Broad Sheep - December 2019 & January 2020 by Broadsheep

BROAD sheep

december 2019 january 2020

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

BROAD AJump! sheep

S you probably know by now, I don’t find thinking up things to write about that easy, so it was with delight and relief that last week, when our good friend Lucy came to stay, she happened to mention ‘Drive Now’. Despite it being one o’clock in the morning I sat her down and made her explain the whole scheme to me in great detail and ‘By Jove’, it sounded too good to be true. You give them your card details and then email Drive Now a copy of your licence. Within two days they approve you. You download an app onto your phone and then if you are in London, you look at the app to see where the nearest car is. You reserve it, go and find it, point your phone at it, the doors unlock SHAZAAM! Off you go in a brand new BMW electric car. It’s costing you 33p/minute to drive it around and then, you just dump it on the street, including in Residents Only parking spots and walk away. 4 Small Ads Now if this scheme works in London, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be the answer to congestion problems in towns and cities all across the land. I decided to go to London 6 Sam’s Page try out the scheme and also try out the various electric bike share schemes. Mark’s Mutterings 8 Step 1. I realise all these clubs depend on having a working mobile phone and mine 10 Art was either in someone else’s pocket or down the back of a sofa. However, Mark Art workshops 15 gave me his old phone and I headed off to the EE shop in Hereford where a superfriendly millennial fixed me up with a new Sim card and number and assured me that the Cinema 22 old Motorola would do a fine job. Dance 26 Step 2. Decided to do the smart thing and join Drive Now, Lime and Jump before I Food 28 left Presteigne. Got on the faithful iMac and even remembered to write down the new Music 30 passwords on a separate piece of paper. Sent off a copy of my licence to Drive Now. Job done! How efficient am I? Music workshops 44 Step 3. My now fully charged Motorola doesn’t seem to connect to the internet in Band directory 48 Presteigne, despite my bearded friend having fixed me up with a ‘data package’ so I can’t Theatre 50 download the electric bike apps. Worse still, Ari at Drive Now just emailed back to inform Word me I’m TOO EFFING OLD to drive their stupid cars! I write back to Ari explaining I am 54 a big time journalist who works for one of the Welsh Borders most prestigeous What’s Grass roots 58 On magazines (true) and also how I’m booked to discourse on Electric Car Hire at the Comp therapies 60 upcoming ‘Future Now Transport Fair’ in Llandrindod Wells (not quite so true really). Ari politely enquires if I am an effing deaf git as well as being too old? No means no. We take no responsibility Step 4. Having made all the arrangements I decide to go to London anyway. Arrive in for the veracity of the London at 5pm. Go to a lot of pubs and one late night party. Oh dear! information herein Clare Edwards Step 5. Spend a very hungover morning trying to download the various apps onto the The Lodge, Westhide, Motorola. Even with concentrated effort by my Super-Nerd son, the Motorola is not up Hereford, HR1 3RQ to it. Son produces another phone I can borrow which should do the trick. Meanwhile Tel: 01432 850444 his Finnish partner agrees to download the Drive Now app and take me for a drive. Email: info@broadsheep.com Having completed the app work I am ready to head out. It starts to piss down outside Website: www.broadsheep.com and continues for the rest of the day. Step 6. Wake up refreshed and determined, even though Drive Now don’t seem to like the look of Ida’s Finnish driver’s licence. Head off with the new phone to locate the nearest Jump Bike which seems to be located in someone’s garden shed at the back of a dodgy block of flats. Eventually find the bike on its side on a piece of waste ground and spend half an hour trying to get my app to unlock it. No joy. Subsequently try more Jump Bikes in the same area. None of them will unlock for me. Drive Now were right, I’m too old and too stupid to make things work in the modern world. What’s going to happen to me when there is no real money and you can’t even buy a pint of milk without the correct app? Consider throwing myself under a train at Clapton Station but I don’t have the right app to check on the train times or know how to work the new ticket machine. Step 7. Go for lunch with my big sister in Muswell Hill and then half-way through the afternoon, drag my son and girlfriend away for one last desperate attempt. Find two shiny new Jump bikes outside a pub called the ‘Faltering Fullback’ in Finsbury Park, (I kid you not). Son points his phone at the Jump Bikes which immediately sprung into life. He and Ida hunker down with a bottle of Malbec while I take off like a scalded cat up Crouch End Hill! On the way back to the pub I spot a Lime Bike. So I have a ride on that too. Long story short. The Jump Bike is a very well designed bit of kit. Disc brakes, 3-speed shimano hub gears, really punchy Bafang front hub motor, very comfortable and it flies up the hills. £1 to unlock then 12p per minute. The Lime Bike is very different, someone has gone to one of the Chinese factories and asked ‘How cheap can you make us 20,000 electric bikes with an automatic locking device?’ No gears, rubbish brakes, not very comfortable, low powered motor. £1 to unlock, 15p per minute. No contest. Ida did get her Drive Now accreditation after three days, but I have started to wonder if the fabulous Drive Now scheme is just a smart way for the BMW owned company to get more people to try their cars and is not really a long term viable proposition. Take that BMW. Too old! You bastards.

Contents

Cover pic: Remi Harris, Pudleston VH - 18 January. Linton Village Hall - 31 January

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sheep

BROAD

Stuck on what to get your loved one for Christmas?

How about a year’s subscription to Broad Sheep? Just post the details (name and address you want it sent to) with a cheque for £25 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

01432 850444 or email: info@broadsheep.com

FOR SALE SOPRANO SAXOPHONE. As new. Great jazz intstrument. £150. Telephone 01597 824726. FRUIT TREE PRUNING From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. PIANO TUNER AND TECHNICIAN Based in Llanidloes, serving Mid-Wales. Contact Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789 or email vicky@mousematt.net LEARN GUITAR (ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC) Individual tuition for adults 16 plus, music graduate, professional guitarist. Whatever level, you’ll learn songs or music you enjoy. 07729 059847, 01584 876584, paul.wrightson@gmail.com CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325. BLACKSMITHING EVENING CLASSES MORNING CLASSES AND SHORT COURSES at Bluefoot Forge. For details, phone 01544 267810. info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk or visit www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katy 01547 520328. JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students. Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams. Presteigne/Knighton, but happy to travel. Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit. SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail.com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363. VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught. John Hymas 07969 440183. PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday. Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183,

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

VINTAGE ACOUSTIC GUITARS FOR SALE Collection of remarkable vintage Martin, Gibson, Epiphone, Lowden and Kalamazoo acoustics, plus a few vintage Fender, Gretsch and Tokai electrics. For more information call or text 07989 898771.

sam’s page

I’m Dreaming of a Woke Christmas I

WAS strolling through Westminster after an appointment in the House of Commons before the Election when it seemed to me that there were rather a lot of people moving in the opposite direction. One is of course used to Extinction Rebellion, and I myself am among those who feel practically naked if not glued to a bus. But this was even bigger. Furthermore, various people hailed me, and I realised that most of the population of the Welsh Marches between Hereford and Shrewsbury were shuffling past the Cenotaph, carrying banners. ‘Greetings!’ I cried. ‘Greetings!’ they cried right back. And they began to tell me why they were in this very odd place doing this very odd thing. Apparently, and you may not believe this, Britain was planning to leave the European Union! The marchers began to explain why this was a bad idea, and almost immediately there gathered a knot of countermarchers, who began to explain why this was a good idea. The voices grew loud, the language contentious. Having an appointment with my hatter, spatter, and cravatter, I oozed away into the offing.

I could not, however, concentrate on hats, spats or cravats. It was obvious to me that the nation was tearing itself apart, largely on linguistic grounds, and that offence was being caused in all directions. The French have an Academy that can ban words it does not like. The British have a more open attitude, having nicked most of our vocabulary from other languages. When in doubt rename, we cry, and much suffering is thereby prevented. Problems, for instance, are now called issues. Difficulties are called challenges. It is soothing, very.

In today’s, er, challenging political climate, in which the amount of hot air spouted by our leaders is a principal cause of global warming, things need cooling down. The season of goodwill is all around us, and in order to keep the will good, we must mind our language. The Brussels sprouts stand in green pyramids on the plates, evil-tasting proof that the namechecking of overseas origins is worryingly problematic. I therefore suggest we rename them Freedom Sprouts. Their accompanying turkey should of course be renamed, given that country’s appalling treatment of the Kurds and readiness to take the Russian shilling, and become Eurasian Bird with All the Trimmings. It goes without saying that Christmas Pudding should not be called Christmas anything but should be relabelled Interdenominational Dumpling. And as for the brandy butter that was in the bad old days its inescapable companion, the word ‘brandy’ is derived from low German branden, to burn, and is therefore foreign, and the same goes for ‘butter’, which is the same word in German. To avoid causing offence it is therefore necessary to rename it

Spirits of Overseas Provenance mingled with Animal Fats (Milk Origin). And if you are a vegan, for goodness’ sake say so. Oh, I see. You already have. Of course you have. Silly me. Then there are Festive Trees. Absolutely indefensible, the hacking down of single-use trees when they could have done their bit to fight climate change. Nobody in Landing Strip One (formerly known as Britain) had the first idea about, er, festive arboreal vegetation until Prince Albert married Queen Victoria and made the living rooms of Blighty into a sort of Black Forest on stilts. In this more enlightened age nobody should under any circs get a tree unless they have a spiritual yen to find themselves goose-stepping along Copacabana Beach behind President Bolsonaro of Brazil. As for New Year, the thing is a travesty, comprising as it does a grossly inappropriate blend of post-imperial abuse and cultural appropriation. I mean it is not New Year in China or India or for all I know Inuit Canada. So we in the West, celebrating a heritage arriving from Druidism via the Romans and Christianity to the ITV Countdown, should button our insensitive lip. The singing of Auld Lang Syne at midnight is a horrid act of cultural appropriation unless someone has given you one of those genetic tests for Christmas and you have come out 100% Scots. Much better to indulge in the folk songs of your own nation and to shun ardent spirits of all nationalities, or better still to go to bed early with a nice mug of fairtrade cocoa made with no-fat milk and obviously without sugar of any kind. Should the seasonal absence of sensible work to do result in leisure time during which social activity is deemed appropriate, it is important to monitor any casual sexual relationships you may arrive at in case you end up with the clap, sorry, jazz hands. Got it? Fine. Oh, by the way. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Llywelyn ap echristmas

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

Conquest Theatre Bromyard

Edwina Hayes

Folk in the Foyer

Fri 13 December, 7.30pm THE JULIE JULY BAND Fri 10 January, 7.30pm EDWINA HAYES

Live on Stage

Sat 7 December, 7.30pm BROMYARD CHORAL SOCIETY A Christmas Cracker Sat 14 December, 3pm CLIMB THAT TREE Family show. Supported by Arts Alive Fri 20 December, 7.30pm BROMYARD SYMPHONIC WINDBAND Tues 7 January, 7.30pm PINOCCHIO Oddsocks Theatre Sat 18 & Sun 19 January, 7.30pm A GARLAND FOR SYLVIA Sat 15 - Sat 22 February TREASURE ISLAND Conquest Productions, a family pantomime

Screenings

10 December, 7.15pm COPPELIA (ROH) 18 December, 7.30pm IN SEARCH OF BEETHOVEN (Exhibition on Screen) 31 December, 4pm NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE CONCERT (Berliner Philharmonic live) 4 January, 7pm ANDRE RIEU: 70 YEARS YOUNG 11 January, 5.55pm WOZZECK (NY Met) 14 January, 7.30pm LUCIAN FREUD, A SELF PORTRAIT (Exhibition on Screen) 16 January, 7.15pm SLEEPING BEAUTY (ROH) 21 January, 7.30pm ROMEO & JULIET (Matthew Bourne) 29 January, 7.45pm LA BOHEME (ROH) 30 January, 7.30pm IN SEARCH OF MOZART (Exhibition on Screen)

Films

6 December, 7.30pm ROCKET MAN 3 January, 7.30pm LION KING 24 January, 7.30pm DOWNTON ABBEY

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

mark’s mutterings

Ill-Winds Batter Mid-Wales I

T’S a bit of a cheat but I wrote this looking out over the English Channel at the Thanet Offshore Wind-farm glistening in the autumn sun and with its distant white columns contrasted against the bright blue sky a very pleasing sight it was too. But I’d soon be back in God’s Own Country and driving over to Llandod where a single giant turbine blights the beautiful Llandegley Rhos landscape at Hendy yet which generates not a single watt of electricity nearly a year after it was put up.

That may strike you as Nimbyism and it’s true that staunch advocates of renewable energy should arguably embrace wind- and indeed solar-farms wherever they may be, but the story of Hendy and its implications for mid-Wales fauna, flora and our aesthetically unspoilt vistas are dire indeed and the Welsh Government seem keen that we should be unaware of plans to industrialise it. The Hendy site is supposed to and maybe will feature seven, 110metre tall turbines but after exhaustive public objections and Powys County Council (PCC) duly rejecting planning permission, this was overruled at a stroke by Welsh Assembly Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths just before the deadline expired for the developer to receive massive government subsidy for its establishment, which depended upon at least one turbine being up and running (it had to be turned by a diesel engine!) and also blatantly flouting access restrictions in order to get it up in time. Now of course all this is history although it typifies the lack of local democracy and surfeit of cronyism within rural Wales. But anyone similarly incensed by such things should be aware of something called the National Development Framework (NDF). Purportedly determining such vital issues as “sustaining and developing a vibrant economy… decarbonisation… resilient eco systems (and) improving the well-being of our communities”, the NDF proposals were subject to a public consultation until Nov 30th but this was so poorly publicised that few were aware of it until beyond this magazine’s last deadline. As someone who also visits several Powys libraries delivering Broad Sheep I was greeted with blank incomprehension when I asked for details at three of them. Online however some 1.54 gigabytes are devoted to the NDF and how to respond – essentially by simplistic and manipulated ‘box-ticking’ – which I have duly waded through and responded by letter, but that wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea – and now it’s too late.

But the NDF proposals do merit your concern because they ignore infrastructure realities and include apparently arbitrary designations of huge swathes of mid-Wales as areas suitable for wind-farms, 20% of Wales’ landmass, that border National Parks, Areas of Natural Beauty and cut through historical trails such as Glydwr’s Way and which would dwarf Thanet’s off-shore installation. The NDF haughtily claims there’s “an… acceptance of landscape change”, but these areas have been determined by a distant Cardiff government without any evident understanding of their impact on local people and economies heavily reliant on tourism. This blatantly contradicts PCC’s Local Development Plan which states that there should be no further large scale wind-farm development in the county, and yet in December last year – and possibly as a consequence of the Hendy debacle – the Council determined that they’ll no longer publish third party planning application comments on their website (though one can physically assess them at PCC offices in Llandod, which few can do), which of course includes wind-farms, yet again undermining local democracy vis-a-vis industrialising of our beautiful landscape. Oh, and neighbouring counties such as Denbighshire, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire have not stifled democratic accountability in this way. I fully accept that a few hundred words even in the mighty Broad Sheep cannot offer full comprehension of what the NDF and PCC’s denial of public consultation might mean but if this rings alarm bells then there are a few things you can do about it. Firstly, visit the local branch of the Campaign for The Protection of Rural Wales’ (CPRW) excellent website (http://www.brecon-and-radnor-cprw. wales/) where you’ll find a map of the affected areas, links to the weighty NDF document itself, other useful information and sign an online petition against PCC’s anti-democratic manoeuvres. Secondly, using the CPRW’s useful summary and whilst there is still time, in the run-up to December 12th’s general election you can ask your local candidates what their positions are on what could completely change the landscape and our lives… forever. Mark Williams

Photo: Gareth Rees-Roberts

The Orgasmic Cider Company

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

Open Wednesdays - Sundays. Cider, Perry, Apple & Pear Juice, Sloe Gin, Christmas Trees, Locally produced Ales, Cassis, Chutneys. Handcrafted unique Christmas Gifts. Ample parking, warm welcome! ‘Try before you buy’. While you’re here, pick up a Christmas Tree, various sizes. Tel: 07773 037448. www.orgasmiccidercompany.co.uk Find us on:

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Rock, Jazz & Blues records bought and sold for cash. Antiques & Collectables. Gents & Ladies country clothing. Books & Pictures. Transport, nostalgia and rural subjects.

