BROAD SHEEP August 2022

BROAD sheep august 2022

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

Have You Ever Read Broad Sheep?

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BROAD W Contents Small Ads Mass transit Philosophy Letters Art Art workshops Cinema Dance Food Music Music workshops Band directory Theatre Word Grass roots Comp therapies

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We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein All events listed may be subject to change with regard to Covid regulations.

BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP Tel: 07786 131159

Email: info@broadsheep.com Website: www.broadsheep.com

HEN the shocking news came that our beloved leader Boris was resigning my first thought was that perha ps thi s wa s my moment. I seemed to have all the requirements.

Floppy hair – check. Ex edi to r of presti gi o us magazine. He - The Spectator, Me - Broad S h e e p . Ve r y t e n u o u s relationship with real life and telling the truth. It was time for me to throw my hat into the ring. I decided I would do three things. 1. Tell everybody I met in Presteigne High St I was going to run for P.M. 2. Read all the other candidates manifestos and steal the best bits. 3. Construct a picture in Photoshop of me alongside my rivals to see how I looked.

The most important thing was the picture but this took an inordinately long time because I had forgotten how the clone button works. Then I set about reading the manifestos. My god, that was hard work, what with their endless banging on about tax cuts despite the fact the country was falling apart from lack of investment in health, social services etc etc and their ridiculous and pointless war on ‘Woke Culture’. Eventually I gave up but by then the Tories were inexplicably hurrying through the process and had already got rid of two candidates and were bounding on to the next stage. Oh well I guess my time will come eventually, I made a cup of tea and went to sit in the sunshine and read last month’s magazine.

Have you ever read Broad Sheep? You know what, its not a bad little magazine? I started off with Sam’s page. It’s hilarious, but then I have always been a fan of Sam’s books and the many columns he has written for the mag. On top of that he is an accomplished guitarist but he has one big failing – he is obsessed with boats. As someone who was once famously seasick on Poole boating pond I can’t really get behind Sam’s desire to spend his life bobbing about on monster waves on the West Coast of Scotland. Not content with sailing boats he has his own boaty magazine, Marine Quarterly that you can subscribe to if you are that way inclined.

Next it was Hugh’s bit. Hugh and I have been playing music together for the last 30 years and his soaring sax solos have been part of the soundtrack of my life. He has also been writing for Broad Sheep for a long time and during the 90’s his, sometimes obscure, pieces of writing would leave Nicola and I staring at each other going ‘What the **** is that meant to be about’. No such problem with his writing these days (has he mellowed?) and I loved his bit on John Cage, even the dream sequence!

Film duties are dealt with by film buff Mark Williams. He sees them all so you don’t have to bother. He is as at home with obscure black and white art house movies as the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster. He is a motorcycling legend having founded the original hip Motorbike magazine ‘Bike’ and also ‘Which Bike’. He has always had one foot in The Borders and at one point he was the unlikely editor of The Brecon and Radnor Express. He also briefly wrote columns for Broad Sheep in the 90’s from his American jail cell. That’s dedication for you.

Lots of people tell me that the first thing they turn to when they pick up the mag is Mr Pernickety. Mr P’s fearless reviews have certainly caused any number of controversies including this latest on The Cattle Shed. In fact one review in the north Leominster region brought down mafia like threats of physical harm if he dared to enter their premises! I have had innumerable discussions about Mr P with people and they always boil down to one criticism. They say he should be more supportive of local business. However, despite his deliberately pompous tone, most would agree, he is dead on the money with his descriptions of the food and the service and in that way is pushing to raise the standards of local hostelries. Good on him I say, there is no point to revues that don’t tell it like it is.

Finally I must mention the grass roots page now in the very capable hands of Julian O’Halloran who has worked with BBC current affairs and news programmes since the 1970s. He witnessed the Chinese crackdown at Tiananmen Square, the collapse of communism in Europe, and the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. He has reported for Newsnight, Panorama, Assignment, and Correspondent on television and for File on 4 and The World Tonight on Radio 4. In the last 20 years or so he has developed an increasing fascination with the environment, climate change, energy, and the world’s dwindling resources and we are jolly glad he moved to Presteigne and agreed to write for the mag.

All this plus Clare Steven’s revue of Gavin Plumley’s new book about Pembridge and I haven’t even mentioned the listings and the diaries and the fab photos and the shiny paper and its all free! Musicians and artists from other parts of the country are green with envy and it is a massive tribute to Clare Edwards (the Boss) that she managed to keep it all afloat through the Covid years.

Cover pic: The Grimm Sisters, Malvern Cube - 7 August

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small ads

VIOLIN LESSONS: ex Halle , ECCO, Guadagnini Trio, professional violinist RCM dip hons ARCM. 30 years experience. Classical, World Music traditions taught.

Kirsten 07421 453114, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS Introductory courses, talks on bees and beekeeping and one to one tuition.

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. £75.00 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 EXPERIENCED LIFE-MODEL AVAILABLE for figure drawing and portraits. Contact David 07495 947916.

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 CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings.

Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

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

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 ON THE PRESTEIGNE TOWN WEBSITE FOR 50P PER WEEK Support your town website and publicise your business on our popular site. For more information please contact the Town Clerk, Tracey Price on presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com or 01547 528575.

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

John Hymas 07969 440183.

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

Anne 01544 267997.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday.

Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183. john@johnhymas.com 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.

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME (As owners of our rental are returning after 7 years). Mature professional couple, adult son, dog, cat (and 2 hens although would consider rehoming hens). Presteigne or surrounding area (to be near parents). Need 2 beds and a garden. Rent or buy (budget around £180,000). Open to considering all possibilities - eg skill swap / rent with view to buy / house sit. Please contact - Siân wildandfree@live.com

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!

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The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road.

Tel: 01547 530744 aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Open Bank Holiday Mondays.

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August THE SIEGE OF BRAMPTON BRYAN! English Civil War Society Re-enactment. See the famous siege - cannons, muskets, cavalry and a living history village. Adults £5 entry, under 16s and parking are free.

Monday 29th August, 9am-3pm AARDVARK AUGUST VIDE GRENIER Over 30 stalls of bric-a-brac, collectables, local produce etc.

Live music from Jack Brett Duo. Do not miss out.

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

For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159

mass transit

Epic Endeavour T

HIS article is not a London-centric paean, but a potted history of a remarkable engineering achievement.

Paddington is featured strongly due to many Broad Sheep readers’ affinity with that terminus.

According to Christian Wolmer’s excellent new book The Crossrail Story, the idea of a mass transit system crossing beneath the capital had been on the books for decades and was even considered as a post-WWII regeneration project.

Despite checking in more than three years late and almost £4bn over budget, it eclipses the absurd HS2 vanity project.

The west-east route runs from Reading in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex. There are 10 new stations, with 31 others upgraded. The complete Elizabeth Line network won’t be operational until next May, expanding overall passengercarrying capacity by 10 per cent. Eighteen-hour timetables will come into force next year, with reduced Sunday services.

Given the popularity of flexible working hours, a 24-hour service must be on the horizon.

Transport for London (TfL) says it was Europe’s largest engineering project, with up to 14,000 employed at its peak. Its final cost is expected to be just under £19bn. TfL is already reporting the line’s ‘gentrification effect’ in places like Ealing, Ilford and Woolwich.

Crossrail covers 73 miles, with 26 of this in new mechanically-bored tunnelling. Many of the vertical shafts down to these sites were in central London locations like Hanover Square and Tottenham Court Road. Eight 1000-tonne mechanical ‘moles’ (complete with in-board canteens and toilets) were used, each with a crew of 20.

Ellie set the record by chomping up 72m in a single drive.

Three million tonnes of extracted soil were used to form a new RSPB island on the River Crouch in Essex.

Once fully operational, Crossrail will be capable of carrying 200 million passengers annually (down-graded from a pre-Covid prediction of 250 million), using a fleet of 200m-long 9-carriage Bombardier-built Class 345 train sets, each carrying up to 1500 passengers. This is twice the carrying capacity of the Piccadilly Line.

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State-of-the-art escalators

‘Cloud Index’

Holden’s legacy During the pre-war years, London Transport’s Head of Design Frank Pick awarded 39 underground station commissions to Charles Holden, nearly all created in the style of the Bauhaus-influenced Modern Movement.

Many of them are now listed. TfL’s twenty-first century architectural patronage has been more equitably disbursed, with 10 architectural firms commissioned to design the new stations. Of these the thrilling new complex beneath London Paddington by Weston + Williamson (W+W) must surely have been the most challenging. Biggest transformation has to be formerly-dowdy Woolwich, once only known for its arsenal, dockyard and ferry. Anticipating a yuppie invasion (the City is now only 15 minutes away) the Berkely Group is busily building 500 new homes.

Set beneath a 90m-long slice of what was formerly Paddington’s main cab rank, W+W’s carefully-sculptured subterranean work is reminiscent of how Westminster underground station was expanded beneath Michael Hopkins’ Portcullis House in the 1990s to accommodate the Jubilee Line. Back walls facing platforms are often faced with perforated biscuit-coloured brickwork (rather than posters); bronze-finished stainless steel abounds; discreet recessed ceiling roundels conceal ventilation outlets, downlighters and smoke extraction; and even the columns supporting the massive weight of the terminus above are topped by Post Modern capitals. As with other heavily- used stations, the right-angled junctions of all foot tunnels have been ’rounded off’ to improve pedestrian flow.

Building beneath Brunel The original terminus at Paddington was designed by I.K. Brunel to enable Great Western Railways to drive a route to Bristol. Opened in 1854, it had an overarching glass roof strongly influenced by Paxton’s Crystal Palace. Costs were considerably increased by Brunel’s insistence that his station should be set in a ‘shallow dish’ several metres below street level, with its south-east elevation entirely masked by a four-storey railway hotel with chateau-like turrets, designed

by Philip Hardwick. The reason for the great engineer’s modesty is unknown, though the pollution caused in some of the capital’s affluent districts may have been a factor. In fashionable Marylebone, residents successfully campaigned against departing trains sounding their whistles.

Crossrail also marks the re-birth of the trusty escalator, now in a sleek and silent new form. The long descent to the Jubilee Line from Canary Wharf’s cathedral-like concourse was the first time I was struck by the thrill and sense of expectation of a really long, silent descent into the bowels of the earth (canary yellow glass side panels have recently been added). Escaping the bustle of the busy terminus, the banks of escalators carrying you 100 metres beneath Paddington create this same feeling of expectation.

I found the sheer size of the new rolling stock – in their immaculate purple livery - a bit of a shock. An Elizabeth Line carriage is 3.8m high - but then I grew up as a Central Line commuter, whose bright red carriages were less than 3m high. Siemens’ futuristic Inspirio carriages (due to be introduced on the Piccadilly Line in 2025) will be only 2.344m high.

Inspired by Turner The Pick / Holden golden era saw many speciallycommissioned works of art incorporated into London Transport stations. When the Jubilee Line opened in 1979 the architectural practices chosen vied to put their individual stamp on the interiors. Visitors to the nearby Millenium Dome were unimpressed by the moody blue tiling of the late Wil Alsop’s North Woolwich station. But then the Dome itself wasn’t exactly a barrel of laughs.

TfL’s Head of Architecture Julian Robinson commissioned Grimshaw Associates (currently re-modelling Euston’s terminus) to produce a ‘design catalogue’ of stations fittings, ensuring an across-the-network consistency to station interiors. Adverts haven’t disappeared – they’ve just migrated to video screens beside the glass doors at the platform edge.

Free-standing ‘totems’ carry lighting, directional signs and speakers for station announcements.

Mercifully, the late Eduordo Paolozzi’s vivid ceramic composition has been retained inside the re-modelled Tottenham Court Road (Network Rail unsuccessfully tried to remove it). Legend has it that the Italian-Scots artist himself applied all the mosaic tiles, working through the night when the station was closed. By far the largest art installation is American artist Spencer Finch’s stunning ‘Cloud Index’, inspired by some of J M W Turner’s cumuli studies. It is a 2,300 sq m digitally-printed glass canopy, based on 32 pastel drawings of cloud formations - floating above Paddington’s new escalators. With the exception of Paul Cummins and Tom Piper’s installation of more than 888,000 ceramic poppies in the Tower of London’s moat in 2014, this must rank as the capital’s largest-ever artwork.

My only criticism of this great engineering achievement is its official title: what possessed Transport for London to call it the Elizabeth Line? The Victoria and Jubilee lines were acceptable, but why name a new tube route after a reigning Monarch? Naming pre-war luxury transatlantic liners after members of the Royal family may have added a touch of glamour; but please - not an underground train network!

After all, Crossrail does what it says on the tin.

Nick Jones

One of the new Class 345s

philosophy

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Anything But the Truth W

E all know about little Matilda and her Dreadful Lies, that made one Gasp and Stretch one’s Eyes. But, as readers of these Broad Sheep articles know, Matilda is far from alone. Not by a long chalk. In the course of these articles we’ve come across a fair number of individuals whose beliefs and antics fair boggle the mind.

For instance, you may recall the woman who claimed to be looking after a pet elf at the bottom of her garden; or the student so convinced that he could negate the force of gravity by the power of his mind that he attempted to prove the point by leaping out of an upper floor window; or the man who believed he was the living reincarnation of the prophet Isaiah; not to mention the student who insisted that any two parallel lines, if sufficiently extended, would eventually meet. Heroes one and all.

The question is: what are we Broad Sheep philosophers to make of such characters? Well, one thing is for sure, we need to choose our vocabulary with care, and compassion. Unlike Matilda these people weren’t lying, at least not deliberately. Agreed, they weren’t telling the truth, but without the slightest intention to deceive. They’re presenting reality as they see it and the resulting beliefs are, ironically, neither true nor false, or, put another way, both true and false.

