Broad Sheep Dec/Jan 2014-15

BROAD sheep dec-jan 2014/15

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

Meet your new Santa

T

HE only play I ever wrote that got performed was about Santa’s reindeer. It crept on stage about 25 years ago as part of the annual Presteigne Pantomime, (this year, ‘The Fairly Grimm Evening or a Knight to Remember’ 11-13 Dec). My pantomime featured a bunch of Santa’s reindeer sitting round moaning about their job and the state of the world. When children first stop believing in Santa a lot of their scepticism centres around not whether or not they spotted their mum or dad creeping into the bedroom late at night on Christmas eve, but on the patent absurdity of reindeer being able to a) fly. b) land on slippery roofs. c) manage in one evening to get round all the children in the world.

I was thinking about this when it occured to me that for the first time in history it is almost possible for Santa to actually get round all the children in the world and that maybe the time is right for a bit of a Santa revival. Yes folks, it’s the wonderful world wide web again. With the best will in the world, the reindeer were never really up to the job, but with a really good data base and a decent iMac there is no reason why Santa can’t email something to all the little kiddies in the world. It makes perfect sense and since nobody else has done it there is absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t get the job of Father Christmas myself.

You probably appreciate at my age and with my work experience, a couple of R & B bands and misguided belief in electric bikes, I’m never going to be President of the United States or the 2015 Formula 1 champion, but I could be Santa Claus!

A quick google search reveals there are already a couple of online pretenders, but with their crappy graphics and dubious intentions I can’t see ‘santa.net’ or ‘claus.com’ causing me too many problems. The main thing is to get the presents out on time. I realise that this is all going to be a bit tough for kids that haven’t got computers, but what the hell, they should get off their arses and get a proper job and stop thinking the world owes them a living. As for the rest, I’m thinking about what would be the best thing to send them. Obviously the old system where you went to some crappy department store and sat on Santa’s knee, (unpleasant sexual overtones), told him what you wanted (a massive Scalextric track and cars) and then imagined he was going to rush out, buy it for you and then come and land on the roof of your 1950’s council house with a load of very tired reindeer, climb down your chimney (not swept since last spring), trail across your folk’s new taupe (brown) Cyril Lord carpet (from only 28s 6p a square yard) and then creep upstairs and bung it on your bed, is very redundent.

I’m thinking that every kid should get more or less the same choice of presents.

I’m thinking something arty and uplifting. Something that they will appreciate as they get older. Maybe a painting or a song, or a story all of which I can easily email.

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4 Also it should be something that I like because this is all just as much about giving Hugh’s bit 6 as receiving. So, bear with me on this. I think I’m going to go for ‘Lord of the Flies’ as the story. That’s about kids, they’re bound to like that. I think the song should be Art 8 Billericay Dicky - that’s got lots of nice couplets like a nursery rhyme.

Art workshops 14 “Oh golly, oh gosh, Cinema

18 come and lie on the couch, Dance 22 with a nice bit of posh from Burnham-on-Crouch” And as a picture I think I’ll go for Hieronymus Bosch, because of all that interesting Food

24 detail they can look at. How about ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’? That should give Music 26 the little kiddies a Christmas to remember. I’ll just press send and by New Year’s Eve Music workshops 39 I should be one of the most famous people on the planet.

Venues 41 Watch out ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’, here I come.

sheep

BROAD

Contents

Band directory 42 Theatre 44 Word 48 Grass roots 50 Comp therapies 52 We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein

Pete Mustill Mayfield, Stapleton, Nr Presteigne, Powys LD8 2LW Tel: 01544 260051 Email: info@broadsheep.com Website: www.broadsheep.com

Cover pic: Wind in the Willows, Oddsocks Theatre Co., Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2 December

small ads LONDON FLAT, HOLIDAY OR SHORT-BREAK LETS Portobello Road/Nottinghill Gate area. Sleeps up to 5.

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DRUM LESSONS @ KJM STUDIOS For all ages and abilities, private one-to-one tuition, repairs, buy/sell.

Free introductory lesson! Quote ‘Broad Sheep’.

Call Andy on 07969 168921.

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

LARGE OPEN PLAN CONVERTED BARN ACCOMMODATION TO RENT (6 months only).

3-4 miles, Presteigne, 01547 560179.

HELP WITH NUMBERS AND BASIC MATHS Qualified, (PGCE) home tutor available. Very understanding with proven experience of helping children and adults to gain ability and confidence.

Friendly working atmosphere; reasonable rates; 1:1 or small groups; Enhanced DBS certificate.

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GUITAR TUITION, LUDLOW. Electric, acoustic or classical guitar. Most styles taught. Blues, pop, rock, classical. Learn any song off your playlist quickly.

Rhythm, lead, fingerstyle, sight reading, theory.

Tel: 07729 059 847.

LEARN FOLK FIDDLE, concertina, piano and violin with Kitty Greenwood.www.folkfiddleteacher.co.uk 01584 841564.

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: www.camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information.

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

Anne 01544 267997 NEED A HAND? ODDJOBBERS can help with house cleaning / reorganising; light decorating / freshening up; gardening; pet sitting; general chores. Honest, reliable, hardworking females. Call Sarah: 07931302219; 01547 520321 or Val: 07972462887 email: bailval@yahoo. com DELIGHTS OF DRAWING & PAINTING private tuition.

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

Experienced tutor, based near Llangurig. Contact: Sue Purcell 01686 440668. E-mail sue@suepurcellart.co.uk www.suepurcellart.com TWO BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY PROPERTIES IN NEW RADNOR Sleep 10 with hot tub and the other sleeps 8 with sauna. Both with wood-burners and large private gardens. Up to two dogs welcome. Full white linen service and 5* graded. Ideal for group holidays.

Direct access to Radnor Forest and fantastic hill walking. Short walks to village, pub and shop.

Tel: 01544 350456. www.radnorhillsholidaycottages.com 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@cooptel.net PRESTEIGNE.ORG.UK ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit. SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail.com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363.

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

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

sunday

7 december 10am-3pm

Lots of stalls, live music.

Home made Christmas soup, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, mince pies and mulled wine. Late night Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road. shopping: Thurs 18 December to 7pm.

Tel: 01547 530744 OPEN EVERY DAY Christmas opening as normal except for aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com 25 & 26 Dec and 1 Jan.

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

4

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm LOOK OUT FOR SALE 17 - 31 January 2015!

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What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

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hugh’s bit

Looping the Loop. A.D. 3014 A

S a result of recent medical break-throughs, everyone will live for hundreds of years, on and on, looping the loop, and there will be even less new under the sun. Life will become glacially slow ... the boredom ... the repeats of desert island discs ... the endlessly circular atmosphere of a trite Sunday afternoon ... will 1,050 year old Shula Hebden-Lloyd-Archer ever grow up?

But if your body fails its MOT, or if you have a terminal accident/ disease you will get a mandatory 100% transplant, like Dr Who. Or you can go to the specialists in Switzerland and shuffle off this mortal coil to the ultimate backing track of your choice, surrounded by sobbing relatives, but most people go for the transplant. You do it for the children.

During the transplant your data, aka your mind, is transferred direct to a new brain and body grown from your very own DNA; it’s identical except for the missing tattoos. After the operation “it” will think it’s you, tourette like you, parrot your memories, walk the walk, talk the talk and feel the same about its loved ones, tattoos etc. as you did before they scooped your brain out.

Shula however isn’t sure about the sudden reappearance of a reincarnated Mark, her first husband, after the repeat of his car crash, but the vast majority of the public just accept it. It’s the script and having bought into it they prefer to be convinced.

Every citizen has to go for regular data back-ups so as to provide for their resurrection in case of a “terminal”, or reincarnation if you’re a Buddhist, and you have to carry your memory stick with you at all times. Some people will book a Tiresian as well - a gender re-assignment.

Other psycho-cosmetic changes are being researched.

The current necrotic Theresa “Dracula” May v.13 wants NSA data-surgeons to take the opportunity to edit out any out-dated New Testament ideas that might lurk in your world-view. (If She ruled the world, She’d make Maggie Thatcher look like Mary Poppins.)

6

In the early experiments, the original source brains died, but some decades later a bored 203 year old ex-Stasi neuro-surgeon decided to see if she could keep Mark’s brain alive by immersing it in a solution of electrolytic nutrients. She then explored all sorts of fascinating possibilities by connecting it/ him to artificial eyes (spherical vision), untested T-party viruses, a Mobius beta sat-nav, and a powerful cyborg body on caterpillar tracks. Mark’s Brain was livid at the abuse and escaped by driving full throttle through the wall of the lab, emerging enraged into the back crypt of a busy massage parlour built in the historic ruins of the Welsh Assembly.

The ugly experiment was revealed to the world as an even uglier Daily e-Mail holographic exclusive, and the surgeon was arrested. There followed a series of court battles, where philosophers argued for and against the Brain’s right to life, individuality, his own body, Shula’s body and his former chain of brothels, given that “Adrian Lloyd” the vet, the successful clone from the original op. was now according to scripture the legitimate ownerbeing and husband to Shula. The court eventually gave

the Brain another data transfer, and the neuro-surgeon 30 years in cryogenic penal stasis. Mark Hebden’s original grey matter was then discarded, just as it should have been the first time or even before that ie before he was conceived by a couple of script writers in a back room at the BBC 3 centuries earlier. “Wasn’t that murder?” the whispered question echoed in the public mind but the living majority shrugged their shoulders, “What is life?” they said and got on with it.

At 7.04 pm on R4 accompanied by the same trite loop of folky arpeggios by Sibelius Mark Mk.1 moved back in with Shula and his clone Adrian - Mark 2. But Shula couldnt tell them apart, didnt like 3-in-a-bed, and worse the twins got to see themselves as others did, and filed to divorce themselves on the grounds of incompatibility.

Mk.1 emigrated to Free Scotland, changed his name, and became someone else in a different life opera, taking particular care to drop all his sub-Farage-ist mid-English saloon bar clichés. Now truly he was born again.

The existential question of the cloning of the unique soul, previously thought to be alone in the universe with its vanity, belongs in the same pointless philosophical category as the number of angels that can can-can on a pin-head, because, despite the paradox, each Lintillan twin knows perfectly well who they are, exquisitely bedded down in their own familiar heads, bodies and legs and enjoying their own pre-recorded pleasures, pains and behavioural loops on rewind – just as you do. The only people to whom the potential identity crisis mattered were theologians – but religion dies out when death becomes voluntary. Godless philosophers and scriptwriters meanwhile can rejoin battle over the paradox of individuality in identical beings. It gives them something extra to talk about, which is a mercy in an eternal life that science has rendered without limit and therefore without purpose. Meanwhile the neuro-surgeons are dabbling with inter-species data transfer - I myself have a Goveian Parrot with the complete Wikipedia - and then there’s Project Shachstein - a clonal archaeo-reconstruction from scraps of historic DNA of a combination of Shakespeare, Bach and Einstein.

Of course nobody has yet found out how to ask the original life-form, the cyanobacteria, what they think about the ultimate question – Life, the Universe and the individual soul etc... Instead of dying out they have been dividing in two since the dawn of life, so there are gadzillions of identical “them” out there, and some of them must now be older and wiser than us by a mere 3.5 billion years. In that time blue-green slime has probably evolved an infinite communal mind, like the mind of God, but we dont yet know where to look for it, even though our own minds operate within brains and bodies that are also vast communities of cells. So I flew to Australia to askthem....

Hugh Colvin v.52, was last seen asking a stromatolite the meaning of life at Useless Loop, a google-place near Shark Bay, W.Australia.

art POWYS Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne, 01544 267033 Dec & Jan Selling exhibition of Staffordshire figures from 1800-1870.

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

Forge Framing & Gallery, Craft Centre, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG 01497 820053 Until 6 Dec PETER CROSLAND (1921-2006) - limited edition prints and paintings. Open 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street.

01547 528052 Dec & Jan : ‘Deck the Boughs’ Christmas Art, Craft & Cards including JULIENNE BRAHAM, RAE HARRISON, ALISON MACGREGOR GRIMLEY, MARILYN TIPPETT, CLIFFORD WEBB, BRONTE WOODRUFF. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

Also Dec 21- 24 10am-1pm.

Erwood Craft Centre and Cafe, near Builth Wells 01982 560674 Until 24 Dec ‘Handmade Christmas’.

Stocking fillers, tokens of affection, heartfelt gifts from established artists.

Open Mon-Sun 10am-5.30pm. Cafe.

Late night shopping until 8pm on 12 & 19 Dec. Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth 01654 703355 Until 3 Jan ‘Christmas Selection’.

A selection of art by Welsh artists in a variety of media. Including RHIAN SYMES, GUY MANNING, RUTH JÊN EVANS and creatures by GLASSLOBBERY. Until 10 Jan RUTH KOFFER. Until 10 Jan LYNDON THOMAS. Until 3 Jan BILL SWAN - glass wall hangings and sculptures. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Until 20 Dec ‘Ten Rhayader Men’ Commemorating the centenary of WWI. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. £4/£3, under 16s free.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown 01686 614555 Until Feb GRAHAM HASLOCK, CHRISTINE HASLOCK AND ANNA HASLOCK. Open theatre times.

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Knighton Library 01547 528778 3 Dec - 3 Jan KURT FUNDINGER oils, acrylics and assemblage.

Open Tues 9.30am-7pm, Wed & Sat 9.30am-1pm, Thurs & Fri 9.30am-5.30pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 25 Feb 2015 ‘Artist Rooms’.

FRANCESCA WOODMAN photographs.

Until 25 Feb 2015 ‘Showtime’.

A celebration of learning and participation. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821898 Until 31 Jan JIM SAUNDERS photographs from his 2014 book, ‘Hay - landscape, literature and the town books’. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.

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

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 01544 260777 4 - 6 Dec Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair. Local artisans working in silver, wood, wool, jewellery, pottery, furniture, paintings and carvings.

Open 9am-3pm, free entry.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton 01547 529530 Dec & Jan LESLEY CONNOLLY RBSA - pastels. Plus vintage silk haori jackets from Japan. Homemade soups, breads and cakes, Italian blend coffee and over 30 different varieties of leaf tea available. Wed-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

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

Over 20 artists and craftsmen with items for sale. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm.

Old School Gallery, Bleddfa Centre, Bleddfa 01547 550377 Until 21 Dec Christmas Arts and Craft Fair. Seasonal collection of arts and crafts for sale, by local craftspeople and designer makers. Refreshments and secondhand books in the Reading Room. Wed-Sun 2-5pm.

Hay Makers Gallery, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye 01497 820556 Until Jan 2015 Christmas Exhibition. Artists include ISABEL MERRIC & DEMELZA WHITLEY ceramics. ISABEL MERRICK & ANNA K BALDWIN - jewellery, TIM WAYNE prints. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Unit 6, Forge Gallery, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821414 Until 6 Dec PETER CROSLAND limited edition prints and original oils.

Castle Hill Pottery, Knucklas, Knighton, LD7 1PS 01547 529670 Dec Open Studios. TONY HALL - new pots. LOIS HOPWOOD - paintings.

Open Sun 11am-4pm, Mon & Tues 10am-7pm.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Dec & Jan Balthazar’s Bizarre Bazaar.

Interesting and unusual gifts for all.

Rare antique carpets and kilims.

Cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Christmas closing times, 25 Dec - 6 Jan inclusive.

HEREFORDSHIRE The Print Shed, Swinmoor, Madley, Hereford, HR2 9JD 07796 673123 www.theprintshed.net Until 7 Dec Artist made etchings, lino prints, screen prints, handmade, original cards, textile and other unique gift ideas. Homemade cake, teas/ coffees. Open daily 10am-4pm.

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

01432 278226 Until 15 Jan ‘Christmas Sparkle’.

Christmas exhibition, showcasing four new exciting jewellers including HENRIETTA FERNANDEZ, JESSICA HEWITT AND MANDANA OSKUI. Plus jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 80 designers. Open Mon - Sat 10am-5pm.

Hereford Cathedral 01432 374261 12 & 13 Dec Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair. 30 stalls of local crafts, food and drink. Free entry. Open Fri 3.30pm-8pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Until 27 March Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition. A special exhibition celebrating the Cwm Jesuit Library. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm.

St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, HR6 0DB 6 & 7 Dec ‘Made in HR6’. High quality craft fair selling ceramics, rag rugs, wooden toys, silk scarves, paintings, metalwork and jewellery.

Open 10.30am-4.30pm daily.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 20 Dec ‘Christmas Delights’.

Seasonal offerings from local artists.

Open as part of h.Art Christmas event 6 & 7 Dec, 10am-4pm.

6 Jan - 28 Feb ‘Fourteen At Ten’.

Local artists celebrating 10 years of Apple Store Gallery. Tues-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Other times by arrangement. Framing also available.

Ronald Moore, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Lesley Connolly, Tower House Gallery, Knighton

Charlotte Verity, Gallery 54, Ross-on-Wye

Keith Andrew, Silk Top Hat Gallery, Ludlow

Peter Crosland, Forge Framing & Gallery, Craft Centre, Hay-on-Wye

Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne

The Kington Gallery, Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 01544 231581 Until 1 Feb JULIA D GRAY - colours and textures created in fine lines painted in pixels and light. Open weekends 11am-3pm and by appointment on weekday afternoons.

Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 01531 633325 2 - 14 Dec ‘Designed for Christmas’. Six designer makers present hand-crafted gifts. Open daily 10am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-3pm.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Dec Christmas exhibition featuring a wide range of new work by BLAKE & JANETTE MacKINNON, KEN EARDLEY, KAREN FAWCETT, PENNY REES, JEWELS WILLIAMS PEPLOW. AMANDA COBETT textiles. ELLEN THORPE - jewellery.

Plus an eclectic mix of English arts and crafts. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Leominster Library, 8 Buttercross, HR6 8BN 01432 383290 Dec The Outrider exhibition.

Plus charity Christmas cards.

13 Dec Victorian coffee morning.

Open Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30am-5pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm, closed Wed. Market House, Ledbury, HR8 1DU 5 - 21 Dec Ledbury Christmas show.

GUILD OF HEREFORDSHIRE CRAFTSMEN. Including Winter Weekend h.Art 5 - 7 Dec. Open 10am-4.30pm daily.

Croft Castle & Parkland, Yarpole, nr.

Leominster www.meadowarts.org Until 21 March 2015 ‘In Another Light’.

DAVID OGLE & REBECCA FARKAS contemporary art lights. Open Saturday evenings. £2 adults, £1 children. Includes outdoor exhibits, bring a torch and stay within the lit areas. In partnership with Meadow Arts.