A warm and friendly service. “A shop like shops used to be...” All items under £50 - the best prices in town! Blast from the Past, 3 Black Swan Walk, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8HU Email: mrdeanmorris60@gmail.com - Facebook: Blast from the Past Leominster Telephone: 07534 020843

art POWYS The Hall, Abbey-Cym-Hir, near Llandrindod Wells 01597 851727 www.abbeycwmhir.com info@abbeycwmhir.com Until 6 Jan Christmas tours to individuals, small or large groups. The tours combine history, architecture, interiors, 1000’s of collectabe items, gardens and more. 52 rooms of this Grade II gothic mansion are decorated to individual themes. Christmas 2019 promises to be an outstanding creation of traditional, sophisticated and Flights of Fancy Christmas themes. Please book. £16 pp or £14 for groups and return visitors, children under 12, £5pp. Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777 Until 5 Dec LLANDRINDOD WELLS ART GROUP. 9 Jan - 20 Feb Solo exhibition, JANE MASON. Open Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm. The Hours Cafe & Bookshop, Brecon 01874 622800 Until 24 Dec ‘The Fall Into Utopia’. Joint exhibition with artists, KARIN MEAR & NIGEL EVANS. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Ardent Gallery, 46 High Street, Brecon 01874 623333 Open Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm. 3 Short Bridge St, Llanidloes SY18 6AD 07484 763507 Open all year ‘Art by Osian’. OSIAN GWENT. A working studio and gallery of contemporary, modern and expressive art by Welsh artist. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours. Dec & Jan Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Dec & Jan Member’s exhibition. 10.30am-4pm.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 Dec Christmas exhibition, 104 makersand artists. Jan A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions. Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

The Table, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com Until 21 Dec ARTHUR NEAL. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm. Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com Dec ‘Scarlet Ribbons for her Hair’? No - but aprons, reindeer, angels, scarves, nativity sets and many Christmas cards (single and packs). GRAHAM BEALE - wooden spoons. MARILYN TIPPETT - Christmas book art. THERESA McGINLEY - ironwork. JASON BRAHAM, TONY HALL, MARY STEPHENS & MALCOLM TURNER - pottery. LYNNE RIDING & ANTHEA STILWELL - new paintings. Closed until 15 Jan C20 & C21st British Art, Crafts and Greetings Cards. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849 www.foundgallery.co.uk Until 24 Dec ‘Seasonal Finds’. DUNCAN MacDONALD JOHNSON landscapes. TOOSE MORTON - art. JUDITH STROUD & MOLLY LEMON - prints. PAUL DAVIES - wood. RUTH PACKHAM - felt. KATIE VICTORIA & ANGIE HUGHES - textiles. ALICE KEELER - jewellery. HELEN FLYNN paper cuts. 29 Jan - 23 Feb ‘Colourful Finds’. SUE CAMPION - paintings. RICHARD GREATREX - photographs. ANGIE HUGHES - textiles. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Minerva Arts Centre, Hight Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 28 Dec Christmas Craft Fair. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 10.30am-3.30pm. Alex Allpress Ceramics, Newbridgeon-Wye www.alexallpress.co.uk Dec ALEX ALLPRESS - ceramics. Orders now taken for Christmas. See website. The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until Jan RACHAEL THOROGOOD - wire sculptures. JOHN & PENNY WEST, JANE MADDISON & LEA PHILLIPS - ceramics. KATH LITTLER - prints. SARA LLOYD MORRIS & ZSUZSI MORRISON - jewellery. Jan & Feb Work by the Hay Makers. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown 01686 688369 Until 22 Dec ‘A4Doable Art’. Christmas exhibition. Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm. Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Dec & Jan Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders. Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm. Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 20 - 22 Dec Christmas stalls and festive delights. 12-7pm. 2 - 24 Dec The Hay Makers. Open theatre times. Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538 Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm. The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Dec & Jan Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. 25 Dec - 1 Jan Closed. Starting 2 Jan The Big Sale. Carpets and more on sale. Cafe. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. St Mary’s Church, Bleddfa 01547 550377 25 & 26 Jan Embroidery exhibition. Hand-sewn and embroidered church textiles by members of the BLEDDFA EMBROIDERY GROUP. 11am-5pm. The School House Gallery, The Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, LD7 1PA 01547 550377 Until 8 Dec Christmas Fair. Unique craft items with cafe open for mince pies and refreshments. 25 & 26 Jan LYNN KINSEY - art quilts. 8 & 9 Feb Book and Picture Sale. A sale of paintings, prints and secondhand books. Open daily 11am-5pm. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 Until 18 Dec ‘Egni: A Decade of Creativity’. ELERI MILLS. Until 4 Jan ‘Maker in Focus’. TONY HALL - ceramic vessels. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Dec & Jan ‘Made in Knighton, Made in Wales’. Plus annual sale of paintings for charity. Wed-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Eleanor Lakelin, St Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Discoed Hazel McNab, Lion Gallery, Leominster

Nigel Evans, The Hours Cafe & Bookshop, Brecon

Jeanette Faulkener-Clarke, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Karen Fawcett, Lion Gallery, Leominster

St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne 01547 560246 Until 8 Dec Small picture show. Featuring artists: ALAN HARROLD, HELENA WATT, SUSIE CAWLEY, KATIE SIMS, NICK BUSH, MAGGIE JONES, DENISE FORDYCE, HELEN CASS, STEVE CASS, JILL HOLLIDAY, JANE HICKMAN & DANIEL MacCARTHY. LOTTIE O’LEARY stone carving. ELEANOR LAKELIN wood sculpture. Open 11am-5pm. HEREFORDSHIRE St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, HR6 0BD madeinhr6@gmail.com 7 & 8 Dec ‘Made in HR6’. Gifts and-made by local artists. Paintings, jewellery, toys, metalwork, ceramics, baskets, textiles, bird boxes. Free entry, cafe and shop. 10.30am-4pm. Castle House Hotel, Castle St, Hereford HR1 2NW 01432 356321 Dec ALICE STRAKER - paintings. Kinnersley Castle HR3 6QF 01544 327407 7 & 8 Dec Winter Artsan Fayre. Handmade gifts, arts, crafts, foods, cafe and mulled wine. Free parking. Open 10am-4pm, enquiries emma. events9@gmail.com Cup Ceramics, Unit 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford HR1 2SF 07855 868771 www.cupceramics.com 1 Dec Winter Market. Lots of activities and ceramics for sale. The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk Dec & Jan GEORGINA FRANKLIN jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken. The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-onWye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com Dec & Jan A mixed exhibition of contemporary textile designers, GABY DEVITT, ABIGAIL BURY & RHIAN WYMAN. Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm. Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St, Hereford 01432 260692 Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10.30am-12.30pm. South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 Until 17 Dec Sale of charity Christmas cards. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Dec & Jan New work from Cornish artist STEVE PAYTER - fused enamel on copper. Plus JOHN MAXWELL STEELE. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 780495 Until 21 Dec Contemporary craft work by makers BEN CASSON - furniture and treen. CLYDE HOARE - baskets and willow weaving. CLAIR HODGSON - silver, gold and precious stone jewellery. PATIA DAVIS, SHEILA HERRING, ANDREW McGARVA, JEREMY STEWARD, PETRA REYNOLDS - ceramics. CLARE CASSON-McGARVA - textiles. LUCY CASSON - sculpture. Jan & Feb Closed. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Dec & Jan Sculpture, mixed media, woodblock printmaking and textile printmaking. Alongside contemporary ceramics, paintings, jewellery, prints. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Upstairs, Market House, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk Dec ‘Christmas Gifts and Treats’. Open daily 10am-4pm. Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 1 Dec Christmas Show. LEDBURY ART SOCIETY. Open Mon 2-4pm, Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-2pm. 3 - 14 Dec ‘Designed for Christmas’. Six local designers makers with unique gift ideas. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm. Closed Sun. Blue Ginger Gallery, Cradley, WR13 5NW 01886 880240 www.blue-ginger.com Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Lion Ballroom, 17 Broad St, Leominster HR6 8DB 01568 612277 14 Dec Christmas Market. Stalls, coffee/teas. 9.30am-4pm, free entry. Mike Gell, Contemporary British Jewellery, 3 East Street, Hereford. 01432 278226 Jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 70 designers. Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm. Creates Gallery, 15 Church St, Monmouth NP25 3BX 07535 160712 www.createsgallery.com Until 4 Jan Winter exhibition. PAT HANDLEY, KIP KAVALLARES, WARREN DAY, DOUG EATON, PAUL BURGESS, DAVID HOSKIN, NIK BURNS, CLAIRE LOVELL, MARK BERESFORD, RACHEL PADLEY, NIA MacKEOWN, LEIGH SLADEN, MELANIE CORMACK-HICKS and many more. Open Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 5 Jan ‘Amalgamate 2’. Two Fine Art graduates. Open theatre times. Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07544 368547 www.madeinthemarches.com Until 4 Jan ‘Into The Light’. A delightful decadence of decorations, unique gifts and cards. Featuring regular co-op makers, plus visiting artists PAUL BAILEY, RACHAEL BLAKEWAY, LUCIA DAVIES, JACKIE EDWARDS, CATHERINE HALE, SARAH JAMESON, SIMON JAMESON, JO HALDEN, LIZ HARRIS, BELINDA HOPKINS, TIM PHILLIPS, ALICE SAVERY, MARY STEPHENS & ELIZABETH TERZZA. Ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, wearable art, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal and willow. Commissions and vouchers available. Tues–Sat, 10am-5pm. 5 Jan - Easter Closed. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 21 Dec ‘Christmas Delights.’ Seasonal offerings from local artists. h.Art Christmas weekend openings 1 Dec, 10am-4pm. Readings and book signings plus mulled wine and mince pies. 22 Jan - 7 March ‘Rockfield Arts’. ASG & ARTSITE 3 STUDIO ARTISTS. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Framing available. Tobias James Art & Framing Gallery, St Owen St, Hereford 07760 316959 Dec & Jan Works by local and national artists. Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 www.greenstagegallery.co.uk Until 24 Dec Winter Show. DOUG EATON, PETER KOTKA, TOM ROPER, PAUL POWIS, PHIL HAYES, BRIAN DENINGTON, KEITH FENTON, PIERRE WILLIAMS & BETH RICHARDSON. Open daily. 25 Dec - 1 Jan Closed. Usual opening times Thurs-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm or by appointment. The Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre 01568 616460 3 - 22 Dec Paintings, textile art, hand-knitted Fair Isle hats, quilting, driftwood creatrions, hand-dyed wool, rag-rug art, recycled slate, bags, cushions, hand-made cards and Christmas cards by Creative Friends. Open 9.30am-4pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until 31 Jan A Winter collection of hand made British Contemporary Arts & Crafts, including new work by RACHEL WRIGHT, SUZI THOMPSON, SEREN BELL, JENNIFER HALL, FRANCES ST CLAIR MILLER, FRANS WESSELMAN, COLIN SEEPAYNTON, HANNAH DUNNE, HANNAH WILLOW, JOHN MAINWARING, KATHRYN MOORE - textile art, original collagraphs, pen & ink drawings, woodcuts, along with a gorgeous selection of desirable wearables - including hats, scarves, jackets and coats alongside paintings, ceramics, glass, lighting, stained glass, sculpture, candles and cards… something for everyone! Throughout the year ‘Shadows on the Grass’. Garden Sculpture exhibition. Unique sculptures in a variety of media by HELEN SINCLAIR, NEIL LOSSOCK, DAVID ENGLAND, PAUL BEARMAN, ANN CAMPBELL, GARY JONES & ANDREW ROACHE. Open 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Tues by appointment.

The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford 01432 357753 1 Dec ETSY Christmas fair and market. 60 local makers with live music and bars, plus children’s craft table. 11am-5pm. SHROPSHIRE Ragleth Gallery, 1 Sandford Place, Church Stretton SY6 6DY 01694 723225 Dec & Jan A contemporary gallery full of original art. Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, prints, photographs, automata and more. The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 Until end Dec Unique pop-up art gallery featuring PRISCILLA HANN bronze sculptures. DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary turned home decor and accessories utilizing native timber. MEGAN EVANS collagraph prints. JAN JAY - printed textiles and framed prints. PIP JONES - watercolours and mixed media. SARAH BILLINGHAM - earthenware and decorated pots. KIM DAVIS wood vessels and objects. SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife digital prints. Open daily 10am-5pm. Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery.

St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638269 7 Dec Craft Fair. Open 2-6.30pm. Gallery 3, The Gateway, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB Until 7 Dec ‘Notes from Shropshire’. A year’s paintings by MICHELLE ANDERSON. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm. Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. The Shropshire Museum Resource Centre, Ludlow 01584 831654 www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk Until 31 Dec ‘Sir Henry Sidney and the Ludlow Castle Chapel Heraldic Roll’. The exhibition will show the original Ludlow Heraldic Roll, images of some of those represented on the Roll as well as objects from the Tudor period associated with Ludlow Castle, Sir Henry Sidney or the Council of the Marches. Open during library hours. Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AQ www.castleartists.co.uk 1 Dec ‘Affordable Art’. CASTLE ARTISTS - paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and cards. Free entry. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

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

Phone 01584 810085

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 Until 22 Dec The Young People’s Art Exhibition. 7 Dec Christmas Flea Market. 9am-4pm. 4 Jan Flea Market. 9am-4pm. FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 9 Dec - 12 Jan ELLIE CLIFTLANDS wood engraving and illustrations. Mon-Sat 10am. Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 15 Dec Aardvark Christmas Fair. Over 20 stalls, children’s Christmas crafts, live Christmas jazz from the Dutch Lewis Trio and free mulled wine, free entry. Bookshop open Mon-Fri 9am5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 Until 7 Jan ‘Versatility in the Landscape’. STEPHEN MICHAEL LAW. Open 10am-5pm. Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478 Dec & Jan English rustic homewares, fine art and craft. Local makers. Contemporary turned wood, slipware, Welsh lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £40 per year. MARCHES MAKERS FESTIVAL Invites local artists to be part of an Exhibition of Miniature Works at Marches Makers Live on 2 & 3 May 2020. Application open until 6 January 2020. Information visit MadeintheMarches.com/ MarchesMakers QUILTING WORKSHOPS Available at Hay on Wye, Hereford + Ledbury. All levels taught. Beginners welcome. Small groups. Expert tuition. Jacqueline on 01981 501043. Bee-spokequilts@hotmail.com ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY SCHOOL - POTTERY WORKSHOPS Newbridge on Wye, Mid Wales. Courses/workshop throughout the year. Throwing, Hand building, glazing, kiln firing and much more. Clay and equipment and your own wheel included. For more details 01982 552854 / alexallpressceramics@gmail.com / alexallpress.co.uk

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Flexible dates to suit you. 01432 760961. STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS First week of the month in Llangarron HR9 6PH. Glenn Morris, sculptor, leads an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Full tuition, safety equipment and tools provided. Stone available if required. Copious refreshments guaranteed. 01989 770776. Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk THE ARTHOUSE STUDIO Creative workshops including lino printing, glass fusing, jewellery making, fabric printing, traditional glass painting, stained glass. The Art House Studio, Weobley, 07467 941208, www.thearthousestudio.co.uk BASKETMAKING USING RUSH Presteigne. Courses available throughout the year covering many techniques. Small groups and all levels taught. All materials and equipment included. For more information see Rushmorebaskets. com or contact Clair at rushmorebaskets@gmail.com 07713 514902.

FURNITURE MAKING COURSE Spend a day one-to-one with professional furniture maker Tom Magal in his workshop, learn how to make anything from an oak stool to a coffee table and take it home with you. Courses from £225 includes lunch, refreshments and your creation. Courses can be tailored to suit you, no experience necessary, see website for more information. Located in Herefordshire. Gift vouchers available. tom@woodpkr.co.uk www.woodpkr.co.uk 07768 831251

CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors, all based in beautiful countryside with outstanding views and local produce. We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Enamelled Jewellery, Felt-making, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Hedgerow Medicine, Mosaics, Painting, Pastels, Photography, Plant Dyeing, Spinning and Weaving, Rag Rug Making, Sewing, Stained Glass, Stonecarving, Woodblock printing, Drawing, Creative Writing, Quilting and Upholstery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home treasure it – or give it with pride! December & January DE KOFFIE POT WORKSHOPS 3, 10, 17 7 24 Dec - Drink and Draw Life Drawing, 7pm, bring your own materials. Every 3rd Thurs - Drawing Club, 7.30pm, all ages welcome, 7.30pm, free. De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753. December & January THE HIVE, BELMONT WORKSHOPS 6 & 13 Dec - Buzzy Beats! Creative, music filled journey with Mary Keith for Under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

December & January TRUMPET CORNER WORKSHOPS Mons - Knit, Stitch & Natter Group, 1-4pm, £2. Weds - Knit and Craft Group, 10am-1pm, £2. Weds - General silver classes, 10am-12.30pm, £125 for block of 5 classes. Sat monthly - General silver classes, 10am-12.30pm, £40. Trumpet Corner Tea Room & Gallery, near Ledbury, 01531 670082. December & January MID WALES ARTS CENTRE Pottery sessions. Every week - 1-1 pottery tutorials on throwing. Wed Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club for all ages and abilities, 7-9pm. Thurs Adult Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club, all abilities, 2-4pm. Thurs - Children’s Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club, all abilities, 5-6.30pm. First Sat - Family session, 2-4pm. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 07970 671819. December CROFT CASTLE WORKSHOPS Until 22 Dec, 10am-4pm, weekends only - Croft’s 1940’s Christmas. Until 22 Dec, 10am-4pm, weekends only Father Christmas’ Workshop, £6 per child which includes crafts and a visit to Father Christmas (with early gift), booking essential, 0344 249 1895. Croft Castle & Parkland, HR6 9PW, 01568 782123. December & January EASTNOR POTTERY Simply email admin@eastnorpottery. co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book a session. December & January THE GLOBE, WORKSHOPS Every Wednesday, starting 8 Jan Little Willows, friendly outdoor children’s playgroup, 9.30am-11am, £1.50 per child. Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am, free. Every Tuesday Chess Club, 4.15pm, free, contact Drew on 07714 767779. One Tuesday a month - Globemakers - an informal craft group, 7.30pm, further details corin@lordburgess.co.uk The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762. December & January CLASSES AT THE OLD SCHOOL, WHITTON Introduction to Welsh quilting followed by a six week afternoon or evening class learning to work one technique each week. Forthcoming classes, furniture restoration and upholstery, rag rug, Kantha and Boro stitching (quilting traditions from India and Japan). Details 01547 550155 or www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org

December SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY WORKSHOPS 14 Dec - Make a Christmas Tree Card - learn to embroider with the Corbet Bed Embroiderer’s Trust. Family workshop 10.30am-12.30pm Tickets: £5 per child, accompanying adult free of charge, ticket price includes all day entry fee to the museum. Every Friday (term time only) - Mini Mammoths, 10am11.30am. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, 01743 258881. December & January ASSEMBLY ROOMS WORKSHOPS Twice monthly, Tues, Oscars, 7.30pm, Ludlow Photographic Club, 01584 879180. First Thurs, Studio, 7.30pm, Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 01584 831458. Fri, Studio, 10am-4pm, Life and Portrait Workshop, contact Chris Bean, 01584 841668. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141. December & January SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 7 & 8 Dec - Afternoon Tea with Santa. Make your own bauble, write a letter to Santa, meet Santa and enjoy afternoon tea, 3-5pm, £7.50. 27 Dec - Festive Winter Crafts for ages 4-11 years old, 11am-3pm, £4, no need to book, just drop in. 31 Dec - New Year’s Eve Children’s Celebration, make confetti poppers, a 2020 mask, bake biscuits and more,. For ages 4-11 years, 11am-3pm, £4, just drop in, party costumes welcome! Shropshire Hills Discover Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 767060. December & January LOUDWATER STUDIO WORKSHOPS 2nd and 4th Fridays - Sewing for Pleasure, 10.30am-1.30pm, £15. Group Activities for Disabled Adults: 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month Tuesday Creative, 10.30am-12.30pm, £10. 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month - Craft ‘n’ Sew, 1.30pm3.30pm, £10. Loudwater Studio, Bromfield Rd, Ludlow, 01584 877272. www.loudwaterstudio.org.uk December & January COURTYARD WORKSHOPS Pre-Activity Events from 10.30am: 7, 14, 21 & 28 Dec - The Elves and the Shoemaker (theatre). Thurs - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £7. Tues Playing Together, bringing older people and pre-school age together. Dementia friendly. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

December & January FURNITURE MAKING COURSE Spend a day one-to-one with professional furniture maker Tom Magal in his workshop, learn how to make anything from an oak stool to a coffee table and take it home with you. Courses from £225 includes lunch, refreshments and your creation. Courses can be tailored to suit you, no experience necessary, see website for more information. Located in Herefordshire. Gift vouchers available. tom@woodpkr.co.uk www.woodpkr.co.uk 07768 831251. December, January & February VICKI NORMAN 13-15 Dec - Mastering Colour, suitable for learners in all media, some previous painting experience is necessary to get the most from this course, £195. 15-17 Jan - Design Skills For Artists, £195. 7-9 Feb - Mastering Skies and Clouds. Vicki Norman Studio, Mill St, Bridgnorth, vicki@vickinormanstudio.com January & February CUP CERAMICS WORKSHOPS 19 Jan & 9 Feb - Taster Sessions, 10am-12.30pm, £40 including 3 pots glazed and fired. 26 Jan & 23 Feb - One Day intensive course, 10am-4pm, £95 including 4 pots glazed and fired and lunch. 13 Jan - 10 week ‘Ceramics for All’ course for beginners, 6.30pm-9pm, £200 plus £6.50 per kg for glazed and fired items. Thurs, day and eves Throwing on the wheel development sessions, £25 for 2 hour session. 4 week Throwing Course + One months 4 hour per week membership £150. Cup Ceramics, Unit 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford, HR1 2SF, 07855 868771. December LION BALLROOM WORKSHOPS 13 Dec - Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. Demonstrations and tuition, all materials provided including light refreshments, 10am-12pm or 2-4pm, £45, booking essential. Lion Ballroom, Leominster. 01568 612277.

