hotmail.com STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@ live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com www.dgand2.wix.com/ thestonedcherries

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

Contact Edd, on 01432 769077, www.steadyedd.co.uk THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues.

Available for all types of events and celebrations.

Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014.

Email pppbrooks@gmail.com THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away. For bookings/enquiries contact Phil 07791 129391 or Adam 07855 037092. Website www.thesultanabrothers.vpweb.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/ thesultanabros THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song. Music from and inspired by the folk harmony, west gallery and shape note traditions all woven together with words and stories. Various shows available to book, including ‘Back to the Garden’ – life and hope in the trenches based on original letters from WW1 Herefordshire soldier and gardener William Bevan. “The Village Quire have become one of my favourite singing groups of all time ... (Frank Hennessy, Celtic Heartbeat, Radio Wales).

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

Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email vintagejazzrevival@gmail.com TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band. For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

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

01588 650686.

Band Directory

BROAD

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

sheep

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

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

DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month

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theatre A Christmas Carol, The Courtyard, Hereford

Mon 15 January METAMORPHOSIS SPLENDID PRODUCTIONS. Are you normal? Gregor Samsa is. He has a nice normal job and a nice normal family and a nice normal future to look forward to...

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Fri 26 & Sat 27 January & Sat 3 February FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNNIT ROB GEE. Jim’s wife, a patient on a dementia ward has died from what appears to be natural causes. Jim is a retired police detective and he smells a rat... Suitable for ages 14+. 26 Jan - Harley Village Hall, 8pm, £10, 01952 510422. 27 Jan - The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 7.30pm, £10/£5/£25, 01948 660660. 3 Feb - Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, 8pm, £10, 01743 235384. Arts Alive.

PERFORMANCE Thurs 7 - Sat 9 December RUPERT, THE RED-NOSED RAIN BEAR PRESTEIGNE PLAYERS. Written by Mary Compton and directed by Paul Clarke. Memorial Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Tickets from Winnies, Thurs £5, children £2, family £12, Fri & Sat £7, children £3, family £17.

Thurs 7 December THE WIZARD OF OZ ODDSOCKS. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, www.conquest-theatre.co.uk 01885 488575.

Fri 8 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A FOLK OPERA Green Matthews brings a brand-new retelling of this Yuletide adventure. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £14, under 16s £10, 01743 234970.

Fri 8 - Sun 10 December MRS BEETON, MY SISTER ALISON NEIL provides a lively retelling of the entertaining and moving story of Isabella Beeton’s surpring life and how she came to write the world-famous. ‘Book of Household Management’. 8 Dec - Brilley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£5 village Christmas party includes supper, 01544 327227. 9 Dec - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2.30pm, £10/£5, tea and cakes on sale, 01588 630321.

10 Dec - Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 5pm, £12/£8 includes Victorian tea, 01746 862850. Arts Alive.

Wed 31 January - Sat 3 February TEECHERS BLACKEYED THEATRE revives its highly-acclaimed production of John Godber’s classic comedy about life at a struggling ‘sing school’. Suitable for ages 11+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Thurs matinee 2.30pm, £16.50/£15, 01743 281281.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Sat 2 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A FOLK OPERA A brand-new retelling of the best loved Yuletide adventure of them all. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

Sun 3 December THE BEAR MID WALES OPERA. Experience opera like never before as MWO ‘Small Stages’ presents its first ever microchamber performances with a brand new version of this hilarious one-act comedy classic. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, £12 tickets from Courtyard Antiques, Presteigne or wegotttickets.com Tues 7 - Sat 11 December SISTER ACT HEREFORD MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. The hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £22-£20/£20-£18, 01432 340555.

Sat 9 December SNOW QUEEN NYP THEATRE GROUP PRODUCTION. A magical story set in a winter wonderland. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £9.50/£8.50, 01686 614555.

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Thurs 21 & Fri 22 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL EUROPEAN ARTS COMPANY. A heart-warming evening in the presence of the author himself! A Christmas Carol was the first public performance Charles Dickens gave of his own work. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £13, 01432 340555.

Mrs Beeton, My Sister

Sleeping Beauty, The Courtyard Theatre

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Until Sat 6 January SLEEPING BEAUTY As Princess Melody approaches her 18th birthday, a magical curse cast by the evil Hubbub during a childhood squabble hangs over her... The Courtyard, Hereford, £21-£10, phone for times, 01432 340555.

Until Sun 7 January SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Starring Shropshire’s favourite Dame, the hilarious Brad Fitt and the legendary Eric Smith (BBC Radio Shropshire).