Gallery 54, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Dec & Jan A wide selection of abstract pieces by gallery artists. Plus CHARLOTTE VERITY - jewellery.

A picture framing service is also available. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate St, Worcester 01905 25371 Until early 2015 ‘World War One: in the Words of Worcestershire People’.

Until early 2015 ‘Crafted For You’.

Craft makers from the Midlands.

Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm.

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

Market House Heritage Centre, Ross-on-Wye 01432 260675 Dec & Jan Various arts and crafts from local artists. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.

All Saints Church Cafe, Hereford 01432 370414 1 - 6 Dec GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY - craft sale.

8 - 13 Dec All Saints Church Fundraising sale and event.

15 - 20 Dec JAN BISHOP - sale of Indian silks and saris.

22 - 24 Dec Love Zimbabwe - fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information.

Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St., Hereford 01432 383383 Until 31 Jan HEREFORDSHIRE ART & CRAFT SOCIETY. Artists include ANGELA DAVIS, ARTHUR DAVIS, JENNY WILLIAMS, GWYNNE WILLIAMS & KERRY BERKELEY. Wed-Sat 11am-4pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 7 Dec ALEX THIMM, SOPHIE BROCKS, ELISABETH BLANCHET, RURAL MEDIA COMPANY photographs. Part of Hereford Photography Month.

12 Dec - 25 Jan WAYNE SUMMERS paintings. Open theatre times.

Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 Dec Christmas exhibition, ‘A Winter’s Tale’. Showing new work by artists MARY WOODIN, DAVID HASWELL & JAMES DONOVAN. Plus ANDREW FINDLAY - metalwork, FIONA MCINTOSH - textiles and ceramics, KATHIE BARRS - nuno felt, TESSUTI - ceramics. THERESE KING - batik, RACHEL DARBOURNE jewellery, JOHN MAINWARING - wood sculpture. DEBBY MARSH - jewellery.

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

Dorstone’s Front Room (across from The Pandy Inn) 01981 550722 Dec Christmas Fayre.

Jan SUE FERNANDEZ - photographic prints and cards. Mon-Fri 9am-1pm.

Hereford Art College, Folly Lane, Hereford 01432 273359 5 - 19 Dec Affordable Arts Fair at Folly Lane Campus.

5 Jan - 28 Feb Staff Exhibition at College Road Campus. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm.

135 Bargates, Leominster, HR6 8QS 01568 780618 1 Dec ‘Christmas Collective Cheer’.

JENNY CRISP - baskets/willow.

SIMON HULBERT terracotta. JANE HICKMAN - batik.

ALISON MORTON - linen. LUIS DE LA TORRE - ironwork. MARTIN HAZELL - spoons. SAM HEMMING beadwork. Open Fri 7-10pm, Sat-Mon 11am-6pm.

SHROPSHIRE Silk Top Hat Gallery, Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Dec Christmas exhibition. KEITH ANDREW, MICHELLE ANDERSON, THELMA AYRE, LIN BROWN, NIK BURNS, IAN KENT, CAROLINE McLACHLAN, WILL & LOTTIE O’LEARY, DON SMITH & DAVID STOVES. Dec Isaac Smart designer makers include: JASON BRAHAM, TED BRUCE, CAITRIONA CARTWRIGHT, JOSEPHINE HARVEY, CAROL HOWSE, RALPH JANDRELL, CORINNA KENYON-WADE, SANDERS AND WALLACE, MARGO SELBY, ELSPETH SOPER, MELANIE TOMLINSON, MARIAN WATSON, NICKI WILLIAMS & SARA WITHERS. 4 Dec Top Hat Tour to Birmingham.

From 7 January Winter exhibition.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

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

Jenny Bullough (Hay-on-Wye) 01497 831416 Victoria Denning (Bishop’s Castle) 01588 638996 Dorothy Quayle (Hereford) 01432 860221

Namings, funerals and weddings/partnerships

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For more information or to book your place contact 01531 634460 or 01981 251426 Additional lectures/visits relating to WW1, study days and Resource Centre workshops are planned.

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The

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Christmas treats for everyone Branche d’Olive soap Dartington Glass One Village cushions Jellycat soft toys Lankakade wooden toys and much more!

01544 260292 11

Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle 13 & 14 Dec Art and craft sale.

CASTLE ARTISTS - watercolour paintings, photographs, linocuts, prints and cards. Artists include DRUSILLA COLE, GORDON YAPP, TIM PHILLIPS, ANNE MacDONALD, SUE PERCY, DAVID BUNYAN, NIGEL KERRY, PAULINE KITELY, ANDREW FUSEK PETERS and many others.

Open Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. www.castleartists.co.uk The Old Surgery Gallery, Clun 01588 640506 1 Dec - 31 Jan Christmas exhibtion. KEITH NOBLE, JACQUELINE FLETCHER, TIM NASH, NOEL SHEPHERDSON, KEITH POINTON - photographs.

PAUL HIPKISS, PETER SHREAD, BRIAN FLETCHER, JANIS GOODMAN, DAVID HARBAN, JOHN SCOTT MARTIN, SOPHIE BIGNALL, ANITA BUCKNALL, ANN-MONIQUE STELLINGA, JACQUE WAKELEY, DAVID WHITE, GORDON YAPP, RALPH JANDRELL - ceramics, LIN BROWN - jewellery. Open daily including Sundays until 4 Jan, 10am-5pm. Thereafter Fri- Sun 10am-5pm.

Ludlow Period House Shop, Corve Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms, SY7 9NW 01588 676176 National Musuem of British Popular Culture. Open 11am-5pm daily, closed Wed. St George’s Church, Vicarage Rd, Clun 01588 640401 14 Dec - 4 Jan ‘Festival of Angels’. An exhibition of angels by local artists and the community. Free admission.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 3-4 High St, Much Wenlock 01952 727952 Until Jan 2015 Christmas/Winter Exhibition. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Beambridge Clubroom, Munslow 01584 873327 6 & 7 Dec CORVEDALE ARTISTS annual exhibition of paintings.

Open 10am-4pm.

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

Thurs-Sat 11am-5pm.

Gallery 3, The Gateway Arts Centre, Shrewsbury 01743 355159 Until 12 Jan PHILIP KING. 19 Jan - 23 Feb RON SATTERTHWAITE. Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm.

MORE THAN MEMORIALS

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

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

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Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH 01743 258885 Until 4 Jan ‘Exposed: The Body in Art from Durer to Freud’. A selection of works by PICASSO, BACON AND REMBRANDT. Until 28 Feb ‘A Cabinet of Curiosity’. Featuring JACQUI DODDS, JULIE EDWARDS, JILL IMPEY, ANN KELCEY & ELIZABETH TURNER. 24 Jan - 26 April ‘Discover Secret Egypt’. Open Tues-Sun 10am-4.30pm.

Admission £4 adults, £2 per child, free aged 0-4years.

Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023 6 Dec - 3 Jan ELIZA GLAPINSKA - mixed media including metal and textiles. Open 10.30am-3pm.

6 Dec Flea and Antiques Market.

Open 9am-7pm.

13 Dec Christmas Market selling food to jewellery. Open 10am-5pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell 01547 530888 7 Dec Aardvark Christmas Market.

17 - 31 Jan Aardvark January sale. All books reduced, many special offers.

Home made Christmas soup, mince pies and mulled wine. 10am-5pm.

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am5pm. Closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan.

ARTS & CRAFTS AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, PRESTEIGNE

CHRISTMAS FAIR december Thurs 4th 4.00pm - 8.00PM fri 5th 11.00AM - 8.00PM Sat 6th

10.00AM - 3.00PM

perfect presents from local artists and makers working in wood, wool, silver, glass, iron, photography, textiles, paint and ceramics TEA & CHRISTMAS FAYRE WITH LOTS OF EXTRA STALLS AND MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT ENQUIRIES 01544 260777

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Art & Craft Workshops

Single listings are free. Year round, £40 per year WESTHOPE COLLEGE, NEAR CRAVEN ARMS City and Guilds courses in Basketry, Embroidery, Nine weekends. Residential option. A few places still available. Wonderful craft courses taught by talented tutors in a beautiful location in South Shropshire for over 30 years. For more information, call us on 01584 861293 or email info@westhope.org.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 SHROPSHIRE HILLS ART WEEK 30 MAY TO 7 JUNE 2015: ARTISTS WANTED! Open studios, joint shows and group exhibitions.

Meetings in November for more information, or contact Jules on 01568 770168 or 0773 638 1287 or jules@shropshirehillsartweek.co.uk www.ShropshireHillsArtWeek.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shropshire-Hills-ArtWeek/569377059810156 Twitter: @ShropsHillsArt 2015 registration deadline 31 December 2014.

CHIC BROCANTE Furniture showroom, paint courses, Autentico paint sales.

Full day furniture chalk painting course £75 including lunch. Chic Brocante, Unit 1 Bron Offices, Brampton Bryan, 0787 507 6727.

POP UP STONE CARVER available for demonstrations, workshops, have a go sessions or childrens birthday parties. Can be from our workshop in Knucklas or at your own location. Stone and tools are all supplied and all ages can catered for. Contact Lottie on 01547 528 792 or email her at info@stonecarving.co.uk

Fri 5 December A CHRISTMAS INDULGENCE Ledbury & District Floral Art Club. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £8.50, 01531 635404.

Sat 6 & Sun 7 December CHRISTMAS DECORATION COURSE One-day courses to make Christmas decorations with Jenny Crisp to make three or more willow decorations.

135 Bargates, Leominster, 10am-4pm, £80 includes lunch, tools and materials, 01568 615079, email basket@jennycrisp.co.uk Mon 8 December DAY WORKSHOP Hooking and progging and option to make a festive wreath with Jenni Stuart-Anderson. Leysters and Middleton Village hall, HR6 0HP (on A4112). 10am-4pm, £45, bring packed lunch, 01568 750229, jenni.ragrugs@freeuk.com Wed 10 December MID WALES ARTS AGM & MEMBER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Short meeting followed by social evening. All welcome to join on the night, £10 p.a. Mid Wales Art Centre, Caersws,6.30pm, 01686 688369.

Thurs 11 & Fri 12 December FESTIVE WREATH & LUXURY CRACKER WORKSHOPS With Debbie Coplans of the The Hibiscus Room. Castle House, Castle St, Hereford, 10.30am-3pm, £50 includes all materials, two-course festive lunch and coffee (excluding cracker gift), 01432 356321.

CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativitiy 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. Visit our website: www.creativebreaks.co.uk for full details of our courses.

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

Sat 13 December CRAFT WORKSHOP Making Foliage Garlands. Foraging walk, soup and crusty bread, then crafting. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 11am-3pm, £12, 01588 630023.

CREATIVE WILLOW Weekly classes for beginners and intermediates, exploring willow weaving techniques for basketmaking and garden structures. Clyro, Builth Wells and Crickhowell. Mary Zammit, 01982 552072, mary@marywillowgarden.co.uk

December SECRET HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 16 Dec - Toddle Time, Christmas Wreaths. Buggy friendly and suitable for ages under 5. 10.30am, £2 each. From 7 Dec - Hedge Laying in the Onny Meadows, suitable for beginners. Bring your own bill hook, saw, strong gloves and loppers. 9am-4pm, £55. Secret Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676000.

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.

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CRAFT WORKSHOPS IN THE RADNOR FOREST Spinning and floor loom weaving, pottery also:- hand building, throwing, medieval tile making. Half day £25, whole day £50 (including lunch). Beginners welcome.

Tel. Shirley or Bas on 01547 550693 www.slenderthread.co.uk.

Starting Sun 21 December THE DRUIDIC CYCLE A series of eight Sunday painting days with Gillian Archer.

Hall Barn, Bleddfa, near Knighton, 10.30am-4.30pm, £35 per day including materials. Book full course in advance and get one session free, 01547 550377, www.bleddfacentre.com

December ART EXPRESS - DASH WORKSHOPS Open to all artists, disabled and non-disabled, at all stages of their careers, from beginners to experienced.

2 Dec - Art Express Winter Jamboree. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-3pm. 07814 055638, www.dasharts.org

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December & January ASSEMBLY ROOMS WORKSHOPS Sat - SmART, art and craft club for 8-14 years, 10.30am-12.30pm, £35 per term. First Thurs every month - Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 7.30pm, £4. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

Eastnor Pottery Workshops, Ledbury

December & January EASTNOR POTTERY 14 Dec - Potter’s Wheel Workshop. Spend the day relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £120 Includes all materials, refreshments and lunch.

All Dec & Jan - Family Pottery Fun. Get proper CREATIVE with clay. Turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects using real clay. No minimum order of participants required and projects start at just £5. A brilliant indoor activity for individuals, families and friends.

29 Dec - Children’s pottery workshop sessions at Eastnor Pottery & the Flying Potter ‘Artic Circle’. £15 per child (10% discount for x3 or more places booked).

24 & 25 Jan - Eastnor Pottery Potter’s Wheel Weekend Workshop. Spend the weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £215 Includes all materials, refreshments and lunch. Telephone or email booking essential. Tel: 01531 633886 or admin@eastnorpottery. co.uk Come along and join in the pottery fun!

December MORETON WOOD WORKSHOPS 6 Dec - Make your Own Christmas Wreath, £80.

Moreton Wood, Ullingswick, www.moretonwood.co.uk 07920 851674.

Sat 7 February WIRE JEWELLERY WORKSHOP - SARA WITHERS 12 places available. Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am-4pm, £45/£30, 07583 544110. Glasbury Arts.

Mondays KNITTING CLUB Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Trumpet Crossroads, Ledbury, £3 per session + materials, 01531 634047.

Tuesdays ART HEALS CREATIVE MORNINGS With Tania Pearson. No previous art training necessary.

For more info visit www.artheals.co.uk or phone Tania on 01584 831157.

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

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

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

Every Thursday STONE & LETTER CARVING Letter Carving with Will O’Leary and Stone Carving with Lottie O’Leary 7-9pm, £10, Upper House, Knucklas, Knighton, Powys, 01547 528792. www.stonecarving. co.uk Thursdays (4-6pm) VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS Designed to suit 11-16 year olds. In these sessions young people will be introduced to different art techniques by established local artists. Refreshments and snacks are available. Workshops run by enthusiastic volunteers from TVYP at Mortimer Enterprise Centre, Kings Meadow, Wigmore, HR6 9UX, 4-6pm. Workshops are free of charge. Tel: 01568 770110.

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

Come and spend the week with us learning the craft of Traditional Oak Frame Carpentry in our Woodland Workshop.

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Hewnwood Courses

Hewnwood.com 01874 658440 07966 848119 Email: timberframe@keme.co.uk

GORDON LANGTON

RESTORATION BUILDING CONSULTANT Advice on all aspects of repair, restoration and re-design of your home.

Over 35 years of building experience.

NASH COTTAGE, NASH, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS, LD8 2LG TEL: 01544 260295 07786 972344 EMAIL: gordonlangton@googlemail.com

We ALFI

furniture makers

Made to Measure Kitchens & Traditional Furniture

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

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cinema ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC. 3 Dec LES INTOUCHABLES (UNTOUCHABLE) (15) 17 Dec THE GENERAL (U) 7 Jan THE SELFISH GIANT (15) 21 Jan A TOUCH OF SIN (15) 4 Feb ALL IS LOST (12A) Melville Theatre, Penypound, Abergavenny. All showings start at 7.30pm, www.abergavennyfilmsociety. com 01600 780263

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 1 & 3 Dec EFFIE GRAY (ctbc) 5 Dec TONY BENN: WILL AND TESTAMENT (12A) 6 & 8 Dec WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY (12A) 10 & 11 Dec THE JUDGE (15) 13, 15 - 17 Dec THE IMITATION GAME (ctba) 19, 20 & 22 Dec THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 (ctba) 22 & 24 Dec NATIVITY 3: DUDE WHERE’S MY DONKEY? (U) 23 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) 29 & 30 Dec ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY (PG) 29 & 30 Dec, 2, 3 & 6 Jan MY OLD LADY (12A) 2 & 5 Jan THE KING AND THE MOCKINGBIRD (U) 5 & 6 Jan NIGHTCRAWLER (15) 7, 9 & 10 Jan MR TURNER (12A) 8 Jan I AM ALI (PG) 12 - 15 Jan INTERSTELLAR (12A) 13 Jan GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING This documentary goes in pursuit of the many unresolved riddles surrounding the extraordinary painting and its mysterious creator Vermeer.

19 Jan GUYS AND DOLLS (U) 16 & 17 Jan LEVIATHAN (15) 20 Jan WINTER SLEEP (15) 21 & 23 Jan GET ON UP (12A) 24 Jan BOX OF DELIGHTS Little Monsters Film Club, with free pre-film workshop.

24 & 26 Jan THE HOMESMAN (15) 27 - 29 Jan ST VINCENT (12A) 29 - 31 Jan THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES (ctbc) Details 01584 878141

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC. 3 Dec ALL IS LOST 17 Dec RUSH 7 Jan LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON 21 Jan GATTACA 4 Feb ILO ILO Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle. All showings start at 8pm 01588 680445

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BRECON FILM SOCIETY 1 Dec THE WIND RISES (PG) 5 Jan OMAR (15) 2 Feb TRACKS (12A) Brecon Coliseum Cinema, 7.15pm, £6 per film 01874 623166 BLAKE THEATRE, MONMOUTH 11 Dec DAN Y WENALLT (UNDER MILK WOOD) (15) Details 01600 719401

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP Until 2 Dec FURY (15) 5 - 7 Dec 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (12A) 5 - 11 Dec THE IMITATION GAME (12A) 12 - 14 Dec ‘71 (15) 12 - 17 Dec INTERSTELLAR (12A) 19 - 31 Dec PADDINGTON (U) Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. Films every weekend.