Stone Carving Experience

Llangarron stone carvers welcome you. HR9 6PH. Learn a new skill in a friendly environment. Treat yourself or give as a gift. £60/ day. Includes Expert tuition, use of tools and delicious refreshments. Contact Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk 01989 770776

December MADE IN ROSS WORKSHOPS 5 Dec - Christmas Wreath workshop. All materials and refreshments provided. 14 Dec - Recycled Bug. Make and exotic insect in two hours, suitable for all ages and accompanied children. All tools and materials provided. Made in Ross Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye, 01989 769398, www.madeinross.co.uk Starting Wed 4 December PAINTING CLASS Watercolour, acrylic and drawing sessions, beginners welcome. Professional tutor. Community Centre, Leominster, 10am-12pm, for more information 07955 344958. Fri 6 December SPARKLE & SHINE Ledbury & District Floral Art Club provide an evening of fun and flowers with demonstrator David Ryland. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10 includes festive drink, 07967 517125. Sat 7 December MAKE A HOOP BASKET IN A DAY With professional willow weaver, Clyde. Linton Village Hall, 10am-3pm, £40, all materials, tools, tea and coffee provided, bring your own lunch, spaces limited, email wobage900@gmail.com to book. Sat 7 December WREATH MAKING Using natural materials. The Hub, St Peter’s Centre, Peterchurch, 10am-2pm, £10, all materials and tuition is provided, refreshments available to purchase as well, no need to book, just turn up, 01981 550043. Tues 10 December & Tues 7 & 21 January BLEDDFA SEWING GROUP Informal and friendly. The Hall Barn, Bleddfa, near Knighton, 10.30am, 01547 550377.

GLASBURY ARTS

Young People’s Painting Workshop with Kate Freeman

Sunday January 26 2020, 10:30am - 4:00pm At Glasbury Village Hall Glasbury Arts is delighted that abstract artist Kate Freeman will again be providing a painting workshop for young people aged 8 - 12. There are 10 places available on the workshop in which Kate will provide a stimulating and exciting experience during which students will learn new skills. Ticket Price - £14, £5 if parent or guardian unwaged or on benefits. 10% Members discount applies. Book at www.glasburyarts.co.uk

Thurs 12 December ABERGAVENNY FLOWER ARRANGERS ‘Inspired for Christmas’, demonstration by Nigel Whyles. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7pm, £12, 01873 850805. Fri 13 & Sat 14 December CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Demonstrations and tuition given. All materials provided including light refreshments. Lion Ballroom, Broad St, Leominster, Fri 2-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm, £45, booking essential, 01568 612277.

The Lion Gallery 15b Broad Street Leominster

Sat 14 & Sun 15 December WREATH MAKING Trumpet Tearoom, Trumpet Corner, near Ledbury, 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm. £40 including coffee, cake, all materials and tuition. To book, call 01432 270970. Sat 18 January MAKE A HOOP BASKET IN A DAY With professional willow weaver, Clyde. May Hill Village Hall, 10am-3pm, £40, all materials, tools, tea and coffee provided, bring your own lunch, spaces limited, email wobage900@gmail.com to book. Sun 26 January YOUNG PEOPLE’S PAINTING WORKSHOP With abstract artist, Kate Freeman. For ages 8-12 years, 10 places available. Glasbury Village Hall, 10.30am-4pm, £14, £5 if parent or guardian unwaged or on benefits, 07583 544110, www.glasburyarts.co.uk

showing quality contemporary British Art and Craft 10am-5pm, Monday - Saturday

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

“All I want for Christmas is a pottery class to make my very own bowl”

.....wish granted !!

Alex Allpress Pottery School Christmas Vouchers NOW available Hand-building & Pottery Sessions on the potter’s wheel. Bespoke Workshops. All ages. 25 yrs Exp. CRB / DBS alexallpressceramics@gmail.com 07443 875 016 01982 552 854 Pottery School, Lion Studios Newbridge on Wye, Powys.

Tel: 01568 611898 www.liongallery.co.uk info@liongallery.co.uk

cinema OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) I’m not normally a fan of Keira Knightly whose thrusting bottom lip and mannered English Rose style invariably incense me (e.g. BEGIN AGAIN, PRIDE & PREJUDICE), but in this terrific true story she keeps these well under control as GCHQ translator Katherine Gun who leaks a memo proving, as we now know, that justification for the 2003 Iraq War was bogus. Naturally Gun is subject to the full discrediting might of the UK and US governments, as was Observer journalist Martin Bright (Matt Smith) who published her story and director Gavin Hood – no slouch in tense politicking (RENDITION, EYE IN THE SKY) – draws riveting performances from Knightly and all concerned including a suitably dissolute Rhys Ifans as outraged reporter Ed Vuillamy and Ralph Fiennes as Gun’s lawyer. True, we know the outcome of this dark saga, but as with 2015’s SPOTLIGHT, it’s none the less gripping for that. All reviews by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW 10 Dec SCROOGE (1951) 14 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) 21 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) 28 Dec MRS LOWRY AND SON (PG) 28 Dec BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) Details Assembly Rooms, Ludlow 01584 878141

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 2 & 3 Dec FARMING (18) 4 - 11 Dec OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) 16 - 26 Dec LAST CHRISTMAS (12A) 22 - 30 Dec FROZEN 2 (PG) 27 - 30 Dec THE AERONAUTS (PG) The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC 4 Dec EATEN BY LIONS 8 Jan WOMAN AT WAR 22 Jan PADRE PADRONE 5 Feb BALLAD OF A SOLDIER All films at the Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £40 members, £5 guests, 01588 680445

BRECON FILM SOCIETY 2 Dec 3 FACES (PG) 6 Jan COLD WAR (15) 3 Feb PETERLOO (12A) 7pm start. Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. Membership enquiries 01874 623166

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP 1 - 6 Dec KNIVES OUT (12A) 7 & 8 Dec LAST CHRISTMAS (12A) Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 01497 822010

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 6 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) 3 Jan LION KING (PG) 24 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

1 Dec COLETTE (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926 2 Dec EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 2 Dec GRAN TORINO (15) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 2 Dec MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 3 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 4 Dec SWIMMING WITH MEN (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295 4 Dec CALAMITY JANE (U) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

5 Dec STAN AND OLLIE (12A) Brilley VH 01544 327227 5 Dec PAVAROTTI (12A) Bagley Sports and Social Club 07773 983963 6 Dec ALL IS TRUE (12A) Colwall VH 01684 540926 6 Dec THE LION KING (2019) (PG) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 501031 6 Dec FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 6 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 6 Dec RED JOAN (12A) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717 6 Dec WILD ROSE (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 6 Dec TOY STORY 4 (U) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545 6 Dec GREEN BOOK (12A) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282 6 Dec TOY STORY 4 (U) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752931 7 Dec JOHNNY GUITAR (PG) Priest Weston VH 07854 441235 7 Dec THE POLAR EXPRESS (U) Flicks Special Event. 7 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Withington Parish Room 01743 709236 8 Dec TOLKEIN (12A) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503 8 Dec AMAZING GRACE (2018) (U) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 9 Dec ALADDIN (PG) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 9 Dec ALADDIN (2019) (PG) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 10 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574 10 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Garway Community Hall 01600 750465 10 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 01989 568705 11 Dec FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Pattingham VH 01902 700586 11 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 11 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) Cuddington & Sanidway VH 01606 888931 11 Dec THE FAVOURITE (15) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 11 Dec THE LION KING (2019) (PG) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 12 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 13 Dec MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797932 13 Dec STAN AND OLLIE (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159

13 Dec A STAR IS BORN (2018) (15) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 13 Dec AMAZING GRACE (2018) (U) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 13 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 13 Dec THE BLUES BROTHERS (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 13 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Clun Memorial Hall 01588 640109 13 Dec A PRIVATE WAR (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 13 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 14 Dec CAROUSEL: A HEREFORDSHIRE LIFE THROUGH A LENS (U) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 14 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984) (U) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 14 Dec THE GRINCH (2018) (PG) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 14 Dec HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (PG) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 14 Dec CAROUSEL: A HEREFORDSHIRE LIFE THROUGH A LENS Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 15 Dec TOY STORY 4 (U) Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510352 15 Dec GREEN BOOK (12A) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 15 Dec THE GRINCH (2018) (PG) Pembridge Film Nights 01544 387571 16 Dec ROCKETMAN (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 17 Dec GET SANTA (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 17 Dec PAVAROTTI (12A) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 17 Dec HAPPY AS LAZZARO (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113 18 Dec FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Myddle VH 01939 290907 19 Dec GREEN BOOK (12A) Diddlebury VH 01584 841265 19 Dec ALADDIN (2019) (PG) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619 19 Dec FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 20 Dec THE GRINCH (2018) (PG) Longden VH 07539 545846 20 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615 20 Dec AMAZING GRACE (U) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 20 Dec ALADDIN (2019) (PG) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602

THE GOOD LIAR (15) Reliable old hands Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren play, ahem, mature singletons ideally matched via internet dating – well we’ve all been there – but it soon becomes apparent that McKellan’s Roy is a seasoned con-artist intent on separating Mirren’s Betty from her late husband’s considerable bequest, helped by his slippery ‘financial advisor’ (Jim Carter, a/k/a Mr Imelda Staunton). As the plot thickens and indeed leaps sideways into a WW2 drama, the film may appear to lose its way but canny director Bill Condon and journeyman writer Jeffrey Hatcher, both veterans of McKellan’s MR HOLMES, know exactly what they’re doing even if the steadily tantalised and skilfully swerved audience have to wait until the final scene to fully appreciate what they’ve wrought. Needless to say the two bantering stars are a joy to behold, and T.V. staple Russell Tovey as Mirren’s grandson does a neat line in knowing scepticism. 20 Dec DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060 21 Dec YESTERDAY (12A) Chapel Lawn VH 01547 530258 21 Dec THE LION KING (2019) (PG) Bicton VH 01743 850495 28 Dec MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503 28 Dec THE QUEEN’S CORGI (PG) Dolau Community Hall 07904 883038 29 Dec GREASE (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672 2 Jan ROCKETMAN (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 3 Jan ALL IS TRUE (12A) Fownhope New Memorial hall 01432 860717 3 Jan TOY STORY 4 (U) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333 3 Jan THE LION KING (2019) (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 4 Jan HOSTILES (15) Priest Weston VH 07854 441235 6 Jan GREEN BOOK (12A) Church Stretton School 01694 724330 6 Jan ROCKETMAN (15) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 8 Jan CABARET (15) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903 8 Jan RED JOAN (12A) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 10 Jan THE WHITE CROW (12A) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 10 Jan STAN AND OLLIE (12A) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797932 10 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre 01588 676060 11 Jan FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

11 Jan SKIN (12) Little Witley VH 01886 888122 11 Jan YESTERDAY (12A) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 11 Jan YESTERDAY (12A) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780279 12 Jan DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Pembridge Film nights 01544 387571 14 Jan TOP HAT (U) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 568705 15 Jan A STAR IS BORN (2018) (15) Myddle VH 01939 290907 15 Jan AMAZING GRACE (2018) (U) Esceyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510352 16 Jan YESTERDAY (12A) Perton Civic Centre 01902 745971 16 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 16 Jan FIRST MAN (12A) Pudleston VH 01568 760606 17 Jan GREEN BOOK (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 17 Jan ROCKETMAN (15) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615 17 Jan FRANTZ (12A) Crescent Christian Centre, Newtown 01686 671245 17 Jan GUYS AND DOLLS (1955) (U) Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 18 Jan ALADDIN (2019) (PG) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 271129 18 Jan CABARET (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 18 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 18 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672

KNIVES OUT (15) A good whodunit is an escapist joy in today’s blockbuster and often miserablist–dominated cinema, and this is a very, very good one with the added bonus of hilarity. Brimful of the fast-paced trickery that made his LOOPER such a smash, it’s writer/director Rian Johnson’s take on a country-house murder mystery, albeit on steroids, with a stellar ensemble cast headed by Daniel Craig displaying the rare comedic talent we saw in LOGAN LUCKY. Craig plays a Hercule Poirotish detective who doubts the death of best-selling crime author – a neat conceit – Harlan Thromby (Christopher Plummer) is anything but straightforward. This opens up a proverbial can of internecine worms which requires patriarch Harlan’s brittle daughter (Jamie Lee Curtis), her smug philandering husband (Don Johnson), incompetent publisher brother (Michael Shannon) and whacked-out sister (Toni Colette) to frantically double-cross each other. Copious plot twists and smart one-liners keep your jaws dropping and shrieking with laughter, often simultaneously. 21 Jan FROM TIME TO TIME (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 21 Jan A STAR IS BORN (2018) (15) Loppington VH 01939 809236 21 Jan THE KEEPER (15) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 23 Jan A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12A) Almeley VH 07557 659291 24 Jan SHOPLIFTERS (15) Knighton Community Centre 01547 520602 24 Jan YESTERDAY (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 24 Jan YESTERDAY (12A) Marton VH 01938 580116 25 Jan TOP HAT (U) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545 26 Jan AMAZING GRACE (2018) (U) Pembridge Film Nights 01544 387571 31 Jan ROCKETMAN (15) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821

THEATR HAFREN, NEWTOWN 18 Dec CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951) 13 Jan THE ITALIAN JOB Pre-movie light lunch at 12pm, £6, booking essential, film at 1.30pm, £5, includes tea/coffee/cake. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555.

THE HIVE, BELMONT

6 Dec THE CIAMBRA (15) 11 Dec WOMEN IN LOVE (15) 20 Dec LOVING VINCENT (12) 10 Jan BURNING (15) 24 Jan THE GUILTY (15) 7 Feb CAPERNAUM (15) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

LINGEN FLIX 10 Jan STAN & OLLIE (12A) 14 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Lingen Village Hall, £5, 01544 267736 www.lingen.org.uk

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY 11 Dec YESTERDAY (12) 13 Dec THE BLUES BROTHERS (15) Details Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. Until 5 Dec OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) 2 Dec TOP HAT (U) 6 - 12 Dec AERONAUTS (PG) 13 - 19 Dec THE GOOD LIAR (15) 17 - 24 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 20 - 28 Dec LAST CHRISTMAS (12A) 20 Dec - 5 Jan FROZEN II (U) Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 8 Dec AMAZING GRACE (U) 14 Dec THE GRINCH 15 Dec GREEN BOOK Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 13 Dec SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) 3 Jan FILM TBC 17 Jan FILM TBC 31 Jan FILM TBC Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, doors open 7.30pm, 8pm start. 01544 370202, 01544 260577

THE REGENT, NEWTOWN 18 Dec STAR WARS: EPISODE VII THE FORCE AWAKENS (12A) 18 Dec STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) 19 - 23 Dec STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (12A) The Regent Cinema, The Regent Centre, Broad St, Newtown. www.regent-cinema.com

SAVOY, MONMOUTH 3 Dec LEAVE NO TRACE (12A) 6 - 12 Dec THE AERONAUTS (ctbc) 20 - 26 Dec LAST CHRISTMAS (12A) Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SHREWSBURY MUSEUM 21 Dec IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) In colour, 7pm 22 Dec THE GRINCH (U) 5pm Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury 01743 258881

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE 17 Dec GET SANTA (PG) 16 Jan DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) 21 Jan FROM TIME TO TIME SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS 1, 7, 8, 15 Dec SHAUN THE SHEEP 2 (U) 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 14 Nov JOKER 7 Dec THE GOLDFINCH (15) 1 - 5, 7, 8, 14, 15 Dec, 3 - 6 Jan FROZEN 2 (ctbc) 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 Dec SORRY WE MISSED YOU (ctbc) 6 - 8, 10 - 12, 18 Dec MIDWAY (ctbc) 6 - 8, 11 Dec TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (ctbc) 14 & 15 Dec THE ADDAMS FAMILY (ctbc) 13 - 15, 17, 18 Dec AERONAUTS (PG) 19 - 24, 27 - 30 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (ctbc) 20 - 24, 27 - 30 Dec, 1 - 6 Jan CATS (ctbc) 3 - 9 Jan JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (ctbc) 3, 4, 6 Jan KNIVEES OUT (ctbc) 3, 4, 7 - 9 Jan LAST CHRISTMAS (12A) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 1 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 616460.