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, phone for times, £24.50-£12, 01743 281281, www.theatresevern.co.uk Fri 1 & Sat 2 December ALADDIN EARDISLEY LITTLE THEATRE. A great night’s entertainment for all the family. Eardisley Village Hall, 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinee 2.30pm, £7, £3 children, tickets from Eardisley shop and 01544 327977.

Sun 17 December WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS 17 Grab the mistletoe to join Abergavenny’s amateur theatre companies as they celebrate the arrival of the festive season. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £8/£7, 01873 850805.

Thurs 14 & Wed 20 December THE WEST END AT CHRISTMAS Featuring hits from the musicals. 14 Dec - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £15/£13, 01874 611622.

20 Dec - Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Tues 16 January TONY STOCKWELL: AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21, 01432 340555.

Thurs 1 - Sat 3 February POPPYFIELDS THE MUSICAL A JOHN HOWARD PRODUCTION. A dramatic love story centred upon four principal characters, who play out their lives against the back-drop of a world at war. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £16, 01743 281281.

Thurs 18 & Fri 19 January CONSPIRACY Based on true events, Conspiracy tells the harrowing story of the meeting that changed the course of history. In 1942 fifteen Nazi officials met at lakeside manor in Wannsee, in the course of two hours these men decided the fates of eleven million ‘chosen people’. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £9, 01432 340555.

Mon 22 January THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: VOODOO An amazing amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts all woven into a sensational shock/horror story. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £26-£18, 01432 340555.

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Thurs 8 February EUGENE ONEGIN OPERAUPCLOSE. Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Eugene Onegin is a coming-of-age story, a requiem for lost innocence and triumphant celebration of hard-won independence. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 1 - Sun 3 December, Wed 6 - Sun 10 December AWFUL AUNTIE THE BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY. David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

1 - 3 Dec - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, £13, children £11, phone for times, 01686 614555. 6 - 10 Dec - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, £15/£13, phone for times, 01874 611622.

Sat 2 December ROBBIE’S SUPERSONIC ROCKET Suitable for ages 3-11 years. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 3pm & 6.45pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 9 - Sat 30 December LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD A joyous new twist to the classic tale of bravery, love, friendship and family. For children aged 7 and under and their families. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am & 2.30pm, £9/£8, family Saturdays £6, 01432 340555.

Wed 13 December FAIRYTALES IN REALITY THEATR WILDCATS. Favourite fairytales, the performance explores themes of money, food and relationships and whether we have control of these elements within our lives. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, £6.50, 01874 611622.

Wed 13 - Sun 17 December CINDERELLA ROOFTOP THEATRE AND LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS. Taking the traditional story and giving it a good shake ‘till all the Buttons come off. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 1pm (except 15 Dec) & 7pm, 01584 878141.

Fri 15 - Sun 24 December SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WISH Festive fun with this interactive, musical adventure.

Perfect for children aged 2-7 years old. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, phone for times, £11, family £39, 01743 281281.

Wed 20 - Sun 24, Tues 26 - Sun 31 December BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Magical pantomime based on the children’s classic tale.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, phone for times, 01584 811442.

Little Red Riding Hood

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

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

Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994.

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

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

Thurs 21 December SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WISH A festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for ages 2-7 year olds. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm, £10.50/£9.50, 01686 614555.

Thurs 28 - Sun 31 December, Tues 2 - Sat 6 January JACK AND THE BEANSTALK With a classic blend of chart topping songs and comedy gags this is an un-missable Christmas treat for all the family. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, phone for times, £14/£12/£49, 01874 611622.

Fri & Sat 29/30 December & 5/6 January THE SLEEPING BEAUTY CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, see website for full details, www.conquest-theatre.co.uk 01885 488575.

Thurs 18 - Sat 27 January JACK AND THE BEANSTALK LADS. Annual pantomime. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, no evening performance on 21, 22 & 23 Jan, Sat & Sun matinees 2.30pm, £10, children £6 07967 517125.

Sat 20 January A REAL ALIEN ADVENTURE Amelia Buttersnap, investigator of all things unseen and mysterious, inventor of gadgets wants to prove that aliens really do exist... The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £7.50, 01432 340555.

Sat 20, Sun 21, Tues 23 - Sat 27 January ALADDIN THE WESTENDERS bring a show full of comedy, energetic musical numbers with mesmerizing scenery and special effects. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, phone for times, £13/£45, 01874 611622, Thurs 8 & Fri 9 February DEAR ZOO Best-selling book by Rod Campbell now brought to life on stage. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

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.

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

Wednesdays - Llandrindod Wells. Thursday - Rhayader.

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

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.