Full programme www.boothbooks. co.uk 01497 820322

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

19 Dec BOYHOOD 16 Jan WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 1 Dec THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU (15) 1 - 3 Dec 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH (15) 1 - 3 Dec HUMAN CAPITAL (15 ctbc) 5 - 11 Dec MR TURNER (12A) 6 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) 6 & 7 Dec DOLPHIN TALE 2 (U) 8 - 11 Dec 71 (15) 12 - 17 Dec INTERSTELLAR (15) 14 - 17 Dec GHOSTBUSTERS (12) 20 - 31 Dec PADDINGTON (U) 20 - 23 Dec THE IMITATION GAME (15) 26 - 31 Dec THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR (U) 26 - 30 Dec MY OLD LADY (12A) Details 01432 340555

My Old Lady

1 Dec ARTHUR’S DYKE (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 1 Dec CHEWING THE CUD Capturing the heart of the old Hereford Cattle Market. Lingen VH 01544 260865 1 Dec THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 2 Dec JIMMY’S HALL (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 2 Dec BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD (LES BEAUX JOURS) (15) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 3 Dec PHILOMENA (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 4 Dec THE SELFISH GIANT (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 5 Dec THE LUNCHBOX (PG) Lingen VH 01544 260865 5 Dec TRACKS (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717 5 Dec BELLE (12A) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 5 Dec BELLE (12A) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752548 5 Dec HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 5 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994) (U) Much Marcle Memorial Hall 5 Dec UNDERTAKING BETTY (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926 5 Dec ONE CHANCE (12A) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 5 Dec CUBAN FURY (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 6 Dec LE WEEK-END (15) Redlake Valley VH 01547 530530 6 Dec THE LEGO MOVIE (U) Belmont Hall, Wellington 6 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Myddle VH 01939 290872 6 Dec NATIVITY! (U) Dilwyn Cedar Hall 01544 319363 6 Dec THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (12A) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583 6 Dec CALVARY (15) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640254 8 Dec THE JERSEY BOYS (15) Welshpool Assembly Rooms 01938 552043 8 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Pattingham VH 01902 700586

TAKING LIBERTIES WITH LIFE STORIES In a business where liberties are routinely taken with fictional adaptations, it’s unsurprising that bio-pics are often hitor-miss affairs, although three current releases certainly cut the mustard, whilst also proving immensely entertaining.

THE IMITATION GAME is the third film based on Alan The Imitation Game Turing, the mathematical genius who broke Germany’s Enigma code and allegedly shortened WW2 by two years. Flashbacks to his arrest for homosexuality in 1951 precede his battles with the commander of the Bletchley Park codebreakers (a suitably snitty Charles Dance) before winning the trust of an MI6 boss (Mark Strong) and thus the funds to build a huge electromechanical computer. As directed by Norwegian Morten Tyldum (HEADHUNTERS), Cumberbatch’s twitchy, savant-like Turing doesn’t suffer the fools he initially must work with, but the arrival of Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), a lone woman of equally exceptional mathematical talents softens his edges to the point where he almost capitulates to heterosexuality – although one slightly suspects this angle was played up for the box-office.

There’s less emotional drama, indeed less real character study in Mike Leigh’s take on Britain’s greatest landscape artist, J.M.W. Turner, his first bio-pic since 1999’s rather acerbic scrutiny of Gilbert and Sullivan, TOPSY TURVY. But in MR TURNER, his close relationship with an ailing father and rather more complex ones with the women in his life are handled matter-of-factly but Leigh stalwart Timothy Spall as the muttering, opinionated eccentric whose eye is always, quite literally, on his work delivers a performance amply justifying his Best Actor award at Cannes. Turner’s run-ins with the Royal Academy and his sometimes peculiar techniques are handled with humour and admirable impartiality and like everything else here, especially Dick Pope’s luscious cinematography, are joy to behold.

Mr Turner

As it’s essentially a documentary on perhaps not quite the greatest ever boxer, but surely the greatest showman and arguably the most intelligent man to don a pair of gloves and beat the hell out of an opponent, I AM ALI is rather different. Rookie director Clare Lewins has deftly assembled a fascinating collation of news footage, home movies and interviews with Muhammad Ali, his family, friends and colleagues. But in backgrounding his ascent as bad-boy sporting icon Cassius Clay and onwards to become the long unbeatable Ali, her film falls mercifully short of hagiography, and also illuminates his family man role and reluctant retirement after final, ignominious defeat aged 39. Crisply edited and bountiful in detail, Lewins’ movie will probably become the standard text on this boxing legend.

I Am Ali

It was a toss-up this month to make outer space the running theme, so if you’re that way inclined it’s well worth comparing Christopher Nolan’s latest, 160 minute epic INTERSTELLER with genre grand-daddy, Stanley Kubrick’s equally lengthy 2001: A SPACE ODDYSSEY, and Andrew Niccol’s somewhat more economical and cerebral GATTACA.

Review by Mark Williams

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20

8 Dec THE BOOK THIEF (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 9 Dec BELLE (12A) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 580298 9 Dec THE SELFISH GIANT (15) Garway VH 01600 750465 9 Dec THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED (15) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 01989 720341 10 Dec BELLE (12A) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 10 Dec FUNNY FACE (U) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 10 Dec BELLE (12A) Cuddington & Sandiway VH 01606 888931 11 Dec SAVING MR BANKS (PG) Whitley VH 01925 730773 12 Dec SAVING MR BANKS (PG) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797451 12 Dec THE GREAT BEAUTY Subtitles, (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 12 Dec ALL IS LOST (12A) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 12 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Dostone VH 01981 550943 12 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031 12 Dec BELLE (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 12 Dec THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED (15) Cound Guildhall, Shrewsbury 01743 761451 12 Dec THE LUNCHBOX (PG) Whichurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 13 Dec HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (PG) Upton upon Severn 01684 591044 13 Dec MRS BROWN’S BOYS D’ MOVIE (15) Eatham Memorial Hall 01584 781255 13 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 13 Dec NATIVITY! (U) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270830 13 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) (U) CELF (former Drama Centre), Llandrindod Wells 01597 828050 14 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 14 Dec FROZEN SING-A-LONG (PG) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 14 Dec CHEF (15) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 15 Dec BLUE RUIN (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 01952 728911

16 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 16 Dec THE LOVE PUNCH (12A) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574 18 Dec THE LEGO MOVIE (U) Llandinam VH 01686 688102 18 Dec SAVING MR BANKS (PG) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 18 Dec THE BAKER (12) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 18 Dec PRIDE (15) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 19 Dec BELLE (12A) Weston VH 01989 562390 19 Dec GROW YOUR OWN (PG) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 20 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Old Mill Bar, Llanidloes 01686 412008 20 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) (U) Neston Civic Hall 20 Dec THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Hanley VH 01886 853195 22 Dec HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (PG) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031 28 Dec SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (1974) (U) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 28 Dec MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994) (U) Casltemorton Parish Hall 01684 833549 29 Dec GRAVITY (12A) Evenjobb VH 01547 560000 1 Jan OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR (PG) Brilley VH 01544 327227 5 Jan JERSEY BOYS (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 7 Jan TRACKS (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 9 Jan THE LUNCHBOX (PG) Cound Guildhall, Shrewsbury 01743 761451 9 Jan NON-STOP (12A) Lingen VH 01544 260865 9 Jan BELLE (12A) Abermule Community Centre 01686 630240 9 Jan LAD: A YORKSHIRE STORY (12A) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031 10 Jan PRIDE (15) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640254 13 Jan BELLE (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 01989 720341 13 Jan JERSEY BOYS (15) Perton Civic Centre 15 Jan MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 15 Jan BELLE (12A) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 15 Jan MRS CALDICOT’S CABBAGE WAR (12) Llandinam VH 01686 688102 15 Jan SUNSHINE ON LEITH (PG) Pudleston VH 01568 760606 16 Jan THE LUNCHBOX (PG) Priest Weston VH 01938 561425 16 Jan BELLE (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415

16 Jan BELLE (12A) Stoke Prior VH 01568 760423 16 Jan LAD: A YORKSHIRE STORY (12A) Shifnal VH 01952 462787 17 Jan JERSEY BOYS (15) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 17 Jan THE MONUMENTS MEN (12A) Hanley VH 01886 853195 18 Jan THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (12A) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 21 Jan BELLE (12A) Pencombe Parish Hall 01885 400611 21 Jan BELLE (12A) Escleyside Hall 01981 510696 21 Jan CUBAN FURY (15) Dolau Community Hall 01597 851612 23 Jan CHEF (15) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 24 Jan THE BOOK THIEF (12A) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 30 Jan BELLE (12A) Marton VH 01938 580116 31 Jan LAD: A YORKSHIRE STORY (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 01989 720341 31 Jan THE BOXTROLLS Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 2 Feb PRIDE (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 4 Feb WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 5 Feb PRIDE (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227

GARWAY VILLAGE HALL

16 Dec CHEWING THE CUD Memories of Hereford’s Old Livestock Market. Garway Heritage Group, £3, all welcome.

PHOENIX THEATRE, R-O-W 7 Dec BELLE (12A) 20 Dec THE WAY (12) Details Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye 01989 564570

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 6 Dec THE LUNCHBOX (PG) 19 Dec BELLE (12A) 2 Jan TBC See website for details 16 Jan TBC See website for details 30 Jan TBC See website for details The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm www.presteignescreen.org.uk

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. Until 11 Dec THE IMITATION GAME (12A) 6, 13, 14 Dec SING-A-LONG-AFROZEN (PG) 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Dec SERENA (15) 12, 13 Dec IDA (12A) 14 Dec BLADE RUNNER (15) 18 Dec CITIZENFOUR (15) 19 - 24, 27 - 31 Dec, 2 & 3 Jan PADDINGTON (U)

19 - 24, 27 - 30 Dec NATIVITY 3: DUDE WHERE’S MY DONKEY? (U) 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 28 Dec GONE GIRL (18) 20 - 24 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 30 Dec 71 (15) 2 - 8 Jan EFFIE GRAY (12A) 7 & 8 Jan INTERSTELLAR (12A) 9 - 15 Jan MY OLD LADY (12A) 13 Jan GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING 16 - 22 Jan THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (ctbc) 23 - 29 Jan UNBROKEN (ctbc) 30 & 31 Jan, 1 - 5 Feb THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (ctbc) Details 01743 281281

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 1 & 2 Dec THE JUDGE (15) 2, 9 & 16 Dec MINICINE MONKEYS Children’s cinema 3 Dec THE EQUALIZER (15) 8 & 10 Dec TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (12A) 29 & 30 Dec NATIVITY 3: DUDE WHERE’S MY DONKEY (U) 29 & 30 Dec THE BOOK OF LIFE (U) 3 Jan ALEXANDER & THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY (PG) 3 & 5 Jan SERENA (15) 6 & 7 Jan THE IMITATION GAME (15) 9 & 10 Jan PADDINGTON (ctba) 10 & 12 Jan THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINJAY, PART 1 (12A) 13 & 14 Jan EFFIE GRAY (12A) 17 & 19 Jan MR TURNER (12A) 20 & 21 Jan BLACK SEA (15) 24, 26 & 27 Jan THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (ctba) 28 Jan THE DROP (15) 30 & 31 Jan DUMB & DUMBER TO (ctba) 2 & 3 Feb ST VINCENT (ctba) 4 Feb GONE GIRL (18) Regal Cinema, 47 - 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. Details 01584 811442

SAVOY THEATRE, MONMOUTH 6 & 7 Dec FROZEN SING-A-LONG 12 Jan DOCTOR WHO MONSTERS: THE ZOMBIES Followed byThe Zombies monster masterclass. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £15, 01600 772467.

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

6 & 7 Dec TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (12A) 6 & 7 Dec BOOK OF LIFE (ctbc) Until 4 Dec THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 (12A) 2 & 5 Dec DRACULA UNTOLD (15) From 6 Dec PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR (ctbc) From 5 - 11 Dec MR TURNER (12A)

6 Dec THE BOOK OF LIFE (U) 6 & 7 Dec TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (12A) 10 & 11 Dec THE MAZE RUNNER (12A) 12 - 31 Dec THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (12A) 12 & 14 Dec HORNS (15) 17 - 23 Dec HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 (15) 19 - 31 Dec PADDINGTON (U) From 27 Dec TINKER BELL AND THE LEGEND OF THE NEVERBEAST (U) From 27 Dec NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: THE SECRET OF THE TOMB (PG) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 2 Dec REMBRANDT, LONDON & REJKMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 01743 281281.

4 Dec REMBRANDT, LONDON & REJKMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

4 - 7 Dec THE CRUCIBLE The Crucible captured live at The Old Vic, London during 2014. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 01952 728911.

9 Dec JOHN The National Theatre & DV8 Physical Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, 01982 552555.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, 01600 719401. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm 07967 517125. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 8pm, 01584 811442.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 8pm, 01952 728911. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 820322.

13 Dec DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NURNBERG Met Opera. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 8pm, 01952 728911.

15 Dec DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NURNBERG Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5pm 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5pm, 01982 552555.

16 Dec ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Royal Opera House live. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15pm, 01584 878141.

Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Richard

Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555.

18 Dec JOHN The National Theatre & DV8 Physical Theatre. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 878141.

21 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Bolshoi Ballet. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 3pm, 01885 488575.

28 Dec ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Royal Opera House.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-onWye, 2.30pm, 01497 820322.

31 Dec NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA Berlin Philharmonic. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 4.30pm, 01743 281281.

2 Jan THE TEMPEST Globe Theatre.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 2pm & 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

4 Jan THE CRUCIBLE The Crucible captured live at The Old Vic, London during 2014. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

8 Jan MACBETH Globe Theatre.

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 2pm & 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

15 Jan A MIDSUMER NIGHT’S DREAM Globe Theatre. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 2pm & 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

17 Jan THE MERRY WIDOW Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.55pm, 01600 719401.

22 Jan TREASURE ISLAND National Theatre live. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 820322. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

29 Jan ANDREA CHENIER Royal Opera House. Globe Theatre. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322.

31 Jan LES CONTES D’HOFFMANN Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 01600 719401.

WORKSHOPS

Wednesdays INTERMEDIATE FILM MAKING The Courtyard, Hereford, 5-7pm, £70 per term, 01432 340555.

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dance Dance Performance Sat 6 December SWAN LAKE BALLET THEATRE UK. A spectacular new production of this timelss classic. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, £16-£12, 01600 719401.

Thurs 15 January DREAMING IN CODE 2FACED DANCE present an explosive, visceral double bill of dance. Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £12.50/£11.50, 01432 340555.

Dance Workshops

Single listings are free. Year round entries £40 MELY’S ZUMBA Mon - Dorstone, 7pm. Tues - Zumba class at St Peter’s Centre, Peterchurch, 10am. Mely 01497 820991, 07837 160505.

Mon DIZZY DAZZLERS DANCE CLASSES For 4 - 7 year olds. With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 4pm, £2-£3.50, 01982 552555.

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.

PERSOMA MOVEMENT PRACTICES, DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY & DANCE CLASSES Session timetable: Tues 11am-12pm - Find Your Feet.

For people with dementia and their carers. The Courtyard, Hereford. Wed 4.50-5.50pm - Jigsaw Performance Group dance for adults with and without disabilities.

Westfields Community Hall, Hereford. NEW!! Wed 7-9pm Persoma Somatics - movement workshops exploring creativity, improvisation, body alignment and imagery.

Fri 10.15-11.15am Chance To Dance - creative dance class for the over 50s. The Courtyard, Hereford.

Fri 4.15-5pm Mini Movers - creative dance class for children aged 3-7. Lauren Glendinning also runs closed

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movement therapy sessions in care homes and in the NHS. Movement therapy or Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is a Creative Arts Therapy, strenthening the mind-body connection through physical movements to improve both mental and physical well-being. Contact 07825 914493, persomadance@ gmail.com www.persomadance.co.uk twitter: @ PersomaMovement facebook: Persoma Movement Practices.

Mon BREAKDANCE With 2Faced Dance Company. 4-5pm 4-7 year olds, 5-6pm. 7-11 year olds, 6.15-7.15pm 11+ year olds.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 276807.

Tues DANCE @ THE COURTYARD Contemporary Dance for Adults 6.30-7.30pm, £48 per term or £5 per week. Junior Youth Dance for ages 7-11 4.15-5.15pm, Senior Youth Dance for ages 12-18 5.15-6.15pm, 01905 611199.

Tues LEARN TO JIVE Fun, easy to learn and no partner/experience needed.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £5, 01989 750354.

Tues BRECON BREAKERS: BREAKDANCING CLASSES For ages 6 - 11, 7 - 8pm, ages 11+ 8 - 9pm.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

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

Thurs LEARN TO JIVE DANCE Onibury Village Hall, Thursday nights, 8pm. £6 per class.

No partner required. 07800 634071.

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

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 813711.

Fri CHANCE TO DANCE A gentle programme of creative dance for the over 50s.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am-11.15pm, £3.50 per session, 01432 340555.

Fri DANCING TOTS Drop-in sessions. No need to book. The Courtyard, Hereford. 11.30am-12.15pm, £4, £1 for an additional child, 01432 340555.

M and US THE

A GLIMPSE OF TWO FAMILIES

by

ROGE R KITE Available in Presteigne at The Rowan Tree, Winnie’s Newsagents, The Workhouse Gallery.

Grandad’s Shed in Kington, The Thomas Shop at Penybont.

Price: £3.50

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food page

The Holly Bush, Hay, a.k.a. Yak-y-Da

W

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HEN it was pointed out to Mr P that in recent issues of the Broadsheep he had delivered a series of more or less positive, even benign reviews of the eating places he’d visited behalf of the Woolly Organ, he became concerned that readers might conclude that he had sunk into that sea of puffery and flattery that overcomes so many provincial restaurant critics who are anxious not to upset potential advertisers.

Mr P is utterly indifferent to an eatery’s urge to advertise in the organ and, when it comes to spreading the truth to his intelligent and discerning readers, so is the editor. Mr P felt, in other words that it was time to visit a place that was likely to need a little constructive criticism, in order to demonstrate that neither his impartiality nor his critical faculties have deserted him.

As it happened, scouts in Hay had told him that the Kilvert Hotel in the town centre was in such a dire condition it needed commenting on. This surprised Mr P who’d used the Kilvert often in the past (though not recently) and had found that while offering little to cheer about in the victuals department, was at least an amenable place to drink ale and monopolise conversation.

He and his Lovely Companion walked into the large bar at eight o’clock on a Wednesday evening. It contained just two people, while a young woman who had been sitting outside chatting to a friend scuttled back in to resume her undemanding role as bar tender. Mr P enquired about food, to be told that the kitchen closed at eight o’clock. There was no evidence of anyone else having eaten in the bar that evening, so Mr P guessed the kitchen had given up and gone home long since, if it had ever opened at all. Mr P and the LC, needing sustenance, initiated Plan B.

Anxious to nail a target in time to meet the Woolly Organ’s tight deadline, they headed instead for the Holly Bush, on the Brecon road a few miles west of Hay. Mr P had been thinking about visiting the place for some time, since the pub, its cuisine, camping site and embarrassingly eccentric proprietor, Barbara Lewthwaite, had been subjected to some ridicule a few years ago in an edition of Alex Polizzi’s spiky but entertaining TV show, The Hotel Inspector. It would be interesting, Mr P thought, to see if Ms Lewthwaite had adopted any of the pertinent if much overdue advice offered by the late Lord Forte’s granddaughter.