2 Dec LES MISERABLES: THE STAGED CONCERT Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 6.45pm, 01497 822010. 3 Dec HANSARD National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 4 Dec THE WINTER’S TALE Branagh Theatre. Church Stretton School, 7pm, 01694 722209. 4 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401. 5 Dec HANSARD National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281. 5 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. 6 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 7 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. 7 Dec 42ND STREET THE MUSICAL Theatre Royal, London. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 616460. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm & 7pm, 01743 281281. 7 & 8 Dec FLEABAG National Theatre. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 8 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, 01743 281281. 9 Dec FLEABAG National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281. 10 Dec COPPELIA Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575. Church Stretton School, 7.15pm, 01694 722209. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281. 11 Dec ROMEO AND JULIET Matthew Bourne. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 8pm, 01743 281281. 12 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 12 Dec THE WINTER’S TALE Branagh Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

13 Dec HANSARD National Theatre. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 15 Dec COPPELIA Royal Opera House. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 2pm, 01497 822010. 16 Dec PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 16 Dec IN SEARCH OF BEETHOVEN Exhibition on Screen. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 616460. 17 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. 17 Dec IN SEARCH OF BEETHOVEN Exhibition on Screen. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 18 Dec IN SEARCH OF BEETHOVEN Exhibition on Screen. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. 20 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. 17 & 23 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. 19 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. 20 & 27 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 878141. 21 Dec THE NUTCRACKER The Royal Opera House. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 2pm, 01600 719401. 31 Dec NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT Berliner Philharmonic live. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 4pm, 01885 488575. 4 Jan ANDRE RIEU: 70 YEARS YOUNG Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. 4 & 5 Jan ANDRE RIEU: 70 YEARS YOUNG Wyeside, Builth Wells, 4 Jan 7.30pm, 5 Jan 2pm, 01982 552555. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 4 Jan 7pm, 5 Jan 3pm, 01568 616460. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. 5 Jan ANDRE RIEU: 70 YEARS YOUNG SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321. 11 Jan PRESENT LAUGHTER National Theatre. Aston on Clun VH, 7pm, 01588 660493.

11 Jan WOZZECK New York Met. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575. The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. 11 & 12 Jan ANDRE RIEU: 70 YEARS YOUNG Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 11 Jan 7pm, 12 Jan 3pm, 01584 811442. 14 Jan LUCIAN FREUD: A SELF PORTRAIT Exhibition on Screen. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. 16 Jan THE SLEEPING BEAUTY The Royal Opera House. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Church Stretton School, 7.15pm, 01694 722209. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 822010. 18 Jan THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Royal Ballet. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 616460. 19 Jan THE SLEEPING BEAUTY SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321. 19 Jan LUCIAN FREUD: A SELF PORTRAIT Exhibition on Screen. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.30pm, 01568 616460. 21 Jan ROMEO & JULIET Matthew Bourne. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. 23 Jan LUCIAN FREUD: A SELF PORTRAIT Exhibition on Screen, with pre-screening talk with Linda Casey. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6pm, 01432 340555. 29 Jan LA BOHEME The Royal Opera House. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.45pm, 01588 630321. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, 01743 281281. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.45pm, 01497 822010. 30 Jan 42ND STREET THE MUSICAL Theatre Royal, London. Church Stretton School, 7pm, 01694 722209. 30 Jan IN SEARCH OF MOZART Exhibition on Screen. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

dance Dance Performance

The Little Prince

Sun 1 December THE NUTCRACKER RUSSIAN STAGE BALLET & OPERA HOUSE. Prepare to enter a magical new world as goodness and beauty triumph in this festive family favourite ballet. Malvern Theatres, 1pm & 5pm, £40 - £30 under 26’s all seats half price, 01684 892277. Sat 7 December THE WIZARD OF OZ BALLET THEATRE UK. A two act, full-length ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum, told through the magic of classical dance. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 3pm, £18-£10, 01600 719401. Fri 20 - Sun 22 December THE NUTCRACKER BRECON FESTIVAL BALLET, a new company accompanied by The Welsh Chamber Orchestra. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Fri 7.30pm, Sat & Sun 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £23.50/£21.50, £17.50 under 16s, 01874 611622. December & January LEOMINSTER MORRIS 14 Dec - Leominster Victorian Market. 26 Dec - The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 12pm. 6 Jan - The Wassail. The Bell, Tillington, 7pm. www.leominstermorris.org Sun 19 January SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Irish in origin, but features a range of styles including Flamenco, Salsa, Hip Hop, Techno, Can Can and American Tap. The Courytard, Hereford, 4pm & 7.30pm, £28, 01432 340555. Fri 31 January THE LITTLE PRINCE LUCA SILVESTRINI’S PROTEIN. Based on the famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince is brought to life using a mix of dance, humour and spoken word. Suitable for ages 5+. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 6pm, £7.50, family £30, 01588 630321.

Dance Workshops

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

THE LEOMINSTER MORRIS George, our youngest dancer (17) says - “Ever tried Morris dancing... still have a spring in your step?” Come and join us, we meet every Wednesday at The Forbury Chapel, Church St, Leominster. We are an unmixed side dancing local and Cotswold Morris. Beginners are very welcome. Enquire at contact@leominstermorris.org or ring Tony on 07811 592522. COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Mondays - Find Your Feet, dementia friendly dance and movement class, 10am, £2 per session. Fridays - Dancing Tots 11.30am, ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Fridays - Chance to Dance 10.15am, for over 50s. Tuesdays - Zumba 1.30pm, £5, all abilities. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. Mondays SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Join an enthusiastic adult group on Monday evenings to learn how to dance jigs, reels and Strathspeys at Llanelwedd School Hall, Builth Wells from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. £2.50 per session (first free). No need to bring a partner. Beginners and experts welcome. 01982 570324/01544 350707.

Tues 28 January THE COURTYARD’S SPECTACULAR TEA DANCE Dementia Friendly fun. Full of music, tea, cakes and dancing plus students from Hereford College of Arts will be along to perform. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-4pm, £4 including refreshments, accompanying carers go free, 01432 340555.

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

ASSEMBLY ROOMS CLASSES Mon - Circle Dancing, Studio, 1.45pm-3.45pm. Contact Kathryn Louhichi, 01584 877446. Tues Learn To Jive. Fun, easy to learn and no partner/experience needed. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30-8.30pm, 01989 750354.

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

Wed 1 January CIRCLE DANCE To welcome the new decade. Church Barn, Bishops Castle, 3-5.30pm led by Rosa James and Iris Briscoe. Info and booking: 01588 630648.

ALANYA’S BELLYDANCE CLUB - OPEN LEVEL Monkland Village Hall - Mondays 7.30-9pm. Miro Studio, Hereford - Fridays 10.30am-12pm. No-obligation taster £6, then pay per term or block. For information and other classes visit www.alanyabellydance. com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

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

Spirit of the Dance

Monday (starts 6th January) Tuesday (starts 7th January)

Wednesday (starts 8th January) Tuesdays FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing? We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders. All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary! Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 01544 327311 or Paul 01497 821003.

Thursday (starts 9th January)

Friday (starts 10th January)

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

food page The Lion Hotel, Berriew

ERRIEW is a distinctive and attractive village in north Montgomeryshire, perhaps the best-looking part of mid-Wales at any rate, the most Englishlooking. Alongside picturesque timbered houses and cottages ornées – some much reordered in the mid-19th century, is a former squash court that was converted and opened in 1991 as a museum devoted to the sublimely whacky work of the widely acclaimed artist, sculptor and exotic bling designer Andrew Logan. The museum is a wonder, a visual extravagance that would merit a visit, even – perhaps especially, for their own good – from art-lovers of the most conservative tastes. Mister Pernickety highly recommends it. Unfortunately it is open only at weekends from June to September, but anyone planning to visit it then should combine it with the opportunity to eat at The Lion Hotel around the corner, which Andrew Logan bought and reopened last year and which displays his eccentric genius all year round. The Lion must be one of the most originally conceived eating places in Britain, at least visually. Mr Logan and his partner Michael Davis have not restrained their creativity one bit in reordering this very traditional C17th hostelry. At one end the building, the bar is a classic, warm inviting room decorated in comparatively quiet but impeccable taste, where the only hint of Logan’s presence is one of his idiosyncratic semi-shattered mirrors behind the bar. But as the diner progresses through the building, the colours become more extraordinarily vibrant, some of the furniture almost Alice-in Wonderlandish. After a pint of Monty’s in the bar, which Mr Pernickety was pleased to note was well patronised by people from the village and its environs, he and his Lovely Companion, who was becoming more excited with every step, made their way through a dining area of aquamarine into a further dining-room with walls of dark, almost electric cerulean blue between black painted oak stanchions, with plush navy carpet and dark blue upholstered chairs (faintly and fashionably shabbied), tables with white linen and navy naperies, each with a table light made from a tall water-filled glass cylinder containing a suspended long, lily-type flower with a floating tea-light above. Wall lighting was

subdued beneath the low beamed ceiling and music was playing, but so quietly as not to become apparent until the comforting hum of conversation had dropped almost to nothing. Thus far, Mr P and the LC were as close to ecstatic as they ever come but, cynical and unused to such complete satisfaction of his aesthetic senses, Mr P found himself waiting for the service and the food to undermine all the good things he was feeling thus far. It seemed that the whole place – dining-tables and bar – was staffed by three remarkably efficient and – it must be assumed – intelligent young men. The service they provided was polite and characterful, and contributed much to the subsequent enjoyment of the evening, with only one regrettable lapse into an imperative ‘Enjoy!’ To start her dinner the LC ordered whitebait which were fresh, crunchy, in a good way, and came with a subtle pink sauce. Mr P was more than happy with his grilled goat’s cheese on a tump of courgette, grilled pepper and aubergine surrounded by rocket with lovely balsamic syrup. He was beginning to wonder if this really was a place that was going to deliver on every aspect of the dining experience he always craves. This looked a clear possibility with his next course – a pork chop with welsh rarebit, savoy cabbage, lyonnaise potatoes, cider and wholegrain mustard cream. For one thing, it was an excellent piece of meat, trimmed to the right amount of fat, then cooked to a tender succulence. All the accoutrements added to that sound base provided as enjoyable a dish as Mr P has had in a long time (and at just £15.50). The LC had chosen a steak pie, which arrived with a bowl of good hand cut chips and a bowl of tender, buttery baby carrots, French beans and mange-touts. She grumbled a bit about the oblong plate, and the hassle of decanting the pie from its bowl onto the offending platter. However, once she had got it there, her taste-buds said, ‘Yes!’ To finish, they shared a portion of ginger cake with lovely old-fashioned custard, easily enough for two, as is so often the case, and a perfect conclusion to a dinner with which Mr P could find no fault, magically enhanced by the surroundings. Mr Pernickety suggests that this place is worth a good forty-five minute drive, or even more, perhaps a lot more if a combined with a visit to Andrew Logan’s unique sculpture museum or, if that’s closed, a winter trip to see the famous yew twmpas at Powis Castle.

Mr Pernickety

EVENTS

Anarchist Cook, George Egg

December & January DE KOFFIE POT Fridays - Fish and Chip Fridays, 12pm-9pm, £6. Sundays - Sunday roasts 12pm-4pm, no need to book. De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753. Thursday 5 December CHRISTMAS MARKET The Barn, St Katherine’s, Ledbury, 6-8pm with live music. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org Sat 7 December KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK 95 top exhibitors plus welcome return of The Beefy Boys. Music with the Ludlow Concert Band, choirs, street music with Geoff Rogers from Shrewsbury and Streetsax from Hereford. Free parking/free entry. A gastronomic event! Sat 7 December KINGTON CHEESE & WINE EVENT With a Christmas quiz and carols. In the large marquee, Kington after the Festive Food & Drink, 6-8pm, £5 a ticket from Grapevine, Bees Knees, Border Bean and on the door. Proceeds to Macmillan. Sun 8 December CHRISTMAS LUNCH Turkey lunch and all the trimmings, veggie option available, Eaton Bishop VH, 12.30pm, £15, £6 under 12s, under 5s free, advance booking only, 01981 250111. Thurs 12 December CHRISTMAS VEGETARIAN COOKING Run by Milly Rees. A hands-on cookery session, take home recipes, tips and ideas. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, £35 includes all ingredients, booking essential, 01588 676060. Fri 24 - Sun 26 January ANARCHIST COOK: GEORGE EGG George Egg will cook a three-course meal using the appliances in his room; irons, kettles, hairdryers and even the trouser press. Comedy and food like you’ve never seen before. For ages 14+. 24 Jan - Stoke St Milborough VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5/£25, 01584 823791. 25 Jan - Chapel Lawn VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 07964 710983. 26 Jan - Goodrich VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01600 891421. Arts Alive. Every Saturday LUDLOW COUNTRY MARKET 9am-12pm at The Womens Centre, Ludlow. Local produce, handicrafts, plants & veg, cut flowers, cards. First Saturday of every month (except August) FARMER’S MARKET Produce, craft, gifts, kitchen cafe open. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm. First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm. The best collection of artisan food producers in the area. 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 07751 221487. 3rd Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180. 3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023. Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-4pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043. Every Friday KINGTON PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

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

music

DECEMBER Sun 1 December HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring The Sauce City Jazz Band. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 276304. TOMMY ALLEN’S TRAFFICKER Prince of Wales, Ledbury. THE ROGUES Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. MANDRA A cappella trio of singers performing their versions of rare and wild songs from around the world. Rodd Court, Presteigne. Seasonal food, fires and festive merriment, 3pm, £5 or free entry if you bring a current National Lottery ticket, 01544 260149. THE WHISKEY RIVER ACOUSTIC QUARTET The Forest Folk Club, The Orepool Inn, Sling, Forest of Dean. LEOMINSTER PRIORY CHOIR Team Advent Service, Leominster Priory, 4.30pm. LADY MAISERY A trio playing 10 instruments, beautiful harmonies and exquisite crafted songs. The Burton Hotel, Kington, 8pm, £12 in advance or £15 on the door. Tickets from the Burton Hotel or Made in the Marches Gallery or 01544 598839. NEW OXFORD CONSORT Christmas concert. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 3pm, £18, 01873 850805.

Mon 2 December

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

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm. SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

Tues 3 December VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. THE WEST END AT CHRISTMAS Stars from the West End present a magical evening of entertainment featuring hits from the musicals and the best of Christmas song. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £16/£14, 01874 611622. MIKEY KENNEY BAND Exceptional folk fiddler with band. The Art Shop and Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 8pm, £13, pre-concert suppers available, but booking essential, 01873 736430. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Wed 4 December PROPELLOR Malthouse, Ironbridge. JAZZ SPECIAL Featuring Sirkis/Bialas IQ. Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767. THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

QUIZ NIGHT De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £2 per person, teams of six or less, 01432 357753.

Thurs 5 December THE ENDINGS Malthouse, Ironbridge. LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Christmas concert. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 7.30pm, £8 from Leominster TIC and choir members, 01568 616460. HARDWICKE CIRCUS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. ROB PICKING Acoustic session. The Exchange, Newtown. GOODERHAM & NEEDS Crown Inn, Oakengates, 01952 610888. ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com

Fri 6 December A CELTIC CHRISTMAS WITH CALAN Bagpipes, fiddles, harp and step dancing. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01982 552555. THE HYPE Malthouse, Ironbridge. THE DEADSHOTS Rockabilly. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. ALTERNATIVE ROOTS The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

TENBURY TOWN BAND Charity Christmas show. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY Christmas music with a French flavour. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £12, under 18s free, 01584 878141.

The Gentle Good

Fri 6 December THE RAT PACK SWINGING CHRISTMAS SHOW Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442. DR JONES PRESCRIBES Hip Hop and Funk. Chang Thai Bar & Restaurant, Market St, Ludlow, 8pm, free, 01584 874212. CELTIC CHRISTMAS STRINGS With Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman. A blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01694 720132. Arts Alive. BLACK MARKET The Exchange, Newtown. NAWR Featuring Tinc y Tannau - performing playful improvisations, original songs, 16th century voice and viol pieces. Jo Thomas composer of electronic music. Larch. Truly Kaput, banjo-ukulele driven anti-folk. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 821762. FUNKOMATIC Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. THE SPEAKEASY Featuring Word of Mouth. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 10pm, 01432 357753. CHRISTMAS BINGO SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, open 7pm, eyes down 8pm, £12 for a book of 10 games with 6 cards per game and refreshments, 01588 630321. BLAKES III Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. EX CATHEDRA ‘Christmas Music by Candlelight’. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 365561. CRACK ON DAFT Dun Cow, Shrewsbury. STEELEYE SPAN 2019 Folk rock pioneers. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805.

THE GENTLE GOOD Known for his intricate guitar playing and haunting vocals, Gareth Bonello is one of the foremost songwriters working in Wales today. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £10 from The Workhouse (cash only) and wegottickets.com

Sat 7 December SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Jack Mac’s Funk Pack. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £7 in advance, 01497 821762. LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun. FAITH Folk rock quartet plus support from Ellisha Green and John Mosedale. Bromyard Public Hall, 7.30pm, £5 in advance from the TIC or Flowerdew’s Coffee Shop Bromyard. RECORD FAIR The Undercroft, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 10am-3.30pm. PIGDAZE The Bull Ring Tavern, Ludlow. MIKE SANCHEZ SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, 01588 630321. BROMYARD CHORAL SOCIETY ‘A Christmas Cracker’. A miscellany of Christmas music including excerpts from My Fair Lady. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. GREYWOLF The Cart House, The Fold, Bransford, 7.30pm, 01886 833633. THE JENTS Malthouse, Ironbridge. HOLDER & SMITH Swinging Christmas special. Tribute to the swinging jazz sensations Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt with violin and hot gypsy guitar and a dash of vocals. Colwall Village Hall, £10 in advance, £12 on the door, 07976 727959. MIGHT VIPERS Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights Festival. Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THE ABBA REUNION TRIBUTE SHOW Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £22/£20 from Ticketweb.uk or 08444 771000 CELTIC CHRISTMAS STRINGS With Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman. A blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites. Bitterley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01584 318047. Arts Alive. SHREWSBURY CHORAL SOCIETY The Messiah. Holy Trinity, Meole Brace, 7.30pm, £15, children free, from Shrewsbury Abbey or 01743 232236. SONYA SMITH The Bull’s Head Inn, Chelmarsh, 9.15pm. THE BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA Traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music from across Europe. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £15, students £12, 07967 517125. OUT OF ORDER Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford. ENRICO TOMASSO Multi-award winning entertainer, mentored by Louis Armstrong, pays tribute to the trumpet legends. Accompanied by Martin Litton. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12, bar available, 07748 652194. LOST THE PLOT The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. CLUN VALLEY MUSIC Aurora Percussion Duo Rhythmic Unity: A World of Percussion followed by a Junk Percussion workshop, all welcome, bring your own junk! St George’s Church, Clun, 1pm, www. ticketsource.co.uk/clun-valley-music or 07846 786020. PHOENIX SINGERS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £14, under 18s free, 01743 234970. THE SULTANA BROTHERS The Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 9pm. THE BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND Sarn Village Hall, £10 on the door, 079661 48448, www.eddygartry.com JAZZ NIGHT Featuring The Sirkis/Bialas International Quartet, a collaboration between Israeli UK-resident drummer/composer Asaf Sirkis. De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 357753.

KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK FROM THE BORDERS 95 top exhibitors plus welcome return of The Beefy Boys. Music with the Ludlow Concert Band, choirs, street music with Geoff Rogers from Shrewsbury and Streetsax from Hereford. Free parking/ free entry. A gastronomic event! Followed by Kington cheese & wine event, with a Christmas quiz and carols. In the large marquee, 6-8pm, £5 a ticket from Grapevine, Bees Knees, Border Bean and on the door. Proceeds to Macmillan.

Aurora Percussion Duo, Clun Valley Music

CHRISTMAS WITH ELVIS Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12.50, 01873 850805.

Sun 8 December ABERGAVENNY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Free concert for children. This year’s theme is ‘Space’. Come in fancy dress and be ready to dance. King Henry VIII School, Abergavenny, 4-5pm, free parking. info@abergavennysymph.org.uk CLUN VALLEY MUSIC Elizabeth Lynch, mezzo-soprano, Aurora Percussion Duo, Pelleas Ensemble. Programme includes Berio, Debussy, Benjamin Graves, Purcell and Jolivet. St George’s Church, Clun, 7.30pm, www.ticketsource.co.uk/ clun-valley-music or 07846 786020.

CLIVE JOHN TRIO Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

FIZZI Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roasts. Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or table for lunch. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063.

BLUES SUNDAY Featuring The Red Hot Pokers (Cardiff). Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

RICHARD SHINDELL American singer songwriter. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £15.50, 01743 234970.

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOWRIDERS 19 Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £24, 01873 850805.

CAKES & ALE CONCERT Featuring The Black Lion Singers, Fr. Richard Williams, Justin Preece, Kate Hardy, Catherine Hughes, Adrian Crick, Toby Parker, Janice Day & Martin Litton, plus many more. Parish Hall, Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, 5.30pm refreshments, 6pm, local talent entertains, free, donations welcome, 07748 652194. OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Oak, Wigmore, 8pm, please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail.com THE GATECRASHERS Covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Leila Basletic

Sun 8 December CHRISTMAS CONCERT With Ruth Watson (oboe), Leila Basletic (organ) and the St Andrew’s Sisters Vocal Group. Knill Church, near Presteigne, 3pm.

Mon 9 December TALON Eagles tribute band. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805. FESTIVE QUIZ NIGHT Please wear a Christmas jumper! The Volunteer Inn, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £2.50 pp., includes festive food and prizes. A WINTER UNION A festive folk band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 10 December TALON Eagles tribute band. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Hot Club Gallois. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, www.breconjazzclub.org COMMUNITY CAROLS Knighton Community Centre, 4pm. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Wed 11 December THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

THE BIG CHRISTMAS SING Featuring The Marches Choir and Brass Quartet for children and families. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £8, children/students free, 01588 650448 or on the door. QUIZ NIGHT De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £2 per person, teams of six or less, 01432 357753. FAZE Abba themed night. Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Thurs 12 December CRIMSON CHILD Malthouse, Ironbridge. JASON & THE ASTRONAUTS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. DANGEROUS DAVE Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. THE ROOT DOCTORS Crown Inn, Oakengates, 01952 610888. ONLY MEN ALOUD ‘Merry Little Christmas’. Wales’ premier professional male choir, with special guest, Sophie Evans. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £27, 01600 772467.

Fri 13 December MISTLETOE MANIA Featuring Abergavenny Borough Senior & Youth Bands and their guests, Croesyceilog Male Choir. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £8/£6, 01873 850805. DIRTY ROCKING SCOUNDRELS Malthouse, Ironbridge. THE SPEAKEASY Featuring Anne-Marie Allen. Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9pm.

FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring the Julie July Band. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. MUSIC RHYTHM & THE BRAIN Mix electronica, D & B, House and more. Chang Thai Bar & Restaurant, Market St, Ludlow, 8pm, free, 01584 874212. HOLDER & SMITH Swinging Christmas special. Tribute to the swinging jazz sensations Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt with violin and hot gypsy guitar and a dash of vocals. Fownhope Memorial Hall, £10 in advance, £12 on the door, 07976 727959. THE PUMPERS The Exchange, Newtown. LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES ‘From Darkness to Light’, a new piece of music re-telling the familiar Nativitiy story, but with entireley original music and songs. Little Hereford Parish Hall, 7.30pm, 01568 780848. CUSTARD COLLECTION The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. THE GOLD ROOM Dun Cow, Shrewsbury. FRIDAY LIVE Celtic Marches present The Kilpecks plus support from Emi McDade. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5 in advance, 01497 821762.

Sat 14 December WINTER WONDERLAND Come and walk into Hay’s Winter Wonderland, with local artisan stalls, winter beverages, gifts, seasonal food, live music and festive games. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 11am till late, 01497 821762. LEOMINSTER MORRIS Leominster Victorian Market. POP DOCTOR Malthouse, Ironbridge.

THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Lanterns Across the Snow’. Songs and stories for Christmastide. St Mary’s Church, Pembridge, 7.30pm, £10 includes glass of mulled wine and mince pie, tickets from The Olde Steppes, 01544 340381. ABBA TRIBUTE BAND Knighton Community Centre. Fundraiser for Knighton Show & Carnival committee. PAUL PARKER & ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR Featuring The York Waits. Old festive music for Advent and Christmas. Community Hall, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £15, under 14s £3, 01544 350268. PAPRIKA BLUES BAND Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. PENYBONTFAWR WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR Christmas concert. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12 includes glass of mulled wine and mince pie. Donation and raffle proceeds to Hope House Children’s Hospice, 01544 260865. SULTANA BROTHERS The King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 9pm. MADE IN TENNESSEE A taste of Nashville with Soul Street Productions’ brand new show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805.

The York Waits, Music in New Radnor THE DAI ROBS CHRISTMAS SHOW With his 10-piece band and more Christmas songs than ever before. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £9, 01686 614555. SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring Taynee Lord & The Crookes. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6 in advance, 01497 821762.

Sun 15 December DUTCH LEWIS TRIO Singing a series of jazz Christmas standards, 11am-2pm. Plus Christmas Fair, 10am-3pm, with stalls, crafts, mulled wine. Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, 01547 530744.

THE WORRIED MEN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. FESTIVE MUSIC DAY 3pm - ‘Gather Round’ the piano and sing seasonal songs and carols with Marion Rowlatt, followed by tea and mince pies. All welcome, proceeds to Knighton Food Bank. 4.30pm - Carol Singing round the Christmas Tree at the Memorial, New Radnor. 7pm - Concert with Ruth Watson (oboe), Leila Basletic (piano) and the St Andrew’s Sisters Vocal Group. Mulled wine, bar open. Old School Community Hub, New Radnor, 01544 350559. OPEN MIC Hosted by Whose Hands Are These. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 3-6pm.

SAVING GRACE Featuring Suzi Dian and Robert Plant vocals, Oli Jefferson - percussion, Tony Kelsey - mandoline, baritone and acoustic guitars and Matt Worley - banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars and cuatro. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £27, 01686 614555.

Celtic Christmas Strings

Fri 20 December CELTIC CHRISTMAS STRINGS With Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman. A blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 01746 862104. Arts Alive. AIRBAG Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sun 15 December WOODCHUCK Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. WINGWALKERS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Mon 16 December SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun. THE CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 820322.

Tues 17 December VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. OPEN MIC The Volunteer Inn, Hereford, 8pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Thurs 19 December LOST THE PLOT Malthouse, Ironbridge. CALL OF THE KRAKEN Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNERS’ FESTIVE FEAST Coaching by Helen and The Globe present ‘Not Your Office Christmas Do’. An opportunity to dance, drink and dine surrounded in like-minded company. Do you work for yourself or for a small business and haven’t thought of having a do this year? The Globe, Hay-onWye, £25, includes dinner, dancing with DJ Marva Jackson Lord, pre-booking essential, emma.boulton@globeathay. co.uk 01497 821762.

Wed 18 December

THE ENDINGS Crown Inn, Oakengates, 01952 610888.

THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

KARAOKE ‘It’s Christmas!’ Chang Thai Bar & Restaurant, Market St, Ludlow, 8pm, free, 01584 874212.

QUIZ NIGHT De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £2 per person, teams of six or less, 01432 357753. MIDWINTER CONCERT Seasonal songs and Wassails. Poems and wintry tales. Castle Voices led by Sue Harris. Lydham Church, 7pm, £8, children free. Refreshments provided, 01588 638632, bring a torch as car parking is unlit. Raising funds for local food banks. SOULED OUT BROTHERS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

SPEEDGUMS And guests. Christmas party. Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, 7.30pm, £20 self-serve buffet, please book, 01568 612876, noriscafe@yahoo.com

ROLLING STONES NIGHT Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ‘Let it Bleed’, Dave Luke, Bugsy and Dave Kirk will perform the whole album alongside all the other favourites. With a plethora of guest and an all-star opening act! The Duke’s Arms, Presteigne, 8pm, £5 on the door. KINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR With Kington Primary School and friends. Christmas concert. St Mary’s Church, Kington, 7pm, free. OPEN MIC Wobbly Brewery & Taphouse, 22a Beech Business Park, Hereford, 7.30pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com.

THE WOBAGE ALL STARS Blues, jazz and fun. Linton Village Hall, near Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, £8, 07974 484141. ALTERNATIVE ROOTS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury. LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or dinner. Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 872063. JIBBAFISH Covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. LEOMINSTER CHORAL SOCIETY Carols by Candlelight. Programme includes Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. Leominster Priory, 7pm, £7, accompanied under 16s free. Tickets from Fletchers Newsagents, or TIC Leominster. FIGHT THE BEAR Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. MIDWINTER CELEBRATIONS Songs of great cheer, merry music and tales for the longest night. Whitton Voices led by Sue Harris. Also featuring Benji & George Kirkpatrick. St Michael’s Church, Discoed, near Presteigne, 7pm, £8, children free, refreshments, booking advised, 01547 550158. Raising funds for Help Refugees. BROMYARD SYMPHONIC WINDBAND Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. ARRIVAL The hits of Abba. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01686 614555. VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Lanterns Across the Snow’. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £10 in advance, 01497 821762.

Sat 21 December

Village Quire

JOHN KIRKPATRICK ‘Carolling and Crumpets Christmas Concert’. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, 01588 630023. SEAN AND ALEX The Conspiritulists. Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. THE BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND Berriew Community Centre £10 on the door, 079661 48448, www.eddygartry.com THE VILLAGE QUIRE ‘Lanterns Across The Snow’. Based upon Susan Hill’s delightful short story of the same title about childhood. Christmas and memory, harmonies and storytelling. Glasbury Methodist Church, Cwmbach, 7.30pm, £10, £5 under 18s, 01497 847676. THE ALLEY CATS Vaga, Hereford, 9pm. LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES ‘From Darkness to Light’, a new piece of music re-telling the familiar Nativitiy story, but with entirely original music and songs. St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, 01568 780848.

SULTANA BROTHERS White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm.

LIVE MUSIC The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

SKABURST Malthouse, Ironbridge.

WHISKEY RIVER BOYS Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

FESTIVE GROOVE With DJ No Edge. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5 on the door (cash only), 01497 821762.

LEOMINSTER PRIORY CHOIR & DILWYN CHOIR Nine Lessons and Carols. St Mary’s Church, Dilwyn, 6.30pm.

Sun 22 December

THE VELVET DUKES The Exchange, Newtown.

THE DELRAY ROCKETS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. THE RONALDOS Housmans Bar and Restaurant, Church Stretton, booking essential, 01694 724441.

BLUES SUNDAY Featuring Steve Ajao Blues Giants. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

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Unit 10, Western Close, Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QD Tel. 01568 613100 Mob. 07702 528088 email: carsleominster@yahoo.com

Mon 23 December

Fri 27 December

Mon 30 December

LIVE MUSIC The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MICROBABY Malthouse, Ironbridge.

SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun.

Tues 24 December

THE DELRAY ROCKETS Rockabilly. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Tues 31 December

ADAM HODSON & ACOUSTIC UNDERDOGS Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sat 28 December

VELVET DUKES Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

BLIND EYE Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

LIVE MUSIC The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

EDDIE P White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm.

VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

THE FOREST BROTHERS Acoustic trio playing 60’s and 70’s favourites. The Dog House pub, Coleford, 8.30pm, free.

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

Wed 25 December QUIZ NIGHT De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £2 per person, teams of six or less, 01432 357753.

Thurs 26 December LEOMINSTER MORRIS The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 12pm. DJ NIGHT Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Featuring Blue Moon, quiz and raffle. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Station Drive, Ludlow, 8pm, £10, 07710 409004. MODERN FACES Malthouse, Ironbridge.

Sun 29 December BODY & SOUL Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. GREY WOLF The Wicked Grin, 3 Fish St, Ludlow, 5pm, free, 07766 185451. BEN & CHARLIE White Horse Inn, Clun, 5pm.

THE DEE SPOORS MEMORIAL LECTURE WIGMORE GARDENING CLUB welcomes

NICK BAILEY

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Resolution night. Eaton Bishop VH, 8pm, bring your own picnic and drinks. Music, dancing, fun and nonsense. Prize for best dressed table, £5 adults, £3 under 16s, 07396 541340. HMV BAND Malthouse, Ironbridge. THE STRAYS Rockabilly. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. THE WEREWOLVES OF POWYS The Raven Inn, Welshpool, 079661 48448, www.eddygartry.com NEW YEAR’S EVE The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £20 per person, 01432 357753. MARK, JENNY & MURRAY ‘Pop thru’ the Ages’ on loopedacoustic guitar and saxophone. The White Swan, Eardisland, 8.30pm, 01544 388635. NEW YEAR’S EVE Featuring Meg Chandler. Gourmet dinner, £40pp. Housmans Bar and Restaurant, Church Stretton, booking essential, 01694 724441. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Comic Book Heroes & Villains. Chang Thai Bar & Restaurant, Market St, Ludlow, 7.30pm, ticket only, call 01584 874212. NEW YEAR’S EVE Featuring Gordy and Louisa. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm, free entry. THE ENDINGS The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY NIGHT LIVE DINNER JAZZ Dinner plus live jazz. Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 872063.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Featuring Out of Order. Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234. NEW YEAR’S EVE Featuring DJ Max Galacti and Young Garbo. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, limited early bird Phase 1 tickets £10, Phase 2 tickets £13, on the door (if any left) £15, 01497 821762.

THE PERFUME GARDEN

JANUARY

Thursday 20th February, 7.30pm Wigmore Village Hall, HR6 9UW

Wed 1 January

Tickets £10. Contact: joyardy@googlemail.com or 01568 770023 (ticket numbers limited)

THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Edwina Hayes, Folk in the Foyer

LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roasts. Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or table for lunch. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063.

AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm.

THRILL COLLINS & THE NAKED POP IN-QUIZ-ITION An evening of hilarity and wild dancing! Thrill Collins are a three-piece acoustic skiffle party band who have a habit of rearranging some of the most epic pop songs with surprising results. The Naked Pop in-Quiz-ition is not your average pop quiz entertainment event either. With wireless buzzers for multiple teams and computerised scoring. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 7pm, £12 from The Workhouse (cash only) or wegottickets.com

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

Sun 12 January

Mon 6 January CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. LEOMINSTER MORRIS The Wassail. The Bell, Tillington, 7pm.

Tues 7 January OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Thurs 2 January

Wed 8 January

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

JAZZ SPECIAL Featuring Pillow Talk. Queen’s Head, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

Fri 3 January THE JAMES OLIVER BAND Rock ‘n’ roll, R & B. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. LET’S GET QUIZZICAL The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £2 per person, winner takes the pot! 01497 821762. IMMEDIATE AFFECT Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

Sat 4 January LOST HIGHWAY Crown Inn, Oakengates, 01952 610888. SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Live music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

Sun 5 January NEW YEAR MUSICAL TEA PARTY Musical entertainment, tea and seasonal delights at Mind’s centre. Ty Croeso, St David’s House, 48 Free St, Brecon, 3-6pm, free, 01874 611529. LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring The Chase Jazz Band. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 276304.

Sat 11 January

THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Fri 10 January THE ALLTONES Covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. FRIDAY LIVE Live music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Edwina Hayes. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

RHYTHM THIEVES White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. HONEYBOY HICKLING BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. OPEN MIC Hosted by Whose Hands Are These. Yew Tree, Peterstow, 3-6pm. BLUES SUNDAY Featuring James Oliver Band (Cardiff). Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

Tues 14 January VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Ruth Bowen and Friends. TheMuse, Brecon, 8pm, www.breconjazzclub.org

Wed 15 January THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Thrill Collins

Set in the Shropshire hills town of Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle. The festival will see venues of all shapes and sizes from galleries to pubs, churches to libraries, hotels to shops all opening their doors to put on unique events. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com for the latest news and events.

Most events will be FREE of charge

Kathryn Williams & Michele Stodart, Bright Field

WELSHPOOL MUSIC CLUB Featuring Emma Abbate and Julian Perkins: Piano for Four Hands. The Methodist Church, High St, Welshpool, 7.30pm, £10, 01938 559087. ROBERTO RUISI & STEN HEINOJA Violin and piano. Programme includes Beethoven, Debussy, Strauss and Ravel. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18, 01873 850805.

Fri 24 January THE OUTCASTS Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Thurs 16 January

Sun 19 January

THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

LIVE MUSIC Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

Fri 17 January BRIGHT FIELD A quarterly night celebrating the start of each season in music and spoken word, curated by Jude Rogers. Featuring Kathryn Williams and Michele Stodart (Magic Numbers). Also featuring Peiriant: Folk Ice & Fire. Kirsti Bohata: Winter, Women & Wales. Weirdshire DJ’s - Spectral Seasonal Sounds. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £15 online, £20 on the door, cash only, 01497 821762. OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm, please pre-book your slot markianrichards@hotmail.com LIAM WARD BAND Blues. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 18 January SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Live music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. ACOUSTIC CABARET Some of the best local acoustic artists and bands to brighten up the winter depths. Featuring Mandra, Black Mountain Boy, Jess and Jake, Bertie, Astral Twins and more. Come and soak up the warmth. “Sounds Lovely”. The Old School Hub, New Radnor 8pm £5. 01544 350407 or 01982 551116. REMI HARRIS & VINCE BALLARD Pudleston Village Hall, 7.30pm, £15, 01568 750543.

XHOSA COLE QUARTET Saxophonist Xhosa Cole, BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £16, under 22 £8, 01743 234970.

LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

Tues 21 January OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Wed 22 January AMERICAN SESSION Press Rooms, Leominster, 8pm. THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Thurs 23 January QUADROPHENIA The Who tribute band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £23/£22, 01432 340555.