We usually describe such people as ‘eccentric’ - i.e. odd but harmless. Life would be duller without them, we say. They brighten the world up, holding crazy views that are unreal - demonstrably unreal - except, of course, to them. A key feature is that their bizarre beliefs are so deeply entrenched that no amount of contrary evidence could ever get them to change their minds, perhaps suggesting some underlying disorder. A doctor friend explained that people who concoct weird and wonderful stories, possibly to give their lives greater colour and significance, and repeat such stories over the years, probably eventually believing them, are in the grip of a condition known as ‘confabulism’. Maybe we’re all confabulists, to a lesser or greater degree?

While these eccentrics cause the rest of us little or no bother, other types of story-telling are a very different kettle of fish and take us into much more dangerous territory. Fake news, scams, the shameless duplicitousness of some politicians, together with all manner of conspiracy theories, have become such familiar features of the landscape that it’s not always easy to sort fact from fantasy. Nontheless the task remains, becoming year on year ever more crucial.

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It’s no accident that thinking about truth has been a thread running through both Western and Eastern philosophy for thousands of years. Indeed, many

philosphers see this topic as nothing less than the beating heart of their subject, generating a raft of key questions such as: Is truth just a matter of opinion? Relative, never absolute? If something is true, is it true for ever? What exactly is a ‘fact’? Is there anything that human beings can know for certain? What does it mean to ‘know’ something? - and so on. Yes, precisely the kinds of questions bewildering enough to have kept philosophers in paid employment for centuries - but at the same time questions that really matter. They’ve always mattered.

They certainly matter now.

While an eagerness to unearth the truth is a pretty reliable barometer of the health of any individual, society, political party or religious grouping, it can also be healthy to recognise that in many situations unearthing the truth may be beyond us, now and always.

I don’t know about you, but I like a generous dollop of uncertainty in my philosophical diet. Life’s mysteries - the origin of the cosmos, the notion of infinite space, the possibility of life after death, the existence of God, and [according to Woody Allen] how to get a plumber at a weekend. “What we cannot speak about, we must pass over in silence” - perhaps Wittgenstein was right.

But sometimes, just sometimes, the truth is nothing but the truth.

A man I had known for some thirty years died.

Whenever we had met he used to regale me with grim accounts of his adventures in the SAS, dark tales of undercover missions behind enemy lines, that sort of thing.

Confabulism pure and simple, was my over-hasty judgment. No doubt about it. So guess who turned up to pay their respects at his funeral - you’ve got it members of the SAS. Sometimes we know things. But sometimes not.

Often, when we’re just not sure either way - a state Bertrand Russell calls ‘the region of liberating doubt’ agnosticism becomes the only truth. Then, like Archbishop Runcie, we need to nail our colours to the fence.

Philosopher-in-Residence

Letters Dear Broadsheep, Great magazine: my entertainment Bible. But as a grumpy old man with time on his hands, I thought you might point out to a couple of your contributors: • To Pete on page 3 - I know he struggles a bit now and then to find something to write about, but to how many readers does he think cycle rides appeal? I’ve a bike somewhere but I haven’t touched it for years. Is he going to do more excursions? Please say no.

• To Hugh Colvin on page 8 - I’ve no doubt that you’ve been bombarded by know-alls correcting the title he gave to John Cage’s piece of nonsense, but why shouldn’t I join in? It isn’t ‘4 minutes 52’, but ‘4 minutes 33’ . Only 19 seconds out, but there. I might add that 4 minutes and 33 seconds gives a total of 273 seconds, and the lowest possible achievable temperature - known as absolute zero - is minus 273 degrees Celcius. Isn’t that interesting? I said, isn’t that... Okay, please yourself. I don’t know if Cage knew about absolute zero. He sure didn’t know about melody.

Best wishes, John Eden Dear Mr Eden I think you fail to understand the point of these editorials.

They are not written for anyone’s amusement they are specific lifestyle instructions. I suggest you stop whining, drag your old bike out of the shed and get cycling along one of my proposed routes. Otherwise I might have to send the lads round for a robust talking to and you won’t like that. Will you?

Pete As John Cage didn’t quite say ..... I have nothing to say, and I’m definitely not going to say it.... I suppose absolute zero is another sort of nothing.... Keep on trucking Pete! I at least felt tempted to do one of your rides.... as a grumpy old man, electrically....

Hugh Dear Editor At last I have decided to take issue with your ‘food correspondent’ following yet another spiteful criticism, this time it was Penrhos Court. (Does this man wish to emulate A.A. Gill? ) This is yet another restaurant criticism which is totally unfair and contains jibes regarding other aspects of his visit, which are both not related to the food and irrelevant. He should be filling his copy with more positive and constructive material in order to fill the page.

I have been recommending ‘The Cattle Shed’ to my guests for some time and all have been more than happy with the food and service, as we ourselves are. I can only imagine your ‘critic makes a nuisance of himself wherever he goes, which would, I anticipate, lead to indifferent service.

It would be far better to have guest food critics occasionally than to read the rather snobbishly arrogant and tired report produced every month.

Such unfair criticism is not helpful to businesses struggling at the moment. Should I have to check Broad Sheep prior to giving it to my guests every month?

Yours sincerely Marje Rickerby

Dear Editor This is not something I have ever done before because in truth a food review should fall into the ‘subjective‘ category of journalism and is more opinion than fact. I expect critics to overly embellish and be pompous and bombastic to elevate the article from the tawdry in an attempt to be witty. But the article you published in your July addition was far from amusing nor was it subjective, instead it was a vitriolic spiteful and targeted attack written by someone who had already formed an inflexible opinion based on a previous visit a lifetime ago before he even set foot in the Cattle Shed.

Ignoring the fact the writer is old and has demode ideas, (one wonders if a velour three piece suite is more to his taste?) I was incredulous he seemed shocked and disappointed to be eating in the former barn as name rather suggests? Furthermore It seems the writer was bizarrely expecting to eat in the owners home? As he had the audacity to impose his vision of what he wanted to do with Penrhos Court, I do wonder if he tried and failed to buy the place and hence this review is so inaccurate and sour?

An intelligent reviewer would have focused on the incredible transformation of the property within a carefully curated sympathetic landscape and stunning new accommodation (which your idiot called bogus?) The emphasis on sustainability and the dedication of the owners to restore such a beautiful place was completely maligned.

Penrhos Court is stunning and the Cattle Shed affords the luxury of sitting in the grounds. No amount of misplaced nostalgia is going to change that so why harp on about the past, the article is definitely not enlightened and progressive, but I can only assume it accurately reflects your outdated reviewer?

The food element if the article is irrelevant as it’s actually lies. I’d go as far as to say libellous, as a retired lawyer. Yet again I find myself struggling to understand how your person critiqued food neither he nor his companions ordered or ate?

A visit at the tail end of lunch service with no mention of the wealth of delights served off early breakfast, afternoon tea and cake & supper menus?

Nothing that cafe did on that day would ever have pleased that old man. His agenda was to destroy the reputation of a much loved local business.

I should point out that I do not know the owners Laura and Mark on any other basis than a happy customer and I write this out of loyalty to hard working people who don’t deserve your reviewer’s scurrilous lies.

I shall never read Broad Sheep again unless a full retraction is printed.

One last thing, I suggest you sack this horrid wannabe critic before he ruins your reputation too.

Hopefully you will publish my complaint in full.

Yours in disgust and disappointment Lisa Morgan We welcome all feedback from our readers.

Mr Pernickety writes his own, candid, personal view on food establishments and may not be the view of other visitors to these establishments. Most of his reviews are favourable, often very much so and has had an enthusiastic following over the ten years he has been writing for Broadsheep Like art, politics and music, everyone has their own opinion on what is good!

Ed

art

Grouser

As promised here is a bit of Art and an editorial by David Jones who wrote for many years for Broad Sheep under the pen name Grouser. I have just been re-reading them and they are great - informative, humorous and opinionated. The one I chose is from May 2001 Broad Sheep and is a passionate cry of outrage against the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas. I gather his funeral was a wild and stylish affair with lots of Frank Zappa tracks and bizarre community singing! He will be missed.

Pete

Collateral damage I

David Carving

HAVE already written this month’s column once about this the fare down the Khyber Pass included tax, levied to something else altogether but I feel the need to start bribe the tribesmen, so they wouldn’t attack the bus. They again. I know it’s old news now but puzzled thoughts climbed aboard anyway, bristling with guns and bandoleers press on my mind of Barmiyan’s Buddhas. Why did their of shiny bullets, offering to change money at terrible rates. destruction attract so much attention and why am I so I missed the side trip to Bamiyan, in too much of a hurry disturbed by it? After all real people, including many to get further east and see women’s faces again, and now peace loving and innocent ones are maimed, dying and the chance is gone forever. Time moves on and brings the dead while their homes and living culture are blown to bits Russians, ushering in Afghanistan’s Dark Ages. After some all around them. There is ‘collateral damage’ throughout death and destruction the Russians leave again, beaten by this poor suffering country, so what’s a the body count, and civil war flourishes. couple of sculptres more less? I driftFrom small beginnings in Kandahar, the ed through Afghanistan in the early song birds long since silent, comes the seventies. It seemed a mediaeval, rise and rise of the Taliban. Much of the tribal, anarchistic, corrupt place full of colour is leached out of life by the unreidiosyncrasies. Herat with the strolling mitting strife and fundamentalism takes passers by, walking on pavements the last of it. A lull in the violence and narcovered with carpets to antique them row minded people, seeing only in black at no cost to anyone. Kandahar, caged and white, stare at giant Buddhas whose songbirds everywhere and Kabul with compassionate gaze peering down from its rose gardens and chess games. Men 2,000 years in the past ask questions too with flowing beards and turbans, dressed unsettling for monochrome minds to try in baggy pants and waistcoats. Women and answer. Is that the way of it? Statues as shapelss bundles of all encompassing that shared a space for hundreds of years cloth and only the hands giving any with a confident, relatively tolerant Islam, indication of the person within. Green blown to bits by fundamentalist yobbos tea, in ancient broken teapots riveted in an act of gratuitous vandalism. As if back together, served with a dish of enough is not smashed already. Poor, sweets. It’s the only country I’ve been to poor country that has such excrement in where as well as buying a visa to get in, control of it. you had to pay a fee to leave. On top of ‘Guitar & Wine’ by David Jones Grouser

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Bridget MacDonald, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow Linzi Morgan Whitting, Presteigne Open Studios

Dean Melbourne, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow

Julienne Braham, Far Hall Studios, Dolau

Robert Cunning, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow

Arabella Shand, Found Gallery, Brecon

Jason Braham, Far Hall Studios, Dolau

H.ART HEREFORDSHIRE ART WEEK 3 - 11 September 2022 Open studios, exhibitions and workshops, galleries and group exhibitions.

Free guides with pull-out maps can be picked up from tourist outlets. Or download from www.h-art.org.uk POWYS Presteigne Open Studios 01544 267800 www.presteignefestival.com 27 - 29 Aug Photography, ceramics, embroidery, jewellery, blacksmithing, printmaking, furniture making, sculpture, painting and drawings.

Brochure with map available throughout Presteigne. 11am-5pm.

Studer Fine Art, The Gallery, 1A The High St, Presteigne www.studerfineart.co.uk Aug New work by Suffolk based artist and printmaker KEITH PETTIT as well as original prints by ANGELA HARDING. Cushions, cards, gifts and more. Thurs-Sat, 10.30am - 3pm.

Judge’s Lodging, Broad St, Presteigne 01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org.uk Until 21 Aug ‘In Praise of the High Street’. An exhibition of portraits of Presteigne’s High Street traders by ALEX RAMSAY, with archive photographs and objects from the town. Admission free to the exhibition.

Open Tues-Sun 10.30am-5pm.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 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.

Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079 Until 31 Aug ‘Portraits of Writers’. The display brings together a range of fourteen portraits of celebrated British individuals who identify as writers from the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777 Until 11 Aug Artist Network.

6th annual exhibition.

Open Wed - Sun 2pm-7pm.

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Art by Osian (Celf gan Osian), 3 Short Bridge St, Llanidloes SY18 6AD 0800 999 1953 www.osiangwent.com Luxury works of fine art - paintings and limited edition fine art giclée prints. Exclusive and original paintings

by Welsh contemporary artist Osian Gwent. Gallery open 11-2 Thurs-Sat. Far Hall Studios, Far Hall, Dolau, near Llandrindod Wells LD1 5TW 01597 851181 3 - 11 Sept JULIENNE BRAHAM paintings. JASON BRAHAM - pottery.

Open 10am-5pm. h.Art, Venue 63.

Refreshments/homemade cakes, with donations to charity.

Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne LD8 2LL 01544 260149 Until 1 Oct ‘Ngawiya. Ngubadi’ (To give with love). A major exhibition of Indigenous Australian art.

Until 1 Oct ‘Dreaming the Land’.

FIONA McINTYRE (selling exhibition).

Plus new work ‘Chit’ from resident artist JONY EASTERBY. Until 29 Oct ‘Of Black Shires’. JIM CARTER - environmental artist working in sculpture, ritual, sound and photography to explore themes of loss, remembrance and regeneration in relation to animals and landscape.

The Gardens, The Rodd.

Open Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 5 Aug - 5 Nov ‘Shared Space’. SHANI RHYS JAMES & STEVEN WEST. Until 26 Aug ‘Printmaker in Focus’.

GINI WADE. Until 28 Nov ‘East in Colour’.