Mr P is always prepared for the unexpected, but was nevertheless a little surprised to find the Holly Bush was now sub-titled Yak-y-Da, a pun involving a hirsute Himalayan beast of burden and a Welsh drinking toast.

It appeared that the eccentric proprietor, having accepted the pub’s shortcomings identified

by Ms Polizzi and her own inability to put them right, had let the

place to an engaging pair of Nepalese – a chef, born in the Himalayas, and a retired soldier of the Gurkha Regiment, with which Mr P had an immediate affinity, his own father having been an officer in the 7th Gurkha Rifles stationed outside New Delhi (where he claimed to have spent the latter years of World War II drinking chota-pegs and perfecting his skills at the bridge table).

The Holly Bush isn’t really a pub anymore in the traditional sense, for within the incongruous surroundings of the old oak-beamed bar and the bizarre notions of interior decoration bequeathed by the independentminded Ms Lewthwaite, this unusual partnership has opened a restaurant serving Nepalese and Thai food, Shyam, the chef, having worked in Thailand and Hong Kong before pitching up in the Wye valley.

Mr P who has never visited the Himalayas, nor knowingly eaten Nepalese food, is never averse to a new experience, and the LC agreed that they should opt for the Nepali menu. While the LC wanted only poppadoms with pickles to start, he chose Chilli Chicken (£4.90), which arrived quickly, with firm, pleasingly spiced chunks of meat and a couple of gasp-inducing hot peppers – earthy and flavoursome. The LC’s main course, Vegetable Dal Baat, consisting of vegetable curry, lentil soup, rice and pickles, turned out to be a khaki, sludgy affair.

Always fair, she said the dal (lentils) were good, but found the curry uninspiring. She wished she’d chosen the Mountain Lamb Curry (£8.50) instead.

Mr P on the other hand, had risked the optimistically named Gurkha’s Delight – a pair of lamb leg steaks, deeply marinated in herbs and spices before being griddled and served with a small bowl of rice, and vegetables wokked in an oyster sauce – an unusual treatment of lamb which he’d not had before and heartily enjoyed. As a dish cooked in the Asian tradition, it had more authenticity to it than anything Mr P had eaten at its nearest rival, the Indian restaurant, Red Indigo in Hay.

To drink, Mr & Mrs Pernickety each had a species of ‘Asian’ lager, Gurkha Beer and Chang Thai beer, brewed in Sussex and Scotland respectively, and tasting as bland and uninspiring as pretty much any other lager brewed in Britain.

While Mr P enjoyed his dinner, he wouldn’t drive more than five or six miles especially to go to Yak-

y-Da, but he would commend it as the better local option to those who genuinely enjoy a chilli challenge in their food. He and the LC eschewed a pudding of Thai Fried Banana, and thus his bill for two, with a pint and a half of lager, was just £36.90.

At the same time, he is rather sorry to have missed the challenge of the Holly Bush as it was previously run with the strongly individual ideas of Ms Lewthwaite, still evident in strategically placed cairns of small inscribed stones, of, no doubt, a mystical significance, along with the framed works of spiritual poetry hanging on the wall of the gents’ loos.

Mr Pernickety www.misterpernickety.com

EVENTS

Sat 6 December FARMER’S MARKET The Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 9am-1pm.

Sat 6 December KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD/DRINK FROM THE BORDERS Gastronomic inspirations from the Marches. With 65 food and drink stalls. Plus live entertainment and food competitions. Kington. Enquiries 01544 231202, mppeek@btinternet.com Sat 13 & Sun 14 December ABERGAVENNY CHRISTMAS FOOD & DRINK FAIR 13 Dec - Festive Artisan Drinks with Lindy Wildsmith. Homes of Elegance, 7 Mill St, Abergavenny, 6.30pm, £10 (over 18s only). 14 Dec - Seasonal produce, specialist exhibitors, demonstrations by Arun Kapil of Green Saffron, Adele Nozedar (writer and forager) and Karl Cheetham of Gliffaes Hotel. Plus children’s activities including ‘Secret Treats’, and music with choirs and Gwent Youth Orchestra. Abergavenny, 10am-5pm, £5, under 16s free, 01873 850805, www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com Sat 20 Dec & Sat 17 Jan FARMER’S MARKET Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 10am-4.30pm, 01588 630023.

First Sat of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Memorial Hall, Presteigne, 9am-1pm, 01544 262773.

Every Thurs - Sat TAPAS From award winning Deli Tinto.

No. 46 Wine Bar, Presteigne.

Every Thurs STEAK NIGHT Castle Inn, Wigmore, 01568 770203.

Last Friday of every month PIZZA NIGHT The Old Mill, High Street, Llanidloes. To book, call 01686 807 506.

Every Fri KINGTON LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-2pm, 07765 404759.

Every Fri FISH ON FRIDAY NIGHT Castle Inn, Wigmore, 01568 770203.

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £40 per year.

AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

POTS & CROCKS to hire for any occasion. Reasonable rates. 01568 709142. Classic white plates, cups & saucers, tea pots (silver & vintage), jugs, sugar bowls, cutlery, cake stands, carafes, large saucepans, table cloths, tea urn etc.

Stored in Kingsland. Collection or delivery plus wash up service.

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-2.30pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

THE HARP INN, OLD RADNOR, PRESTEIGNE 01544 350655 An unspoilt 15th century Welsh longhouse pub with fantastic views over the Radnor Valley. Delicious, freshly cooked food made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients which you can enjoy with a glass of wine or one of our traditional cask ales or local organic ciders, beside our welcoming log fire. Current menus are on our website www.harpinnradnor.co.uk together with details of special events such as steak nights, seasonal tasting menu nights and our annual beer festival. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm and weekend lunchtimes from 12pm.

THE LION RESTAURANT BRIDGE STREET KINGTON 01544 231002. Offering modern English food. Open for lunch Wed-Sun 12 - 2.30 and open for dinner Tues-Sat 6-9.30pm.

SCRUMMY BITES - made locally with you in mind. www.scrummybites.co.uk STONELEIGH, KINGSLAND 01568 709142. Handmade dishes include delicious desserts, savouries and pastries. Ideal for busy people, family gatherings. Special menus for events of 6 to 100 people.

Available from The Garden, Kingsland, HR6 9QS plus Knighton, Ludlow and Presteigne farmers markets. Many vegetarian, wheat and dairy free options. Awarded Ludlow Food Festival’s Graeme Kidd bursary 2010.

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 10am-5pm.

THE OLD MILL BAR AND BAKERY, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412 008 Tucked away in the heart of Llanidloes, this independent, family friendly café/bar serves lunch Wed-Sun 11-2pm. The menu focuses on fresh, local produce and includes soups, toasted ciabattas, Welsh cheese ploughmans and daily specials. All the bread is supplied by in-house micro bakery, Andy’s Bread. Andy bakes a range of artisan loaves including wheat and 100% rye sourdoughs.

Bread is available to buy from the bar on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Open Wed-Sun 11am-11pm. www.oldmillbar.co.uk www.andysbread.co.uk The India & China Tea Company at TOWER HOUSE GALLERY, HIGH STREET, KNIGHTON 01547 529530 www.towerhousegallery.blogspot.co.uk/ We serve homemade soups, breads and cakes, Italian blend coffee and over 30 different varieties of leaf tea. Wednesday to Saturday 9.30 to 5.00, (Sunday, Monday & Tuesday - 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.

Morning Market stalls: Knighton Thursday and Presteigne Friday. Veg boxes delivered to local area weekly. CSA Scheme. Restaurant orders welcome info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk SCRUMMY BITES ‘made locally with you in mind‘ 01568 709142 Local Chef Sam Bruce produces delicious food for any occasion using ingredients from our great Herefordshire producers. Pick up, delivered, set up or the full catered experience. Xmas orders now being taken for roulades, desserts, cakes (iced or glazed), puddings, pâtès, quiches/pies & mincepies. Free from dishes available.

Awarded Ludlow Food Festival’s Graeme Kidd Bursary 2010. Affordable pots & crockery hire also available.

UNCLE G’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR, BRIDGE STREET, KINGTON 01544 231002 Open daily from midday, offering a variety of our own home made ice creams available in cones and party tubs of different sizes.

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music

DECEMBER Mon 1 December ROEBUCKANEERS FOLK CLUB The Roebuck Inn, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 711854.

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

Tues 2 December

EX CATHEDRA ‘Christmas by Candlelight’. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 367482.

Wed 3 December REMI HARRIS TRIO Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

COLTRANE DEDICATION Queen’s Head, Monmouth.

Thurs 4 December OPEN MIC Crown & Anchor, The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LOU WHATLING Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

WBS EXPRESS CLUB CONCERT Students from William Brookes School.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £3, 01952 728911.

OPEN MIC King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

TEN BOB MILLIONAIRES Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

AUNTY DEPRESSANTS Rock covers. The Lakeside Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, £5, diners free, 01597 825679.

JAZZ ALCHEMY AND TAPAS EVENING King’s St Michael’s College, Oldwood Rd, Tenbury Wells, £15.

Part of Tenbury Mistletoe Festival. www.tenburymistletoe.org

BUSKING AT THE BAR The Imperial, Hereford, 6pm.

GENERATION GAP Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

PHOENIX THEATRE SINGERS Christmas concert. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £8.50, 01989 564570.

PAUL PARKER Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

Sat 6 December THE SULTANA BROTHERS The Bell Inn, Leominster, 9pm.

STEP INTO CHRISTMAS A celebration of popular Christmas sons, sung by choir and soloists.

Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

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

SOUL PREACHERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

SOULD 8-piece party band playing soul, funk and disco. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

HAY MUSIC Featuring Thomas Gurthrie, renowned baritone, sings songs by Schubert, with guitarist, Johan Lofving.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12 on the door, 01497 820322.

THE BOOGLIES Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

MICRO BABY Malthouse, Ironbridge.

THE TROY REDFERN BAND The Wrekin, Wellington, Telford, 9pm.

CHRISTMAS FAIR With storytellers and in the evening, Tinkers Cuss. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

THE TREE HUGGERS’ BALL Featuring The Boy & The Flatpack Band, with Diego Brown & The Good Fairy plus Sproatly Smith. Woodland Light Projection, grub and bar. Hinton Community Centre, Ross Rd, Hereford, 7pm, £5 on the door.

Herefordshire Tree Forum Benefit.

PHOENIX THEATRE SINGERS Christmas concert. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £8.50, 01989 564570.

ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA An eclectic mix of western swing, gypsy jazz, hokum, blues, ragtime, cajun and country roots. Dancing and licensed bar. Coronation Hall, Kingsland, 7.30pm, from Kingsland Post Office or 01568 709579.

SMAAAK. Arts Alive.

Fri 5 December AARON BOOTON Ego’s Quality Square, Ludlow.

26

ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA See 4 Dec for details. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £9/£6, 01746 862850. Arts Alive.

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra

27

Little Big Band

Sat 6 December JAMES HICKMAN Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

THE HYPE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

CANTORION LLANDRINDOD With Peregrine Orchestra and professional soloists. Programme includes Bach, Vaughan Williams, Mozart and Tavener. Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £12.50 including refreshments.

Tickets from the Herb Garden Cafe, 01597 823082 or on the door.

LITTLE BIG BAND Also known as Toot Sweet.

Specialising in swing, big band era classics, Latin, film and TV themes.

Knighton Community Centre, 7.30pm, bar, £7 (price includes soup and roll) from Tower House Gallery or Spar, call 07751 221487 to reserve a table.

HOT CLIMATE Plus support. All profits go to Joel’s Wish USA. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Station Drive, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £8, 01584 873291.

MISTLETOE FESTIVAL Featuring a Christmas Fair at the Kings Head. Christmas Tree Festival St Mary’s Church Burford. St Michael’s College Choir at the Pump Rooms.

Storytelling at the Rose & Crown, 10.45am and at the King’s Head at 11.30am. Vamos’ Count Down to Christmas, masked theatre at various locations throughout the day. Tenbury Wells. www.tenburymistletoe.org SYNERGY Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA See 4 Dec for details. Whitbourne Church, 7.30pm, £8/£5, 01886 821684. Arts Alive.

FIRED UP Plough Inn, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY Handel’s Messiah sung, by candlelight.

Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, 0845 4633124.

SIÔN RUSSELL JONES Singer/songwriter from Cardiff.

YZone, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £10, 01989 566644.

BIG TOP 8-piece ska band. Bishop’s Castle Christmas lights. Crown & Anchor, The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

MUSIC TO DINE FOR Featuring Stevie Yeomans. Castle Inn, Wigmore.

KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD/DRINK FROM THE BORDERS Gastronomic inspirations from The Marches. Plus live entertainment from Sax in the Park, Geoff Rodgers, Kington Community Choir, Whitton Voices, plus numerous others.

Kington, enquiries 01544 231202.

Sun 7 December PAUL LAMB & CHAD STRENTZ Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA See 4 Dec for details. Putley Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01531 670425.

Arts Alive.

JOHN KIRKPATRICK Carolling & Crumpets. A heartwarming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music at Midwinter. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, £5 children, 01588 630023.

THE WOODS SO WILD AND THE FALL OF THE LEAF Poetry and song from Lynden Rees-Roberts (voice) with guitarist Gareth Rees-Roberts, on our relationship with woodland and trees.

The Hall Barn at the Bleddfa Centre - 3pm. £8. More info from Marches Poets on 01544 267418 or lyndenreesroberts@googlemail.com THE BLUE BISHOPS From London. Lichfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford, 4pm, 01432 266821.

CHRIS QUINN Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

THE ANNUAL JAZZ JAM Bring your instrument, your music, a friend. Lively, spontaneous and fun.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2.30-5.30pm, £3 on the door, 01743 234970. Shrewsbury Jazz Network.

Tues 9 December THE ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND SHOW A seasonal mix of carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £16, £12 under 16s, 01584 878141.

CAROL CELEBRATION King’s St Michael’s Church, Oldwood Rd, Tenbury Wells, 3pm.

Part of Tenbury Mistletoe Festival. www.tenburymistletoe.org

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The Albion Christmas Band Show, 9 Dec

BUSKING AT THE BAR The Imperial, Hereford, 6pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS DJ, music and food. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Station Drive, Ludlow, 7pm, £8, 01584 873291.

PAUL HENSHAW & THE SCIENTIFIC SIMPLETONS Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

MIKE HOLLOWAY’S HMV BAND White Horse Inn, Clun.

Sat 13 December

Wed 10 December JOE SEAGER Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

SHARRON KRAUS & HARRIET EARIS Winter and Christmas songs. With support from Heed the Thunder, plus remarkable folk songs of Mark Stevenson. Canon Frome Court, 7pm, £7 with mulled wine and mince pies.

JAKE’S DIAMONDS The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

OPEN MIC WITH DANGEROUS DAVE REA White Horse Inn, Clun EX CATHEDRA CONSORT Experience the grandeur and emotion of Christmas festivities in the court of Elizabeth I. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £30-£10, 01432 374210.

Thurs 11 December BERESFORD HAMMOND ‘The Science of Snow’. Charlie Beresford (acoustic guitar) and Sonia Hammond (cello) launch their debut CD. Tomatitos, Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 820772. CDs on sale, donations for concert.

Fri 12 December THE NEW BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA Playing powerful and driving folkbased music from Eastern Europe.

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

HMV BAND Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

LIFE Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

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THE TEN BOB MILLIONAIRES 4-piece rockabilly skiffle band.

The Lakeside Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, £5, diners free, 01597 825679.

MOTT THE HOOPLE Plus Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs and his Blues Band play a homecoming gig. With support from The Troy Redfern Band, Ria and Bren Haze. For ages 18+. The Jailhouse, Gaol St, Hereford, 8pm, £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Tickets from The Jailhouse or Tobias James Art & Framing. 07533 772285.

THE COMPANY OF FOOLS The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

SOUL PREACHERS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

MATT JOHNSON Egos, Quality Square, Ludlow.

JAZZ @ THE BONDED WAREHOUSE Featuring Shrewsbury Jazz Orchestra.

Bonded Warehouse, Canal St, Stourbridge, 7.30pm, £7 adults, £3.50 students, 01384 377797.

ECO FRIENDLY Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

New Budapest Cafe Orchestra

THE NEW BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA See 12 Dec for details. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £14, 07967 517125. Arts Alive.

CATCH 22 Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

ROB WATKINS & VICKY Soft rock covers. Spread Eagle, King St, Hereford.

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

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Keeping up Old Christmas’.

Candlelit concert. Songs and stories for Christmastide, with Phil Smith. All Saints Church, Glasbury, 7.30pm, £7.50, 18s and under £5, 01497 847676. www.villagequire.org Includes mulled wine and a mince pie.

HOT CLIMATE The ultimate party band. Mortimer’s Cross pub, near Leominster, 01568 709212.

THE ROVING CROWS Colwall Village Hall.

GLASBURY ARTS Saturday, 24 January, 2015 Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am to 2pm

Annual Art Lecture—Sir Roy Strong

The Laskett Gardens Remade The garden at The Laskett in Herefordshire is always described as the largest formal garden laid out in Britain since the war and one of the most important, interesting and artistic of the second half of the twentieth century. It was made by Roy Strong and his wife, theatre designer Julia Trevelyan Oman, between 1973 and 2003.

His illustrated lecture, is based on his account of the remaking of the garden – Remaking a Garden: The Laskett Transformed Timetable for the day: 10.30 to 11am coffee : 11am to 12.30pm Lecture: 12.30 to 2pm buffet lunch.

Coffee and lunch are included in the ticket price.

Ticket prices: £17 full price; £14 concessions (unwaged, students, over-60s) 10% members’ discount applies to both prices.

Thanks to the generosity of Sir Roy Strong, the net proceeds will be divided between Glasbury Arts and Cats Protection League.

Tickets: by telephone on 07583 544110; in person at Old Forest Arts, The Craft Centre, Hay-on-Wye; or online at glasburyarts.co.uk

Saturday 7 February, 2015 - Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am to 4pm

Wire jewellery workshop - with Sara Withers

Sara Withers, who designs and makes jewellery with a range of beads, is also the author of The Encyclopaedia of Wire Jewellery Techniques, some of which she will be sharing with participants in her second workshop for Glasbury Arts.

There are 12 places available on this workshop.

Ticket prices: £45, full price, £30 concessions (unwaged, students, over-60s) 10% members’ discount applies to both prices.