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word Rich Hall’s Hoedown

Sat 9 December LLANDOD LAUGHS Line up includes Angela Barnes, Harriet Dyer, Kate McCape plus compere Karen Bayley. Pavilion Mid Wales, Spa Rd, Llandrindod Wells, £10/£8, £12 on the door, 01597 258118.

Tues 12 December TELFORD COMEDY CLUB’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Featuring Dave Dinsdale, Billy Maguire, The Boys from the All-Night Chemist, Stu Woodings, Theresa Farlow, Laura Monmoth, Tim Hoskins, Rob Mitchell, Roger Swift and MC’s Paul and Andy Nightingale. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 8pm, show only/meal-only options, 01952 610888.

Tues 9 January TELFORD COMEDY CLUB - COMEDY AND CURRY Featuring Thomas Rackham, Matt Richards and Freddie Farrell plus compere Phil Pagett. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7pm, show only/meal-only options, 01952 610888.

Sat 20 January KEN DODD - THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW A tattiferlarius evening of laughter and songs from opera to ballads presented by a comedy genius and his guests.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7pm, £25, 01686 614555.

Poetry & Storytelling Fri 8 December BLAST! STORYTELLING SERIES The Empty Hand with Daniel Morden. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, £7, 01588 630023.

Mon 11 December POETRY IN PRESTEIGNE Our final session this year, headed by the exceptional Welsh poet Robert Minnhinnick, 2017 nominee for the T.S. Eliot Prize for poetry and well known local poet Steve Griffiths. A reading to relish set in the oak-panelled dining room of the Radnorshire Arms including a seasonal twist.

7.30pm. On the door £5 / £2 students. Spaces limited, seat reservation advised, 01544 267418, www.poetryinpresteigne.org Supported by Literature Wales.

Comedy Fri 1 December RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN The UK based American comedian presents a withering dissection of Trump’s America that ends as a celebration of Americana. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £17, 01874 611622.

Fri 1, 8, Sat 9, Fri 15, Sat 16 December & Fri 26 January HEINEKEN COMEDY CLUB With fast-witted comedians and a lively atmosphere.

For ages 18+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £12.50, 01432 340555.

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Fri 8 December ANDY PARSONS Worried about worrying? Come and have a laugh about it.

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 8pm, £15, 01873 850805.

Sat 27 January JENNY ECLAIR Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Tues 6 February JIM DAVIDSON - ON THE ROAD AGAIN The comedian returns with a new show which promises to be the antidote to this ‘PC’ world we now live in. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24, 01743 281281.

Sun 4 February JUNIOR JESTERS Featuring Cerys Nelmes, Dan Nightingale and Alistair Barrie. For children, parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4pm, £7.50, family £25, 01743 281281.

Talks Tues 5 December & Tues 6 February THE ARTS SOCIETY : BRECKNOCK 5 Dec - Christmas Special, a talk by Peter Medhurst on ‘That Pretty Little German Toy: Musings on the Christmas Tree’. 6 Feb - ‘The Paintings and Watercolours of Ireland’, a talk by Tom Duncan. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £8, 01874 611622.

Tues 12 December LAW, LIFE AND LANDSCAPE LECTURE ‘Conservation of the Great Charters: Magna Carta as Material Culture’, by Chris Woods. College Hall, Hereford, 7pm, £10 from cathedral website or shop.

Tues 12 December, Tues 9 January & Tues 13 February THE ARTS SOCIETY: HEREFORD 12 Dec - ‘Fabulous Frocks & The Famous People Who Wore Them’, a talk by John Travis. 9 Jan - ‘For the Love of Animals & Nature: The Art of Franz Marc’, a talk by Maureen Schild. 13 Feb - ‘Burlington House & The History of the Royal Academy of Arts’, a talk by Stephen Richardons. The Ballroom, The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 2.15pm, £9, 01568 797703.

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage Sat 2 Dec, 3pm & 6.45pm

ROBBIE’S SUPERSONIC ROCKET Suitable for 3-11 years of age.

Thurs 7 Dec, 7.30pm Oddsocks present THE WIZARD OF OZ Fri 8 Dec, 7.30pm Folk in the Foyer ANN DUGGAN & ROB HINE Fri & Sat 29/30 Dec, Fri & Sat 5/6 Jan Conquest Productions present THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (See website for times and full details) Fri 12 Jan, 7.30pm Folk in the Foyer

DOM PRAG & THE KITCHEN ISLAND BAND

Live Broadcasts Sun 10 Dec, 2pm

NUTCRACKER (Royal Opera House) Sun 31 Dec, 4pm

BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER New Year’s Eve Concert Thurs 11 Jan, 7pm

YOUNG MARX (National Theatre) Tues 16 Jan, 7.15pm

RIGOLETTO (Royal Opera House) Tues 23 Jan, 7.30pm

CEZANNE (Exhibition on Screen) Sat 27 Jan, 5.55pm

TOSCA (Met Opera)

Films

All films 7.30pm, £7/£6 Fri 1 Dec

ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON (12A) Fri 15 Dec DUNKIRK POSTPONED UNTIL 2 FEB Fri 19 Jan

HAMPSTEAD (12A) Fri 26 Jan

VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG)

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

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Wed 13 December LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY A talk by Sarah Arrowsmith on Hereford’s Mappa Mundi.

Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3.

Gregg Wallace

Tues 19 December & Tues 16 January GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP 19 Dec - Don Balkwill presents 20 old household and country gadgets to identify, followed by the group’s annual bring-and-share Christmas party, all welcome.

16 Jan - Dr Ann Benson talks on the historical and architectural history of Troy House, Monmouth. Both start at 7.30pm, £4 for non-members, 01981 580002.

Sat 6 January MID WALES RALLY FORUM Featuring some of the world’s top rally stars. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 6.30pm, £15, 01686 614555.

Wed 10 January CHARLES DOWDING Charles Dowding gives an illustrated talk on healthy soil and easier harvests, followed by a Q & A session.

Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 3pm, £10, limited places, please book in advance, 01547 550377.

Wed 17 January LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY SOCIAL John Abel Room, Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, finger buffet, bring your own drink, £8, booking with payment essential, email donald.millar@yahoo.co.uk

Wed 24 January SOUTH WEST GARDENING CLUB ‘The Work of the Royal Horticultural Society’, a talk by Elizabeth Banks. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5 including refreshments, 01588 680454.

Sat 20 January GREGG WALLACE: GREG ON FOOD An evening of anecdotes, and behind the scenes tales of BBC’s MasterChef and more. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21, VIP tickets £40, 01432 340555.

Thurs 24 January WELLINGTON PARISH HISTORY SOCIETY ‘The Listed Buildings of Wellington’. Wellington Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01432 839109.

WEA HEREFORD BRANCH Adult Courses starting January 2018

Charity No. 1112775

Lively courses led by experts 6 - 8 week morning courses in Hereford City 18th C European Paintings: Narrative & domestic Virgil’s Aeneid Poetry & Music Local Geology Restoration & Georgian Herefordshire (Monday evenings) Fee waiver available for income related benefits, please ask for details

Study Day 10am-4pm Sat 14th April Beginners’ Introduction to Handwriting 1550-1700.

At HARC, Rotherwas, Hereford Advance booking for all courses and study day is essential to ensure a place.

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For information or to book, call 01531 634460 or 01981 251801.

Full programme at Herefordshire Libraries or email herefordbranch@wea.org.uk

Workshops & Courses Tues 12 December DEATH CAFE Run by Mollie Lord, this group encourages tackling the complex ideas that surround death. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, mlord10@btinternet.com December & January WEA COURSES AND STUDY DAYS 8 Jan - Mistakes we Make in Thinking with Viryanaya Ellis, 4 sessions, Leominster Community Centre, 10am12pm, £30. 10 Jan - Songs of Praise with Martyn Moxley, 8 sessions, Baptist Church, Ledbury, 2-4pm, £60.

11 Jan - The Poetry of Philip Larkin with Joy Roderick, 7 sessions, Trinity Parish Room, Ledbury, 1.30-3.30pm, £52.50. 15 Jan - The Novels of Anne Bronte with Gillian Fothergill, 7 sessions, Leominster Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52.50. 16 Jan - The History of the River Severn as a Commercial Waterway with Gareth Davies, 5 sessions, Leominster Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm, £37.50. 16 Jan - Modern History Discussion Group, 6 sessions, Trinity Parish Room, Ledbury, 10.30am-12pm, £15. 16 Jan - The Russian Revolution: A CEntury On - Hammering the Square Peg Home! with Gerald Brooke, 4 sessions, Trinity Parish Room, Ledbury, 2-4pm, £28. 17 Jan - Narrative and Domestic Paintings in the 17th Century with Allen Fisher, 7 sessions, Leominster Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52.50.22 Jan - Painting in 18th Century Europe: Narratie and Domestic with Allen Fisher, 7 sessions, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Belmont Rd, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52.50. 22 Jan - Restoration

and Georgian Herefordshire with David Whitehead, 8 sessions, 7-9pm, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Belmont Rd, Hereford, £60. 23 Jan - Poetry and Music with Richard Willmott, 8 sessions, Office Q, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Belmont Rd, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £60. 23 Jan Local Geology with Paul Olver, 6 sessions, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Belmont Rd, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £45.