ASHRAH SUUDY - photographs, celebrating the joy and colour of the Somali community in Cardiff.

Until 18 May 2023 ‘Super Size Grain’.

RICHARD WOODS. Open Tues-Sun 11am-5pm.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513 Aug Search Radnorshire Museum Facebook page for up-to-date exhibitions, workshops and events.

Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

The Table, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com Until 27 Aug CAROLYN BLAKE. 3 - 24 Sept CLARE WALTERS & MATHEW WALTERS. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Gallery, shop, cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 Until 14 Aug Summer Exhibition.

BECA BEEBY - jewellery. SUE DUNNE - ceramics. ANDREW WADDINGTON - paintings. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours.

Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Until 25 Sept ‘A Brush with Nature’. An exhibition in loving memory of SEAN MILNE. Open theatre times.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467 Until 30 Aug ‘Walking with Minerva’. QUILT ASSOCIATION & TURNING POINT ART TEXTILES GROUP. Open Thurs - Sat 10.30am4.30pm until 27 Aug, then 28 - 30 Aug 11am-2pm.

St Michael’s Church, Discoed, Presteigne LD8 2NW 01547 560813 3 - 11 Sept A selection of artists, professionally displayed in a beautiful church. Open 11am-5pm.

Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Aug ROSIE FAREY & MANDY COATS - baskets. SUSAN GALLAGHER paintings. Open daily 11am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders.

Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com Aug ‘Summer Scenes’ by JOAN BAKER, JULIENNE BRAHAM, SIR FREDERICK GORE, JOSH PARTRIDGE & DAVID SMITH. With local scenes by DAVE HENRY. Over 450 greeting card designs. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe. Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369 Until 7 Aug ‘Positive Environmental Art (PEA) Climate Change. Artists who wish to create positive environmental/ ecological art to provoke awareness and involvement, inform, raise questions and encourage conversation.

14 Aug - 30 Oct ‘Rage’, explores injustices through attacks on culture, land and identities. Dr. MARY LLOYD JONES and ALISON LOCHHEAD paintings and sculpture.

14 Aug - 30 Oct ‘Calm’. A joint exhibition with SUE HILEY HARRIS and CARINE VAN GESTEL - drawings, sculptures and ceramics. Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849 www.foundgallery.co.uk Until 6 Aug ‘Connected Shapes, 52 Carved Spoons’. DAVID WHITE master craftsman. ANDREEA GRAD - wood whittler. LYNDA PORTER photographs.

10 Aug - 10 Sept ‘Hill Finds... and All That Jazz’. ARABELLA STAND, JANET WALTERS, NICHOLAS SARGENT - artists. BARRY HILL photographs. ANABEL WYNDHAM - jewellery. NICK MEMBERY - pottery.

Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

VENUE 63

OPEN STUDIOS, FAR HALL, DOLAU, LD1 5TW

Jason Braham, Potter Julienne Braham, Painter

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk Until 7 Sept The Tabernacle Art Competition.

Until 7 Sept ‘Conversation with the Silent’. ROBERT BRYCE MUIR. Until 17 Sept ‘Nature is in the Detail’.

TERENCE LAMBERT. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm, by appointment only.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EY 01597 258118 27 Aug Artisan Market. Arts, crafts, homemade, handmade, local produce. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk Open 10am-4pm.

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Refreshments and home-made cakes available with donations to charity

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460 2 - 30 Aug ‘A Summer of Art’.

MELVYN WOOD. 3 - 11 Sept ‘Figuring It Out’. BOBBY BROWN. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

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 Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk GEORGINA FRANKLIN jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad St, Knighton The Museum is run entirely by volunteers and reflects the social history of the area. The majority of the exhibits have been either donated or lent by local people and reflect the varied history of this border town from the drovers to the flannel weavers; from trade to agriculture. Wed- Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414 1 - 13 Aug Exhibition and sale of Indian silks and saris with Jan Bishop.

15 - 20 Aug GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY - craft sale.

22 - 27 Aug SIAN THOMAS handmade stained glass.

19 - 31 Aug Fairtrade arts, crafts from Love Zimbabwe. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

The Old School, Whitton, near Knighton LD7 1NP 01547 560936 Museum of Welsh Textiles. A fine collection of Welsh costume, textiles.

With a selection of antique textiles and blankets for sale, alongside changing exhibitions of art and antiques. Open by appointment, please phone to book.

Market Hall, Kington 07977 978676 3rd Saturday of the month, until Dec Print, paint, wood, wool, paper, metalwork, ceramics, baskets and more.

9:30am-3:30pm, anna@akcrafts.co.uk

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561 Rhayader Museum are offering an enjoyable opportunity to take part in the creative process of making and installing the displays and installations, working with our team. Please email all@carad.org.uk for details. Look out for new activities and sign up for our free information newsletter online: www.carad.org.uk Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE

Open 10am - 5pm Saturday 3rd - Sunday 11th September Tel: 01597 851 181 julienne@farhallstudios.co.uk

Friends’ Meeting House, Almeley Wootton, HR3 6PY Almeley350@almeleyquakers.org.uk 10 Aug Quaker Open Days.

Exhibition of American and local history on display, learn more about the early Quakers and the history of the Meeting House and Quakers in Almeley, plus cream teas! Open 2-5pm, free.

Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1FN www.meadowarts.org Until April 2023 Meadow Arts & Hereford College of Arts present the work of Lothar Götz. Vibrant and geometric public artworks on each end of the building, as well as a number of dazzling flags. The first of four new bold new public artworks that will engage with the site over 4 years.

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195 www.madeinthemarches.com August ‘Inner Vision’ Listening to the whispers that come from our inner selves, featuring work from JOHN CREWE, BRITTANY DAVIES, JUDITH DAVIES, DAVID ENGLAND, PAM FORD, FREYA GAMBLE, ELLIE GARRAWAY, ISOBEL HUTTON, JANE KEAY, THERESA MASON, ROSE TINTED RAGS, PEARL TAYLOR & JACKIE YEOMANS. Beautiful work from local artists and makers, including ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, wearable art: clothes & jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal and willow, cards and gifts. Commissions and vouchers available.

3 - 11 Sept AMANDA ATTFIELD, ROSAMUND BLACK, RUTH CAMERON SWAN, SHANNON DONOVAN, REBECCA FINNEY, DENISE FORDYCE, NANCY FROST, FREYA GAMBLE, LOIS HOPWOOD, JANE KEAY, STUART ROPER. Open Tues–Sat, 11am-5pm.

Oxenham Art, Broad St, Leominster HR6 8BT 01568 611898 Aug CLAUDIA PETLEY - metalwork.

GABY WARD - ceramic brooches.

SALLY ELLIS - mixed media and acrylic paintings. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm.

RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX 07810 526006 caroline@ridgebank.art Instagram: @ridgebank Rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Open Fri-Sun 12-6pm.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford 01432 374200 Until 3 Sept ‘Strangers: World views and marginalising the ‘Other”.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, normal admission applies.

Tinsmiths Silva Exhibition, The Heritage Centre, Church Lane, Ledbury HR8 1DW 01531 632083 3 - 24 Sept An exhibition of pottery, wood and print inspired by the wooded landscape, curated by Tinsmiths.

JESSICA TURRELL, SOPHIE Mac CARTHY, CAROLE GLOVER, KATRIN MOYE - ceramics. BEN CASSON & LYN HODGSON - wood. SUSIE HETHERINGTON - prints.

Open 11am-5pm.

3 & 4 Sept The exhibition includes two events for charity: Stuart Houghton’s Pottery Throwdown. Stuart aims to throuw 100 porcelain squeeze jugs over the two days. Open 10am-4pm.

10 Sept Carole Glover will demonstrate her intricate sliptrail decoration technique. Open 10am-4pm. Charities are Herefordshire Mind, The Haemophilia Society, BEAT Eating Disorders and Ledbury Places.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 3 Sept - 1 Oct Herefordshire Open Exhibition, supported by h.Art and Apple Store Gallery. Organised by members of Framework, supporting emerging artists. Open theatre times.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Rd, Hereford HR1 2UA 01432 263937 www.applestoregallery.com Until 13 Aug ‘Colourful Moods, Rhythms & Tempos’. LOUISE C EAMES. 17 Aug - 17 Sept h.Art @ASG. Studio artists exhibiting including JILL CROWTHER, DAVID LAWS AND CHRIS WILLIAMS - paintings. KATE DAWSON - ceramics. MICHELLE GORDON - letterpress printer.

MARION CAMPBELL - glass artist.

Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk Aug SHEILA HERRING - pottery.

ANDREW McGARVA stoneware pots.

CLARE McGARVA - stitched textiles.

PATIA DAVIS - porcelain & pots. BEN CASSON - furniture. SHEILA CASSON - stoneware & earthenware pots. CLAIR HODGSON - silver.

JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed pottery. CLYDE HOARE baskets. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

Hereford College of Arts, College Road Campus, Hereford HR1 1EB 01432 273359 3 - 11 Sept HCA Staff Showcase.

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm.

The Creswells, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford HR1 3AX 07746 413986 3 - 11 Sept RICHARD GILBERT paintings and drawings.

Open 11am-5pm.

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Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury HR8 1RD 01531 633886 3 - 11 Sept SARAH MONK - slipware.

JON WILLIAMS - ceramics.

Open 11am-5pm.

The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com Beautiful handwoven lampshades, fabrics, pottery, willow baskets and glass. Also a range of eclectic lighting.

Open Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Trumpet Corner Cafe, Ledbury HR8 2RA 01531 670082 3 - 11 Sept Trumpet Gallery a range of art on display, Plus ED ELLIOTT Sculpture Studios. Open 11am-5pm.

Made in Ross, The Upstairs Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk Aug Made in Ross. A co-operative of local art and craft makers who produce a wide range of beautiful work, for all tastes and budgets.

3 - 11 Sept JULIE CANNON - watercolours. ROSIE CALLINAN - mosaics and mixed media. CHRIS CHAMPNESS - knitting and jewellery. SARAH FREER hand-weaving. STEVE FREER - ceramics. ELEANOR KERCHER - woodcraft. JAN MATTHEWS contemporary felt maker.

LOUISE PILDITCH - paintings.

JACKIE POULTER - silver jewellery.

TARA SLATERS - printmaker.

NIGEL STREET - watercolours.

FRANCES WARREN - stone carvings and glass artist. SUE WHITE - silk artist. Open 10am-4pm.

Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661 1 - 6 Aug LEDBURY ART SOCIETY. 8 - 14 Aug GROUP OF FOUR - paintings.

15 - 21 Aug MOSTLY FELT. 22 - 28 Aug Mixed Media Art Collective.

31 Aug - 11 Sept ‘Regeneration’.

PAM WHITE - mixed media.

31 Aug - 11 Sept ‘Landscape’.

STELLA DOWNING - pastels and mixed media.Open daily 10am-5pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, East St, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Until 31 Aug ‘Sunlight on the Garden’. Summer exhibition featuring new work by TAMSIN ABBOTT stained glass. MARY GRIFFIN paintings. JO VERITY - decoupage with mixed media. JEMIMA JAMESON - acrylic on wood. KATHRYN O’KELL - carved wood reliefs and CLAIR MURPHY - rush work.

3 Sept - 31 Oct ‘When Soft was the Sun’. Featuring LYNDA JONES, SUE HAYDEN, JEMIMA JAMESON, KAREN PEARCE, RACHEL BAILEY, RACHEL WRIGHT & KARIN CELESTINE. All year ‘Shadows on the Grass’.

Garden sculpture exhibition. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including ironwork, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, ceramics. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mon & Tues by appointment.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Aug TESSA HOUGHTON & STUART ELLIS, plus gallery artists. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839 www.greenstagegallery.co.uk Until 14 Aug Summer Show.

Featuring GOHAR GODDARD, STELLA HIDDEN, SALLY SARNESKI & CHRISTOPHER RAINHAM. 20 Aug - 11 Sept A major retropsective of well known Herefordshire artist, SUE MAUD. An evening view of the show with refreshments will take place on 2 Sept. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE Hightown Community Room, Clun 01588 640401 Until 7 Aug Clun Art and Craft Show.

Over 40 artists and craftspeople will be exhibiting their work. Grand opening 30 July, 10am-2pm. Open 10am-6pm daily, 7 Aug 10am-12pm.

Ashford Chapel, Asford Carbonel, Ludlow SY8 4BX 01584 831343 3 - 11 Sept JONATHAN ADAMS landscapes, seascapes, still life in oils.

Copies of old masters and examples of restoration. Open 11am-5pm.

Castlewood View, Lingen, Bucknell SY7 0DY 07711 778563 3 - 11 Sept KIM AND MAGGIE DAVIS an eclectic mix of quality wood turning together with mixed media art on cloth and paper. Open 11am-5pm.

St Laurence’s Primary School, Church Stretton SY6 6EX www.strettonfestival.org.uk Until 6 Aug Arts, crafts and photography. Part of Church Stretton Arts Festival. Open 10.30am-5pm daily, 25 July, 7.30pm, £3, other times £1 entry.

3 - 6 Aug Meet the Potter: Lucinda Lovesey (Great Pottery Throw Down Semi-Finalist). Chat and display of items from show. 11am-1pm.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk Until 11 Aug ‘Evolve’ MIDLANDS TEXTILE FORUM. Open 10am-4pm.

(Please check before travelling).

6 Aug Antique & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

20 Aug - 17 Sept ANDREW JENKIN watercolours of landscapes.

Open 10am-4pm. (Please check before travelling).

3 Sept Antique & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 7 Aug Scarecrow Day. Scarecrow trail with lots of artists and makers opening their studios in Brampton Bryan. Free.