THE HEY YAHS A local, lively party band showcase a mixture of dazzling vocals, uplifting brass, funky grooves and an entertaining performance. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £14, 01432 340555. FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Mud on the Tyres. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5 in advance, £7 on the door, 01497 821762. LIVE MUSIC White Horse Inn, Clun. PAUL JONES AND DAVE KELLY Acoustic set from two of the country’s greatest soul and blues musicians. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, 01600772467.

Sat 25 January SATURDAY SHENANIGANS Featuring The Barebacks plus support. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. BURNS NIGHT Traditional Burns Night meal and celebration with music from Mark Richards. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 7.30pm, please book, 01547 540705. CLUN VALLEY JAZZ Presents Xhosa Cole, the first UK tour with All-Star Quartet. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £15, 01588 630023.

Peiriant, Bright Field

Sun 26 January MARTYN JOSEPH Folk. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £17/£16, 01982 552555. GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. BLUES MAN MIKE FRANCIS Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm. BEN JAMMIN White Horse Inn, Clun, 5pm. THE WEREWOLVES OF POWYS New Inn, Newport, Shropshire, 079661 48448, www.eddygartry.com QUIZ NIGHT Crown Inn, Oakengates, 01952 610888. KNIGHTON & DISCTICT CONCERT SOCIETY Presents The Mathias Trio. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 3pm, £12, £2 students/children on the door, 01547 530530. LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. SULTANA BROTHERS Lichfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford, 4pm. BLUES SUNDAY Featuring Whiskey River, the full 6-piece electric line-up. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm, 01432 270211.

Mon 27 January SESSIONS White Horse Inn, Clun. THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Tues 28 January CATRIN FINCH & THE CIMARRON Harp player. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £19/£17, 01874 611622. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Wed 29 January THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

Thurs 30 January FAIRPORT CONVENTION With special guests Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £23, 01874 611622. CLARE TEAL TRIO Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Martyn Joseph

Fri 31 January MARTYN JOSEPH Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. THE ALLEY CATS Glam rock covers. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. REMI HARRIS Jazz & Blues guitarist. Linton Village Hall, near Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, tickets £12, 07974 484141. STEVE STEINMAN’S VAM Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Wed 5 February THE DRAGON BIG BAND 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to swing to Latin. The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, 01588 620060.

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

Fri 7 February SULTANA BROTHERS Blues and R & B. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Nuadha Quartet, Friday Live

Fri 31 January FRIDAY LIVE Featuring Nuadha Quartet, world jazz with an endearing Scots lilt, featuring strong themes, passionate saxophone and Jaco-style electric bass. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm, please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@ hotmail.com LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or dinner. Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 872063. VERA VAN HEERINGEN TRIO Highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with firebrand virtuosity and poignant songs, playing in her watertight trio format featuring Dave Luke on guitar/vocals and double bass stalwart Andy Seward. The Old School Hub, New Radnor LD8 2SN 8pm £10. 01544 350407 or 01982 551116. THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND Welsh Country/Folk/Blues band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, £15/£12, 01432 340555.

FEBRUARY Sat 1 February BEYOND THE BARRICADE Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.50, 01743 281281.

Sun 2 February LIVE MUSIC Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

BLACK RABBIT Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring Panama Jazz Band. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 276304.

Mon 3 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. AMERICANA SESSION Grape Vaults, Leominster, 8pm. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

Tues 4 February OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762. VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8.45pm.

Vera Van Heeringen Trio

MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster. RHYTHM THIEVES Chindit Inn, 113 Merridale Rd, Wolverhampton, 8.30pm. SOUL TRAIN A fun presentation of 60s and 70s classics. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £21, 01873 850805.

Music Workshops Sun 1 Dec TAIKO TASTER SESSION Have fun playing Japanese Taiko drums. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, family session 10.30am-11.30pm, adult session 12-1.15pm, family £20, adult £7, child £5, 01874 611622. Sat 7 December IMPROVISING A workshop to play with vocal sound and be curious about our own voices. For ages 14+. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-12pm, 01743 234970.

Sat 7 December & Sat 8 January FIDDLE WORKSHOP Enjoy playing traditional fiddle tunes in fresh arrangements with two or three-part harmony. These monthly workshops combine sociable ensemble playing with expert tuition: technical tips, advice on style, ornaments and bowing patterns plus a strong emphasis on developing musicality and confidence within the group. Sheet music provided (in advance), or play by ear, whichever you prefer. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms. Please book in advance, £15 per workshop. Kitty Greenwood: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com 01584 841564. Tues 17 December SONGS FOR YOU With Sal Tonge. A life more ordinary. For people living with dementia, memory loss and their carers. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2pm, £2, 01584 878141. Sat 11 January BUXTEHUDE AND MORE! With tutor Paul Spicer. A Border Marches Early Music Forum Workshop for Singers and Bowed Strings (A=440) 9.30am-4.30pm. The Lion Ballroom, Leominster. A morning singing and playing Buxtehude’s exquisite ‘Jesu Membra Nostri’ and an afternoon of joyful music for Epiphany. Prior booking

essential. Details of the workshop and how to apply, contact Robert Harris on pilothouse321@icloud.com or see www.bmemf.org.uk Monday THE NEW TITLEY PHIL Good sight-reading skills and interested in playing mostly baroque music in a friendly chamber orchestra? Come and join “The New Titley Phil” – directed by baroque cellist and gambist David Hatcher. 2.15pm-4.45pm, Titley Village Hall, 07989 091949. Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954. Monday THE GARRICK SINGERS For over 60s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm. £5 per session, 01432 340555. Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. Martin on 01694 722500. Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427. Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12.30pm, 01874 611622. Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music. World, folk music, anything goes. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. 01568 369074. Tuesday ST MICHAELS SINGERS Welcome interest from new singers, (particularly basses and tenors!) If you are interested please phone our Chairperson Pat Mutton on 01584 819875. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Village Hall, near Tenbury Wells. Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, Village Hall, near Brecon. Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30-9.30pm, £6. All welcome. Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158.

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

First Sunday OPEN MIC Hosted by Rich of Good Times Entertainment. All ages welcome, No. 46, Presteigne, 3-6pm. richardgooderson@hotmail.com

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

2nd Sunday OPEN MIC Hosted by Rich of Good Times Entertainment. All ages welcome, White Swan, Eardisland, free drink for performers, 3-6pm. richardgooderson@ hotmail.com

Wednesday MUSIC MAKING WITH A BEAT BANG BONG Creative classes, dementia friendly. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £2 per session, 01432 340555. Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm. 01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com Thursday KINGTON COMMUNITY Choir rehearsals term time 6.45-8.30pm at Kington Primary School. Formed in 2014 we are a non-auditioning mixed choir of all ages. Website: kccchoir.wordpress.com kccherefordshire@ gmail.com Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Songs to brighten up the day, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday VOICE ACADEMY AT THE COURTYARD For ages 13+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-6pm, £4 per session, 01432 340555. Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD Mixed choir, early/classical music. Howey VH, 7.45pm, 01874 754774. First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495. Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR We are a non-audition choir formed 8 years ago with 30+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3 per session paid termly, first session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. More information, term dates etc: lhvoices.wix. com/home Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music filled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £6, £5 sibling, 01743 234970. Friday FAMILY MUSIC MAKERS Fun sessions for parents and toddlers 12.30-2pm, £4 per adult and child pair, under 1s free. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sessions First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm, 01547 550400. First Saturday FOLK & IRISH SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373. First Saturday of month PICKIN’ AT THE BIRD The Bird in Hand, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 01743 357484, 9pm. 3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

Every Sunday FOLK/ACOUSTIC SESSION The Crown & Anchor, Llanidloes, 8pm. 1st Sunday OPEN MIC Hosted by Good Times Entertainment. No. 46, High St, Presteigne, 7pm, 07917 646113. 2nd Sunday ACOUSTIC MUSIC SESSION Jill and Mark (from the Rhythm Thieves) hosting. All styles welcome. The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm. 2nd and 4th Sunday FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267. 3rd Sunday ACOUSTIC SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267. 3rd Sunday ACOUSTIC SESSION (Turns based). Hosted by Mark Richards. The Oak, Wigmore, 7pm. 3rd Sunday FOLK SESSION The Monkland Arms, 7.30pm, 01568 720510. Last Sunday SUNDAY SOUL SESSION The Corners Inn, Kingsland, 8.30pm, free, 01568 708385. Every Monday ACOUSTIC NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio, near Welshpool, 01691 830295. Every Monday OPEN MIC NIGHT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury, 01743 344728. First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 01584 711480 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub First Monday AMERICANA SESSION The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 01568 611404. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC King Charles II, Broad St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, 01989 219357. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC Run by Moz, PA provided, all welcome. Castle Vaults, Shrewsbury. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC NIGHT The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, free, 01497 821762. Every Tuesday TUESDAY JAM SESSION The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8-11pm, 01885 483034. 3rd Tuesday FOLK NIGHTS The Crown Inn, Longtown, 8pm. e-Newsletter john.baxter87@btinternet.com 3rd Tuesday ENGLISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC NIGHT Open session, all musicians welcome. The Crown Inn, Woolhope, 8pm, 01432 860468, (none in December). Last Tuesday HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS Ledbury, www.folklife.org.uk/homend-poets.html 01684 563281. Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC NIGHT Baskerville Hall Hotel, near Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, 01497 820033. Every Wednesday JAZZ EVENING Incorporating all styles of jazz. Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060. Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.45pm, 01531 632250. Alternate Wednesdays FOLK SESSION Crown Inn, Colwall, 01684 541074. 1st Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Red Lion, Llanidloes, 8.30pm.

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

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

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

2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Hosted by Stevie Yeomans. Castle Inn, Knucklas, near Knighton, 8pm, 01547 528150.

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

2nd Thursday TRADITIONAL/FOLK SESSION The Whistling Badger, Llanidloes, 01686 412583, corns@mousemusic.co.uk

3rd Wednesday JAZZ AND TAPAS With Mark Latimer. Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368. 4th Wednesday AMERICAN SESSION Press Rooms, Leominster, 8pm, christopher.andrews42@gmail.com

2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060. 3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells.

4th Wednesday AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells. Every Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Nat and Delia present Duke Joint Jam. Oxford Arms, Kington, 6.30pm, all welcome, 01544 230322. 3rd Thursday ALTERNATE JAZZ/BLUES Reet Petite, West St, Leominster, 07484 545368. Every Thursday WEST MALVERN MUSIC NIGHT Malvern Social Club, 07970 801668. Every Thursday SESSION Black Swan, Much Dewchurch, 01981 540295.

3rd Thursday FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223 or 01547 528150. 1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Blue Boar, Mill St, Ludlow, 8:30pm. Contact: Ann Gray 01584 879 348. 4th Thursday OPEN MIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888, crownopenmic@gmail.com 2nd Friday OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368. 3rd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT The Herb Garden Community Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 823082.

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

Last Friday TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION The Old Coppers Malthouse, All Stretton, 8.30pm, all welcome. Contact Keith 07971 661615.

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

Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8.30pm, 01568 770134.

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

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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.

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

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band directory ACOUSTIC DUO, ‘SMITH JOHNSON’, have recently reformed and offer a repertoire of original material, along with some interesting covers of the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Family. Smith & Johnson are - Dave Haigney-Smith (Sultana Brothers), vocals and harmonica. Martin Johnson (previously, The Blues Occasionals), guitar and harmonies. Original, live and local! Contact Martin - 01686 411089 / 07400 190040. Dave - 01686 688408 / 07957 520235. Available for house parties. ADD A BAND - Real instrument backing to your own music. Perfect for singer songwriters etc. Studio near Newtown. www.addaband.co.uk, 07515 401635. ANIMAL Solo entertainer, piano/vocals, harmonica, mixed music. Also session player on drums. Experienced TV, theatre, cruises, holiday parks, radio, concerts, Britain’s Got Talent 2012. Backed Stella Parton, Tommy Cash, Screaming Lord Sutch, Dr Feelgood, Wishbone Ash, Ruby Murry. To book please phone Paul 0751 484 7966. APPLEBY STONE Live acoustic duo/trio, guitar, flute, saxophones, voices, double bass, jazz, folk, R&B, pop, many originals, perfect for private and public events. applebystone.com 07979 542 449. BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND 10-piece jive/R & R group. ‘Does what it says on the tin!’ Parties/festivals/happenings/ weddings etc. Call Eddy on 01691 648729 or 07796 148448. Web: eddygartry.com Email: w.gartry@hotmail.com Management also for The Werewolves of Powys and Blues State UK CATCH22 is a lively and energetic party band playing a wide range of well known hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s in their own inimitable retro-rock style. For bookings call Mel on 07903 104877 or email meltons5@hotmail.com Join us on facebook.com/Catch22.Wales THE CHICAGO SWING KATZ - New Orleans Blues to Chicago Swing. 6/7 Piece band playing foot-tapping, fun music that will make you feel happy. Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate events, Festivals, even funerals - but book well in advance for those! Traditional Jazz Trios, Quartets also available. Come and hear the band every 2nd Sunday of the Month at the Wild Pig, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, SY3 9JT. Email: chicagoswingkatz@aol.com, www.thechicagoswingkatz.com Jeff: 07831 - 383636 CHRISIE J LOCAL VOCALIST! I sing Jazz. Soul, Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. For more information or to make a booking email chrisiej20@gmail.com or phone 07968 893719. Have a look at my social media for performance videos and more information. Also looking for a band so get in touch if interested. DISKAN Breton-Irish-Balkan music, well established band with wide touring and festival experience, available for gigs, private events, ceilidhs, art’s centre performances. Various formats available (from two to four musicians: flute, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, double bass, vocals). Follow us on Facebook. Tel: 07588 858010. Email: imiletitch@aol.co.uk

THE DRAGON BIG BAND - 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington, and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to Swing to Latin. Trumpets, trombones, saxes, bass, guitar, keyboard, drums. Come and listen every Wednesday, 8.00 - 10.30, The Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, Powys, SY15 6AE, 01588 - 620060. Comfortable venue, bar, food (book), large car park, fun and with free admission. Band Enquiries: Mike 01686 – 668675 ENGLISH DULCIMER DUO Sue and Lisa both play Hammer Dulcimers, conjuring up evocative music with their interpretations of traditional tunes and jaunty eighteenth century melodies. The effect of their combined sounds is spellbinding and suitable for a wide variety of happenings. Contact info@englishdulcimer.co.uk 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! KERI HOFFMAN Keri Hoffman is an energetic yet classy performer. Keri is a well-known name and firm favourite within the industry. Dynamic and versatile her extensive repertoire means she is perfect for any occasion, from small laid back intimate settings, to those high octane concerts of festival proportions. Follow Keri on facebook @vocalsbykeri. Contact via www.kerihoffmanvocalist.co.uk Keri.hoffman@hotmail.com THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues. Available for all types of events and celebrations. Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail.com LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.” Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email – jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com MAMMAFUNK are a 6-piece funk and soul band available for parties, weddings, corporate and charity events. Covering classic and modern hits we are also available to offer a bespoke set list for any specific song requests you may have. www.mammafunk.com Call 078144 86028 / 079693 27030. MELOMANICS A wacky, Shropshire-based Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopolitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out how much fun a ceilidh can be with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For more info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich on 01743 718612. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

THE RAGTIME JUG ORCHESTRA A roots string-band (duo) recreating the sounds of the early 20th century America, playing a good-time mix of blues, skiffle and Americana music. We like to get audiences involved! Available for festival, events, parties, folk clubs, pubs and bars; performance presentations and workshops for all occasions too. Web: www.ragtimejug.co.uk Contact: John; 01594 861151. Email: info@ragtimejug.co.uk Facebook. com: ragtime jug orchestra. 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 Singer/guitarist, professional, self contained, large repertoire. Music mostly, but not exclusively, from the 60’s and 70’s. Great sound. Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@yahoo.co.uk. Find me on YouTube: Sean Saye. www.seansaye.co.uk SHRED BELLY Ludlow/Shropshire based acoustic duo, playing covers of popular ‘Dad’s Rock’ songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and more. Full band can also be available. All bookings and enquiries please contact: Kevin on 07873 426205 or Paul on 07957 247851. SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band). CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/birthday parties/ fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01981 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187. SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Available for concerts/gigs. Tel nos. as above. SINGLED OUT Experienced, 3-piece band covering the best pop and rock music from the 50’s to the current era. We focus on great tunes that don’t usually get played by other bands, but which everyone will know. Of course, we do some of the more usual songs as well! www.singledoutband.com email: info@singledoutband. com Phone 07518 291 676. SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Cornelius 01686 411147 corns@mousemusic.co.uk or Peter 07561 820509. www.sirdancelot.co.uk 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 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

STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet. com www.dgand2.wix.com/thestonedcherries THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away. For bookings/enquiries contact Phil 07791 129391 or Adam 07855 037092. Website www.thesultanabrothers. vpweb.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/thesultanabros THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song. Sensational vocals mingled with enthralling stories. Various shows to book, including ‘Songs for Silas’ melting harmonies and tall tales inspired by H. E. Bates’ evergreen My Uncle Silas. “... Absolutely delighted that you have chosen to weave your magical sound around that old rogue, Silas.” Victoria Wicks (Skins, Shadowlands and H. E. Bates’ grand-daughter). For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Ludlow-based, 6-piece, New Orleans/Trad band. Comprising trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, tuba and drums, playing and singing popular foot-tapping songs mostly from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Available for all functions. See us every Tuesday at the Rose and Crown in Ludlow. Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email: vintagejazzrevival@gmail.com website: www.vintagejazzrevival.co.uk WHISKEY RIVER is a 5/6 piece electric Americana band that play swamp blues, Cajun, Zydeco and good country music to set the dance floor rocking. To suit smaller venues and smaller budgets, pruned down acoustic versions of the band are available as “The Whiskey River Quartet”, “The Whiskey River Trio” or as a Duo [“The Whiskey River Boys”]. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! Contact Martin, phone: 07846 669890, 01432 342018, email: martin@ whiskeyriver.co.uk. website: www.whiskeyriver.co.uk TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band. For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022.