Tickets: by telephone on 07583 544110; in person at Old Forest Arts, The Craft Centre, Hay-on-Wye

Fri 19 December LUCKY PIERRE Rock soul and blues covers.

The Lakeside Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, £5, diners free, 01597 825679.

AIR BAG Malthouse, Ironbridge.

BORN IN CHICAGO Blues Brothers tribute show, full of adult banter. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

BUSKING AT THE BAR The Imperial, Hereford, 6pm.

Music in New Radnor, Mellstock Band

Sat 13 December RHYTHM THIEVES Rock, pop, blues and folk.

King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR Featuring The Mellstock Band.

‘The Christmas Hearth - Travels and Homecomings’. A seasonal mix of jovial songs, stirring dance music, haunting carols and seasonal readings. Community Hall, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £12, under 14s £3, 01544 350268.

ACADEMIA MUSICA Nine Lessons and Carols. Belmont Abbey, 7.30pm, 01432 374747.

MARCHES COMMUNITY CHOIR With the Bishop’s Castle Primary School Choir. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle. In this WWI centenary, the concert will include carols as sung in the trenches.

St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, 01588 650448.

EARLY WARNING Plough Inn, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

THE HOP SINGERS Choral Christmas. St Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, 01531 660504.

FRUIT MACHINE Malthouse, Ironbridge.

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

KICK STONES JASON Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

CAROLS FOR SHOPPERS Carol service. Hereford Cathedral, 12 noon.

Sun 14 December THE HOP SINGERS Choral Christmas. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, 01531 660504.

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TOMMY ALLEN’S TRAFFIKER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

GASTRIC BAND Christmas party. Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL Eighty exhibitors, with the day finishing off with traditional music and singing.

A musical procession starting at Market Hall with Abergavenny Town Band at 4.15pm, finishing at Priory Church of St Mary with a free Christmas Concert featuring Gwent Youth Strings and School Choirs, 4.45pm.

J ALEXANDER & THE BLUE DEVILS Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 4-6pm.

Mon 15 December THE BADGERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Tues 16 December EBENEZER WEAZEL Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

LITTLE RUMBA Lively world music, jazz, blues and roots for a seasonal celebration.

Brecon Jazz Club, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £6 on the door.

Wed 17 December ROB WHYTE The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

LITTLE RUMBA Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

Thurs 18 December THE ENDINGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

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

THE SITTING ROOM QUIZ The Sitting Room, 4 Upper Galdeford, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £2 per person, 01584 879474 eves, 01584 874212.

PUMA CREEK Pedro Brown’s new band, with Mark O’Donnell, Chris Armstrong, Peter Cabara and Pedro Brown. Blues/funk.

Cider Barn, Dunkerton Cider Mill, Pembridge, HR6 9ED, 7pm, £1.50 donation to charity. In aid of Save the Children. Please ring to book table if eating 01544 388161.

UNDER THE FRIDGE White Horse Inn, Clun.

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS DJ, music and food. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Station Drive, Ludlow, 7pm, £8, 01584 873291.

TONY HUGHES Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

DAWSON Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

THE HAUNTED SOULS Featuring Sarah Warren on lead vocals. Royal Fountain, Cleobury Mortimer.

THE SULTANA BROTHERS The Salway Arms, Wooferton.

BUSKING NIGHT Musicians, poets and storytellers.

The Sitting Room, 4 Upper Galdeford, Ludlow, 7.30pm, free, 01584 879474 eves, 01584 874212.

SEAN SAYE Egos, Quality Square, Ludlow.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR ‘Christmas Past, Christmas Present’.

All proceeds to selected charities.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

Sat 20 December TEMPERANCE HALL The Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 9pm.

POKER JACK Malthouse, Ironbridge.

LEDBURY COMMUNITY CHOIR ‘Christmas Past, Christmas Present’.

All proceeds to selected charities.

Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 634630.

THE ROCK OF AGES EXPERIENCE TRIBUTE BAND

The tribute to the music of the smash-hit Hollywood musical and film. The big, bad eighties never left us and now the part goes from strength to strength. Stadium rock, power ballads, lycra, lace and liquor. The hair is big , the costumes small, anything goes and is FUN, FUN, FUN.

www.therockofagesexperience.com Mob: 07736-816136 (Ian)

FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Thursday 18th December

Christmas Folk Night at Castle Inn, Knucklas Catch 18.00 train from Shrewsbury and all stations to Knucklas Then bimonthly, 3rd Thursday of the month More information at www.slowtravelmarches.co.uk

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Films

Fri 19 Dec, 8pm BOYHOOD Fri 16 Jan, 8pm WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

Live Broadcasts

Tues 16 Dec, 7.15pm Royal Opera House ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Charlie’s AutoRepair Service MOT’S £29.95 (cars & vans) Special Offer Aircon service £29.95

Live on Stage

NO RE-TEST FEE, MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT, MOT WORK, SERVICING, RE-SPRAYS, BODYWORK, WELDING, RESTORATION, CAMBELT REPLACEMENT, FREE ESTIMATES All vehicles serviced & repaired

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

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

Sun 21 Dec, 3pm Bolshoi Ballet THE NUTCRACKER Thurs 22 Jan, 7pm National Theatre TREASURE ISLAND

Sat 10 Jan, 7.30pm FOLK IN THE FOYER with Jeweller’s Eye and Stoned Cherries

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LITTLE HOEDOWN The Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm.

The Wild Hare Club, The Blockheads

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS DJ, music and food. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Station Drive, Ludlow, 7pm, £8, 01584 873291.

THE SULTANA BROTHERS The Salway Arms, Wooferton.

HOT ROD 55 Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE DAGGERS Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

Sun 21 December

Sat 20 December WILD HARE CLUB Presents The Blockheads, Lori Campbell and DJs Reggae Pie. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7.30pm, £20, www.lydecourt.com or www.wildhare. com CAROL SINGERS At 1pm, mince pie competition, 3.30pm. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

5JIVE AND THE SHA LA LAS Rock and roll. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

APPLEBY KINSEY Live acoustic music from jazz contemporary folk quartet. With support from gypsy jazz guitarist Madi Stimpson in duo with double bassist Paul Smith. Home-made mince pies and mulled wine. The Ale House, Colwall, £12, 07979 542449, www.pindropevents.co.uk RUSS HUGHES Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

ROCKY ROAD TO RUIN Rock, pop and plenty of party music.

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

CELEBRATING MIDWINTER With seasonal songs, winter tales and merry music. Featuring Whitton Voices, led by Sue Harris, with a little help from Benji Kirkpatrick. Discoed Church, 6.30pm, £7, raising funds for Concern Universal. Mince pies and hot punch included, 01547 550158.

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

MR DOG Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BROTHERS GROOVE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

LIFE DUO The Grapes Christmas party.

Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Trevor Davies Music

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

We stock Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, Fernandez, Epiphone, Indie, Aria, Ovation, Adamas, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Crafter, Burns, Washburn, Jackson, AER, Marshall, Hartke, Carlsbro, Laney, Zoom, Digitech, Tama, Casio.

Plus many other brands.

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

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New video out - ‘No Worries’, check it out on the website or on youtube

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Mon 22 December LEOMINSTER CHORAL SOCIETY Carol concert. Candlelight, mince pies and mulled wine. The Priory Church, Leominster, 7pm, £6, accompanied children under 16, free. Tickets from Fletcher’s Newsagents or Leominster Tourist Office, 01432 830160.

MICRO BABY Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Tues 23 December ALTERNATIVE ROUTES Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE RONALDOS Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

Wed 24 December HALF A PHOENIX Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

VAGIN APOCALYPSE Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford.

Fri 26 December WAYNE MARTIN BAND White Horse Inn, Clun.

PHOENIX Acoustic. The Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

JAMES HICKMAN Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS Mummers Play (portraying the eternal battle between Good and Evil).

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

HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 27 December EUPHONISM Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

VO & TYLER The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

HEREFORD LIVE CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE Proceeds to Sophie’s Star, St Michael’s Hospice. The Jailhouse, Gaol St, Hereford.

PURE INSTINCT Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

THE GOLD ROOM Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sun 28 December LITTLE RUMBA Tomatitos Tapas Bar, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820772.

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OTIS MAC & THE TUBBY BLUESTARS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

WOODCHUCK Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

WARREN JAMES SKIFFLE Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

Tues 30 December OPEN MIC Hosted by Howard and Clare.

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888.

Wed 31 December STOMP AND HOLLER New Orleans blues. Cajun buffet included, bar available. Canon Frome Court, £17, book via www.canonfromecourt.org.uk or 01531 671199.

STAR OF THE SEA Ticket only. Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton, 9pm.

JANUARY Fri 2 January BABAJACK Blues band. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 3 January TWELFTH NIGHT Church and Hall, Llandinam, 01686 688102, www.tradartsupport.org.uk JOHN HARDMAN BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BLACK COUNTRY ROCK Malthouse, Ironbridge.

UNDERCOVER Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCK & ROLL PARTY Starring Dave Luke’s Boots, The Poobahs, Little Rumba & The Same Tokens, plus DJ Andre Voiture Rouge.

Bar and dance floor. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £15 (includes canapes and glass of bubbly). Tickets from The Workhouse or Courtyard Antiques, Presteigne.

MBA gala fundraiser.

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

PAUL SNOOK AND FRIENDS Fancy dress party. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

REMEDY Plough Inn, Whitecross Rd, Hereford.

HOT CLIMATE The ultimate party band. Charlton Arms, Ludlow. Ticket only, £20 includes buffet and party bag, 01584 872813.

THE ROOZ Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE COLD TEA BAND Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford.

THE CELLAR BOYZ Rose & Crown, Tenbury Wells, free music, buffet available at £7.50.

XL5 New Year’s Eve party. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford, £5 in advance, £10 on the night (subject to availability).

KING MANTIS New Year’s Eve party. The White Lion, Leominster, 8pm.

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

PHOENIX The Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

OVER THE HILLBILLIES The Herbert Arms, Kerry, 9pm.

Sun 4 January VINCENT FLATTS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Mon 5 January ROEBUCKANEERS FOLK CLUB The Roebuck Inn, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 711854.

LEOMINSTER MORRIS Mummers Play (portraying the eternal battle between Good and Evil). Part of Wassail, ceremony in a nearby orchard to Bless the Orchard. Nag’s Head Inn, Canon Pyon, 7pm.

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

Fri 9 January STEVE EDWARDS Egos, Quality Square, Ludlow.

LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

THE KICKSTONES Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

THE HAUNTED SOULS A touch of country, featuring Sarah Warren. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

JAZZ @ THE BONDED WAREHOUSE With the Simon Deeley Trio with Mark Brown and Richard Baker. Bonded Warehouse, Canal St, Stourbridge, 7.30pm, £7 adults, £3.50 students, 01384 377797.

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Mark Morriss

Wed 14 January OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

HAY MUSIC Featuring Maciej Kassak (clarinet) and James Meldrum (piano).

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-onWye, 7.30pm, £12, 01497 820322.

JOE SEAGER Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

Thurs 15 January FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

Sat 10 January PERFECT STRANGER Rock. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Jeweller’s Eye and Stoned Cherries. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

THE SULTANA BROTHERS The Richmond Club, Hereford.

Sun 11 January LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

THE ULTIMATE JIMMY HENDRIX EXPERIENCE The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

STONE FREE Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 4-6pm.

Tues 13 January BRECON JAZZ CLUB Paul Munnery trombone, Deborah Glenister sax and Jim Barber piano.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £6 on the door.

LONDON PHILHARMONIC SKIFFLE ORCHESTRA A musical evening of insane fun!

Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £12.50/£10.50, 01432 340555.

Fri 16 January THE TROY REDFERN BAND The Salopian, Shrewsbury.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS Rock-a-billy at it’s best. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

MARK MORRISS (The Bluetones), plus support.

The Cube, Malvern, £10, www.malverncube.com THE ELVIS YEARS The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21/£19.50, 01432 340555.

ANDY O’BRIEN Egos, Quality Square, Ludlow.

Sat 17 January CAHALEN MORRISON & ELI WEST Unique acoustic duo from Seattle.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £10, tickets from The Workhouse, Courtyard Antiques and www.wegottickets.com.

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, 17 Jan

BRACKEN Stag Inn, Llanidloes.

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK Presents Wild Flower Sextet.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £14, £12 members, £7 under 18s, 01743 234970.

THE NOVASONS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BENJI KIRKPATRICK From the big band folk trailblazers, Bellowhead and Faustus. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

Sun 18 January PETER CROPPER & FRIENDS ‘Brahms at twilight’. Adam Ballroom, Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 6pm, £16, 25s and under £8, 01743 367482.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

TREVOR BURTON BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

IN THE WAKE OF WAGNER Pre-concert talk by Richard Wigmore at 12pm. Programme includes Wagner, Liszt, Lekeu and Brahms, 12.45pm. At 4pm, programme includes Faure, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, individual concerts £12-£20, 01531 660504.

Thurs 22 January LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun.

RODERICK WILLIAMS The baritone performs music from composers including Caplet, Poulenc, Honegger and Duparc. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £23/£22, 01432 340555.

Fri 23 January CATCH 22 Rock and pop covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 24 January THE TROY REDFERN BAND The Bull, Ludlow.

DREWS BREW Country tinged soft rock. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

RIVERS OF SPRING The Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm.

ELO EXPERIENCE Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20-£18, 01743 281281.

CRY BABY & THE HOOCHIE GOOCHIE BOYS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

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The Velvet Violin Vera Van Heeringen, 25 Jan

SHAKATAK The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £19/£18, 01432 340555.

Sun 25 January SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £20/£19, 01432 340555.

LIVE MUSIC Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

THE VELVET VIOLIN Featuring The secret love child of Richard Digance and Victoria Wood, Terence Blacker, plus the fine and assured bluegrass player Vera Van Heeringen, MC author and singer Ian Marchant and the house band Dave Luke and John Hymas. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7pm, £10, tickets from Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne or 01544 267163.

Full Circle Gig.

The Velvet Violin Terence Blacker, 25 Jan

Thurs 29 January THREE DEGREES Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26, 01743 281281.

BALLADEERS & CHANCERS The longstanding ‘closed mic’ night for aspiring and seasoned musicians alike welcomes in 2015 with a humdinger.

Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, details or to perform contact Stephe 07837 944090.

LET’S HANG ON The music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £20/£19, 01432 340555.

Fri 30 January SONGBIRD The music of Eva Cassidy.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22/£21, 01432 340555.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

THE TROY REDFERN BAND The Friars, Bridgnorth.

Tues 27 January

DELRAY ROCKETS Fuel-injected rockabilly. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

SETH LAKEMAN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £21.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Wed 28 January SYNERGY Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

OPEN MIC With Mark and Jill hosting (from the Rhythm Thieves). Sun Inn, Leintwardine.

LIVE MUSIC Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE SCHUBERT ENSEMBLE Programme includes Beethoven, Chausson and Dvorak. St Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, 01531 660504.

Sat 31 January SINATRA - THE MOVIE YEARS The songs and stories of Frank Sinatra. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £14/£13, 01432 340555.

Benji Kirkpatrick

PETER DYKE ‘La Nativité du Signeur’, Messiaen’s organ masterpiece. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, £5, 01432 374210.

THE TROY REDFERN BAND The Stagg, Llanidloes.

FEBRUARY Sun 1 February MARCUS BONFANTI Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Mon 3 February ROEBUCKANEERS FOLK CLUB The Roebuck Inn, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 711854.

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

Music Workshops Starting Thurs 8 January NEW KNIGHTON SINGING GROUP KNIGHTON NATURAL VOICES Songs from all over. Fun warm-ups.

All taught by ear. Beginners welcome!

Folk meet 7.30pm term time Thursdays at Knighton Community Centre. Email charlotte@naturalvoice.net or call 01547 540603.

Sat 7 Feb A BMEMF WORKSHOP FOR SINGERS With tutor David Skinner. ‘The Spy’s Choirbook’. Music by Josquin, Mouton and others. Bishop’s Palace, Hereford, 10am-4.30pm, £18 for Early Music Fora members, £20 non-members, £5 students. Booking essential, 01544 350636 or www.bmemf.org.uk Monday ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Coleg Powys (now NPTC), Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Monday FUN & PLAY WITH RHYTHM & HARMONY All taught by ear so no need to read music! Meet 8pm term time Mondays at the Methodist chapel in Leintwardine. Email charlotte@ naturalvoice.net or call 01547 540603.

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Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 560950.

Mondays and Wednesdays BRING AN INSTRUMENT, LEARN A TUNE Play jigs, reels, polkas, hornpipes & slow airs with expert tutor, Kitty Greenwood. Tunes will be taught by ear (sheet music/recordings also available).

If you’ve never learned this way before don’t worry, you won’t be the only one! Expand your repertoire, improve your technique. All melody instruments welcome, Craven Arms, Interested? Call Kitty: 01584 841564 or email: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com

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

The Sun Inn, Leintwardine.

2nd & 4th Sunday OPEN MIC NIGHT George & Dragon, Knighton, 01547 528532.

Last Sunday OPEN MIC The Herbert Arms, Kerry, 8pm, all welcome, 07970 135378.

Last Sunday OPEN MIC NIGHT All welcome. The Retreat, Ledbury, 01531 632766.

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

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

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.

Songs from around the world, traditional and contemporary.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8-10pm, £5. All welcome.

Led by Sue Harris, 01547 560950.

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

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

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR A series of workshops for folk tune players with expert guidance from tutor, Kitty Greenwood. All melody instruments welcome. Craven Arms Hotel, 7.30pm, £3.50, booking essential, 01584 841564 or email folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com

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

Every Monday nights BRECON TOWN BAND Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7-9pm. 07779 390954.

Every Tuesday BLUES NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio, 01691 830295.

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

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC All welcome, from about 9pm.

The Retreat, Ledbury, 01531 632766.

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

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Pete Keeley and Dangerous Dave. The Back Bar, The King’s Head, Bishop’s Castle, 9pm onwards, 01588 630770.

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world - from the Beatles to Bulgaria. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm9.30pm. Polly on 01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or check our website www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

3rd Tuesday FOLK NIGHTS The Crown Inn, Longtown.

Register for e-Newsletter john.baxter87@btinternet.com

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

Thursday fortnightly WILD ANGELS Informal community choir led by Sue Harris. All welcome. Songs from around the world. Llanidloes, 7.30-9.30pm 01686 625980.

First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

Friday MUSIC TIME A session of music and movement for under 5s and their parents. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £5 per child, 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 First Saturday UNPLUGGED IN THE SNUG The Greyhound, Llangunllo, 9pm, 01547 550400.