23 Jan - Contemporary Art in Europe and America: late Modernist Art with Allen Fisher, 6 sessions, Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall, 2-4pm, £45. 24 Jan - Volcanoes in Action - A Planetary Perspective with Paul Olver, 7 sessions, Baptist Church, Ledbury, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52.50.

24 Jan - Virgil with Thomas Roderick, 7 sessions, Kindle Centre, ASDA, Belmont Rd, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52.50. 27 Jan - Buddhism in Practice Study Day with Lyn Goswell, Trinity Parish Room, Ledbury, 10.30am4.30pm, £20. Enquiries: wealeominster@gmail.com”.

Brochures available at Herefordshire Libraries or phone 0300 303 3464, www.wea.org.uk STORY SPACE - Storytelling Workshops and also Creative Writing; Coaching; CPD Training for Educators, and group or individual tuition in Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing. www.storyspace.co.uk or email info.storyspace@gmail.com 2nd & 4th Saturdays WELSH CHATTING GROUP CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 10.15am-11.45am, 01597 810741.

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am-11am, £4 per session, £1 per extra child, 01432 340555.

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

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

Every 3rd Tuesday PLAY READING Led by Simon and Paul of Rooftop Theatre. All scripts provided. The Sitting Room, Ludlow, 7.30pm, email paul@rooftoptheatre.co.uk Fourth Tuesday SCIENCE CAFÉ New, informal group discussing scientific topics. The Globe in Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome. Contact sciencecafe@outlook.com First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

2nd Wed of each month MID WALES WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths of all kinds.

Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £2.50, 01982 552555.

2nd & 4th Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues.

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

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

Presteigne Writers’ Circle, Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne 3rd Tues, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm.

01544 260255 Tenbury Writers’ Group 2nd Tues, 7:30pm.

The Kings Head, Cross St. 07400 084794.

Border Poets 01547 530380.

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grass roots The case of the missing cod fish – or was that haddock?

T

HE signs are that greenhouse gases emissions have lurched upwards again, after several level flat years.

But not all of those gases stay in the air above our heads. The main global warming gas, carbon dioxide, is making the oceans more acidic. Around a quarter of the carbon dioxide we emit from our cars, homes and power stations ends up in the sea, where it becomes carbonic acid.

Since the start of the industrial revolution, the acidity of ocean surface waters has gone up by more than 25%.

A recent big study by 250 scientists, headed from a leading ocean research centre in Kiel, Germany, found that this rise in acidity was a real threat to important food species.

In particular, the so-called Bioacid project judged cod to be at grave risk. It said ocean acidification might prevent up to 90% of young cod reaching adulthood.

And that would make it a huge threat to fisheries on both sides of the Atlantic.

That might well come as a surprise because it’s only a few months since North Sea cod was declared to be back on the menu in Britain after many years in which stocks were gravely depleted. The Marine Stewardship Council awarded the fish “sustainable” status, for the first time in twenty years.

In earlier decades North Sea cod numbers had plunged so low that any cod you found in the shops might well have been caught as far away as the Barents Sea. Now, some claim, closer to Britain, cod are bouncing back.

And not just cod. The Marine Stewardship Council - the MSC – has made encouraging noises also about North Sea haddock. A council spokesman said, “You can choose MSC certified Scottish haddock for your Friday night fish and chips with a clear conscience.”

The council draws income from the fishing industry through the scheme it operates to certify fish as sustainable. In a few cases critics have suggested that this has led it to endorse some fisheries where there is a risk of over-fishing. But the MSC retains backing from WWF, whose worldwide efforts to protect wildlife tend to make it a trusted campaign group.

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It turns out that the Marine Conservation Society judged that last year populations of fish in these haddock fisheries had dropped to a dangerously low level. It felt that in these areas numbers of haddock of breeding age needed urgently to be boosted. Hence it could no longer recommend them as sustainable.

On this topic the two bodies were just not on the same page. If you read the small print about estimated cod and haddock numbers around Britain, you may well conclude that, in some areas, far from bouncing back, they are under real pressure. Mark Kurlansky, author of a history of cod, said a few months ago that “spawning stock of North Sea cod…is still far smaller than historic North Sea stocks, or even what it was in 1970.”

Overall, since the 1970s, politicians have often backed fishing fleets in their efforts to land far bigger catches than scientists thought was prudent. But is it only we Europeans who have made a hash of conserving our fish stocks? No. The most dramatic Atlantic fishery collapse, around Newfoundland, took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

While cod stocks there were falling to around 1% of historic levels, the Canadian government was lethargic.

Eventually in 1992 it moved, far too late, to close the whole fishery. In the biggest layoffs in Canadian history, 38,000 people were thrown out of work. While cod numbers have recently begun to recover a little, they’re still only a quarter of the levels of the early 1980s.