Band Directory ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ just call Clare on 01432 850444 or email: info@broadsheep.com DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

theatre PERFORMANCE

A Christmas Carol

Tues 3 - Sat 7 December MY COUSIN RACHEL THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTION. Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier and starring Helen George. Malvern Theatres, £35.84 - £16.80, under 26s £8.96, 01684 892277. Wed 4 & Mon 9 December IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE. Inspired by the classic American film, a live radio play is performed as a 1940’s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. 4 Dec - Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £14/£12, students £7, 01873 850805. 9 Dec - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01874 611622. Thurs 12 & Fri 13 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL Actor John O’Connor faithfully recreates Dickens’ famous performance of his best-loved ghost story. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. Thurs 12 - Sat 14 December HERCULE POIROT AND THE RESERVOIR DOG WALKERS (By Wagatha Kwisty). THE PRESTEIGNE PANTOMIME PLAYERS. Belgium’s top detective is stranded in Presteigne, where he becomes involved in solving the Mystery of the Spirit of the Warden. Will the knick knack get rubbed? Magic, music, mystery and moustachioed mayhem, or your money back*. *See terms and conditions. Memorial Hll, Presteigne, 7.30pm, Thurs £5/£3, Fri & Sat £7/£4. Tickets from Deli Tinto, Presteigne, hard currencies only. Bar and teas in the interval, imaginary rafffle, bring your own prizes.

Fri 13 & Sat 14 December THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS BUILTH WELLS COMMUNITY ARTS. Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad as they set out to gallivant the riverbank. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, £10, 12s and under £5, 01982 552555. Tues 17 - Mon 23 December THE BOX OF DELIGHTS 2FACED DANCE. A lavish 1930s experience, in this adaptation of John Masefield’s original novel; a three-course meal, cocktail, music and dancing. For ages 18+. Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, 7pm at a mystery start location, your journey departs promptly at 7.30pm, 01432 272506. Wed 18 - Sat 21 December THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS SIMPLY THEATRE in association with the BOROUGH THEATRE. A magical tale for this magical time of year. A heartwarming adventure story with a beautiful score. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, times vary, £8.50, family £32, schools £6, 01873 850805. Sun 22 December WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS Borough Theatre’s resident amateur theatre companies provide their unique ‘Welcome to Christmas’. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50, 01873 850805. Thurs 26 December WELSH WRESTLING For all the family. Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, tickets from Ticketweb.uk or 08444 771000 Mon 13 - Sat 18 January FRANKENSTEIN Rona Munro’s new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action as she wrestles with her creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now. Malvern Theatres, £34.72-£17.92, 01684 892277. Sat 18 & Sun 19 January A GARLAND FOR SYLVIA Music and drama reflecting the live of Sylvia Silver. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Strictly Sherlock

Mon 20 January THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS Driven by a rock ‘n’ roll sound scape and featuring an amalgamation of mind-boggling acts. Recommended for ages 16+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £27 & £21/£25 & £19, 01432 340555.

Thurs 30 January STRICTLY SHERLOCK DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR THEATRE COMPANY present the king of the detectives as he brings to life three startling cases, The Sussex Vampire, The Creeping Man and The Devil’s Foot. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, £15/£12, 01432 340555. Thurs 6 - Sat 8 & Sat 22 February YOURS SINCERELY QUICK DUCK THEATRE. What happens when Will Jackson accidentally steals 300 second class stamps from the Post Office? Storytelling and lipsync cabaret collide in this queer coming of age comedy. 6 Feb - Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10, 01885 488575. 7 Feb - Farlow & oreton VH, 8pm, £10/£5/£25, 01746 718642. 8 Feb - Quatt VH, 7.30pm, £10/£6, 01746 781759. 22 Feb - The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £10/£5, 01743 234970. Arts Alive.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA December MRS PEACHUM’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MARRIAGE MID WALES OPERA. Mrs Peachum, her daughter Polly and The Beggar in their bawdy, ballsy take on relationships and the relative virtues of virginity. 7 Nov - Llandinam Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01686 614555. 8 Nov - The Congress, Cwmbran. 5 Dec - Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. 6 Dec - Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, 01584 878141. 7 Dec - Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, wegottickets.com Mon 27 & Tues 28 January AVENUE Q CURTAIN CALL THEATRE COMPANY. A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £16.50, 01743 281281. Wed 5 - Sun 9 February SHREK THE MUSICAL GET YOUR WIGLE ON. Everyone’s favourite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, phone for times, £23-£16, 01743 281281.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Until Sat 11 January CINDERELLA This magical, family-friendly show is packed with a coachload of hilarity, slapstick, song and dance. Prepare to boo, hiss and cheer. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. Cinderella, Courtyard Theatre

Wed 4 December - Sun 12 January ALADDIN Starring Brad Fitt, plus Shrewsbury’s favourite Victoria McCabe and direct from the National Theatre, Kate Malyon. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, phone for times, £26-£15.50, 01743 281281. Wed 4 - Sat 7 December TOM GATES - SCHOOLS PERFORMANCE Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon. Jam-packed with Liz Pichon’s illustrations, catchy tunes and hilarious performances. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, phone for times, £10, 01686 614555. Thurs 5 - Sat 7 December THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING SCAMP THEATRE. This heart-warming and awardwinning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s bestselling book. Packed with live music and laughter. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Thurs 2 & 4pm, Fri 10am & 2pm, Sat 11am & 2pm, £15/£13, family £49, 01874 611622. Sat 7-Tues 31 December THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER Join the little elves as they go on a magical adventure to help recover the poor Shoemaker’s fortune. Will they be the Christmas miracle the Shoemaker so desperately needs? With interactive puppetry, original songs and lots of family fun. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. Sun 8 & Sat 21 December SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN HONALEE MEDIA. The show where every child gets a present from Santa! There’s nothing Santa loves more than starting the countdown to Christmas by opening the windows of his giant Christmas calendar. But when he tries to begin the countdown this year - disaster... 8 Dec - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 11am, £9.50/£8.50, family £32, 01600 772467. 21 Dec - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 1.30pm & 4pm, £10.50, children £9.50, family £36, 01686 614555. Wed 11 & Thurs 12, Fri 13 - Tues 24 December DEAR SANTA A perfect introduction to theatre for those aged 2 - 7 years old. ‘Dear Santa’ is a Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. 11 & 12 Dec - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Wed 1.30pm & 6pm, Thurs 10am & 1.30pm, £10.50, £35 family, 01874 611622. 13 - 24 Dec - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 11am & 2pm daily, £13, family £44, 01743 281281. Thurs 12 December - Sun 5 January ALADDIN MARTIN DODD for UK PRODUCTIONS. Featuring John Challis, Mark James and Jamie Steen. Malvern Theatres, 01684 892277.

Sat 14 December CLIMB THAT TREE Join David Gibb on a musical journey where bears live in the cupboard under the stairs, wolves are roaming the corridors at school and trips to the moon. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 3pm, £10/£5/£20, 01885 488575. Arts Alive. Mon 16 - Fri 20 December CINDERELLA SPONTANEOUS PRODUCTIONS. A beautiful heroine, a handsome prince, two ugly sisters and a host of other characters. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, phone for times, £13, under 16s £9, family £38, under 3s free, 01600 772467. Wed 18 December - Fri 3 January SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Snow White was told to never accept gifts from strangers but when she takes a bite of apple, life turns upside down and she ends up in a strange house with seven even stranger men. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, phone for times, tickets from £11, 01584 811442. Tues 7 January PINOCCHIO ODDSOCKS THEATRE tell a lively tale with imagination, music and skill and the story provides ample opportunity for their trademark style of madcap humour. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. Thurs 16 - Sat 18 & Thurs 22 - Sat 25 January SANTA IN SPACE LADS. Despite its unusual title you will find all the usual pantomime characters such as Dame Dangle, Captain Dick Darling and the baddy, Vileun the Vile! Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, matinees on 18, 19 & 25 Jan, 2.30pm, £11, child £6, family £37, 07967 517125. Sat 18 January CINDERELLA NYP. Talented young musical theatre students bring a funfilled pantomime, written and directed by Freya Rowlands. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £13/£11, 01686 614555. Sat 18 - Sat 25 January JACK & THE BEANSTALK THE WESTENDERS present a show full of comedy and magic and bursting with energy. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, phone for times, £13.50, family £48, 01874 611622. Sat 25 January EXCITING SCIENCE New, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from 4 years upwards. Full of wiz, bang, pop and splurt. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm, £10.50, 01743 281281. Sat 25 January THE LITTLE GRIMM TALES BOX TALE SOUP. Beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, frogs and fairies all join in the fun for ages 3+. Featuring puppets, innovative theatre and original musical score. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £7.50, 01432 340555. Wed 29 & Thurs 30 January PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 1pm & 4pm, Thurs 10am & 1pm, £21-£16, family £64, 01743 281281.

Little Grimm Tales

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Tuesdays Junior Youth Theatre 9-13, 4.30pm-6pm. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Senior Youth Theatre 14+ 7pm-9.30pm. The Drama Centre, Llandrindod Wells. Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994. THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. Mondays 3.45pm 4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2. Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5. Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8. Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663. Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

Sat 15 - Sat 22 February TREASURE ISLAND CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS. Family pantomime with mischief, custard pies, songs and laughter. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 01885 488575.

Thursdays and Saturdays SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Providing training in a range of theatre skills for ages 5-25. All abilities welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. Contact Maggie Love: 07813 026367. Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928. Alternate Fridays (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, £5. Wyeside, Builth Wells, details Sue Best, 01597 811487.

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

A Unique Shropshire Venue Perfect For Your Intimate Country Wedding

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow. org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow. COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2, 5pm, £63.50 per term. Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £68.50 per term. Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 6pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre, for ages 16+, 6.30pm, £73.50 per term. Thurs - Courtyard Musical Theatre, 7.15pm, £68 per term, contact Laura Gale 07725 357531. Mons - Drama Tots,10am – 10.45am, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Mon - Bromyard Conquest Kids (Reception & Year 1), 3.45pm, £36 per term. Bromyard Juniors (Year 3-6) 4.50-5.30pm, £39 per term. Bromyard Intermediates (Year 7-9), 6pm, £43 per term. Bromyard Seniors (Year 10+), 7.30pm, £46 per term. Wed - Kington Juniors (Year 2-6) 4-4.45pm, £36 per term. Kington Intermediates (Year 7- 9), 5pm-6pm, £39 per term. Kington Seniors (Years 10+) 6pm – 7.30pm, £43 per termThe Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Registered for marriages Exclusive use with on site Country House accommodation Find out more www.thegrainloft.co.uk The Grain Loft Llanhedric Farm Clun SY7 8NG 07816 148818 info@llanhedrichouse.co.uk

word

Gerald Logan, Night Terrors

Wed 5 February JIMEOIN: RAMBLE ON The hilarious Northern Irishman from Australia. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £16.50, 01600 772467.

Talks

Poetry & Storytelling Tues 10 December LEDBURY POETRY SALON Jonathan Edwards. Readings, conversations, audience Q&A and Ledbury Open mic. Ledbury Books and Maps, 7-9pm, £5 on the door. Fri 13 December & Fri 10 January BLAST STORYTELLING 13 Dec - Midwinter Miracles from Medieval Times with Dave Tongue. 10 Jan - ‘From Ear to There’ with Amy Douglas. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £8 or £25 for a group of four, 01588 630023. Sat 14 December NIGHT TERRORS Masterful storytelling from Gerard Logan, who from the deceptive comfort of an easy chair will transport you to a darker, more sinister world where the unexpected will intrigue and disturb. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01874 611622. Every Last Wednesday of the month except Aug & Dec LUDLOW STORYTELLERS at The Sitting Room, Blue Boar Pub, Mill Street, Ludlow SY8 1UG at 7.30pm until 9.00pm. £3 in the hat. Bring your stories or come and listen. hilary@changingtales.co.uk

Comedy Sat 7 December THE SPEAKEASY Farcical Comedy. Featuring Scott Bennett with support from George Rigden, Liam Schewit` and Legless Lauren. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 357753.

Fri 24 - Sun 26 January ANARCHIST COOK: GEORGE EGG George Egg will cook a three-course meal using the appliances in his room; irons, kettles, hairdryers and even the trouser press. Comedy and food like you’ve never seen before. For ages 14+. 24 Jan - Stoke St Milborough VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5/£25, 01584 823791. 25 Jan - Chapel Lawn VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 07964 710983. 26 Jan - Goodrich VH, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01600 891421. Arts Alive.

December & January THE ARTS SOCIETY HEREFORD (TASH) 10 Dec - ‘Double-Dutch: Symbols, Emblems & DoubleEntrendre in Dutch Genre Painting’, an illustrated lecture by Lynne Gibson. 14 Jan - ‘Kandinski and The Expression of The Spiritual Art’, an illustrated lecture by Maureen Schild. The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 2.15pm, members free, guests £9, new members welcome, 01568 797703. December & January GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP 17 Dec - ‘Forgotten Gadgets’, a talk by Don Balkwill, followed by bring-and share Christmas party. 21 Jan - ‘From Roman Roads to Railways: Connecting People in Herefordshire’, a talk by Tony Usher. Garway Community Centre, free members, visitors £5, www.garwayheritagegroup.co.uk December & January HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY 6 Dec - ‘Christmas Tales’ by Kay & Peter Garlick, before Christmas Lunch. Hedley Lodge, Belmont Abbey, 12pm. 17 Jan - ‘Sir Thomas Gainsborough’, a talk by Sandy Elliott. Kindle Centre, adjacent to ASDA, Hereford, 2.30pm. 01432 890469. December & January SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB 18 Dec - ‘A Natural History of Christmas’, a talk by Mike Leach. 22 Jan - ‘The All Year Bulb Garden’, a talk by Jim Almond. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5 non-members, www.gardeningshropshire.co.uk Sun 1 December PETER WRIGHT: HALF A CENTURY IN MOTORSPORT Engineer, Peter Wright worked for 25 years at BRM and Lotus trying to make Formula 1 cars faster. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3pm, £6 from The Workhouse (cash) and wegottickets.com Sun 1 December HAY FESTIVAL WINTER WEEKEND Featuring conversations with Archbishop of York John Sentamu, Labour MP Jess Phillips, historian Tom Holland, BBC Broadcaster Cerys Matthews, plus comedy from Jason Byrne and music as organist Father Richard Williams offers live accompaniment to Frits Lang’s Metropolis and Jurassic 5’s Soup with his Fullee Love Collective. Hay on Wye. 01497 822629, www.hayfestival.org Tues 3 December LINGEN GARDENING CLUB AGM followed by ‘A Natural History of Christmas’, a talk by Dr Michael Leach. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £4, www.lingen.org.uk

Sun 19 January DEATH CAFE Catherine Prichard is hosting a Death Cafe from 2-4pm at the Poetry Pharmacy, 36 The High Street, Bishops Castle SY9 5Q. Visit deathcafe.com for more details. Wed 22 January LUDLOW CIVIC SOCIETY ‘William Shenstone and the Leaseowes, poet, letter writer and landscape gardener’, a lecture by Julian Hunt. Ludlow Methodist Church, Broad St, Ludlow, 4pm, £3 members, £5 non-members, 01584 872533. Peter Wright (With Ayrton Senna) Sat 7 December BOOK SIGNING WITH ALEXANDRA FORD Alexandra’s debut novel, ‘What Remains at the End’, tells the largely undocumented history of Yugoslavia’s ethnic Germans. The Great Oak Bookshop, Llanidloes. 12pm. Tues 10 December BRECKNOCK ART SOCIETY ‘The Origins of our English Christmas’, a talk by Roger Askew. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, 01874 611622. Wed 11 December LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘An Evening with Geoffrey Croft’. John Abel Room, Grange Court, Pinsley Rd, Leominster, 7.30pm, members free, visitors £4 on the door, 01568 613695. January ROSSITER BOOKS 23 Jan - Mark McCrum, ‘How to Write a Whodunnit’, Rossiter Books, Monmouth, 7pm, £5, 01600 775572. 29 Jan - Sophie Hannah, ‘Haven’t they Grown’, book talk. The Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 7pm, £5, 01568 611766. January & February HARDY PLANT SOCIETY HEREFORDSHIRE AND MID WALES 11 Jan - ‘Notes for Narcissus, The Marches Daffodil Decades’, a talk by Catherine Beale. Pembridge VH, 2pm. 15 Feb - ‘Plants for Awkward Corners’, a talk by Julie Ritchie. Glasbury VH, 2pm. £4, 01544 262795. Thurs 16 January DAVID HARPER: UNEXPECTED TALES The antique expert will give anecdotes from TV, live auctions, profits and losses of antique finds. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £14, 01600 772467.

Thurs 23 January THE ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS ‘Pugin - God’s Romantic Victorian Architect’, a talk by Hugh Elwood. Pois Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, 01938 555574. Sat 25 & Tues 28 January AN EVENING WITH SHANE WILLIAMS With Phyl Harries and Ieuan Rhys. Legendary Welsh rugby player Shane Williams will share the extraordinary secrets of his illustrious career. 25 Jan - Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £22, 01686 614555. 28 Jan - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £27/£25, 01432 340555. Thurs 30 January AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON & BILL TURNBULL Britain’s favourite gardening expert and BBC 1’s Breakfast presenter are both passionate about bees, and in this one-off event raising funds for the international charity ‘Bees for Development’. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, VIP £40, £25/£23, 01600 719401.

Workshops & Courses Beginning in January WEA HEREFORD BRANCH 6-8 week courses. Mon am: Painting in the Early Renaissance with Allen Fisher. Mon evening: Victorian Herefordshire c1830-1900 with David Whitehead. Tues am: Irish Poetry from Yeats to Heaney with Simon Fletcher. Weds am: A Story of Drifting Continents with Paul Olver. All classes are 2 hours long and will be held at the Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford HR2 7JE For more information contact 01432 804130, look for one of our brochures at Herefordshire Libraries, or email us at:herefordbranch@wea.org.uk Visit www.wea.org.uk or ring 0300 303 3464.

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

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

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road. Tel: 01547 530744 OPEN EVERY DAY aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

Aardvark Christmas Fair Sunday 15 December 2019 10am-3pm Over 20 stalls, children’s Christmas crafts, live Christmas jazz from the Dutch Lewis Trio, free mulled wine. Free Entry and parking.