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

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

3rd Saturday OPEN ACOUSTIC NIGHT Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

Every Sunday FOLK/ROOTS SESSION Stag, Llanidloes, 6.30pm, 01686 414824.

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2nd Sunday FOLK SESSION Powys Arms, Poolquay, near Welshpool, 7.30pm, 01691 831162.

Every Sunday SESSION The Old Mill, High Street, Llanidloes, 8pm. With tunes from many traditions, anything is welcome. 01686 412 008. www.oldmillbar.co.uk

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

Last Tuesday JAZZ NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio,Oswestry, 01691 830295.

Every Wednesday MAINSTREAM JAZZ NIGHT The Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 8pm, 01686 668359.

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

(Excluding 17 Dec).

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

First Wednesday JAZZ NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio, 01691 830295.

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

Brand new fantastic ITALJET DIABLO ELECTRIC CRUISER BIKE

RRP £1,600 only £850 Phone Pete 01544 267163

First Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION The Victory, 88 St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm, details from Martin 01432 342018 or 07846 669890.

Every Wednesday FOLK SESSION Railway Inn, Forden, near Welshpool, 8pm, 01938 580120.

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

2nd Wednesday STRANGE KIN BLUES SESSION Raven, Welshpool, 8pm, email blue.raven@hotmail.co.uk 2nd Wednesday OPEN MIC NIGHT Stockton Cross Inn, Kimbolton, near Leominster, 8.30pm, 01568 612509.

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

3rd Wednesday FOLK/ACOUSTIC SESSION Any style, Crown Inn, Clunton, 9pm, 01588 660226.

Every Thursday JAZZ JAM Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

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

1st Thursday MUSIC SESSION All styles welcome.

Horse & Jockey Inn, Knighton, 8.30pm. 01547 520062.

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

3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Cross St, Tenbury Wells, 07721 58766.

3rd Thursday FOLK NIGHT Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223.

3rd Thursday OPEN MIC Spread Eagle, King St, Hereford, phone to book a slot, 01432 272205.

4th Thursday ACOUSTIC MUSIC The Sun, High St, Clun, 9pm. Contact Dave Wright 01588 640552.

Every Friday THE HOTSPUR SESSIONS Join in on our relaxed, creative music evening, or come along to listen.

Aero-Club, Shobdon Airfield, 7.30pm, 01568 708783.

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

1st Friday FOLK SESSION Led by The Pedigrees, Spread Eagle, King St, Hereford, 01432 272205.

3rd Friday TRADITIONAL SESSIONING Llanfyllin Workhouse, 01691 649062.

3rd Friday ACOUSTIC FOLK MUSIC & SONG SESSION The New Inn, Bartestree, Hereford.

Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm, 07885 467673.

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

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

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

We also stock a selection of new and antique instruments and accessories T: 01568 620120 M: 07501 724663

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

VENUES ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141 BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968 BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670.

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

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540 BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 612818 THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434.

THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963 BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000 CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575 THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555 THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318 DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408 THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

GARWAY VILLAGE HALL, Hereford 01981 580056 THE GEORGE & DRAGON, Knighton 01547 528532 GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412 THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274.

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE GRANARY, Leominster 01568 614290.

THE GROVE HOTEL, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury, 01743 271227 THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373 THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330 HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003.

HOTSPUR CAFE & BAR, Shobdon Airfield 01568 708783.

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

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679 LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821 LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 611588 THE LOWFIELD INN, Marton, Welshpool 01743 891313 LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291 THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712 MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352 NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908 OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020 THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008 THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 343360 THE RETREAT, Ledbury, 01531 632766.

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336 ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720 ROYAL OAK, Presteigne, 01544 260842.

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

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797 THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998 VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189.

WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577 WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555 YORKSHIRE HOUSE, St Mary’s St, Shrewsbury 01743 362622

41

band directory

42

APPLEBY KINSEY 4-piece acoustic jazz, contemporary folk, singer-songwriter group: acoustic guitar, saxophones, flute double bass, beautiful female lead vocals.

Collectively we produce a different kind of purely acoustic sound, one that is familiar enough to be instantly accessible, while being original, sophisticated, and played with great instrumental skill, to grab and hold on to the audience’s attention. Perfect for your special occasion. Visit www.applebykinsey.com for music/details/contact.

ARTHUR MILLS & THE BLACK EYE FRIDAYS Acoustic/Folk 4 piece band playing lively original songs, with varied influences, and given an original edge. Please visit our website to watch our videos and enjoy 4 songs recorded in the ‘Shed of Dreams’. www.arthurmills.com Contact: info@arthurmills.com or phone Eggy : 07976 433753.

THE BAGGAGE HANDLERS - acoustic duo playing classic covers from the likes of R.E.M. to Johnny Cash, Snow Patrol to The Jam. We can be contacted at www.facebook.com/thebaggagehandlers www.myspace. com/baggagehandlersmusic or simply ring 07824 787168.

MARTIN BLAKE: Fingerpickin’ good guitar, banjo and vocals, solo or with a variety of bands from duo to six piece, including Whiskey River (5/6 piece playing swamp music from America’s Deep South with fiddle, Cajun accordion and sax), The Whiskey River Boys (duo version of the same), The Grass Snakes (5 piece trad bluegrass band with high lonesome harmony vocals), Blakes III (an eclectic acoustic trio with fiddle, clarinet, guitar and 3 part harmony) and The Blake Plowman Hot Band (red hot 4 piece rocking country band). Pubs, Clubs, Weddings, Divorces, etc. Contact: 07846 669890 or 01432 342018.

Email: info@martinblake.org Website: www.martinblake.org THE CASTLE STREET QUARTET: Vocal and sax led combo playing all of your favourite jazz standards. From ballads to boogie-woogie and samba to swing, we can provide the perfect music for wedding receptions, parties and fundraising concerts. Check out our repertoire and hear some samples on castlestreetquartet.co.uk or call Jon Weller on 07850 019489.

CUCKOO ALE CEILIDH BAND Not just an ordinary ceilidh band, but an extraordinary ceilidh band! Squeeze box, keyboard and percussion with expert calling. See www. cuckooaleband.co.uk or email bev.langton@talk21.com or phone 07799 408297.

CUCKURIOSITY A dynamic Ceilidh duo featuring Bev calling and Ray on his digital melodeon. A classy act which is versatile, flexible, requires minimum space and can set up in double quick time. Ideal for weddings, corporate events, marquees and venues without a stage. See and hear more on www.raybevlangton.com For bookings contact us at bev. langton@talk21.com THE DETAILS Acoustic Folk-Art band formed around highly original songwriters Andy Morton and Dave Carroll.

Songs to savour range from the heartfelt to the hilarious; from delta blues through wistful ballads to pacey rockers.

A listening band (or duo) for pubs, clubs, arts centres, book fairs, festivals. See and hear more on www.thedetails.org. uk and www.facebook.com/thedetails2 Tel 01531 670623 or email david@carroll.org.uk DEJA VU has grown and now features a talented girl singer, Hanah B, to enhance their nostalgic blend of 60s/70s pop and rock classics with soul and blues.

Contact Bill Pitt on 01584 819394.

DREWS BREW – hear the harmony, feel the beat.

3 piece band bringing you songs from Eagles, Lady Antebellum, Queen, Blondie, Amy Macdonald, Alan Jackson, KT Tunstall and more. So, sit and listen or party the night away. Contact: drewsbrew@icloud.com Richard on 01885 489119 or Peter on 0777 0851450

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 THE FLOK Duo/Trio/Band suitable for most occasions. Kate Thomas lends her stunning voice to a refreshing mix of material from the likes of KT Tunstall, Pink and Mumford & Sons, ably supported by Dave Luke (guitar/mandolin/vocals) and a solid but subtle rhythm section. Dave 07967 029159 Kate 07817 019918 daveluke1@hotmail.com - or like us on Facebook!

HOT CLIMATE Ultimate party band, best 6-piece line up ever.

For top musical entertainment at your party/wedding/festival or corporate function. Book now! New footage on www.hotclimate.co.uk. Contact Charlie 01568 613895 or mobile 07702 528088 anytime!

THE JOHN HARDMAN BAND Uncompromising Power Rock and Heavy Blues. We play some Jimi, Rory, BB, Tull, Zep, Stones, Who, Steppenwolf, some originals and much more.

We are an experienced gigging band and will play private parties, pubs, festivals, stadiums. Give Mick a ring on 0786 4705156 or www.johnhardmanband See on myspace. com/johnhardmanband KEYGREEN Original music featuring vocal harmonies, guitar, piano sax, and clarinet. Herefordshire based brother and sister duo Tom and Nicky Jaques. A unique full sound for live music venues, festival gigs and private bookings. Contact Nicky or Tom for more info. www.keygreenmusic.co.uk nickyjaquesmusic@gmail.com www.facebook.com/KeyGreenMusic 07817268689 / 07837713384 LE FREAK Amazing 4 piece party funk band featuring music from Chic, James Brown, KC and the Sunshine Band, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Great band for any dance event.

Includes disco for non stop music. Hear us on soundcloud. com/lefreak357066067 or phone Nick on 01981 540348 or 07952 415487.

LITTLE RUMBA A classy four piece band featuring Hugh, John, Jacqui & Pete, from The Tango Band and The Rumbajax, playing moody, melancholy music everything from East European and South American to the Blues. Viola, violin, accordion, saxophones, guitar, vocals and bass.

01547 520339 www.littlerumba.com MELOMANICS Really fun duo, trio, or full Ceilidh band, more than just great music - stilts as well if appropriate!

Modern, traditional and original tunes with a cosmopolitan flavour. (Specialité: Timoléon pour vos soirées Françaises).

Ideal for parties, weddings, fund raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants etc. For info call Tim on 01743 719438 or Rich 01743 718612, email tim@melomanics. co.uk, website www.melomanics.co.uk A MONTH OF SUNDAYS With electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonicas, pipes, percussion and vocals, this Ledbury-based four/five piece ensemble plays fresh interpretations of folk, jazz and blues classics with a sprinkling of effulgent originals thrown in for good measure.

For festivals, parties and pub bookings, Nick Trigg on 07938 889976, email isoundprooftrigg@hotmail.co.uk or efsl.porter@btinternet.com website amos-uk.co.uk facebook.com/amonthofsundaysuk MOSTLY JOHN CEILIDH BAND Cast aside that economic gloom. Why not let our merry minstrels, aided by the lovely Pammy (“no, no, no!”) restore your joie de vivre at your party, wedding or knees-up. John 01588 661096.

MUCH ADO - The band for your ceilidh or barn dance.

5-piece band with caller for ceilidhs, barn dances, weddings, parties, shows, fetes, etc. Alan Oberman 01982 570432, email alan.oberman@gmail.com or Peter Watts 01497 831424, email peterwatts135@btinternet.com.

See website www.muchadoband.com

OVER THE HILLBILLIES - Lively, foot stomping, rip-roaring band performing everything from Led Zep to Kylie, Dolly to Motorhead, and Blur to the Bee Gees. With a look fashioned straight from “Deliverance”, playing on a banjo, fiddle, tea-chest bass, drums, harmonicas, geeetar and a suitcase(!) we are perfect for pubs, festivals and anything else that involves drinking and dancing. For bookings call Linda on 01686 670409 or find us on Facebook.com/ Over-the-Hillbillies. YEEEEEEHAAAAAA! PIANIST FOR ALL OCCASIONS BAFTA winning composer Ric Lloyd (founder member of The Flying Pickets) will play for all your corporate events, weddings, functions, parties, restaurants and other celebrations. A wide repertoire of standards, jazz favourites, pop and boogie-woogie.

Many pro years experience in the music and theatre world, which includes playing shows and accompanying singers.

I can also do gigs with a female vocalist and trio. Wearing my other hat I am Musical director for The Hornettes (female trio) who sing Tamla Motown and 60’s songs. Dust off your beehives and bring your dancing shoes for this one! www.facebook.com/riclloydhornettes Phone: 01974 282515. E-mail: pianist@mm.st RAY STROUD Respected electro-acoustic finger style guitarist/singer. Huge repertoire of songs and tunes from 60s-90s and originals plus ragtime and country picking.

Sets to suit venue - folk, roots, jazzy pop, soft rock, or a mixture. Also available in the duo Thyme Bandits and four piece power pop Hush. Friendly and professional. Call 07962 916333 or email raystrack@talo5.plus.com http:// www.bandmix.co.uk/ray-stroud 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 SEAN SAYE Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Great party music, capturing the retro vibe. Contact tel: 07588 409059 or email seansaye@yahoo.co.uk.

Website www.seansaye.com.

SIR DANCELOT Traditional dance music for any occasion with/without caller. Fiddle, mandolin, concertina, guitar, cittern, banjo, whistles. http://sirdancelot.co.uk. Contact (01686) 411147/621156 or 07843 440789 or info@sirdancelot.co.uk SILVER BRANCH Ceilidh/folk band, complete with caller and PA system. Multi-instrumental 5-piece band playing traditional Irish/world music and contemporary tunes. David: 01981 540832, Anna: 07980 961187.

SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan. From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@ hotmail.com SOUL SUPPLY 6-piece soul, Motown and R & B Party Band. Guaranteed to turn your event into a hive of nonstop dance floor activity. Available for weddings, parties and corporate events. Full PA, lights, staging and disco as required. 079905 75531 or 01568 708868 www.soulsupplyband.co.uk info@soulsupplyband.co.uk

SPIRIT OF TANGO Stylish café-jazz trio with a Latin/ French flavour featuring Phil Bond (accordion), Dave Carroll (guitar), and Mike Green (double bass).Polished, earcatching performances in styles from samba to Django unfailingly provide a lively ambience at private parties, weddings and corporate functions. Check us out at www.spiritof tango.co.uk Tel 01531 670623 or email david@carroll.org.uk STOMPING GROUND Lively 3 piece covers band. Classic soul, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, classic pop (Tom Jones, Spencer Davis etc). Fronted by drummer vocalist Richie Lund ex Soul Survivors. Just give us a corner of your bar or lounge and we WILL entertain you. Ideal for parties. Contact Richie 01584 811500 / 07817 620644 www.stomping-ground.co.uk STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com THE ROCK OF AGES EXPERIENCE BackTrack to the 80s with The Rock Of Ages Experience Tribute Band.

See our live video on our website www.therockofagesexperience.com Ian: 07736 816136.

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 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 TROVATORI Classical singers Darren and Caroline perform opera and musicals through to modern ballads and folk accompanied on guitars. Live, stylish and bespoke entertainment. www.trovatori.com Tel: 07971 880794 or email mail@trovatori.com THE TRENSETTS ROCK BAND: Good dancin’ good listenin’. Real authentic music. For parties, weddings, clubs, pubs. Reasonable fees. Contact Gwyn on 01686 625665 /07831 557292.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE - a reputation for spine-tingling harmony singing 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 performed by actor Phil Smith. New show for 2014. ‘Precious Bane’ by Mary Webb: “Phil Smith injects a gamut of humanity ... The Village Quire deliver with conviction and gusto ... authentic passion and the enduring quality of the original prose.”

(Mike Lewis) (01497) 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band.

For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

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

01588 650686.

ZIGGY STARDUST EXPERIENCE The Spiders from Kington play early Bowie; from “Space Oddity” to “Aladdin Sane” in full costume! Available for festivals, gigs and parties. Release Your Inner Starman Let All The Children Boogie! Call Richie Cotterill on 07777 661252.

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theatre PERFORMANCE

Wed 28 January WOYZECK Madness, murder, passion and peas in Splendid’s exhilarating adaptation of Buchner’s gothic classic.

With nothing but a trunk full of junk, three talented performers peice together the disturbing tale of the murderous soldier Woyzeck. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Sat 6 December A CHRISTMAS TRUCE BEING FRANK PHYSICAL THEATRE. This specially written piece of street theatre commemorating the impromptu 1914 Christmas day peace in the trenches.

Tenbury Wells. Part of Tenbury Mistletoe Festival. www.tenburymistletoe.org

Fri 30 -& Sat 31 January THE TOMMY COOPER SHOW An hour of comedy and magic featuring Daniel Taylor as Tommy Cooper. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £14, 01743 281281.

Thurs 4 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL LIVING BOOK THEATRE COMPANY, run by Affinity Trust, a nationwide charity which supports adults with learning disabilities. Studio Theatre, The Courtyard, Hereford, 5pm & 7pm, £7.50/£5, 01432 340555.

Sat 6 & Thurs 11 December JESUS MY BOY WORCESTER REP. Meet Joseph, the worst carpenter in the area. A stunning one-man play, the story of Jesus, an ordinary down-to-earth man, dismayed about how his image is later portrayed. 6 Dec - Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442. 11 Dec - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £11, students £10, 07967 517125.

Thurs 11 - Sat 13 December l

A Fair ˄ y Grimm Evening OR A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER PRESTEIGNE PLAYERS. So what would happen if Cinderella (and every other princess, not to mention the peasants) just said NO! to the wicked Baron Powys...?

Memorial Hall, Prestiegne, 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinee 2.30pm. Thurs eve and Sat matinee, £5/£3, £13 family.

Fri & Sat eves £6. Tickets from Winnies, High St, Presteigne. Book early as seating is limited.

Fri 19 December A SHORT PEACE BROADCAST THEATRE COMPANY. The story of the 1914 Christmas truce told with contemporary pictures, readings of letters and diaries, carols and songs from both sides of No Man’s Land. A warming Christmas punch!

St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £7, under 18s free, 01544 262846.

Thurs 8 January IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE FARNHAM MALTINGS. George Bailey, a desperate middle-aged clerk discovers the difference he has made to his family, friends and home town, (with a little help from Clarence, the apprentice angel). Fro ages 8+.

SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01588 630321.

Arts Alive.

Wed 4 - Sat 7 February JEEVES AND WOOSTER: PERFECT NONSENSE Starring Robert Webb as Bertie Wooster. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Mon 1 - Sat 6 December CALAMITY JANE WATERMILL THEATRE. Festival Theatre, Malvern, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm, £42 - £28.56, 01684 892277.

Fri 5 December THE FORGOTTEN? - NEVER! Celebrating the 175th year of the Chartist movement in music, drama and song. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £10/£8, 01600 772467.

Fri 19 December O DAN Y PRIDD What’s the point of learning about boring things? ‘Prof’ is someone who likes facts. This short musical looks at the wasteful way we live our lives. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 6pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 23 January FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS A high energy show with hit songs and hot dance brand new for 2015. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £19.50/£18.50, 01432 340555.

Fri 30 & Sat 31 January SHEER LUCK HOLMES TEME SPIRITS. Pantomime. Community Centre, Knighton, evening performances and Saturday matinee.