29 Aug Aardvark Vide Grenier Over 30 stalls of brilliant bric-a-brac, collectables, local produce etc. A local institution. Do not miss out! Live music from Jack Brett Duo. Free entry and parking.

3 - 11 Sept ‘The Shield of Achilles’.

Nine artists working in diverse media celebrate and interpret the imagery of The Shield of Achilles shield. Curated

by Shannon Donovan. Tues- Sun, 10am-4pm.

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 www.twenty-twenty.co.uk Until 27 Aug ‘Summer Spectrum’.

LIVE GOODE, DEAN MELBOURNE & ANDREW LANSLEY. Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-4pm.

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The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970 Until 2 Aug ‘The Weather Report’. JILL IMPEY curates a creative space in which to show the film she completed in 2021. A moving record of the voices of women from coastal immigrant and creative communities in England and New Zealand.

5 - 26 Aug Shrewsbury College Group Student Show, showcasing pieces crafted through the past year.

Open Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

Ogilvie Vaile Conservation, Unit 9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan SY7 0JU 07780 616067 www.ogilvievaile.com Specialising in the conservation and restoration of fine art.

Ragleth Gallery, 1 Sandford Place, Church Stretton SY6 6DY 01694 723225 A contemporary gallery full of original art, inspired by the landscape and wildlife of the Shropshire Hills.

Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, prints, photographs, automata and more.

Mon & Tue10am-5pm, Thurs - Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881 Every Tues Until 30 Aug ‘Spotlight Talks’ Free short talks on the collection, 12-12.30pm.

Until 25 Sept The Quiet Hour, 10am-11am, a quieter time with fewer visitors. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 Aug Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist.

PRISCILLA HANN - bronze sculpture.

DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary jewellery. KIM DAVIS - wood turning.

MEGAN EVANS - collagraph prints.

JAN JAY - textile designs and screen prints. PIP JONES - watercolours.

SARAH BILLINGHAM - pottery.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk Open daily 10am-5pm.

Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery.

Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478 Rustic homewares, fine art and craft.

Local makers. Turned wood, slipware, lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk 01584 878141 Until 3 Sept ‘Six Artists in Search of The Perfect Hill’. PETER BISHOP, ROBERT CUNNING, KATHRYN MOORE, HELEN ARTHUR, BRIDGET MACDONALD & RICHARD GILBERT - new work from painters living in the area. An artistic journey through the Marches dedicated to the late Peter Bishop. Open theatre times.

Art & Craft Workshops Single, dated listings are free.

Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

IKEBANA: THE ANCIENT ART OF JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING ‘Foam-free’, using seasonal materials.

Workshops for maximum 6 people are run by Qualified Teacher and Master in Ikebana (Ohara School). Individual lessons are possible by arrangement.

Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com.

Western flower arranging workshops are also available, see website ‘Western Style Workshops’, or ring 01432 880126 or email noellaplasman@gmail.com AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION Launched by The Mortimer History Society. The Competition will celebrate the medieval history of the Welsh Marches. Photographers may interpret that as freely as they wish, but images may include, for example, historic landscapes, towns, castles, churches, effigies. The judges will select the 12 best photos to appear in the 2024 calendar and one overall winner will recieve £100. Entries close 28 Oct. www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk/photography KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP We meet Monday daytime at the Civic Centre, Knighton (near the Clock Tower) during spring and autumn terms. We have weekly topics with friendly tuition. All abilities, beginners welcome. Learn at your own pace.

Discover new skills and increase your confidence. Own choice of art materials. Contact local artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

MOOR HALL STUDIO ~ BOBBY BRITNELL Inspirational art and textile related courses delivered throughout the year by highly qualified tutors. Some courses are on-line, and others face to face. Refer to www.bobbybritnell.co.uk for further information and details of all courses. Contact Bobby Britnell on 01547 510664, or email at bobby@bobbybritnell.co.uk ONLINE ART CLASS Would you like to learn how to paint or improve on the skills you already have? All you need is access to Zoom. Also art tuition and home school art classes for 11-18 year olds. Stephen Hand, stephen@handdrawnart.co.uk 07786 934880.

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY SCHOOL - POTTERY WORKSHOPS Church Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3BS, Powys. 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 07443 875016. alexallpressceramics@ gmail.com / alexallpress.co.uk VILLAGE ART CLUBS Love art? Come and join us! Friendly, local clubs with professional tuition run for three terms per year.

Beginners and experienced painters all welcome.

Call Liz on 07938 563716 or see the website for details - www.villageartclubs.co.uk LAZY DAISY CHAINS CHILDREN’S SEWING WORKSHOP ‘Motion in the Ocean’ is our next workshop on Saturday 13th August, 10am-1pm, at Make-it-Happen, Gomond St, Hereford. For children aged 7-11, no experience is necessary. Cost £18.

For more details go to https://www.facebook.com/lazydaisychains GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Dates to suit you. 01432 760961.

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS Monthly in Llangarron HR9 6PH. Glenn Morris, sculptor, leads an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Full tuition, safety equipment and tools provided. Stone available if required. Copious refreshments guaranteed.

01989 770776. Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk 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 and Upholstery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - treasure it – or give it with pride!

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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.

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 10am -1pm, £38 per person all inclusive. Cawley Hall, Eye Lane, Leominster HR6 0DS book: www.cawleyhall.org.uk or 07970 627770.

Until Sat 6 August CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL 2 Aug - Stained Glass Workshops with Jen Brewer - glass bunting, 9.30am-12.30pm or 2-5pm, £35.St Laurence’s Primary School, Church Stretton. www.strettonfestival.org.uk Tues 9 August BIRDS ON VINTAGE FABRIC Workshop with Suzette Smart. Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes, £60, email admin@quilt.org.uk to book.

Fri 26 - Sun 28 August WILD CREATIVE WEAVING WEEKEND Learn fun and easy weaving techniques suitable for complete beginners in handweaving. Held in a beautiful and relaxing countryside setting in the Welsh hills, (Montgomery). Accommodation available in farm cottage or glamping.Just workshops - £155 / With accommodation - £295 www.littlepentre.co.uk Email Lea: thetravellingpixies@yahoo.co.uk phone: 07581 221639.

August HEREFORD CATHEDRAL Wed 10 or Fri 12 Aug - Holiday Club: Youth With a Mission. Suitable for ages 5-11 years with games, crafts and faith element. Hereford Cathedral College Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm. 20 Aug - Stitch from History: Wonderful Woodcuts! Led by Mary Roberts and Elizabeth Semper O’Keefe, suitable for all experience-levels. All threads and materials will be provided but bring scissors. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, 10am-1pm, £30, email library@herefordcathedral.org or 01432 374225. Mondays, term time - Toddler Group, craft activities and pray; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free.

Hereford Cathedral, www.herefordcathedral.org August VICKI NORMAN WORKSHOPS 5 - 9 Sept - 5 Days Painting on location in Shropshire.

30 Oct - 11 Nov - Italy Art Safari.Vicki Norman Art School, 21 Mill St, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF, www.vickinormanstudio.com August MID WALES ARTS CENTRE 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 Aug - Children’s School Holiday Art Clubs, 10am-4pm, £10. 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug - Sculpteen 22. For teenagers who are interested in art and sculpture, under expert guidance of Tess Hayward, £10 per session. Thurs, 2-4pm, Fri, 11am-1pm throughout Aug - Weekly Pottery Club for all ages and abilities, £10 adults, £8 students. 13 Aug - Life Drawing with Sandy Craig, a structured class with gentle tuition, all abilities welcome, 10am-1pm, £18, £12 students. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

KIM AND MAGGIE DAVIS AT HOME

CASTLEWOOD VIEW, LINGEN, SHROPSHIRE SY7 0DY An eclectic mix of quality turned wood and mixed media artwork

3rd September - 11th September, 10am - 5pm Tel 07711778563 e maggie_in_the_garden@hotmail.com

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

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August SIDNEY NOLAN TRUST WORKSHOPS 6 Aug - Aboriginal Painting with Kate Constantine, an award-winning contemporary Aboriginal dot painter, activist, mother and storyteller. Using a traditional yarning circle Kate will introduce you to her way of contemporary Aboriginal dot painting, how to create ochre and explore the significance of colour while you create an artwork inspired by storytelling and the mindful use of colour. During this time, we allow space to share cultural conversation and teachings. This is a two-way learning and sharing time for those participants who would like to engage with Kate on a deeper level. 11am-1pm.

Suitable for 16 and over. £45 per person inclusive of entry to The Rodd and all materials. Book in advance.

Art Workshops for Children and Families.

4 Aug - Aboriginal Dot Painting for Children, 2-3pm.

5 Aug - Silkscreen print, 11am-12pm.

12 Aug - Drawing, 11am-12pm.

19 Aug - Sculpture, 11am-12pm.

26 Aug - Paper Marbling, 11am-12pm. All suitable for ages 5 and over, 11am-12pm, £5, parents/guardians free.

Cultivate Youth Art Project. 13 Aug - Aboriginal artist Kate Constantine, 10am-1pm. Free for anyone aged 15-25. Meet other young creatives and work alongside professional artists. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, 01544 260149, www.sidneynolantrust.org August ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY Wednesdays 3 - 24 Aug - Workshops for Wellness (Wild Weaving). First Saturday of the month, until 3 Dec Monthly Figure Drawing with Lois Hopwood, 10.30am-1pm, £20 per session. Book online or in the gallery. Oriel Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041, www.orieldavies.org August EASTNOR POTTERY INTO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £49 per person.

Perfect indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions take place on specific dates through the Summer. Please check availability and book online. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 6, 27 & 28 Aug. £150 day £280 weekend. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Please book online. CLAY MODELLING 10 & 24 Aug. £25 per person. UNDER THE SEA! Summer flavoured Family Pottery Fun at Eastnor Pottery. Please check availability book online www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

Sat 3 September FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP Aimed at DIY flowers for weddings and events. Village Hall in Moreton-on-Lugg. This is a full day’s workshop and very hands-on: hand tied posy - wiring for buttonholes - table centerpieces - swags. From 10.30am to around 3pm, coffee and tea provided, bring your own lunch! £50pp plus flowers. All abilities welcome! Booking essential, contact Noella on 01432 880126 or email plasmanjones@btinternet.com

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Thurs 8 September RAG RUG DAY WORKSHOP Learn progging and hooking for recycling textiles, with Jenni StuartAnderson.

Leysters & Middleton Parish Hall, HR6 0HP, 10am-4pm, £60 includes beverages and hessian, info and bookings, 01568 750229 or email jenni.ragrugs@freeuk.com Fri 23 - Sun 25 September LEARN TO SPIN YARN WEEKEND Learn how to spin your own yarns for complete beginners. Held in a beautiful and relaxing countryside setting in the Welsh hills, (Montgomery).

Accommodation available in farm cottage or glamping.

Just workshops - £155 / With accommodation - £295 www.littlepentre.co.uk Email Lea: thetravellingpixies@ yahoo.co.uk phone: 07581 221639.

MELISSA HUNT JEWELLERY COURSES 2 Aug & 3 Dec - Soldering Tips and Practice, 10am4pm. 8 & 9 Aug, 12 7 13 Nov - Make a Round Pill Box in Silver or Copper, 10am-4pm. 19 7 20 Aug & 24 & 25 Oct - Spoon Making (1 ½ days). 25 Aug & 15 Nov - Tube Setting and Gypsy Setting. 20 Oct & 15 Dec Cabochon Stone Setting. 18 Oct - Enamelling Techniques for Jewellers. 16 Sept - Cold Connections (hinges, rabs and rivets). 4 Nov - Claw Settings.

1 Oct - Anti-Clastic Raising. 21 Oct - Collet Mount Setting. 2 Sept - Silver Etruscan Chain. All workshops are one day in duration. Melissa Hunt, Brampton Bryan, www.melissahuntjewellery.com August THE HIVE WORKSHOPS 13 Aug - Graffiti T-Shirt and Tote Bag Making for 8-13 year olds, 10.30am, £16, bring plain white t-shirt.

Every Tues - Life Drawing for all ages, 7-9pm.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

Tuesdays DRINK AND DRAW Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Upstairs at The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 7-9:30pm, £8,07855 628626.

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

Wednesdays DRINK AND DRAW Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Ty Tan Gallery (opp. Blue Boar), Hay-on-Wye, 7-9:30pm, block book in advance £90 for 10 weeks or drop-in for £11, 07855 628626.

Thursdays HEREFORD LIFE DRAWING The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-1pm, £7.50, 01432 340555.

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cinema GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE (15)

Emma Thompson is the personification of an affecting, middle-aged, hugely versatile British actress, e.g. LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and her latest outing has echoes of the late life romance she so expertly rendered in LAST CHANCE HARVEY. However here the object of her desire isn’t the similarly aged Dustin Hoffman, but the 20-something Daryl McCormack (PEAKY BLINDERS) the titular male prostitute, Leo Grande, whom Thompson’s initially uptight widow, Nancy Stokes, occasionally hires to give her the orgasm she’s never had. Virtually a two-hander set in a hotel bedroom, they give riveting, often comedic turns during which schoolmarm Nancy reveals the emptiness of a long marriage which Leo deals with beguilingly and sensitively whilst nonetheless remaining a strictly professional stud. Gradually Nancy warms to his charms, both physically and otherwise and whilst I won’t reveal the ending here, it’s both surprising and for Thompson, brave.

Reviews by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, PREST. 26 Aug FANTASTIC MR FOX (PG) 27 Aug MOONRISE KINGDOM (12A) 28 Aug THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm, £7, students £3.