Starting January WRITING COURSES Writing Courses run in association with University of Aberystwyth Lifelong Learning by local author Lara Clough. 9 sessions WRITING IN GENRE starting Tues 21 Jan 2-4.15pm , The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. 9 sessions SCI-FI and SPECULATIVE FICTION starting Wed 22 Jan 10.15am-12.30pm Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown. 9 sessions EXPLORING CREATIVE WRITING starting Thurs 23 Jan 10.30am-12.45pm, Wyeside, Builth Wells. POETRY WRITING 1 starting 23 Jan 2.15pm4.30pm, Knighton Community Centre. 9 sessions SCI-FI and SPECULATIVE FICTION starting Fri 24 Jan 10.15am-12.30pm, CRIC Resource Centre, Crickhowell. Courses £110*, £20 Early bird discount if enrolled by 16.01.20, concessions of £10 also available. www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-learning, 01970 621580. 1st Saturday READING GROUP Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, afternoons, donations, 01547 550377. Mondays WRITING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555. Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. Fourth Monday SCIENCE CAFÉ Informal group, talks and discussions on scientific topics. The Swan at Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome, sciencecafe@outlook.com Every Tues & Wed SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Tues - Level 1, 7pm, Wed - Level 2, 10am, with Mely. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505.

Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555. First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813. 2nd Wednesday of each month WYESIDE WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7pm, £2.50, 01982 552555. Every Thursday WELSH CLASSES FOR ADULTS Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 10.30am-3pm, 01639 841751. Every other Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762. philosphycafe@outlook.com Last Thursday of the month BOOK CLUB De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 357753, ECStarling@theherefordacademy.org.uk Fridays READING ROOM EXTRA The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-8pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555. International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350 Leominster Writers' Circle, Leominster Community Centre, Frank Pavitt, chairman LWC, 01568 614973, meet first Tuesday, monthly, 2pm. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.

WEA HEREFORD BRANCH Charity No. 1112775

Spring Term 2020 Programme

6-8 week courses, beginning in January:

Mon am: Painting in the Early Renaissance. Allen Fisher. Mon eves: Victorian Herefordshire c1830-1900. David Whitehead. Tues am: Irish Poetry from Yeats to Heaney. Simon Fletcher. Weds am: A Story of Drifting Continents. Paul Olver. All classes are 2 hours long and will be held at the Kindle Centre, ASDA, Hereford HR2 7JE For more information contact 01432 804130, look for one of our brochures at Herefordshire Libraries, or email us at:herefordbranch@wea.org.uk Early booking is recommended to ensure your place. Visit www.wea.org.uk or ring 0300 303 3464 Fee remission may be available for those in receipt of income related benefits, please ring to check. We are always looking for new tutors, venues, and ideas for our courses and study days. If you are interested or have any suggestions please email us at the address above.

grass roots Good Riddance to Fracking - After A Decade of Failure

GENERAL election in December is an uncivilised thing to inflict on a population gearing up for Christmas and New Year. But this national poll may have one saving grace. It appears to have come at just the right time to save people in Lancashire and perhaps other parts of England from the threat of fracking, at least for the time being. For without such an unpredictable electoral race, Boris Johnson might never have seized on two unfavourable official reports as reasons to call a halt to fracking. After all it has been obvious for eight years that environmental regulators have had no firm grip on the risks caused by hydraulic fracturing. As public opinion has moved relentlessly against shale gas development over the last few years, support for it has also become wafer thin in the Tory Party. A few days before the government moved to prevent further fracking in England, an article by an MP in the Daily Telegraph summed up the arguments in favour of a permanent ban. The piece was not by an opposition member but by the Tory MP for Crawley in Sussex, Henry Smith. “It’s… become clear that fracking is woefully unpopular,” he wrote. “Local residents often oppose fracking projects due to concerns about noise and air pollution, wildlife disturbance and water contamination.” He said only 37% of Conservatives were in favour of fracking. This made shale gas almost as unpopular as burning coal, he reckoned. As a sometimes geeky student of these matters, I first began to hear, well over ten years ago, that fracking was about to transform Britain’s energy prospects. I took note because among those making that claim was a clever energy economist I knew who was not part of the fossil fuel lobby. But I did not start to research shale gas until the protests against fracking at Balcombe in Sussex hit the headlines in the dog days of August 2013. I rapidly learned that in the USA this technique of drilling horizontally through rock thousands of feet below ground had caused immense distress in rural communities. It was blamed for polluting drinking water supplies and for destroying the value of farms and homes. It appeared that people in Britain had plenty to fear from the development of shale gas and oil.

But it took me rather longer to learn that in America it was not just the environmental impact of fracking, but also its economics, that were deeply suspect. Those who have taken the trouble to investigate the financial side of shale gas have been arguing for up to ten years that it has been fundamentally unprofitable from the outset. Despite all the hype, scores of companies involved have made losses, year after year, on their actual industrial operations, and have managed to stay afloat only by raising fresh funds from gullible investors who were blind to the risks. Among the cognoscenti, comparisons with “Ponzi” investment schemes, of the kind run by the notorious Bernie Madoff, now serving a sentence of 150 years, were already being made in the early years of this decade. In Britain senior Tories ignored all this or failed to inform themselves. Who said, in 2012, that fracking was “unadulterated good news” for consumers in the UK? Yes, it was Boris Johnson, blasting green groups for their “mad denunciations” of shale gas development. But even more culpable were a series of Tory ministers who indulged in relentless hype about shale gas but who failed to use the resources readily available to their departments to learn the truth about fracking. Amber Rudd and Clare Perry, who have both been energy ministers, shamelessly banged the drum for shale gas, wilfully ignoring mounting evidence that its development in the UK would be both environmentally unsafe and uneconomic. Clare Perry was rash enough to declare in the summer of 2018 that in relation to fracking, “Our world class regulations will maintain robust environmental standards and meet the expectations of local communities.” It took the Tory environmentalist Zac Goldsmith to warn last autumn, from the back benches, that “fracking… has the potential to turn whole regions against the government.” But only after a series of earth tremors in the last few months, which were triggered by fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire, and broke safety limits, did the government finally get the message.

Zac Goldsmith

Kathryn McWhirter, a leading anti-fracking campaigner in Sussex, is sceptical about whether communities like those in Lancashire have heard the last of fracking. “If the Tories get back in,” she predicts, “they will find some way around their earthquake dilemma and end the moratorium. We have learned to mistrust them.” Julian O’Halloran

Green Events WYNNES OF DINMORE COUNTRYSTORE

Poultry Keeping - Free 1/2 hour session. Covers laying hens, housing, feed, bedding, health & hygiene + Question & Answer time. Held at Wynnes of Dinmore Countrystore - off the A49 (through village centre). Open Tues - Sat 9am-4:30pm. For more information email info@wynnes.co.uk or telephone Roxy or Ann 01568 797314. Thurs 5 December & Thurs 9 January GREENPEACE TALK Informal meeting of local activists and supporters to discuss campaigns and how we can get involved. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, pbdelphiee@hotmail.com December & January KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST Task days on 1, 5, 15 & 19 Dec & 5, 9, 19 & 23 Jan Woodland Management in Beggar’s Bush or Knighton. Volunteer with us to learn about woodland management and associated skills such as coppicing, tree care and cutting firewood. Details email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg.org.uk December & January VILLAGERS WALKS Route around the parish and further afield, 2-3 hours, varying terrain, dogs on leads welcome, Eaton Bishop. Enquries: Mick 01981 250461. December & January SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE First Sunday of the month - Become a Habitat Helper! For all ages. 11 Jan - Hedge Laying Course, 10am-2pm, £50 to include discount on lunches, booking essential. 11 & 12 Jan - Birdwatch Weekend - Talks, walks and craft activities. 25 Jan - Discovery Tots, Big Garden Birdwatch Special, for the under 3s, 10am-10.45am, £2.50. 25 Jan Discover Club - Big Garden Birdwatch Special for ages 3+, 11am-12pm. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR & SKILL SHARE Stop usable stuff going to landfill. Bring along a broken item, get it fixed and learn new skills. Youth Centre, Hereford St, Presteigne, 10.30am-12.30pm, free. Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com. First Thurs evening of the month FARMERS MARKET The Barn, Ledbury franrobinson54@onetel.com First Sat of the month (except August) FARMERS MARKET Local produce, gifts and crafts. Eaton Bishop VH, 10am12pm. www.eatonbishop.org

Local Environmental Groups Knighton Tree Allotments Trust (KTAT): Weekly workdays for woodland conservation volunteers. Contact: Gary Cowell 01547 520374 woodland@tveg.org.uk www.tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project 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. Green Party Forum meets every 3rd Wed at The Falcon Hotel, (bar), Bromyard, 7.30pm. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, www.herefordshirewt.org enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk 01432 365872. Transition Ledbury Paul/Beverley Kinnaird 01531 634788 or transitionledbury@googlemail.com. Knucklas Castle Community Land Project (KCCLP), secretary Jamie Richie, 01547 520263, 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. 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 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 - Melodie Winch, 01432 850647, melodie4foe@gmail.com or find us through Friends of the Earth (UK). Lightfoot Enterprises - c/o 2 Church Street, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AA. info@lightfoot.org.uk www.lightfoot.org. uk Marches Meadow Group promotes management, conservation and restoration of species-rich meadows. Richard Small 01743 791476. mmgmembership@gmail.com www.stiperstonesandcorndon.co.uk/meadow-1/ Herefordshire Action for Mammals (HAM) Dave Smith, 7 Primrose Close, Hereford, HR2 7QX. 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 Transition Llandrindod - secretary@transitionllandrindod.org.uk, www.transitionllandrindod.org.uk Golden Valley Environment Group - Vanessa Hembling, 01981 550377, golden_valley@mail.com, www.goldenvalleyenvironmentgroup.org.uk Radnorshire Wildlife Trust - 01597 823298, info@rwtwales.org, www.rwtwales.org Upper Onny Wildlife Group. Meetings at The Crown Inn, Wentnor, Bishop’s Castle. Richard.keymer@yahoo.co.uk

complementary therapies Disclaimer. We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practitioners. Broad Sheep does not endorse any of the practitioners or healing methods listed. We provide no recommendation and take no responsibility for their content.

A is for ACUPUNCTURE & HOLISTIC THERAPIES Joanna Bruce RGN, B.Ac, MBAcC - clinics in Leominster and Kingsland. Treating pain and long term health conditions effectively since 1983. Tel: 01568 709142 or text 07984 460969. Free initial phone consultation jo.bruce@talk21.com ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ACUPUNCTURE Vanessa Hamilton LicAc MBAcC I am an experienced acupuncturist with 31 years’ experience and have expert skills in listening and communication which are essential for correct treatment. A free 15min phone consultation is available to help you decide whether or not acupuncture is suitable for you. The Retreat, Studio 2a, Presteigne Industrial Estate, Presteigne, LD8 2UF, 07811120386, 01547 550387, for more info visit www.hereford-acupuncture-clinic.co.uk

sheep

BROAD

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

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, LOW SELF WORTH and emotional difficulties - our innovative approach is being used with private and NHS clients with great success. Clients attend an average of 4 sessions to achieve a substantial, some say transformative, effect on their well being. You can check out the testimonials and book a one to one session on our website www. peaceofmindnow.co.uk or get in touch for more information Mike Buckley 07931 986168 mcmbuckley@gmail.com AROMATHERAPY massage and facials - Bach Remedies - Herbalism - Reiki. For comprehensive, holistic treatment: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Kington clinic. 07967 137208, roz.brown@btinternet.com BOWEN TECHNIQUE Bowen is a holistic, non invasive therapy consisting of gentle moves over soft tissue and muscles, interspersed with periods of rest. Suitable for adults and children. Working from clinics in Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. Home visits available. Contact ROB ROWE MBTPA tel: 01588 630648, email rob@robrowe.co.uk or learn more at www.bowentherapy. org.uk BESPOKE MASSAGE THERAPY BY CHERYL LILWALL MTI. Sensitive communication through the medium of touch. For physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Clinic held at the Integrative Health Clinic, Holland House, 70 Belmont Road, Hereford. Tel: 07487 738089. www.herefordbespokemassagetherapy.co.uk CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST with over 25 years professional NHS experience, providing psychological help to adults. Please see website for details: www.drmatthewfaull.co.uk. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals, and offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. Please contact me by email: mfaull@btinternet.com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council. CLAIRE KERBY COUNSELLING (Post grad dip Counselling, MBACP). Having someone to talk to outside your normal circle of friends / family can really help to gain a new clarity and sense of perspective. I would love it if you would call me, in confidence, with no judgement on 07971 816541, or email me at Claire.kerby@btinternet. com. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello! CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low selfesteem and more. I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 07484 766371 or www.cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor

COUNSELLING. Person-centred, focused on you. Do you need someone to talk to in confidence? I am a qualified counsellor based between Ludlow and Leominster. Home visits are also available. Contact me - Wendy Clare on 0792 3311550, email vivada.advice@gmail.com or visit my website wendyclare.weebly.com Together we discover what works for you. COUNSELLING & MINDFULNESS COACHING with Matthew Ward MBACP, Accredited Mindfulness Trainer. I provide a safe and confidential counselling service to explore the challenges that life can bring such as loss and anxiety. I also offer individual mindfulness coaching and run regular courses locally. 01568 708836 or 07982 466224 marchesmindfulness.co.uk COUNSELLING, HEALING, MEDIUMSHIP. Spiritual Medium & Author Jenny Martin, offers one to one tuition or personal counselling/healing in Mid Wales. Over 20 years experience. Jenny’s spiritual development manual and her biography are both available via www.jennymartinmedium.com or contact jenny@ jennymartinmedium.com for more information. CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair. Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk EMOTIONAL THERAPY: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), MNCS (Accred) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their emotional and spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/loss, anxiety and depression. Centres in Powys/south Shropshire. Ffi including workshops and talks see www.thewritetofeel.com. HEALINGS, READINGS, PERSONAL GROWTH COACHING AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Healings, insights into life path and situations, space and guidance to explore and help re-align with our inner truth. Also offer help understanding our animals’ behaviour and needs. Enquiries: Kohra 01544 262 110, kohra@gmx.co.uk HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics in Kentchurch, Hereford and Monmouth. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPY: Meg Lawrence MTI. A listening and sensitive therapy, treating the whole person. For relief from aches and pains, easing of occupational and postural tensions, providing relaxation and calm in peaceful surroundings, 20 minutes from Presteigne, Hay-on-Wye and Kington. Email meg@radnorshire.com; phone or text 07910892172

HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. I have worked for 20 years treating individuals for many complaints, whether psychological, mental, emotional or physical. Homoeopathy is about bringing wellness to ones being by triggering the bodies natural system of healing. It is suitable for all ages. Clinics are held at Rock Park Complimentary Health Centre, Llandrindod Wells, Powys and Kington, Herefordshire. 01597 851021. MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage. Clinic in Presteigne (The Retreat), Presteigne, LD8 2UF. Contact: marian@silvanmassage.com, www. silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454. NO HANDS® MASSAGE works on every level: physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s deep, transforming touch with no pain. Come and train with Wendy Mills, Master Therapist and Instructor. Clinic and Courses held in Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. 07858137889; millsw1@tiscali.co.uk; www.wendymills.co.uk MASSAGE, COACHING, YOGA, DECLUTTERING with Wellbeing Therapist Sophie Atkinson, Orleton SY8 Individual powerful sessions to help you create the space you need for the life you want. Web: www.sophieatkinson. co.uk Mob: 07930 353 118 Email: sophie@healing-energy. net MINDFULNESS Alithea Waterfield MBCT teacher offering Mindful Walks in Nature, 8-week Mindfulness courses and Mindfulness Guided Meditations. Committed to helping you reconnect with a more authentic and compassionate self and develop skills to manage life’s challenges resourcefully, skillfully and creatively. 07899 361316 alitheawaterfield@gmail.com

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

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

Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

OSTEOPATH. Mr R A Hughes D.O. Registered Osteopath and Sports Therapist. Fully qualified and registered since 1995. Established in Presteigne for over 20 years. Sciatica, Arthritis, Trapped Nerves, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain. Headaches, Sports Injuries. 07961 352056, rahughesosteo@gmail.com The Retreat, Presteigne – free car parking. PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk

SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299. SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 29 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

Workshops WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

Sat 7 December CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY Call in for gift ideas and treatment vouchers. The Retreat, Presteigne. A centre for massage, bodywork, posture and movement. 10am-4pm, 07816 981454, www.retreat.wales FELDENKRAIS Awareness Through Movement Classes. Learn to move more freely, with greater ease, flexibility and grace, improving posture, balance and coordination; and awakening our innate capacity for life long vitality and continuing self development. Ludlow Mascall Centre Thursdays 6.15 7.15 pm. £7 per class. Open to all. Contact Jane for more information on janesethi@yahoo.co.uk Booking essential.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY: Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs. Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.hedgerowmedicine.org 01531 670075. PILATES SESSIONS Pilates is a method of exercise designed to elongate and strengthen the body. It promotes improved core strength and stability which in turn improves posture, flexibility, circulation and physical wellbeing. Classes available in Presteigne and various locations within the North Herefordshire, North Worcestershire and South Shropshire area. All sessions are based on small groups and working to individual abilities therefore booking is essential. Private sessions by arrangement. Contact Jackie on 0782 4114979 or justjackie39@gmail.com Every Saturday RIVER FLOW YOGA With Graham Nolan. Mixed ability, open to all. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 9.30am, 01497 821762, phone to check class is on. First Saturday of the month MEDITATION For beginners or experienced meditators. Bleddfa Centre, 11am-12.30pm, donations, 01547 550377. Mondays MAMA MOJO YOGA FLOW The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am, £6, 01743 234970. Mondays YOGA LESSONS All abilities welcome, bring a yoga mat, small cushion and blanket. Hall, Barn, Bleddfa, near Knighton, £49 for seven classes, 01547 550377. Mondays & Wednesdays PILATES Pilates-Based Back Care - Mon 10.30am & Wed 5.45pm. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning - Mon 11.45am & Wed 7pm. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 625992. Third Thursday of the month ECO SPIRIT CAFE An informal monthly meeting for people interested in spirituality and connection to the environment. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, free, 01497 821762. First Friday of the month SILENCE AND STILLNESS Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12pm, free, 01547 550377. Last Friday of the month QUIET GARDEN MOVEMENT Sharing outdoor space for the inner journey. 10am-3pm, Rhayader. facebook.com/CefnfaesCottage 07948 469584.

YOGA CLASSES For physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Knighton Community Centre Mondays 9.30am-11am and Thursdays 6.45pm-8.15pm. Also in Clunbury Village Hall near Craven Arms Tuesdays 9.15am-10.45am. Beginners welcome. Contact Kat 07968 819123. katyoga@holwill. net or find me on facebook @KatHolwillYoga

YOGA & AYURVEDA Individual yoga practice. Diet. Exercise. Life Balance. Jill Bonner BA PGCE Art. DIPL Yoga Therapy. DIPL Ayurveda Therapy. Details 07789 428109.

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