Another fish protection body has also had something to say. The Marine Conservation Society, based in Rosson-Wye, has a grading system, giving marks out of five for almost any fish you can think of. If a fish gets a 1 or a 2, it means they rate it sustainable, and not in danger of a catastrophic collapse. But ratings of 3, 4 and 5 are various gradations of “avoid”.

And in the last two years it’s emerged that, further south, cod stocks in the Gulf of Maine have also collapsed. They dropped to around 4% of 1980s levels, say New England officials. Here climate change played an important part. The seas in this part of the Atlantic have warmed very fast, stressing these cold water fish.

As one marine scientist put it, “At the top of the world, as oceans are warming, a whole bunch of species have nowhere to go.”

The society revealed in March this year that it was downgrading three haddock fisheries in the North Sea and the West of Scotland. They were no longer on its green list of fish that could be eaten without concern.

Hang on a minute! Didn’t the other marine body just say we can eat these fish without feeling guilty?

But global warming shouldn’t be used as an excuse to let the fishing industry off the hook. Rather it’s another reason why conservation measures need to be ramped up further, to prevent the total destruction of some key fish stocks. In some places, however, it may already be too late.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events Sun 3 December BECOME A HABITAT HELPER - BUTTERFLY WORK GROUP Join Amanda Apps and Rhona Goddard for a butterfly special to give the meadows a little TLC. All ages and abilities welcome. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

Thurs 7 December GREENPEACE & THE GLOBE Informal meeting of local activists and supporters.

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 821762.

December HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 3 Dec - Wildlife Watch Club: Christmas Crafts, 12.30-2.30pm, Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, £2.

6 Dec - Life of a Hedgerow, talk by Tim Kaye, The Hub, St Peter’s Church, Peterchurch, 7pm, free.

7 Dec - Bromyard Downs, a Commoner’s View, talk by James Hawkins, 7.30pm, £3.

7 Dec - Unusual Herefordshire Plants, a talk by Peter Garner, Christ Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £3.

9 Dec - Woodland Management Workshop (part of Living Well project). Join Moreton Wood, have a go at using hand tools to coppice trees, learn about different woodland products and have a go at splitting wood and weaving.

Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, 10am-4pm, bring a packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing/footwear, free, booking essential, 01981 550043.

14 Dec - All About Mistletoe, Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore, 10.30am-12.30pm, £20.

Full details 01432 356872.

Thurs 14 December ECO SPIRIT CAFE An informal monthly meeting for people interested in spirituality and our connection to the environment. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, paultrees@btinternet.com December & January KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST KTAT manages woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. Volunteer with us to learn about woodland management and associated skills such as preparing, storing and seasoning firewood. 10, 14 Dec, 7, 11, 25 Jan Coppicing hazel & thinning birch, Beggar’s Bush; 25 Jan Tree planting near Knighton. For more information please contact: woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg. org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project Wed 10 January NO DIG ABUNDANCE & FEWER WEEDS An illustrated talk by Charles Dowding on how to encourage soil life and enjoy easier harvests, followed

by Q & A. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £6/£4.50, 01432 340555.

Sat 27 January LLOYD AND ROSE BUCK: OUR LIFE WITH BIRDS A rare opportunity to meet Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, hawks, owls, starlings and many more.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £15.50/£13.50, 01432 340555.

Sat 3 February HEREFORD SEED SWAP Stalls, a talk by Chris Collins at 11.30am, tool sharpening. Tools for Self Reliance and more.

The Courtyard, Hereford, free, contributions gratefully received! www.swapseeds.org.uk 01531 671004.

Dr Matthew Faull BSc MSc DClinPsy Chartered Clinical Psychologist Psychodynamic Psychotherapist Over 20 years NHS professional experience working with adults. Highly trained and experienced in using evidence based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve life goals.

Sessions available in Ludlow and Leintwardine.

Please contact by email to arrange free initial phone conversation: mfaull@btinternet.com

Larry Wright - Life Coach Coaching by audio skype, whatsapp and phone.

First conversation free Celebrate who you are.

Resolve to be more of yourself. www.larrywrightcoaching.com

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complementary therapies Disclaimer. We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practitioners. Broad Sheep does not endorse any of the practitioners or healing methods listed. We provide no recommendation and take no responsibility for their content.

ACUPUNCTURE & HOLISTIC THERAPY with Joanna Bruce RGN. Over 30 years experience treating chronic pain, allergies & longterm health conditions. Cosmetic acupuncture also available. Sessions available at Leominster Osteopaths & in Kingsland. Registered & insured with BAcC & NMC. Tel: 01568 709142 or text 07984 460969.

ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Leominster HR6 8QJ. Individual lessons with Janet Jameson MSTAT. 01568 613467.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE IN HAY-ON-WYE. Philippa Morrell BA, Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. Please visit my website for more information about me and the Alexander Technique, www.philippamorrell. co.uk. To make an appointment contact me online at philippa@philippamorrell.co.uk, or ring 01497 821355.

ALLERGY &/OR FOOD INTOLERANCES? Find out the complete picture by having a blood test to help you make the best choices for your health. Enquiries: 01568 709142.

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 CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & REGISTERED PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST With over 20 years professional NHS experience. Help with difficulties including: depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, eating disorders, trauma, sexual abuse, self-esteem, work stress, adjusting to change, losses or disability, parenting problems, health related fears, personality issues, self-harm, bi-polar, relationship difficulties and more, please ask. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals. I now offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. 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.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE New location

Group classes and individual tuition Stapleton Yoga Studio Marie Hudson 01544 260352

www.theyogapractice.org.uk

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CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY Specialist in treating & assessing children & young people with mental health or behavioural issues or dealing with distressing situations.

I also offer support to parents, carers and adopters (providing them with a space to think separately about their children) or work with parents/carers and children together. I am also able to help mothers and babies with attachment issues. I can provide supervision to other therapists, consultations and training to professionals. I can provide services at the Family Place in Hay-on-Wye and Hereford, I can provide services throughout the area. ACP accredited. Valérie Mortin BSc. 07961 885646 or Email: vivalavie@yahoo.com COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello!

CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low self-esteem and more.

I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 01544 350384 or www. cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor COUNSELLING IN LUDLOW area. Talk in complete confidence, with warmth and without judgement, with Julia Walling BA(Hons), PGCE, Dip.EH.P.NLP (BHR), MAC. In private practice for 25 years, I am trained in a wide variety of therapies and combine them to meet your needs. Clients consistently report improvements in wellbeing within a few sessions. Panic/anxiety specialist. Short and long term for individuals, couples and families. 01584 874636 07796 596451 julia.walling@btinternet.com and www.juliawalling.co.uk COUNSELLING & MINDFULNESS COACHING with Matthew Ward MBACP, Accredited Mindfulness Trainer.

I provide a safe and confidential counselling service to explore the challenges that life can bring such as loss and anxiety.

I also offer individual mindfulness coaching and run regular courses locally. 01568 708836 or 07982 466224 marchesmindfulness.co.uk CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair.

Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk DRUM MANTRA MEDITATE Lead by Roise (roe-sha) On the first Thursday of the month 9.50am - 11am. £8 It’s fun, it energises the body and calms the mind.

Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells EMOTIONAL THERAPY: Anne Cummings MFETC (Adv Dip) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with sufferers of panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/ loss, anxiety and attachment issues. Centres in Powys/south Shropshire. See also www.thewritetofeel.com for forthcoming workshops and talks.

HEALING in Bishops Castle. Soul Healing can help you create Positive Change by removing energy blockages which may be causing physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties.

Contact Philomena Houlihan-Wood B.A. (Dublin), Cert.

E.S.H., Dip. Counselling (Wales). Tel: 01588 638242. Email: philomena@soul-healing.net. Web: www.soul-healing.net HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics at Hereford Centre for Natural Health and Monmouth Natural Health Centre. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing.

Based on their individual symptoms, the homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. Clinics in Llandrindod Wells, Kington and Presteigne. 01597 851021.

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM COACHING Explore and integrate all aspects of your Mental Health/Spiritual Emergence through working towards living your fullest potential!

Optimise your transformation with 3/6month/1year packages.

Get in contact with me, Caroline, for a Free Consultation session: www.wearedivinebeings.com or 07749 232366 KAY FLETCHER COUNSELLING, BAHons, FdSc Counselling, Reg. MBACP. As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I offer confidential counselling to children from my private practice in Leintwardine, or in schools locally, and also to adults and couples. I am trained to offer a range of holistic therapies including Life Coaching, Energy Healing and Hypnotherapy, which can help with stress, relaxation and decision making processes. For a friendly chat about how I may be able to help you, or to book an appointment, please contact me on 01547 540899, email kay@kayfletchercounselling.co.uk or visit www.kayfletchercounselling.co.uk LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE: Qualified therapists offer acupuncture, structural re-alignment, medical herbal medicine, remedial and holistic massage, reflexology, McTimoney chiropractor, craniosacral therapy, reiki, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour and couple counselling, hypnotherapy, health kinesiology, nutrition at the Leominster Natural Health Centre, Community Centre, Leominster, 01568 616411, www.leominstercommunitycentre.com.

MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation.

Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford.

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage.

Clinics in Presteigne (The Retreat) and Llandrindod Wells (Rock Park) or at your workplace or event. Contact: marian@ silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy. co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk PRESTEIGNE NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Offers a wide range of Natural therapies including: Osteopathy, Chiropody, Acupuncture, Remedial & Swedish massage, Reiki, Homeopathy, Emmett Technique, Kinesiology, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Counselling, Cranio Sacral Therapy. Visit our website www.presteignenhc.com or facebook page. To make an appointment, call the therapist - numbers on the website or email pnhc2014@gmail.com REFLEXOLOGY &/OR MASSAGE Combination treatments available. Reflexology helps to identify and restore energy to imbalances and health issues helping the body to heal itself, helps regulate sleep and eating habits. - Jo Davies ITEC 01544 267100 or 07876796885. Clinic in Presteigne, home visits considered.

RELAXING, RESTORATIVE MASSAGE in Mid Wales and beyond for stress, anxiety, illness or bereavement with Kirsten Hubmann (MTI) qualified Holistic Massage Therapist at The Retreat, The Workhouse, Presteigne Industrial Estate, LD8 2UF. Contact 07860 156615, khubmann@hotmail.com for enquiries or to book a treatment.

Call us now on 01568 610610 web: www.leominsterosteopaths.co.uk email: enquiries@leominsterosteopaths.co.uk Westbury Court, Westbury Street, Leominster, HR6 8NT (opposite the bus station)

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RELAX & RECHARGE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Are you a caring person who has an overwhelming need to help others but you are fed up of feeling overwhelmed, stressed and tired all the time and like you’re running on empty but can’t stop? Afraid of BURN OUT because you have nothing in reserve anymore and powerless to change anything? Then you are invited to come along to weekly meetings where I will be your guide: Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm £10; And/ or monthly, Second Monday each month 10am to 1pm, £30.

You will then: understand why Self Care is a necessity, not a luxury; find yourself surrounded by people just like you who also care deeply and need to take better care of themselves first and together you’ll feel more supported, increase your energy, inner peace and well-being and feel more like yourself again and give yourself permission to relax, recharge and reflect. Sound good? Contact me: 01568 709194/07792 256 451 or email: karenrobinson67@live.co.uk. www.karen-robinson.com SMALL GROUP PILATES LESSONS with Body Control Pilates teacher Jane Prady. For posture, stability, flexibility and relaxation. Classes available in Presteigne, Bartestree, Burghill & Bransford. All equipment provided. Private lessons can also be arranged. Booking essential as spaces are limited.

Please email for more information info@janeprady.com or visit www.janepradypilates.com.

SOUND BATH WITH ROISE (roe-sha) On the third Tuesday of the month 7 - 9 pm. Roise plays gentle sounds for groups for healing and relaxation. £12, or £10 with a friend. Roise also offers individual treatments. Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells.

SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299.

SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 26 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

Workshops

Fri 17 - Sun 19 November WINTER SOUL HUSBANDRY With Matthew Trustman. A workshop to explore compassionate self-care through creativity and deep listening. Hill Cottage Retreats, Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, 01547 520044.

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Fri 8 December & Fri 5 January SILENCE AND STILLNESS Find your inner calm and power from practising silence and stillness. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-2pm, payment by donation, 01547 550377.

Sat 6 January MEDITATION Guided meditation, led by two experienced teachers. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12.30pm, payment by donation, 01547 550377.

BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION CLASSES IN HEREFORDSHIRE Led by members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. HEREFORD Mondays, Near LEDBURY Wednesdays, LEOMINSTER Thursdays. All classes 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Give what you can, suggested donation £5. All welcome.

More details from matthew@adhisthana.org 01531 641726 or Meg 01432 830322. Text 07980 892653.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY: Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs.

Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.rowanmconegal.co.uk or 01531 670075.

EVENTS IN THE YURT BUILTH ROAD, 17 RAILWAY TERRACE, LD2 3RH Drum and Song Circle 1st Friday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Bring drums, rattles, songs, no experience necessary. Shamanic Exploration 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm journeying for guidance, wisdom and healing for self and others. Our groups are held in sacred space.

Cost is £10, £8, £6 depending on income. For further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272.

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

Mondays YOGA With Lisa Arundale, 5.15-6.15pm.

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01686 413608.

Wednesdays KUNDALINI YOGA AND MEDITATION CLASSES 9.30-11am, The Everest Hall, Llanfairwaterdine. £7 a class. Everyone welcome. Suitable for beginners. Please bring water, blanket, cushion and yoga mat if you have one. Contact Kirsten for enquiries, 07860156615 / khubmann@hotmail.com