Part of Presteigne Festival, 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

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1 Aug WEST SIDE STORY (12) 1 Aug YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (PG) 60 Years of Bond 2 Aug FLUBBER (PG) 3 Aug ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE (PG) 60 Years of Bond 4, 11, 12, 13, 18 Aug MINIONS: THE RISE OF THE GRU (U) 5 & 6 Aug JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION (12A) 8 Aug DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (PG) 60 Years of Bond 9 Aug HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS (U) 10 Aug LIVE AND LET DIE (PG) 60 Years of Bond 15 Aug THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (PG) 60 Years of Bond 16 Aug THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (PG)

17 Aug MOONRAKER (PG) 60 Years of Bond 22 Aug FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (PG) 60 Years of Bond 23 Aug MONSTERS VS ALIENS (PG) 24 Aug OCTOPUSSY (PG) 60 Years of Bond 25 Aug SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 (PG) 29 Aug THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (PG) 60 Years of Bond 30 Aug ROBOTS (PG) 31 Aug LICENCE TO KILL (PG) 60 Years of Bond Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 873229

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 12 Aug THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (PG) 26 Aug ELVIS (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard.

01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD Until 6 Aug BRIAN & CHARLES (PG) Until 11 Aug THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (ctbc) 4 Aug MYSTERY FILM (15) 4 - 6 & 13 Aug LIGHTYEAR (PG) 5 - 13 Aug MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU (U) 11 - 18 Aug ERIC RAVILIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR (PG) 12 - 30 Aug WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) 12 - 31 Aug JOYRIDE (ctbc) 17 & 18 Aug THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER (12A) 19 - 31 Aug FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (ctbc) 20 Aug LITTLE MERMAID SINGALONG (U) 22 & 24 Aug ELVIS (12A) 22 - 31 Aug DC LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS (PG) 23 & 25 Aug TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12A) 27 Aug ALADDIN (1992) SINGALONG (U) The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

4 Aug THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN (12) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 9 Aug IL POSTINO (U) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on Wye 07789 778048 12 Aug THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 13 Aug PIANO TO ZANSKAR (12A) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 22 Aug TAMPOPO (18) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 26 Aug THE BAD GUYS (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS.

Until 4 Aug THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG) Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 5 - 7 Aug ELVIS (12A) Regal Cinema, Teme St, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442

BRIAN & CHARLES (PG)

SAVOY, MONMOUTH Until 11 Aug MINIONS 2: THE RISE OF GRU (PG) 5 - 11 Aug ELVIS (12A) 1 - 4 Aug THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER (12A) 9 Aug C’MON C’MON (15) 12 - 25 Aug DC LEAGUE OF SUPERPETS (PG) 19 - 25 Aug WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE 4 Aug THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN (12) 26 Aug THE BAD GUYS (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS Until 4 Sept EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (15) Until 16 Aug ELVIS (12A) Until 18 Aug GOOD LUCK TO YOU LEO GRANDE (15) Until 14 Aug TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12A) Until 10 Sept MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU (ctbc) Until 29 Aug LIGHTYEAR (PG) Until 29 Aug THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (ctbc) Until 28 Aug THOR: LOVE & THUNDER (ctbc) Until 11 Sept DC LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS (ctbc) 5 Aug-10 Sept BRIAN & CHARLES (PG) 12 - 15 Aug THE LOST GIRLS (15) 19 - 28 Aug JOYRIDE (ctbc) 26 Aug - 1 Sept EASTER SUNDAY (ctbc) 26 Aug - 11 Sept NOPE (ctbc) 30 Aug - 1 Sept JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION (12A) 2 - 7 Sept EIFFEL (15) 2 - 8 Sept THE FEAST (18) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

As unlikely as it seems, a shy and implicitly damaged loner, the titular Brian who in his ramshackle Welsh cottage builds a robot from “stuff I’ve got lying around”, which includes a washing machine and a manikin’s head and which after a few false starts, starts to move and talk. And without succumbing to the temptations of slapstick what follows is often flat-out hilarious and increasingly poignant as Charles, as the robot calls himself, teases Brian out of his shell to confront his belligerently ignorant neighbours and eventually engage romantically with an equally timid Hazel (Louise Brealey, best known as SHERLOCK’s Molly Hooper). Co-writers David Earl and Chris Hayward, star as respectively the gentle Frankenstein and his creation, the former familiar from TV’s AFTERLIFE, the latter as a prolific sitcom writer, e.g. TROLLIED, the whole delightful enterprise woven together on a deceptively tiny budget by director Jim Archer.

25 Aug PRIMA FACIE National Theatre live. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555.

27 Aug ANDRE RIEU 2022 Maastricht concert. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575, 27 & 28 Aug ANDRE RIEU 2022 Maastricht concert. Wyeside, Builth Wells, Sat 7pm, Sun, 2pm, 01982 552555.

8 Sept MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING National Theatre live. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622.

WORKSHOPS Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.15pm & 6.45pm, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

2 Sept PRIMA FACIE National Theatre live. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Much Ado About Nothing, National Theatre

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 4 Aug PRIMA FACIE National Theatre live. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575, 6 Aug WESTLIFE Live from Wembley Stadium.

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 8.30pm, 01885 488575.

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dance Dance Workshops

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

Mon 1 August STREET DANCE WORKSHOPS For children. 9.45am-11.15am for 4-6 year olds. 2-4pm for 7-11 year olds. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, £7, 01588 630321.

ALANYA’S BELLYDANCE CLUB - OPEN LEVEL Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB. 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 1.00-3.30pm. No-obligation taster, then pay per term. For full information visit www.alanyabellydance. com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Adult Classes. Mon - Contemporary Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk. Tues - Street Jazz with LG Dance, 7.15pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Adult Irish Dance, 8pm, £60 for 10 week course, ludwigtheatrearts.com. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, £6 per session, www.starlightcompany. co.uk Thurs - Adult Performance Class with LG Dance, 8pm, £48 for 6 weeks, £8 drop in, www.laruagale.co.uk Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15pm, £5 per session. Junior Classes with LG Dance. Mon - Junior Contemporary, 4.30pm, £21 per month. Mon - Senior Contemporary, 5.30pm, £21 per month. Tues - Junior Street Jazz, 5.15pm, £21 per month. Tues - Senior Street Jazz, 6.15pm, £21 per month. Thurs - Mini Musicals, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs - Junior Musical Theatre, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs Senior Musical Theatre, 6.40pm, £28 per month, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Irish Dance with Ludwig Theatre Arts, Beginners (6+) 6pm, advanced 7pm, £5 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4, 11.30pm, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY 7.30-8.30pm. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, SY6 6BY, 7.30-8.30pm. Tues - Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB, 7.30-8.30pm. SaxonHall, HR2 6HE, 7.30-8.30pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ, 7.30-8.30pm. Wed - Burford Village Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8LA, 7.30-8.30pm. Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR, 7.30-8.30pm, Beginners Jive.

8.30-9.30pm, Intermediate Jive. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street, HR8 2AA, 7.30-8.30pm. Abberley Village Hall, WR6 6AZ, 7.30-8.30pm. Sun - Eardisley Village Hall, HR3 6NH, 7.30-8.30pm. For more information please e-mail info@coolmovesdance.co.uk Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

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

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

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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 Paul 01497 821003 or Jed 07549 096291.

Wednesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm. Mely 07837 169505.

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

Wednesday mornings & Thursday evenings TUDOR & MEDIEVAL DANCE Would you like to learn to do Tudor and Medieval dances?

Come and join us in Leominster on Wednesday mornings or Thursday evenings. Beginners welcome; no previous experience necessary. Contact Maureen Crumpler on 01568 613477 or email alancapriole@talktalk.net Thursdays JENNY PIPES MORRIS is a lively well established female Morris side looking for new dancers to join us, all abilities welcome including beginners. If you are a musician (male or female) looking to play for Morris dancing, then please join us and have some fun! We dance Cotswold and Border Morris, practicing on Thursday evenings at 7.30 at Stoke Prior Village Hall, Leominster, HR6 0LG. Contact Helen 07821 411236 or Rose 07815169566.

Thursdays WILD WEST SALSA Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.45pm, £6, students £5, social dance only £4, 01432 357753.

Fridays CHANCE TO DANCE For the over 50s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am, £4.50, 01432 340555.

Fridays DANCING TOTS For ages 2-4 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11.30am, £4, 01432 340555.

Fortnightly Sunday HIGHFLYERS YOUTH DANCE COMPANY For ages 11-18 with disabilities or additional needs and their siblings. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2-4pm, 01743 234970 or email Rachel youthsidance@gmail.com

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

food page The Feathers, Brockton

T

HIS month Mr Pernickety is a little disgruntled by a handful of hostile reactions to his last review (The Cattle Shed, Penrhos Court), described as ‘spiteful and vitriolic’ by one correspondent who also demanded that Mr he be de-platformed, as if he were Tommy Robinson or some holocaust denier.

Alarmed, Mr P re-read his piece; he found not a scintilla of vitriol, nor a murmur of spite. He has absolutely no personal knowledge of who currently owns and operates this business; he was simply and honestly doing his job. Restaurants that charge high prices for the food they serve must be open to scrutiny of all aspects of the experience they offer. While residents of the Marches are lucky enough to have some outstanding restaurants in the region which offer exceptional food and ambience, far too many other establishments are allowed to coast along on the backs of customers who are reluctant to complain.

The record shows that far more of Mr P’s reviews are positive than otherwise, and he is always scrupulously polite, even in the most unsatisfactory of eating places (who are quite unaware of his identity), and in his reviews he frequently offers constructive criticism. The fact is, though, that from time-to-time people open restaurants or putative gastropubs when they simply do not have the skills, knowledge or imagination to deliver a satisfactory experience. If Mr P finds himself eating in such a place, which may be charging £30 - £50 a head for indifferently, if not downright badly cooked food, tardily served in an uncomfortable ambience, he is conscious that it is his duty to inform his readers, some of whom have followed his column for years, concurring with his conclusions and trusting his judgement. At the same time, of course, he doesn’t remotely challenge the right of those who disagree with him to hold their own views and to carry on eating in those places that he has found wanting.

In any event, this month’s review is uncontentious. The Feathers, a pretty place in Brockton on the road between the Corvedale and Much Wenlock, is faultlessly run, from the greeting and serving qualities of the waiting staff, to the manifest skillet-wielding skills of the chef/proprietor.

In the centre of a small cluster of ancient dwellings in a dingle at the foot of Wenlock Edge, the pub has the air of a place that has been serving ale for centuries, and thankfully, although it has recently been thoroughly re-ordered, it still functions a village pub serving the local population with good beers from the Ludlow and Wye Valley Breweries.

Mr Pernickety and his Lovely Companion drove up the valley below the Edge on a summers’ evenings that would have rapturised the great A E Houseman. They had received promising reports of the Feathers since it reopened earlier in the year and were looking forward

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to eating somewhere new. Mr P had been informed that due to an oversight beyond the control of the current management, their licence to serve alcohol had temporarily lapsed. Expedient as ever, he had dropped into a German supermarket and bought two tiny bottles of Rioja for himself and one of Chilean Chardonnay, which when they arrived, he asked to be taken away and turned into a large, iced spritzer for the LC. This produced a lesser bill but meant that Mr P was unable to explore the pub’s wine list this time.

They were early for dinner and sat at a garden table on a shady stone flagged terrace with a drink and a plate of very satisfying Smokey Aubergine Dip with Olive Oil and Toasted Seeds. The side of the terrace had been carved into a wall of bare rock which continued inside the building as one wall of a wide and airy octagon-topped conservatory, with a clear blue sky visible above. The LC nodded her approval at the general appearance and mood of this eating area and sank onto a comfortable rattan chair. She ordered Burrata Mozzarella with tomatoes and samphire – always a treat when it’s in season. Mr P, a consistent mussel eater, enjoyed them with an unfamiliar, piquant Thai red spice sauce, pleased that both dishes were pleasingly new to them.

The LC after two starters, but not taking that into her calculations, ordered a braised shin of beef – a winter dish really, and of rustic proportions. She enjoyed and appreciated the subtle flavours of the slow cooked meat and its accoutrements but sensibly left a little to avoid feeling like an overblown balloon. Mr P, on the other hand, ate every morsel of a superb Pork Chop of local origin with a cider sauce and an intriguing roasted cauliflower purée. They ended with a shared Peaches & Cream Cheesecake, Roasted Peach and Pistachio before wandering back to their car through the still balmy evening in a replete and happy state.

[The chef/proprietor of the Feathers has since assured Mr P that their licence is back in place and fine ales are flowing again.]

Mr Pernickety - info@misterpermickety.com

EVENTS

Fri 5 August NEWTON COURT CIDER SMILE SESSION Food and drink at the farm cidery of organic orchards and an update on plans for the Chapel of Apple. HR6 0PF off old road to Leominster near Marlbrook roundabout, apple@newtoncourtcider.com Thurs 10 - Thurs 25 August BOTTOMLESS SMALL PLATES Nibbles and tapas, with half a bottle of wine per person, every Thurs evening in the Courtyard Chase Lounge, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sun 14 August LUDLOW MAGNALONGA A ramble and feast in the Marches countryside. www.magnalonga.co.uk Sat 17 & Sun 18 September ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL This year’s Festival offers an amazing day out on a £12 Day Stroller Ticket – an unrivalled shopping experience, terrific food and produce, inspirational guests, and a great atmosphere. Children under 16 get in for free (if with an adult). The Festival Stroller Experience The markets comprise 150 exhibitors across six venues with live events in the mix. The historic Market Hall is the go-to place for live cooking demos from the likes of Thomasina Miers, Matt Tebbutt, and Santosh Shah. Be wowed by the legendary AFF hung decorations by Bettina Reeves and team. Head out to Upper Brewery Yard for wine, beer, spices, all things garlic and Welsh homewares. Down a few steps and you have the Street Food Market with hot food to go – Plus craft beers and free entertainment.