Tickets on sale from 2 Jan from The Tower House Gallery, Knighton, 01547 529530.

Sun 11 January THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR THE WILLOW GLOBE COMPANY present a rip-roaring farce and one of Shakespeare’s warmest comedies.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 3pm, £10 adults, £5 16s and under, 01982 552555.

Wed 21 January CIRCUS OF HORRORS An awe-inspiritng rock ‘n’ roller coaster that drags circus screaming and shouting into the 21st century. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £25-£19, 01432 340555.

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Merry Wives of Windsor

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A Child’s Christmas in Wales

Wed 10 - Sun 14 December JACK & THE BEANSTALK Starring Phil Doyle with jokes and japes, witty wordplay and silly slapstick. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

Fri 12 December THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER & OTHER STORIES SILLY BOYS. A hilarious, wacky and heart-warming take on some of the world’s favourite fairy tales. Reimagined with puppetry, live music and a huge dose of silliness.

Suitable for ages 2+. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 1pm £5, 01584 878141.

Fri 30 January MARRIAGE OF FIGARO OPERAUPCLOSE present a highly inventive and theatrical new production, sung in a new English version. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20-£17.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 31 January THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR FLINTLOCK THEATRE COMPANY. Using their trademark dance and extraordinary physical storytelling. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £14/£13, 01432 340555.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Tues 2 December WIND AND THE WILLOWS ODDSOCKS THEATRE CO. Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and the boisterous, loud and lovable Toad with an adventure on the riverbank. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 1pm & 7.30pm, £10/£7, 01584 878141.

Wed 3 December - Sun 11 January PETER PAN EVOLUTION. Featuring Brad Fitt and lots of audience participation. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Until Sun 4 January JACK AND THE BEANSTALK The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Wed 3 - Sat 6 December HORRIBLE HISTORIES - BARMY BRITAIN Can you beat battling Boudicca? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? 3 & 4 Dec - 10am & 1pm; 5 Dec - 10am & 7pm; 6 Dec - 10.30am & 2pm.

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555.

Thurs 4 - Sun 7 December A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES THE WALES THEATRE COMPANY’s production is a new and evocative picture of Dylan Thomas’ early years.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Thurs & Fri 10am & 7pm, Sat 2.30 & 7pm, Sun 2.30pm, 01874 611622.

Match

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Mon 15 - Wed 24 December THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER COURTYARD PRODUCTIONS. Join the elves as they go on a magical adventure to help the poor shoemaker, Giotto, recover his fortune. The Studio, Courtyard, Hereford, 15 - 19 Dec, 10am & 1pm, 20 Dec, 10am, 11.30am & 2.30pm. 22 - 24 Dec, 11.30am & 2.30pm. £8/£7, 01432 340555.

Wed 17 & Thurs 18 December ROBIN PUD! WBS SIXTH FORM. Join Robin in Sherbet Forest as he battles for his beloved, Maid Meringue, against the dastardly King Kipling and Sheriff of Sherbet. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £6/£4, 01952 728911.

Fri 19 December THE MAGICAL TALES A family magic show. A real live epic adventure of magic, illusions, comedy, storytelling and mystery. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £5, 01497 820322.

Sat 20 December SLEEPING BEAUTY FAME FACTORY SPOTLIGHT present this truly magical family pantomime. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 2pm, 01600 719401.

Mon 22 - Wed 24 & Fri 26 - Sun 28 December ALADDIN TENBURY’S PRO-AM PRODUCTION. A multi-media production which also uses film, shot on location, around Tenbury. Globe Theatre. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442.

Sun 28 December - Thurs 1 January ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD SPONTANEOUS PRODUCTIONS PANTOMIME present this family favourite. Robin will be on the look-out for the braves to join his band of merry men - could it be you?

Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, phone for times, £12, under 16s £8, family £35, 01600 772467.

Tues 30 December SANTA IN LOVE Have you ever wanted to know a secret? A Christmas secret? Maybe you’d like to know where the fairy on top of the Christmas tree comes from? A fun filled, family musical complete with games, giggles and Christmas songs. Suitable for ages 2 years upwards. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, £9 adults, £8 children, 01982 552555.

Sat 17 January MATCH DOT AND ETHEL. Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s much loved Christmas classic. The enchanting story of a young child’s hopes and dreams. For ages 2-6 years and families. Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 3pm, £8/£5/£25, 01432 860221.

Snow White & The Orb of Destiny

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

Tuesdays THE ITC / IMPROV THEATRE For ages 11-25, £24 for 6 week block. SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, 3.45-5.15pm, 01588 630243.

Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE IN WIGMORE Wigmore group runs at Teme Valley Youth Project, 3.30-4.30pm for 6-11 year olds, 5-6.30pm for 11-16 years old. £40 per term. 01568 770110 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE Drama workshop for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

Thurs 22 - Sat 24, Wed 28 - Sat 31 January BABES IN THE WOOD LADS fabulous pantomime. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, matinees on 24, 25 & 31 Jan at 2.30pm, 07967 517125.

Sat 24 January A REAL FAIRY TALE RIPSTOP THEATRE COMPANY present an energetic adventure as Miss Amelia Buttersnap journeys to another realm to help the fairies. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, £8/£7, 01432 340555.

Sat 24 - Sat 31 January SNOW WHITE AND THE ORB OF DESTINY Westenders pantomime. Join a host of well known loveable characters as they take you to Hogglesfluff and back.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS HAY SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE For 12-17 year olds.

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

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

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

Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994.

Mondays NO STRINGS ATTACHED Puppetry and Mask Theatre with The Fetch Theatre Co. 11-16, 6.30-8pm.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 01584 878141.

Mondays APPLETREE JUNIOR YOUTH THEATRE Creative and inspiring drama workshops for children 7-11 years to develop performance skills, confidence, literacy and communication. 4.15pm-5.30pm, The Appletree Studio, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RU. £60 per term. office@appletreetheatre.co.uk or phone 01584 318015.

Mondays APPLETREE SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE Creative and inspiring drama workshops for children 11-16 years. 5.45pm-7.00pm, The Appletree Studio, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RU. £60 per term. office@appletreetheatre.co.uk or phone 01584 318015.

Mondays YOUTH THEATRE Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. Ages 6-11 4.30-5.30pm, ages 11-14 6-7.30pm, ages 14-18 7.30-9.30pm, 01432 340555.

Mondays (during term time) BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE Led by Andrew Sterry and Gareth Williams.

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

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE With Kington Primary School. Wed - Years 5 & 6, 4-5.30pm.

Years 7,8 & 9 5.30-7pm. Senior 7.15pm-8.45pm, £40 per term, 01432 340555.

Wednesdays THE COURTYARD KIDS For reception Year 2, led by Helen Durant, £65 per term. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Wednesdays and Fridays INTERMEDIATE YOUTH THEATRE Year 10s Wed and Year 11s Fridays.

The Courtyard, Hereford, £60 per term, 01432 340555.

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

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

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

Every other Thursdays in term time HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE For the over 50s. CARAD, Rhayader, 01597 810192.

Thursdays LUDLOW DRAMA WORKSHOP For all ages: 16 + and adults, 7.30-9.30pm at Appletree Theatre, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow SY8 1RU. Theatre & performance skills developed through improvisation workshops, led by experienced team of pro-am actors. Regular public performances; no experience needed. www.ludlowdramaworkshop.org.uk Contact 01588 673219 or 07811 164670.

Thursdays DAI Y BANNAU Focussing on acting, scriptwriting, singing and dancing, storyboarding and set design.

Dai Y Bannau is a Welsh medium multimedia theatre group.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 4pm, for ages 7-12 years, 01874 611622.

Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY Theatre games and performance to develop the fundamental skills of improvisation theatre, including teamwork, storytelling, character development and more. For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

Fridays and Saturday JUNIOR YOUTH THEATRE For Year 3 - 9 led by either David Durant or Ellen Dorsett.

The Courtyard, Hereford, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Saturdays PETERCHURCH DRAMA AND FUN CLUB Open to all abilities. For ages 6-12, 10am-11.30pm, £3 per session, 01432 340555.

Every Saturday HAY YOUTH THEATRE AT THE GLOBE IN HAY for ages 7-11. Excl. half term, 10.30-12.30pm, £6.

Loads of fun! Call Janine Sharp on 07733 055430.

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word Poetry & Storytelling Sat 6 December A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND STORIES Festive edition with Tinkerscuss and Chloe of the Midnight Storytellers. Kings Head, Cross St, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm. Part of Tenbury Mistletoe Festival. www.tenburymistletoe.org

Sat 6 December THE DRAGON IN WINTER With Agent Green, the Dragon Whisperer. A storytelling show for ages 8-12+. Regal Community Centre, Tenbury Wells, 2.30pm, 01584 811442.

Sun 7th December THE WOODS SO WILD AND THE FALL OF THE LEAF Poetry and song from Lynden Rees-Roberts (voice) with guitarist Gareth Rees-Roberts, on our relationship with woodland and trees. The Hall Barn at the Bleddfa Centre 3pm. £8. More info from Marches Poets on 01544 267418 or lyndenreesroberts@googlemail.com Mon 12 January POETRY EVENING Housmans Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton, 7.30pm.

Comedy Fri 5, Fri 12 & Sat 13, Thurs 18 & Fri 19 December COURTYARD COMEDY CLUB 5 Dec - Steve Bugeja, Eric Lampeart and Kieran Boyd.

12 & 13 Dec - Hayley Ellis, Ed Gamble and Jack Barry.

18 & 19 Dec - Steve Buge, Tiff Stevenson and Ahir Shah.

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

Tues 9 & Mon 29 December TELFORD COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 9 Dec - Featuring a dozen of the last year’s favourite acts.

Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7pm, 01952 610888.

29 Dec - Experienced and professional comics. Elephant & Castle, Dawley, near Telford, £5 on the door.

Fri 12 December JEREMY HARDY Never one to shy away from controversy, Hardy’s hilarious one-man show is guaranteed to make you laugh - and think.

Suitable for ages 15+.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8pm, £14, £5 unwaged, 01584 878141.

Fri 26 December TELFORD COMEDY CLUB The Elephant & Castle, Dawley, Telford, 8.30pm, 01952 506412.

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Fri 2 & Fri 23 January COURTYARD COMEDY CLUB 2 Jan - Gareth Richards, Hayley Ellis and Frank Honeybone.

23 Jan - Ray Peacock, Steve Bugeja and Adam Hess.

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

Fri 16 January LLOYD LANGFORD: OLD FASHIONED - WARM UP GIG A brand new show about struggling to keep up with the pace of the modern world. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £6.50 in advance, £8 on the door, 01982 552555.

Sun 25 January OMID DJALILI Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £24, 01743 281281.

Tues 27 January JIM DAVIDSON - NO FURTHER ACTION Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01600 772467.

Wed 28 January MARK WATSON - FLAWS Winner of five major comedy awards. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17, 01743 281281.

Sun 1 February SEVERN JESTERS Featuring Dan Evans, Katie Mulgrew, Geoff Norcott and guest MC, Mark Oliver. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £9, 01743 281281.

Talks

Tues 2 December, Tues 6 January & Tues 3 February BRECKNOCK DECORATIVE & FINE ART SOCIETY 4 Dec - ‘Inspired by Winter Colour: Bruegel to Cezzane and Beyond’. 6 Jan - How time was told through the ages’. 3 Feb - ‘The Art of Seduction’. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £7.50, visitors welcome, £40 subscriptions for the year, 01874 625679.

Wed 3 December THE ADFORTON LECTURES ‘Death Where is Thy Sting?’ The Rev. David Stoter.

Adforton Church Community Hall, 7.30pm, donations.

Thurs 4 December MY MOUNTAIN LIFE - SIMON YATES An illustrated presentation. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £13.50/£12, 01982 552555.

Wed 10 December LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY A talk given by Colette Gray on how the Great War affected women’s lives and their clothing. Earl Mortimer College, Leominster, 7.30pm, £3 on the door, all welcome.

Wed 10 December WILDLIFE TALK How to feed the birds in your garden in winter, by Martin George. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £3.50, 01588 630023.

Wed 10 December & Wed 14 January LUDLOW CIVIC SOCIETY 10 Dec - Christmas party at Palmers’ Hall, Lower Mill St, Ludlow, 6.30pm. Tickets on the door, pennywake@mac. com for more information. 14 Jan - ‘Ludlow at War 19141918. With Colin Richards, Head of Shropshire Conservation. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 6.30pm, 01584 878141.

Wed 10 December CHRIS HADFIELD - YOU ARE HERE - AROUND THE WORLD IN 92 MINUTES Chris Hadfield creates a virtual orbit of earth, giving us the big picture, through photographs. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, £6, (£3 redeemable against the book on the night), 01600 775572.

Mon 15 December FREEDOM: ELIZA GLAPLINSKA A talk by the artist, Eliza Glaplinska to compliment her exhibition. Fore more info 01588 630023 or www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk Sun 11 January OFFA’S DYKE - A JOURNEY IN WORDS & PICTURES The Knighton writer and photographer, Jim Saunders gives an illustrated talk on Offa’s Dyke and the Offa’s Dyke Path. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 3pm, £5 tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne and on the door.

Wed 21 January LEINTWARDINE HISTORY SOCIETY Reactions to the Reformation in the Welsh Borders: 1558-1605. High St, Leintwardine, 7pm, £4 visitors, 01547 540334.

Wed 21 January & Wed 18 February TEME VALLEY DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY LECTURES 21 Jan - Narcissus and Art with Ms Maureen Schild, art teacher, pyschotherapist and lecturer in psychology.

18 Feb - El Greco and Toledo with Ms Sian Walters, art historian and lecturer. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2.15pm, 01584 878141.

Sat 24 January ANNUAL ART LECTURE SIR ROY STRONG ‘The Laskett Gardens Remade’. The largest formal garden laid out in Britain since the war.

His illustrated lecture is based on his account of the remaking of the garden. Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am, £17/£14, includes coffee and buffet lunch, 07583 544110.

Glasbury Arts.

Tues 28 January WILDLIFE TALK Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £3.50, 01588 630023.

Workshops & Courses Wed 10 December CREATIVITY & HEALING - BEAT THE WINTER BLUES Creative day to bring warmth and smiles to your heart, with easily understood and heart-felt poems to see you through the cold winter months, £25 for the day.

Details contact Bethany Rivers (M.A.) bethanyrivers77@ hotmail.co.uk Wed 17 December SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB A Christmas celebration with sherry tasting, tapas, poems, music and competition. Plus speaker Sandy Burton. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £1 members, £5 visitors, 01588 680454. South West Shropshire Gardening Club.

Closing date Fri 16 January YOUNG SHROPSHIRE POET LAUREATE COMPETITION Open to 13-17 year olds living and/or being educated in Shropshire.

Application forms from Shropshire libraries and the regions book stores.

Commencing Mon 12 January LEOMINSTER WEA - AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY Robert Ellis provides an introduction to the methods, themes and types of philosophy. The Community Centre, Leominster, 10am-12pm, seven sessions, 01568 620486.

Commencing Tues 13 January LEOMINSTER WEA - A HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY FROM HENGES TO THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE With Paul Olver. The Community Centre, Leominster, 10.30am-12.30pm, seven sessions, 01568 620486.

Sat 24 & Sun 25 January HEALING WORDS RETREAT An exclusive offer of two for the price of one, accommodation and food included, for a full weekend in the heart of beautiful Berrington. A creative and inspiring weekend, exploring poetry. Bringing you warmth, solace and insights, to keep your inner flame alive through the winter. Enquiries and bookings: bethanyrivers77@hotmail.co.uk Poet & Healer, Bethany Rivers (M.A.) www.writingyourvoice.org. uk. £295 Heartfelt Garden, Brook Field Farm, Berrington, WR15. 10am start, finish at 4.30pm the next day.

Wed 28 January RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE With speaker, Frank Hardy. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £3 visitors, 01588 660753. South West Shropshire Gardening Club.

January WRITING COURSES WITH LARA CLOUGH Starting 16 Jan - Writing in Genre, 8 sessions. Crickhowell Info Centre, 10am-12.30pm.

Starting 21 Jan - Writing Short Stories, 10 sessions. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Starting 22 Jan - Exploring Creative Writing, 10 sessions.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 10.30am-12.30pm. Course fee £100/£80, 07795 112431 for info. www.aber.ac.uk/sell University of Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning.

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS at the Story Space Studio at Grange Court in Leominster. Explore the world of the Imagination and develop personal creativity. Next full day session in March 2015. Also Community Arts Days, Birthday Parties, FS and KS1 Projects,and Forest School.

Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing on Tuesdays starting Jan 13th from 10-11am at the Community Centre and RVS Riverside Centre in Hereford 4.30- 5.30pm.

See www.storyspace.co.uk Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £48 per term, 01432 340555.

First Wednesday of the month AYMESTREY POETRY GROUP The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, 8pm.

Tony Walton 01568 770177 or Meg Cox 01568 708160.

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

Last Wed of each month POP UP POETRY - GRIOTS ARTS Tomatitos, 38 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye. Also featuring a visiting poet with an open mic. Page and performance poets, call 07961 589616 to register for the open mic. Admission by donation, www.griotsarts.com 4th Thurs of each month HAY-ON-WYE AMNESTY GROUP The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7-8pm, 01497 821153.

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

Mid-Border Arts Writers’ Circle, Presteigne 3rd Tues, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. 01544 260255 Tenbury Writers’ Group Tenbury Library, 01584 812585.

Border Poets 01547 530380.

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grass roots Zero Carbon at CAT T

HE WISE Centre at the Centre for Alternative Technology is sophisticated. Forget any images you have of hair shorts, hair shirts, damp caves, I dunno, whatever. This modern lecture hall/ venue near Machynlleth, constructed from hemp and lime, rammed earth and local wood, is light and airy and spacious and warm … just gorgeous actually.

The event I’m attending has been organised by Powys Transition Network and they have a full house of 125 people grappling with the coffee urns and rustling their papers.

The first presentation is by Paul Allen. Paul is a bit of a legend really. Not of the hyped-up hairstyled media-darling variety but more the enduring unannounced kind. In fact if legendary status were dependent on hairstyle ...

Anyway, Paul Allen has been a driving force at CAT and also Dulas Engineering since 1988 and now the coordinator for Zero Carbon Britain. I’m kind of in awe.

We are guided through the story of energy ~ from the laying down of fossil fuels during the carboniferous period, some half a million years ago; to the “Annual Sunlight Ration” of early agricultural societies; inexorably onwards to the recent discovery of coal and oil that fuelled the industrial revolution; all sorts of wonderful and awful things; and finally climate change.

