Opinions - Bah!

N this exciting new development at Broad Sheep I shall attempt to present an entirely new newspaper in just one page so you don’t have to bother wading through all that other stuff.

THE NEWS (slightly out of date)

Sporticus! The big problem with the current Gary Lineker story is people going around having opinions and then other people having opinions about their opinions. Obviously as a fine upstanding institution like the BBC this cannot be allowed, and I feel it’s only right that to show solidarity I should check on all Broad Sheep columnists and make sure they are not exhibiting the same traits. Normally I would only read my own column but give me a minute and I will report back. Oh dear it seems we have a problem. Pernickety – opinions, O’Halloran – pinky snowflake tree hugging opinions, Sam – snidey, sarcastic opinions, Williams – once got us nearly sued back in the 90’s for his opinions, Nick Jones – brutalist opinions. Luckily for The Philosopher and Colvin I can never understand what they are on about but the rest of them will have to go. Honours. I heartily commend Boris for giving his Dad a lordship it’s obviously a lot more fun giving gongs to people you know rather than a lot of boring, worthy nurses, scientists, local Councillors and the occasional, brain dead, rugby player. Think what a lot of goodwill you could accrue going round Presteigne handing out gongs to say - Graham who keeps all our satellite dishes working, or Bryn who tirelessly attempts to keep our outdated bangers on the road, or Lisa whom trusts her customers so much she leaves her stock out all night on the pavement!

CULTURE

Two excellent new books out this month both written by local authors who have previously written bits in Broad Sheep.

One Fine Day: A Journey Through English Time by Ian Marchant

One day Ian Marchant, acclaimed author of books on music, railways and pubs, decided, as all men of a certain age must, to have a dig around his family history. Surprisingly quickly, a web search informed him that his seven-times-great great-grandfather, Thomas Marchant had left a detailed diary from 1714 to 1728, and that a collection of dedicated local historians had transcribed it a few decades before. So far, so jolly … Life-loving diarist Thom – who liked a drink and a game of cards – feels recognisably Marchant to Ian. With fascinating, immersive detail we learn about Thom’s family farm and fishponds; about dung, horses and mud, about beer, the wife’s nights out, his own job troubles and their shared worries for their children. But as Ian digs deeper beyond the Sussex diary’s bucolic portrait he discovers a subtext – a family descended from immigrants, with anti-establishment politics.

Sarn Helen: A Journey Through Wales, Past, Present and Future by Tom Bullough Bullough makes the journey from the Neath to the coast of North Wales on foot along the route of the old Roman road connecting north and south.

“Sarn Helen is a beautifully downbeat travelogue that’s full of love, rage and humour. A brilliant, pivotal book by one of the most engaged and engaging writers around, it will change you”. Toby Litt

“All time is now: in walking the length of Sarn Helen, Wales’ great north-south Roman highway, Tom Bullough meets centurions, saints and climate scientists alike, and has them all help him weave an urgent and powerful narrative of past, present and future. Though often deeply sobering, it is also a joyous voyage of discovery, of Wales itself, of Tom’s place within it, and the nuggets buried deep in its bedrock that might just help point us towards some hope”. Mike

Obituary

Parker

Catherine Poelsma known as TITI

Sorry to have to let people know that Titi died on Tuesday 28th February. She moved to the Borders at the beginning of the 70’s having spent much of the 60’s blazing a trail around her native Holland and America. Either on the dance floor, quaffing Guinness in the Farmers Arms or producing an amazing body of paintings, she lit up the locality for 30 years before a second stroke began to slow her down.

Okay that’s it, now you don’t have to bother reading the rest of the mag. Take it from me it’s just lots of of Art, Music and other stuff not to mention a load of bloody opinions.

FRAMUS LONG-NECK 5-STRING BANJO. Probably made early 1960s. Not played for 50 years. Has resonator, new strings and hard case. All in very good condition. £295. Peter Watts. 01497 831424 (Brilley) or peterwatts135@btinternet.com

VIOLIN LESSONS: ex Halle, ECCO, Guadagnini Trio, professional violinist RCM dip honsARCM. 30 years experience Classical, World Music traditions. Kirsten 01544 388689, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com

POETRY TUITION and mentoring, on a one to one basis, with a published poet. For details visit Johnsewellpoetry.wordpress.com

DESIGNATED DESKS FOR HIRE Looking for somewhere new to work from? Get your very own desk at WorkPlace at the Ludlow Mascall Centre, available on a monthly basis. Includes Wi-Fi, parking, tea and coffee, and printer access. Hot desks also available on a daily basis. Contact director@ludlowmascallcentre.co.uk or 01584 873882 for details.

HEREFORD MALE with missing mojo seeks female partner for fun times, and whatever...

Email tingtawng@gmail.com Don’t be shy.

WANTED 1950’s-1970’s Plastic Toy Soldiers, Romans, Knights, Cowboys etc. Loose and especially boxed. Timpo trains. 0782 3443474.

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

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS INTRODUCTORY COURSES, talks on bees and beekeeping and one to one tuition. Now taking bookings for our next ‘Bee Ready’ course on May 13th and 14th. For further details phone 07813 276308/01886 884752 or email woodruffbank@btinternet.com

CHAIR REPAIRS: seats rushed & recaned. Also Danish cord & Habitat sheet cane seats. Paul Richards, 01544 209140.Email - paulrichardsft@gmail.com

PIANO LESSONS IN PRESTEIGNE. All ABRSM grades or simply for fun. Contact Mzia 07981752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £80.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164.

JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students. Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams. Presteigne/Knighton, but happy to travel. Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com

HANCOCK & MONKS MUSIC, 6 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye. Tel: 01591 610555. Specialists in recorded and printed Classical Music for over 40 years. Huge stock of secondhand CDs, sheet music, scores and books on music. Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm. Online catalogue at www.hancockandmonksmusic.co.uk

FRUIT TREE PRUNING From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. apjervis@myphone.coop

WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com

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

VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information.

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

VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught. John Hymas 07969 440183.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday. Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183. john@johnhymas.com machine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more. car park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved ent Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main

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

Hay’s Headline Making -Independ www.TheMarketTheatre.com

Tel: 07527 298199.

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EQ.

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

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

For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159