Tiverton Market is the largest market, now running into Horsingtons Yard – a hub for gifts and gourmet ingredients. It’s also the new home of the Cheese and Drinks area where you can sample and pair with various beverages. The Priory Courtyard is all about Fish ’n’ Fizz – bringing coast to town. The Priory Souk is where you’ll discover the best new and small-scale food producers in Wales and the UK. The Castle area is a beautiful retreat (away from the market bustle) featuring the Blorenge Bar and family-friendly areas for play and picnics. Delicious catering on offer, such as modern Indian, charcoal grilled kebab and pizza. Browse traditional iron and copper cookware, and hand-forged fire pits from Firepits UK. Enjoy the sizzle and spark of the cooking over fire demos (line-up includes Cyrus Todiwala, Hangfire Girls and Chris Roberts) and debates and talks in the tents. Get your children signed up to CookSchool where they can enjoy making their own food. All tickets are being sold in advance. www. abergavennyfoodfestival.com or in person from E H Accountancy, 1 Horsingtons Yard, Abergavenny NP7 5PN 09:30 to 14:00, Mon - Fri. No walk-up on the day. Stroller tickets will be posted out along with a free magazine/guide in early September.

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.

2nd Saturday of every month LEOMINSTER FARMER’S MARKET Corn Square, 9am-1pm, 01568 797427.

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

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

First Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET The Barn, Ledbury, HR8 1EA, 6-8pm. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET Regular stalls on the lower floor. First Thurs of the month, using both floors with community cafe. Open 9am-3pm, www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/market 07790 100462.

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-2.30pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043.

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £40 per year.

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

Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays.

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-Sat 9.30am-3pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

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.

PLANTASTIK cic, 15 WEST ST, LEOMINSTER’s new cafe serving plant-based food from supermarket waste produce. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am-3pm.

Lunches from 11am, cakes, drinks, vegan pastries from Alex Gooch on Fridays. Run by volunteers. plantastik@myphone.coop POT & PAGE, 8 NEW STREET, LEDBURY HR8 2DX 01531 248743 Bookshop, vegan eatery and events.

Family run plant based eatery, serving wholesome home cooked food with an emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Open Wed-Sun. RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & wholefoods. The Old Garage Shop Knighton LD7 1EN. Wed. - Fri. 9 - 4, Sat. 10 - 2. Free parking.

Thursday morning market stall in Presteigne.

Local deliveries of veg. boxes. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPICE COFFEE & BOOKS, UNIT 6-8 STATION YARD, LEOMINSTER, HR6 8TN (near Hintons).

Large range of specialist and fiction books, maps, CDs, DVDs, vinyl and sheet music. Local coffee, light meals, homemade soup, cakes and scones. Open 9am-4pm, free parking.

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

Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm.

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music

AUGUST Mon 1 August CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL Organ recital with Allan Walker, St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 10.15am, free. Linos Piano Trio, piano, violin and cello, St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £18. www.strettonfestival.org.uk BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

Tues 2 August LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

COLTRANE DEDICATION ‘The traditional alternative festival.

A barnstorming quintet, inspired by the tunes of the late John Coltrane.

Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 0600 712767.

Thurs 4 August ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com ALBERT HATES KARAOKE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

TALON The Best of the Eagles. Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL Organ recital with Anthony Pinel, St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 10.15am, free. Karolos Quartet, violin, viola, cello and guitar. St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £21. www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Fri 5 August CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL Gamal Khamis, piano, St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £14, www.strettonfestival.org.uk BARRY STEELE AND FRIENDS The Roy Orbison Story. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL A4 Brass Quartet.St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £16, www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Wed 3 August WILD FRUIT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

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CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL Organ recital with Richard Walker, St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton, 12pm, free, www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Linos Piano Trio, Church Stretton Arts Festival

THE VERTIGO BAND Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

ALTERNATIVE 80S NIGHT Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 5pm.

ACOUSTIC SESSION The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8pm.

LOCKED & LOADED The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

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

Sat 6 August HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring Sauce City Jazz Band.

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £8, 01432 276304.

RUFFNECKS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

TOMMY MILLS, PEDRO BROWN With support from Tim Whittington. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown, 8pm, £10, please book, 01686 688369, office@midwalesarts.org.uk SONYA SMITH Singer playing an acoustic set of original songs. The Bookshop by the Sea, Aberystwyth, 7pm.

GOOD TO GO The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. Bleddfa Church, 7.30pm, £10/£7, under 18s free. www. www.ticketshource.co.uk/visio-improvisus

Gamal-Khamis, Church Stretton Arts Festival

NATURAL RIGHT Reggae Band. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 5pm, £3 advance, £5 on door.

THE SPEAKEASY Presents Shortfall, a blisteringly fast pop punk three piece with support from Daysee and Kinstrife. The Speakeasy, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7pm, £5 in advance, £7 on the door, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk WILL BARNES QUARTET Joined by Clovis Phillips, Jack Gonsalez and James Batten, a tight collective of highly-experienced jazz instrumentalists. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7pm, £15, 01588 630023, www.ticketsource.co.uk/bcth

Sun 7 August INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

THE EARL BAND Contemporary Country influenced music. The Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

MOJAM Acoustic pop with harmony vocals.

The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm.

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. St Cuthbert’s Church, Clungunford, 2.30pm, £10/£7, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. www.www.ticketshource. co.uk/visio-improvisus STEVIE KEYS Vaga, Hereford, 4-6pm.

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The Numbers Racket, Brecon Jazz Festival

BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Jazz Art Workshops with Karin Mear & Nigel Evans, Guildhall Civic, Brecon, children 10am-12pm, adults 2-4pm.

Tamasin Reardon Quartet, Muse, 4.30pm, £10. Panoply Trio: Terence Collie, Castle Hotel, 6.15pm, £18 includes buffet meal. Latin Sounds of K’chevere Band, Castle Hotel, 8.30pm, £26 includes buffet meal. www.breconjazz.org

Sat 13 August BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Monmouth Big Band & Guests, Guildhall, 2pm, £14. Black Voices: Acappella Quintet, Guildhall, 4.15pm, £16. Jones/Roberts Quartet, Northouse, 6.30pm, £10. Simon Spillett Quartet, Guildhall, 8pm, £14. www.breconjazz.org

Sun 7 August

Fri 12 August

BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Jazz Workshop with tutor, Alex Clarke, Guildhall, 10.30am-1pm, £10. Jane Williams Band, Marquee, 2pm, £8.

Will Barnes Quartet, joined by Clovis Phillips, Jack Gonsalez and James Batten, a tight collective of highlyexperienced jazz instrumentalists, Marquee, 4pm, £10. Numbers Racket Jive Dance Band, Marquee, 7pm, £12.

Brecon, www.breconjazz.org

LLANFYLLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Harp recital by Ieuan Jones. St Myllin’s Church, Llanfyllin, 7.30pm, £15, www.llanfyllinfestival.org.uk

QUEER PROM 20 performers and artists. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, from 5pm, £6.50, £12 with goodie bag.

HR4K OPEN MIC Pre-booking advised. Unit 12a Thorne Business Park, Hereford, 6.30pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com BANDS IN THE PARK Concert. Bandstand, Wye St, Ross-onWye, 2.30-4.30pm, charity collection.

Tues 9 August LIVE MUSIC Free gig celebrating one year of Open Mic for Young Performers. The Public Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 6.30pm, all welcome, free.

ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

Wed 10 August ROCK NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

Thurs 11 August

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ALBERT HATES KARAOKE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

DOMINO SUGAR Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Near Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, SY5 0SN, campsite open 8-15 Aug, www.farmerphilsfestival.com DOWN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Featuring Navarones, Burnt Out Wreck, Duran Duranish, Wellard Wille, Skewwhiff, Sadcult, Verity White, MC16, Squidge, Daysee, Hedgehog & The Clemntines, Vella, Alvin & The Angry Barrels, Mawpit, Arid Wave, Luke & The Lazy Machine, plus more. Three days, two stages, 25+ bands, free camping, home-made food, cider and perry, gin tent, real ales. Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbeydore, HR2 0AL. wwwdownonthefarmfestival. gwatkincider.co.uk

MONKLAND ARMS CIDER FESTIVAL Featuring Kentucky Moon, live in the garden. The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

BLACK HEART ANGELS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

DOWN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL See 12 Aug for details. Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbeydore, HR2 0AL. wwwdownonthefarmfestival. gwatkincider.co.uk THE SIEGE OF BRAMPTON BRYAN English Civil War Society re-enactment. See the famous siege, cannons, muskets, cavalry and a living history village. Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, SY7 0DH, £5, under 16s and parking are free, 01547 530744.

THE PERCY VEER BAND The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Near Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, SY5 0SN, campsite open 8-15 Aug, www.farmerphilsfestival.com

DYNAMIX The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MONKLAND ARMS CIDER FESTIVAL Featuring Angus, George & Forbes, live in the bar. The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

FOLK AT THE FALCON Featuring Grey Wolf with support from Kim and Martin Olyett. Falcon Hotel, 7.30pm, £10, 07726 462220.

GHETTO FABULOUS Reggae. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, from 5pm.

SOLANA Five-piece band performing original compositions encompassing folk, jazz and grooves. The Lost Arc, The Old Drill Hall, Bridge St, Rhayader, £8, www.thelostarc.co.uk

Grey Wolf, Folk at the Falcon

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. Black Park Chapel, Chirk, LL14 5BB, 7.30pm, £10/£7, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. .www.ticketshource. co.uk/visio-improvisus

VINCENT FLATTS Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3pm, free, 01432 356529.

LLANFYLLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Coull Quartet play Haydn, Debussy and Dvorak. St Myllin’s Church, Llanfyllin, 7.30pm, £15, www.llanfyllinfestival.org.uk

HAY MUSIC Featuring Daniel Norman, tenor and Huw Watkins, piano. A wide ranging selection of songs performed in the music room at Dorstone House, HR3 6AW, 3pm, £17.50, under 25s £8.25, www.haymusic.org

THE MADHOUSE BAND The Wye Float Festival, Hereford Rugby Club, 5pm.

UTOPIA Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, from 3pm, free before 8pm, £3 after.

TOTALLY TINA TURNER LIVE Tribute. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, www.theleftbankvillage. co.uk EMBRACEABLE ELLA Joanna Eden and Chris Ingham Trio.

Jazz evening. Part of Church Stretton Arts Festival. Concord College, Acton Burnell, 7.30pm, £24, www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Sun 14 August BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Bella Collins & Gareth Evans, Muse, 12pm, £10. Charlotte Glasson Band, Theatr Brycheiniog, 2pm, £16. Bryan Corbett Quartet, Muse, 4pm, £10. Joan Chamorro’s Sant Andreu Sextet, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 6pm, £20. www.breconjazz.org EVERYTHING EVERYTHING Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 241124.

DOWN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL See 12 Aug for details. Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbeydore, HR2 0AL. wwwdownonthefarmfestival. gwatkincider.co.uk THE BAD DOGS + WINTER SOUND The Greyhound, Llangunllo, from 3pm, outside, plus barbecue.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

BANDS IN THE PARK Concert. Bandstand, Wye St, Ross-onWye, 2.30-4.30pm, charity collection.

THE SIEGE OF BRAMPTON BRYAN English Civil War Society re-enactment. See the famous siege, cannons, muskets, cavalry and a living history village. Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, SY7 0DH, £5, under 16s and parking are free, 01547 530744.

FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Near Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, SY5 0SN, campsite open 8-15 Aug, www.farmerphilsfestival.com

LLANFYLLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Ensemble Renard (wind quintet) play Ravel, Mozart, Reicha and Taffanel.

St Myllin’s Church, Llanfyllin, 7.30pm, £15, www.llanfyllinfestival.org.uk

TWO’S COMPANY! Relaxed duo concert for all ages, featuring Andrew Roberts (violin) and Richard Tunnicliffe (cello).

Clun Methodist Church, 12pm, free.

Clun Valley Chamber Music. www.clunvalleymusic.co.uk

Mon 15 August IRELAND: THE SHOW All-star cast of the Emerald Isle’s most talented singers and performers, accompanied by Keltic Storm Band and Gael Force Irish dancers, plus comedian Gary Gamble. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £25, 01600 772467.

Tues 16 August ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

OPEN MIC & BLUES JAM Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose and Crown, Ludlow, 8pm, please pre-book your slot - markianrichards@ hotmail.com RICH RIDDIM DJ. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, free before 9pm, £3 after.

THE GTS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

Sat 20 August BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Huw Warren Hermeto + Trio, Muse, 4.15pm, £12. Kris Nock Big Band, Watergate, 7pm, £12. Livestreamed from London to Brecon. www.breconjazz.org MADLADS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

OPEN MIC MUSIC STAGE Hosted by Mark Richards. Ludlow Farmshop Summer Fun Day, Bromfield, Ludlow, 10.30am-2.30pm, please pre-book your slot markianrichards@hotmail.com SIMMER DOWN Featuring The Bob Marley Revival.

Caribbean food truck and Tiffins cocktail bar. Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, £15, 01597 258118.

PIPE DREAM Vaga, Hereford, 8.30pm.

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

Wed 17 August WILD FRUIT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

Thurs 18 August MICHA PRENGER Dutch blues guitarist accompanied by Lorena, his stunning female vocalist.