Zero Carbon Britain is CAT’s chunky piece of work for really properly addressing climate change, demonstrating that a – it’s possible, and we have all the technologies required in terms of energy demand reduction and clean energy production b- it will only happen if global decision makers and leaders accept the global cap and agree to leave the percentage of fossil fuels that scientists confirm we cant burn because it would be bonkers in the ground and under the Arctic.

After a break, up to the platform comes Alice Hooker-Stroud who is a seriously good speaker and

the subject is Zero Carbon land use. This is an interesting piece of work about current land use in Britain and having asked the question “Can we improve our diet and reduce Green House Gas emissions?” Alice neatly maps out how we could, by shifting to zero carbon land use.

At the moment 65 -70 percent of land in UK is under food production, but we still rely on 42% of our food being imported. A shift to less livestock/more vegetable and cereal crops, along with a reduction in waste ~ 30 percent of UK food in 2011 went to waste, primarily for spurious marketing reasons ~ the UK could reduce the percentage of land currently producing food and actually feed everyone too. Which could free up more space for trees, peat land and rich grassland for carbon capture and agricultural production of biomass to provide backup for renewables. In the zero carbon land use model, people would eat less overall and also more healthily. A large percentage of deaths in this country are diet related at present, so we could do with an overhaul.

This event really lifted my spirits. I can’t do justice to all the speakers in 800 words but a final mention for the presentation by George Marshall. George is a lead advisor to the Welsh Government on climate change communications and has previously worked as a senior campaigner for both the Rainforest Network and also Greenpeace US. His work on communicating climate change includes how to reach people, fight denial and build a shared vision. His final comments?

We have to break the climate silence of the last couple of years and start talking about it.

Big thanks to Mike and Sally and the team for organising this event and if you want to know more about it and get involved with Transition Powys, who are up to all sorts of good things with some funding from PAVO, please contact: admin@powystransition. org.uk

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Rachel Francis www.sharpeningpencils.co.uk

Green Events Until 7 December HEREFORDSHIRE TREE WEEK 1 Dec - Walk Around Croft Woods, lead by Pete Blench.

Croft Castle car park, 10.30am, 01568 780886.

2 Dec - Tree Quiz Slide Show. Barrels Brewery Room, St Owen St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £2 solo or £5 for three, 4 Dec - Circular Guided Walk from Breinton Springs car park, 2pm. Trees and Flooding, talk by Mike Townsend OBE at Community Centre, Leominster. 5 Dec - Kington Trees Talk, MAP, Old Police Station, Kington, 7.30pm.

6 Dec - Tree Huggers’ Ball, Hinton Community Centre, 7pm, £5. 6 & 7 Dec - Hands-on restoration and enhancement of Easters Millenium Wood, Leominster.

7 Dec - Fruit Tree Planting at Kington Community Orchards, 12-4pm. www.h-trees.net December KLEEN 11 Dec - KLEEN Car Club - public meeting, Oxford Arms, Kington, 8pm. 12 Dec - Lammas Eco-Village film and discussion. Could we support a Kington Eco-Village?

Marches Access Point MAP, Market Hall St, Kington, 7.30pm.

Tues 2 & Tues 9 December HOLLY & MISTLETOE AUCTIONS Burford Garden Store, Burford, Tenbury Wells.

Local Environmental Groups Knighton Tree Allotments Trust (KTAT): Christine Baker 01547 529990.

Presteigne Freegle (formerly Presteigne Freecycle) Terry Wells 07766 097600 www.freegle.in/presteigne Transition in Hay-on-Wye, Stephen Ainsleigh Rice, 01497 820332 and tthayonwye@googlemail.com Hereford Christian Ecology Group, meets occasionally for talks and outings. 01432 279740 Transition Ledbury Paul/Beverley Kinnaird 01531 634788 or transitionledbury@googlemail.com.

Transition Leominster, Regular meetings, contact Ann Ashley, 01885 420473 or Anne Adams, 01568 780886.

Knucklas Castle Community Land Project (KCCLP), secretary Kevin Jones, 01547 520266, www,knucklascastle.org.uk, info@knucklascastle.org.uk Hereford Carbon Rationing Action Group www.carbonrationing.org.uk - Vey Straker - T: 01432 840955 - M: 07961 125470 - vey.straker@virgin.net Kington Local Environment & Energy Network (KLEEN) meets regularly 2nd Thursday of every month, 7.30pm, The Oxford Arms, Kington. Planning local action, supporting initiatives, open to all. Contact kleen@momentary-lapse.co.uk Teme Valley Environment Group - Anne-Mary Davies 01547 528833 Will O’Leary - 01547 528792 amdskyborry@hotmail.com www.tveg.org.uk Transition Presteigne meets first Thurs of every month, (except Jan, April & Aug), Wine Bar, Presteigne, 7.30pm, 01544 267768 or email transitionpresteigne@gmail.com Ludlow LA 21 - David Currant - 01584 875501 davidcurrant@phonecoop.coop, www.ludlow21.org.uk Shrews. Friends of the Earth - http://www.shrewsfoe.org. uk- Frank Oldaker 01743 260971 frankoldaker@yahoo.co.uk Herefordshire Friends of the Earth - Paige Mitchell 01432 277857 - www.herefordshirefoe.org.uk co-ordinator@herefordshirefoe.org.uk Lightfoot Enterprises - The Old Primary School, Church St, Bishop’s Castle, Tel 01588 630683, E mail info@lightfoot.org.uk, www.lightfoot.org.uk Herefordshire Action for Mammals (HAM) Dave Smith, 7 Primrose Close, Hereford HR2 7QX. Tel. 01432 266937 davetreesmith@aol.com https://sites.google.com/site/herefordshiremammals/ Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth www.monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk - Barry Greenwood 01873 852245, bgreenwood@ntlworld.com LLES – Llanidloes Energy Solutions - www.lles.co.uk Diana Berriman - 01686 411128 - office@lles.co.uk Brilley Mountain Eco - (Brilley and Michaelchurch Environment Group) - Peter Davies, 01497 831376, peterandgilldavies@hotmail.com Golden Valley Environment Group - Vanessa Hembling, 01981 550377, golden_valley@mail.com, www.goldenvalleyenvironmentgroup.org.uk Transition Hereford - Charlotte Lake 01432 343577 www.transitionhereford.org Rea Valley Environmental Group (ReaVEN) Aims to promote sustainability and environmental concerns throughout the Rea Valley. reaven@live.co.uk.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust - 01597 823298, info@rwtwales.org, www.rwtwales.org Presteigne Freecycle for Presteigne and surrounding area, groups.yahoo.com/group/presteignefreecycle.

For other areas www.freecycle.org Upper Onny Wildlife Group. Meetings at The Crown Inn, Wentnor, Bishop’s Castle. Species surveys, recording and training (mostly summertime).

John Muller email: jmuller983@gmail.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.

A RANGE OF THERAPIES AVAILABLE IN LEOMINSTER including Indian Head Massage; Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology. Humphrey Clement Bsc MFHT offers an holistic personal approach using organically sourced products where possible. On-site Chair Massage available for groups or in the workplace. To enhance your mental or physical wellbeing call 07702 038063 for a consultation or email healing.rose@icloud.com www.healing-rose.co.uk ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND THERAPIST, For all ages including young people, and individuals, couples and groups. Offers confidential sessions, short or long-term, in the Knighton and Presteigne areas. Richard Lewis MSc (Intergrative Psychotherapy), PG Dip (Supervision), MA, FTCL, FRSA, British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

01547 510360 or 07951 304457.

A is for ACUPUNCTURE with Joanna Bruce RGN, B.Ac, M.B.Ac.C. Traditional Acupuncture for pain management, acute and/or chronic health problems. Phone for free initial discussion on 01568 709142. Stoneleigh, Kingsland, HR6 9QS. registered and insured with the British Acupuncture Council since 1986.

ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ALEXANDER TECHINIQUE in Hay-on-Wye. Learn to eliminate and avoid aches and pains by becoming more aware of how the whole body works. Philippa Morrell BA MSTAT. Please ring me or go to my website for more information. www. philippamorrell.co.uk 01497 822967.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Leominster HR6 8QJ. Individual lessons with Janet Jameson MSTAT. 01568 613467.

AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENTS OFFERED IN LUDLOW. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants, which have a number of properties, that may, when used, help improve overall emotional health.

Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing treatment that in turn may help relieving everyday tension. Both treatments may aid you in your overall sense of well being. Contact Emily Baker BA Hons, MIFPA, MAR and CNHC registered, on 01584 529053 or 07775 652993.

HILARY FOXWELL BTAA, AHSC, GWCG. Recovery, self-maintenance, health & well-being for your individual needs. Bowen technique treatment for muscle, skeletal, nerve, respiratory, intestinal conditions. Alexander technique tuition to retrain muscle action, breathing, body-mind reactions. Energy and emotional healing release for stress, grief, old trauma.

Practitioner since 1984. Clinics in Tenbury Wells and Tenbury Wellness Centre. 01584 819010.

COMPANY IN THE WILD - walking and talking, peaceful companionship outdoors, healing of the wild. For times in life when events, grief, raw emotions feel overwhelming. Contact Katrinn on KatrinnDavey@yahoo.com or 01544 388689 for more details.

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CHARLOTTE HALL COUNSELLING based in LUDLOW. I work in a quiet central office in Ludlow, offering you space to explore and understand whatever may be troubling you. I am here to help you seek empowerment. Enable self development and awareness through empathic listening and support. I work with a wide range of issues: communication, relationship breakdowns, depression, anxiety, loss, work stress/bullying and low self esteem to name a few. BACP Accredited. www.charlottehallcounselling.co.uk 07855 299579 charlottehallcounselling@gmail.com 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 for depression, anxiety, panic, stress, OCD, relationship problems and more!

Couple counselling, relationship counselling and individual counselling for most issues. Sessions held in the Presteigne area, Leominster and Hereford. Contact Gail Venables on 01544 350384 or see www.cbtgail.co.uk. MBACP (Accred).

COUNSELLING/PSYCHOTHERAPY. Jane Cooke Dip Gestalt Therapy, CSS, RCN Cert Group & Family Work, Registered Member MBACP, CAPO. Presteigne & Llandrindod. Safe, creative, equal approach. I have wide life & work experience; I work to support your increased understanding of yourself, & do not judge or try to change you – change comes through your awareness & when you are ready. jane.cooke@heartfeltwork.co.uk 07771 950899.

COUNSELLING IN LUDLOW area. Talk in complete confidence, with warmth and without judgement, with Julia Walling BA(Hons), PGCE, Dip.EH.P.NLP (BHR), MAC. In private practice for 25 years, I am trained in a wide variety of therapies and combine them to meet your needs. Clients consistently report improvements in wellbeing within a few sessions. Panic/anxiety specialist. Short and long term for individuals, couples and families. 01584 874636 07796 596451 julia.walling@btinternet.com and www.juliawalling.co.uk CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair.

Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster, Kingsland and Hereford. Phone to talk or book: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk EMOTIONAL THERAPYAnne Cummings MFETC (Adv Dip) BAoG (Dip). Safe, effective therapy to improve and enhance personal potential. Specialist knowledge and experience with panic attacks, anger issues, severe anxiety, bullying, bereavement and depression. If you have difficulty relating to others, or persistent, troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. See also www.thewritetofeel.com See also www.thewritetofeel.com

EXPERIENCED THERAPIST based in Bleddfa. Treatments for:- Back, neck and joint pain, weight issues, including hypno gastric banding) fears, phobias, stress, anxiety, addictions, alcohol and nicotine dependency etc. Contact JAN LLOYD B.Ed Hons, DHyp, CPNLP, DEMDR. Bowen Therapist (ECBS and US Bowen trained), Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master and Teacher. 01547 550215 or email oghanlloyd@msn.com HEALING THROUGH POETRYConnecting deeper with yourself, finding insights in your life, helping to find light at the end of the tunnel - looking at select and accessible poems, your written responses to them can open new doors and offer new illuminations. No knowledge of poetry necessary. Led by experienced healer and poet, Bethany Rivers (M.A.) bethanyrivers77@hotmail.co.uk www.writingyourvoice.org.uk 01686 650146.

HEALING and COUNSELLING in Bishops Castle.

Energy healing can help you create Positive Change by relieving blockages which may be causing physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties. Such blockages may prevent you from living a full and nourishing life. I also offer individual counselling sessions. I am a fully qualified personal counsellor and accredited CRUSE bereavement counsellor. Contact Philomena Houlihan-Wood BA, Cert. ESH, Dip. Couns. Tel : 01588 638242. Email : Philomena@soul-healing.net Web : www.soul-healing.net.

HEALING-SHIATSU. WITH CHRISTOPHER SHEEHAN. Over 20 years healing experience. Clinics in Hereford, Hay-onwye, Maitreya House. chris@eryritai-ji.co.uk 07870 149745. www.eryritai-ji.co.uk HOMOEOPATHY: Annabel Stacey ACH. Homoeopathy supports the body’s own efforts to heal itself and can be used effectively to treat both emotional and physical disorders.

Treatment is adapted to the individual needs of each patient, taking all their symptoms into account. If you would like to find out more or make an appointment please contact me on 07960 865564 or annabelstacey@yahoo.co.uk (clinics in Ludlow and Shrewsbury).

MASSAGE THERAPY, INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE, LUXURY FOOT MASSAGE, ORGANIC FACIAL with Marian Hardiman (MTI CNHC). No set routine, just careful attention to what the individual needs. Clinics in Presteigne (The Retreat) and Hereford (Neal’s Yard Remedies) or at your workplace or event. 07816 981454, marian@silvanmassage.com or www.silvanmassage.com.

JENNIFER HODGE DO Registered Osteopath. Cranial Osteopath. The Old Rectory, New Radnor 01544 350241.

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.

SIAM SMILE

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE

BY GAN (JANYARAK MORRIS) • • • • •

Traditional Thai Massage Thai Foot Massage Aromatic Oil Massage Thai Crafts & Handmade Jewellery Facial Massage

3 Broad Street, Knighton, Powys Tel: 07538 572123 or (eve) 01547 550249 www.siamsmilettm.webs.com

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE: Qualified therapists offer acupuncture, structural re-alignment, medical herbal medicine, remedial and holistic massage, reflexology, ear candling, reiki, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour and couple counselling, hypnotherapy, health kinesiology, nutrition at the Leominster Natural Health Centre, Community Centre, Leominster, 01568 616411, www.leominstercommunitycentre.com.

MARIE HUDSON. Yoga classes in Presteigne and Titley.

One-to-one tuition available for individual needs. Registered Association for Yoga Studies practitioner. Registered with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for Yoga Therapy. 01544 260352.

MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation. Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford.

PAMELA SPENCELEY MNIMH Medical Herbalist and Allergy Therapist 01568 770614 / 01584 878123 PATHS OF HEART – Bio-Energy Healing Practitioner of 20 years experience. Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Wellbeing.

Physical Healing / Pain Relief & Emotional Clearing.

Counselling & Psychotherapy.- Child Centred Art Therapy & Person Centred Art Therapy For Adults. Supervision. M.A A.T (B.A.C.P) (B.A.A.T) Informal enquiries welcome 01588 640491 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 PSYCHIC READINGS: Clairvoyance, Tarot & Astrology (tape inc). Gifted & compassionate reader with over 20 yrs professional experience. Personal readings from home (near Hereford); at Zenith in Leominster on Thursdays; & telephone readings (pre-booked). ROWIE (M.BPRB) 01432 820684.

REFLEXOLOGY including auricular reflexology and fertility/ maternity reflexology. Qualified 2003. Experience of working with people with physical and learning disabilities. Catherine Brown, FHT MA, 07960 989894. Home visits available, (Ludlow area).

SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 24 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

SPIRITUAL MEDIUM - Emily Baker, clairvoyant, clairsentient, and clairaudient, spiritual art, offering individual or party bookings. For more information call Ludlow 01584 529053 or 07775 652993.

SIAM SMILE TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE BY (GAN) JANYARAK MORRIS. Stressed out? Neck and shoulders tension from too much time on computer? Low back pain? Or just want to pamper yourself? I can help! I am qualified in Traditional Thai Massage, Reflexology-Foot Massage, Facial Massage and Aromatherapy. Certificates recognized by the Ministry of Education in Thailand. Ground Floor, 3 Broad Street, Knighton LD7 1BL. Tel: 07538 572123 or (eve) 01547 550249 www.siamsmilettm.webs.com

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

Group classes and individual tuition Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

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Workshops WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year for inclusion in the magazine and website.

Thurs 4 & Thurs 18 December THE BLEDDFA MEDITATION GROUP The Hall Barn, Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10.15am, donations, phone Shirley, 01547 550377.

Fri 9 January INSIGHT MEDITATION COURSE Exploring the Treasures Within: Goodwill, compassion, joy and equanimity. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells, £65. Details Ella Titman, 01591 610011, www.meditationmidwales.org

ART HEALS CREATIVE MORNINGS WITH TANIA PEARSON Every Tuesday 10am-1pm. An inspiring, uplifting and reflective morning that encourages making in the moment.

No previous art training necessary. For more information visit www.artheals.co.uk or phone Tania on 01584 831157.

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.

YOGA CLASSES AND ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS An integrated and holistic approach to working with movement, breathing and mindful, restorative practice. Classes in Moccas, Dorstone, Eaton Bishop, Cafe Miro, Hereford and Peterchurch. For more information please contact Nicky at www.nickyjaquesyoga. co.uk or 07817 268689.

Chi Movements for Wellbeing Tai

A specially developed sequence of movements which promotes physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. TMW is adaptable to suit each person’s needs and can be done either standing

or seated. It combines the essential elements of both Tai Chi and Chi Kung and aims to improve your

self-­‐confidence, flexibility and balance, and to reduce stress and tension.

Classes starting in January:

Carol Bond: Aston Ingham, Abbeydore, Goodrich, and Hay on Wye & Ross-­‐on-­‐Wye (eves)

info@carolbond.net tel 07752 509751 Alison Carter: Ledbury alisoncarter65@yahoo.com tel 01531 636399

Marigold Farmer: Ross on Wye (daytime) marigold@tmwtraining.com tel 01989 740590

Carol Graham: Hereford (eves) and Leominster carol.florence@tmwtraining.com tel 01432 507703

Jo Song: Hay on Wye, Eaton Bishop and Hereford jo.song@tmwtraining.com tel 01981 250470

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more details at www.tmwtraining.com