Bagley Railway Club, Ellesmere Rd, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 249955.

GLOBAL CAFE Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, from 5pm free.

ALBERT HATES KARAOKE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

FELLOW PYNINS US duo playing contemporary folk. The Lost Arc, The Old Drill Hall, Bridge St, Rhayader, £10, www.thelostarc.co.uk

Fri 19 August HOT RUBBER The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

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ESCAPE ROOM Book one to see if you can crack the code. It’s 1890... You have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicars Choral funds and been shut in the Old Chapel until police arrive, you have one hour! Hereford Cathedral, sessions cost £45, www.herefordcathedral.org HAY MUSIC Featuring A4 Brass Quartet. An eclectic and accessible programme of music for all ages and musical tastes. Hay Castle, 7pm, (bar on the terrace from 6pm). £15, under 25s £7.50, under 12s with a parent, free. www.haymusic.org

A4 Brass Quartet, Church Stretton Arts Festival 2 Aug Hay Music, 23 Aug

Sat 20 August VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £5, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. www.ticketshource.co.uk/visio-improvisus I-OCCUPY DJ collective. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, free before 9pm, £3 after.

THE UNCONVENTIONALS The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

HAWAIIAN DISCO With DJ Roddy Hankins.The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk MARTIN CHAPPLE Solo performance. De Koffie Pot, Gwynne St, Hereford, 3-5pm.

SING OUT STRONG: COVID MEMORIAL CONCERT See the Sing out Strong Global Choir in person. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, all profits to Herefordshire Mind, www.herefordcathedral.org

Sun 21 August BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL Atsuko Shimada/Alan Barnes Quartet, Riverside/Muse, 7.30pm. Juan Galiardo Trio, Riverside Muse, 9pm.

Livestreamed from London to Brecon. www.breconjazz.org OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The White Swan, Eardisland, 4-7pm, please pre-book your slot - markianrichards@ hotmail.com THE MONKLAND STEP SESSION The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 7.30pm

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INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

WILL KILLEEN The King of slide guitar. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 0600 712767.

MICHA PRENGER Ace Dutch blues guitarist returns to the UK, accompanied by Lorena, his stunning female vocalist. Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle, 5pm, 01588 630144.

BANDS IN THE PARK Concert. Bandstand, Wye St, Ross-onWye, 2.30-4.30pm, charity collection.

MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Cymanfa Ganu. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen.

A masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury, £10/£7, www.brackenburybianco.com TWO’S COMPANY! Relaxed duo concert for all ages, featuring Gemma King, soprano and Steve Dunachie, piano.

Clun Methodist Church, 12pm, free.

Clun Valley Chamber Music. www.clunvalleymusic.co.uk

Mon 22 August MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Featuring Charlotte Kwok & Sisters, 1pm, £10. Robyn Lyn, tenor, Gwawr Edwards, soprano, Trystan Lewis, bass andMenna Griffiths, 7.30pm, £20. Sian James, harp 10pm, £15. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru

Tues 23 August ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Featuring Children’s Concert: Ben Dant a Cadi, 1pm, free. Cantorion Gogledd Cymru, 7.30pm, £20. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

Wed 24 August MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Featuring Open air concert, 11am, free.

Hallstatt Lecture: Dr James January-McCann, 1pm, £15.

Benefactor’s Concert: Wihan Quartet, 4pm. African Night: Abel Selaocoe & Chesaba, 7.30pm, £25. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru WILD FRUIT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

ESCAPE ROOM See 23 August for details. www.herefordcathedral.org

Thurs 25 August PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL Gemma Rosefield, cello. Programme includes Thomas Hyde, Rylan Gleave, Judith Weir and JS Bach. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 3.30pm, £20, £15 restricted, £6 students. Julian Philips ‘Looking West. Concert-theatre work on Vaughan Williams’ life and work.

St Andew’s Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £28, £24 restricted, £6 student. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. Bridgnorth Music & Arts Festival, library. £5, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. www.ticketshource.co.uk/visio-improvisus ESCAPE ROOM See 23 August for details. www.herefordcathedral.org

MORCHEEBA Chilled electronic /organic sound. With support from Duke Garwood.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk BOWIE NIGHT Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 5pm.

MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Featuring Wihan Quartet, 1pm, £15.

Natalya Romaniw, soprano and Julius Drake, piano, 7.30pm, £25. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru

Fri 26 August HEREFORD RIVER CARNIVAL Bringing the seaside to Hereford.

Fun for everyone at Bishop’s Meadow, Castle Green, King George V Playing Fields and on the River Wye, details www.rivercarnival.org QUIZ NIGHT The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8pm, booking essential.

VERA VAN HEERINGEN Solo. Plus Beresford, Williams and Foote. Contemporary folk/Americana from singer-guitarist-songwriter Vera, plus guitar, lapsteel and double bass trio playing country/jazz instrumentals.

The Cross Keys, High St, Llanfyllin, 8pm, £10/£7/£5, pay-what-you-can, BYOB, 0781 2512891.

EGO FRIENDLY The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Vera Van Heeringen

MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Masterclass sessions with Dennis O’Neill, 10.30am, £10. Glyndwr Award: Robat Arwyn, 1pm, £10. Masterclass concert with Dennis O’Neill, 5pm, £7.

Viktoria Mullova, violin and Alasdair Beatson, ;piano, 7.30pm, £25. Elysium Brass, 10pm, £15. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru THE AGONY Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

RICH RIDDIM DJ brings reggae. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, free before 9pm, £3 after.

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL Leonore Piano Trio, programme includes David Matthews, Joseph Phibbs, Freya Waley-Cohen and Gabriel Faure.

St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 2pm, £20, £15 restricted, £6 students.

Presteigne Festival Orchestra, ‘Silver Falls’. Programme includes Dani Howard, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Igor Stravinsky, Gabriel Jackson and John Ireland. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £28, restricted £24, students £6. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com ABBA GOLD Classic hits of Abba. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 27 August HEREFORD RIVER CARNIVAL Bringing the seaside to Hereford.

Fun for everyone at Bishop’s Meadow, Castle Green, King George V Playing Fields and on the River Wye, details www.rivercarnival.org MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Mark Padmore, tenor, Benjamin Marquise Gilmore, violin and Niall Cusack, narrator, 1pm, £15. Elisabeth Leonskaja, piano, 7.30pm, £25.

Lourdes Fernandez Flamenco Company, 10pm, £15. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru

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SUNSHINE FESTIVAL 2022 Featuring on the main stage, The Cuginis, Level 42, The Human League, Squeeze, The Wurzels, Erica, Dr Hook, Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band, The Blow Monkeys, Barrioke Shaun Williamson, Showaddywaddy, Dr Feelgood, Angie Brown, Alison Limerick, Symphonic Ibiza, Blackbox, Zumba, Sonique. Also a Sunflower Stage, Cocktail Stage, Variety Stage and Weston’s Stage. Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn. www.uptonfestival.co.uk

The Upbeat Beatles

Sat 27 August CLUN VALLEY JAZZ Featuring Julian Siegel Quartet, Bishop’s Castle venue TBC, 8pm, £23, 07768 504322, email clunvalleyjazz@ gmail.com JOHNNY KOWALSKI & THE SEXY WEIRDOS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. Norbury Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10 including first drink/ nibbles, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. www.ticketshource. co.uk/visio-improvisus ANALOGUE CAFE London DJs. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, free before 9pm, £3 after.

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL ‘The Eclectic Harp’. Olivia Jageurs, harp. St Mary Magdalene Church, Leintwardine, 11.30am (festival bus from Presteigne 10.30am), £20, student £6.’Night Windows’. Nicholas Daniel, oboe and Huw Watkins, piano. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 2pm, £20, £15 restricted, £6 student. ‘Sweet Love Remembered’. Carducci Quartet, programme includes Shostakovich, Julian Philips and Beethoven.

St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £25, £18 restricted, £6 students. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com NICK AND JANE Poptastic duo perform the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s and more. De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 3-5pm.

THE UPBEAT BEATLES Powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicanship.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Sun 28 August

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DE KOFFIE STOCK A day of live music by the river from 1pm, De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, free.

TWO’S COMPANY! Relaxed duo concert for all ages, featuring Pavlo Beznosiuk, baroque violin and Paula Chateauneuf, theorbo.

Clun Methodist Church, 12pm, free.

Clun Valley Chamber Music. www.clunvalleymusic.co.uk OPEN MIC The Greyhound, Llangunllo, from 3pm, outside, barbecue. Plus rounders match, meet at The Greyhound, 12pm.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

HOT ROD 55 The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen by a masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 4pm, £15/£10, under 18s free. Tickets on the door, cash only. www.ticketshource.co.uk/visio-improvisus OPEN MIC Hosted by Mark Richards. The Castle Inn, Wigmore, 4-7pm, please pre-book your slot - markianrichards@hotmail. com PETE’S RESURRECTED 9TH WAKE Featuring The Fugitives 3pm. Groovy Head 5.15pm. Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 01432 356529.

Buckets for St Michael’s Hospice and Martha’s Trust.

JOJO WAILS Vaga, Hereford, 4-6pm.

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL Festival Eucharist. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 11am. ‘Veiled Dawn’.

Emmanuel Sowicz, guitar, St Michael’s Church, Discoed, 2pm, (festival bus departs Presteigne 1.20pm), £20, students £6. Carducci Quartet with Amy Dickson, saxophone. Church of St Mary Magdalene, Bleddfa, 4.30pm, £20, students £6. ‘Countless and Wonderful are the ways to Praise God’, with Dominic Sedgwick, baritone, Bath Camerata, Presteigne Festival Orchestra, St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £28, £24 restricted, £6 student. 01544 267800.

BANDS IN THE PARK Concert. Bandstand, Wye St, Ross-onWye, 2.30-4.30pm, charity collection.

MACHYNLLETH FESTIVAL Nikola Meeuwsen, piano, 1pm, £15.

Mark Padmore, tenor, Navarra Quartet, Leon Bosch, double bass, Julius Drake piano, 7.30pm, £25. The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, free, www.moma.cymru

Mon 29 August PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL ‘Silent Moon’ with Dominic Sedgwick, baritone and Huw Watkins, piano.

St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 11.30am, £20, £15 restricted, £6 student. Bath Camerata with Amy Dickson, saxophone. Priory Church, Leominster, 2.30pm, (festival bus departs from Presteigne at 1.40pm), £20, £6 student. Leonore Piano Trio, Ravel Piano Trio and two premieres, St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 6pm, £25, £18 restricted, £6 student. ‘(Dead) Funny Women’. Cabaret with Jessica Walker, mezzo-soprano and Joseph Atkins, piano. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £20, £15 restricted, £6 student. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.org AARDVARK VIDE GRENIER With music from Red Madog (with Jack Brett) and over 30 stalls of brilliant bric-a-brac, collectables, local produce etc. A local institution. Do not miss out! Aardvark Books and Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, 9am-3pm, (music 12-2pm), 01547 530744.

SUNSHINE FESTIVAL 2022 See 28 Aug for details.

Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn. www.uptonfestival.co.uk

Tues 30 August ALBERT LOVES JAM NIGHT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

Presteigne Festival, 25th - 30th August

Benjamin Nabarro Nicholas Daniel Olivia Jageurs

Carducci Quartet

Jessica Walker

COLLISION The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

The Brodsky Quartet

VISIO IMPROVISUS The music of St Hildegard von Bingen.

A masterful improvisational duo Brackenbury Bianco. St Lawrence’s Church, Church Stretton, £10/£7, www.brackenburybianco.com TOM BOWES ‘Nicolo Paganini: An afternoon of mystery, myth and magic’. Nicolo’s first twelve caprices from Opus 1. Old Downton Lodge, Downton on the Rock, Ludlow, SY7 2HU, 3-6pm, £5, champagne, canapes. Fundraiser for Arcadia Festival.

Sun 4 September

Tues 30 August PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL ‘Piano in the Afternoon’, with Tim Horton. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 2pm, £20, restricted £15, student £6. ‘40th Anniversary Festival Gala’. Featuring Amy Dickson, saxophone, Benjamin Nabarro, violin, Presteigne Festival Orchestra and George Vass, conductor. Programme includes Sarah Frances Jenkins, Finzi, Tarik O’Regan, Vaughan Williams and Julian Philips. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 7pm, £28, £24 restricted, £6 student. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

Wed 31 August WILD FRUIT Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

OPEN MIC Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 7pm, pre-booking advised, martinchapple1gmail.com

SEPTEMBER Thurs 1 September ALBERT HATES KARAOKE Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 11pm, 01743 241124.

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

Fri 2 September

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SAM & THE HOTRODS Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BRODSKY QUARTET & RICHARD TUNNICLIFFE Programme includes Bach, Shostakovich and Schubert.

St George’s Church, Clun, 7.30pm, www.clunvalleymusic.co.uk

Sat 3 September LOZ CAMPBELL + THE 501S & THE VULCAN STRAIGHT Rock and indie. The Lost Arc, The Old Drill Hall, Bridge St, Rhayader, £5, www.thelostarc.co.uk

MOORS MEADOW GARDENS An eclectic mix of music and spoken word in the setting of the Oak Circle at Moors Meadow Gardens, Collington, HR7 4LZ, gardens open from 12pm, performance starts at 4pm, £10, Teas on the Terrace available before the performance (at extra charge).

In aid of St Michael’s Hospice, www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk or 01885 410318. Open air event, suitable clothing advised, assistance dogs only.

CHORAL EVENSONG Leominster Priory, 6.30pm.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 01743 241124.

HEREFORD JAZZ CLUB Featuring Apex Jazz Band.

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £8, 01432 276304.

CANTALOOP Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, 01743 241124.

Mon 5 September

NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION Formerly known as Purple Rain delivers a non-stop, hit packed show, celebrating the music of Prince.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

ENABLERS As part of their European tour, US based group link music, poetry and spoken word. With support from Haress.

Myndtown Church, SY7 8BL, near Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12, 01588 680100, www.myndtownchurch.co.uk.

Cantaloop

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

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

Wed 7 September QUE SERA SERA A show that pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest star, Doris Day. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, www.thealbertall.co.uk 0333 666 3366.

Music Workshops Mon 1 - Sun 14 August BIG SING UK - SUMMER PROJECT The Summer Youth Project which runs for two weeks offers young people the opportunity to be taught by industry professionals and concludes with live performances on the final weekend.

Details, 07967 517125, www.themarkettheatre.com Sun 7 & Fri 12 August BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS 7 Aug - Jazz Workshop with tutor Alex Clarke, Guildhall, 10.30am-1pm, £10.

12 Aug - Jazz Art Workshops with Karen Mear and Nigel Evans, Guildhall Civic, children 10am-12pm, adults 2-4pm. www.breconjazz.org

Mon 29 August - Fri 2 September LIVEWIRE CENTRAL Young musicians play, create their own parts, perform, make friends and finish with a Hereford gig, audience welcome.

For ages 11-21, details email lisa@ encore-enterprises.com Wed 31 August & Wed 7 September MALE VOICE CHOIR WORKSHOP A gentle, no pressure, experience of singing with an established male voice choir. Hereford Railway Club, Barton Yard, Hereford, HR4 0AZ, 7pm, free, admin@herefordrailchoir.org Sat 10 September WORKSHOP FOR ORGANISTS ‘How to make the most of your church organ - be it large or small’ with Hilary Norris. Leominster Priory, 10am12.30pm. Contact Grahame Taylor to book and details on 07789 005962 or sec@dhots.org by 1 Sept.

Mondays, term time only CLOSE HOUSE MUSIC MONDAYS You will have the opportunity to play songs with other musicians who are just starting out and grow alongside them as the weeks progress. You can explore creating your own musical parts all the way from a riff to a whole song.

We will rehearse suitable covers where you should never feel out of your depth.

Ages 11-21. Close House, 4-6pm.

For more information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5, 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 BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954.

Monday BANDAMANIA Bright and breezy traditional and original music.Assembly Rooms, Presteigne. Mondays at 7.30pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158 Monday (from Sept) GARRICK SINGERS For over 55s, no prior experience of singing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £5 per session, lisa@encore-enterprises.com.

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

Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm, 07723 016837.

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, VH, near Brecon.

The Monkland Arms CYDER FESTIVAL ST

TH

13 TH &

12

U AUG

Local Cyder Producers Guest Ales Live Music Street Food Bar

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

Maker & Restorer of Violins, Violas & Cellos

Repairs, Fitting Up, Tonal Adjustments Bow Repairs etc

PEMBRIDGE M: 07901 064875

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

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Tuesdays term time only LIVEWIRE SESSIONS The Castle Green Pavilion, 5:30 - 7:30pm. A drop-in for anybody interested in music. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re a grade 8, classically trained or not, we invite you to flex your musical muscles.

In these sessions you can explore different song & lyric writing methods, an original take on covers, music production, rap, band development & recording. Ages 1121. Information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music. World, folk music, and more. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. 01568 369074.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir.Traditional, world and original songs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm.

Call Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group.

Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD A non auditioned mixed voice choir early and classical music. Rehearsals currently in Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells. 7.45-9.15pm. 01597 810601, www.cantorion-llandrindod.org First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR We are a non-audition choir formed 10 years ago with 25+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3.50 per session paid termly, first trial session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. Info: term dates etc: lhvoices. wix.com/home Facebook: @LittleHerefordVoices

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

Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9pm. 01584 823604 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music filled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £7, 01743 234970.

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

Friday CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE Craven Arms Community Centre.10.30 a.m - 11.45 a.m. regularly during term time with some holiday sessions. Join our friendly group to learn traditional djembe rhythms from Africa and samba rhythms from Brazil - Adults £5 (children accompanying their parents can join in with holiday sessions - £1, second child free). Enquiries carol@ mkgriffs.plus.com

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm. Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Thursday CLUN SINGERS Informal community choir, traditional and original songs taught by ear. 10am in High Town Hall, Clun. Sue Harris 01547 550158.

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, 8.30pm, 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 The Castle Dinas, (formerly The Dragon’s Back), Pengenffordd, Talgarth, 01874 711353.

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.

2nd and 4th Sunday FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267.

3rd Sunday IRISH SESSION Pandy Inn, Dorstone, 01981 550273.

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3rd Sunday FOLK SESSION The Monkland Arms, 7.30pm, 01568 720510.

Last Sunday IRISH SESSION The Yard at Daphne’s, High St, Presteigne, 07377 909216.

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

Last Sunday OPEN MIC Volunteer Inn, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com

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

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

3rd Wednesday MUSIC SESSION Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford, 07543 327548.

First Monday of month OPEN MIC Bridges Inn, Ratlinghope, 01588 650260.

3rd Wednesday JAM SESSION The Unicorn, Oswestry, 7.30pm, 07751 420796.

First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 01584 711480 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

Every Thursday & Friday A CLOCKWORK ORANGE TREE Open mic, 7pm. The Orange Tree, 16 King St, Hereford.

2nd Monday JAM SESSION The Barley Mow, Trefonen, 7.30pm, 07751 420796.

Every Tuesday PLAYING TOGETHER An interactive, intergenerational play session for older adults and pre-school children. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Every Tuesday (term time only) LIVEWIRE Drop-in for anybody interested in music. For ages 11-21.

The Castle Green Pavilion, Hereford, 5.30pm-7.30pm, details lisa@encore-enterprises.com 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 TUESDAY JAM SESSION The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8-11pm, 01885 483034.

Every Wednesday MUSIC CAFE FOR ARMED FORCES VETERANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am-3pm, free, and £7.50, 01432 340555.

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

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

1st and 3rd Wednesday DRAGON BAND 8-10.30pm, Montgomery Town Hall, Broad St., Montgomery, Free but £5 donation gratefully received. 07831 383636.

1st Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION The Old Brewery Bar, The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm.

2nd Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Red Lion, Llanidloes, 8.30pm.

2nd Wednesday MARTIN’S MUSIC Open mic from 7pm.

Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, martinchapple1@gmail.com

Every Thursday OPEN MIC Lupa Cocktail Bar, 37 Bewell St, Hereford, 7.30pm, lupahereford@gmail.com Every Thursday OPEN MIC Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley, 7-8pm, 01981 510646.

Every Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Nat and Delia present Duke Joint Jam. Oxford Arms, Kington, 6.30pm, all welcome, 01544 230322.

Every Thursday ACOUSTIC MUSIC SESSION Bring an instrument and join in or just come and enjoy the craic! The Stag, 15 Great Oak St, Llanidloes, 8.30pm, free, 07580 210169.

Every Thursday SESSION Black Swan, Much Dewchurch, 01981 540295.

Last Thursday KINGTON FOLK Traditional folk club set-up, no guests, performers welcome. Back room of the Oxford Arms, Duke St, Kington, 7.30pm, free. email kingtonfolkclub@gmail.com 2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Hosted by Stevie Yeomans.

Castle Inn, Knucklas, near Knighton, 8pm, 01547 528150.

2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060.

3rd Thursday FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223 or 01547 528150.

4th Thurs OPEN MIC The Barley Mow, Trefonen, 7.30pm, 07751 420796 to book your slot.

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

3rd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT The Herb Garden Community Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 823082.

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

Specialising in the conservationrestoration of works of art on paper and archive material.

Unit 9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan, SY7 0JU.

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

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

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band directory ADD A BAND - Real instrument backing to your own music. Perfect for singer songwriters etc. Studio near Newtown. www.addaband.co.uk, 07515 401635.

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.

BAGPIPES Authentic Highland music for your formal event or gathering from international piper Keith Wellings.

Keith is a former British diplomat bringing Scotland’s music to festivals, theatres, balls, weddings and funerals. Contact by phone 07580 389903, email keiththepiper@gmail.com facebook keith.wellings instagram keiththepiper BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com BEST FOOT CEILIDH BAND The hottest dance band on the borders + caller. Available for weddings, barn dances and parties. Contact: 07969 440183 or john@johnhymas. com BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND 10-piece jive/R & R group.

‘Does what it says on the tin!’ Parties/festivals/happenings/weddings etc. Call Eddy on 01691 648729 or 07796 148448. Web: eddygartry.com Email: w.gartry@hotmail. com Management also for The Werewolves of Powys and Blues State UK 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. email: chicagoswingkatz@aol.com, www.thechicagoswingkatz.co.uk, Jeff Matthews 07831 383636 THE DRAGON BIG BAND - 14 musicians playing Basie, Ellington, and exclusive arrangements. Jazz to Swing to Latin. Trumpets, trombones, saxes, bass, guitar, keyboard, drums. We play every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 8.00 - 10.30 at: The Montgomery Town Hall, Broad St., Montgomery, SY15 6PH. Local free car parking and nearby Hotel for food or drink. Free admission but £5 donation gratefully received. Available for weddings and events.

Band enquiries: Jeff Matthews - 07831 383636.

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!

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LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.”

Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email – jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com

THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues.

Available for all types of events and celebrations.

Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail. com 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 MODE-X Female fronted Party/function band, playing a diverse and up to date range of pop/rock by great artists/ bands like Blondie, Bonnie Raitt, PJ Harvey plus driving grooves from the post punk era like Elvis Costello, XTC, Martha & The Muffins etc. We can supply all the logistics to support and enhance your party/function.

“Professional purveyors of punchy pop rock”.

Sue 07397 188543.

NICK AND JANE – The Poptastic duo bring you the greatest hits of the 60’s, 70’s and more. Great harmonies and infectious enthusiasm to make your event a memorable success. Perfect for parties, pubs, festivals and weddings. Facebook @nickandjane email: nickandjaneH@gmail.com or call Jane on 07512 368433.

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 THE ROTUNDAS are a pair of jolly chaps who sing and play contemporary versions of industrial and social folk songs from Birmingham and the Black Country. Listen on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/therotundas and contact us at our Facebook page @TheRotundas or email therotundasband@gmail.com

SHRED BELLY Ludlow/Shropshire based acoustic duo, playing covers of popular ‘Dad’s Rock’ songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and more. Full band can also be available. All bookings and enquiries please contact: Kevin on 07873 426205 or Paul on 07957 247851.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band).

CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/ birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01981 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187.

SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Concerts/gigs.

SIMON THE PIPER Highland Piper with 20 years experience. Available for all occasions - weddings, funerals, Burn’s Night, Hogmanay, festivals, processions etc. Based in Hereford. Call 07791 045831 or facebook. com/simonthepiper Email simonthepiper@hotmail.com SINGLED OUT Experienced, 3-piece band covering the best pop and rock music from the 50’s to the current era.

We focus on great tunes that don’t usually get played by 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 THE CHERRYSTONES are Aly (whistles, flute, accordion, vocals), Matt (bass, foot drum, vocals) and Dave (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, vocals) who bring you a mix of original and traditional folk songs and tunes.

From thoughtful, well-crafted songs to infectious uptempo Irish whistle tunes, we will warm your heart and stir your souls and soles! Contact : Dave 07817 220016, dgand2@btinternet.com. Find us here Facebook.com The Cherrystones. Website coming soon!

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.

For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk UNDAUNTED Female influenced indie rock band hailing from South Shropshire. This lively 4 piece brings you strong vocals, great rocking sound, fun and always something different from the norm. For events and booking contact Tracey 07547188402 or Liz 07807531151. Enquiries welcome.

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

VENUES ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255 ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141 BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968 BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670.

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

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540 BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811 THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434 THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963 BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000 CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192 CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, Ludlow 01584 872063 CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575 THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555 THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318 DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408 THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412 THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762 THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274.

GORDON BENNETTS BAR, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373 THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330 HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003.

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

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679 LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821 LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277 LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291 THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712 MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352 NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908 OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020 THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008 THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322 PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867 REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368.

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336 ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720 THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555 THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023 THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797 THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998 VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189.

WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577 WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

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theatre King Arthur!

PERFORMANCE

Tues 2 & Thurs 25 August AS YOU LIKE IT THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN invite you to join them for Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Shrewsbury Castle, 7pm, £20, children £10, 01743 281281.

Sat 6 August THE FOSSIL LADY OF LIME With Alison Neil. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £14, Part of Church Stretton Arts Festival, www.strettonfestival.org.uk Sun 7 August THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST IMMERSION THEATRE invite you to enjoy an afternoon of open-air decadence and hilarity as they present Oscar Wilde’s wittiest comedy. Shrewsbury Castle, 1pm & 4pm, £15, students £12.50, 01743 281281.

Sun 14 August LOVE’S LABOURS LOST THE WET MARINERS will return to Shakespeare’s eccentric early comedy. Join a chaotic cast of Kings, Lords, Ladies, Spaniards, curates, schoolmasters, wenches and of course, a messenger. Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, 3pm & 7.30pm, 01597 811487, www.shakespearelink.org.uk Sun 14 August MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING THE PANTALOONS take on Shakespeare’s timeless summer comedy of masks, music and mistaken identities.

Shrewsbury Castle, 3pm & 7pm, £15, students £10, 01743 281281.

Wed 17 August A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ILLYRIA. The course of true love is anything but smooth as games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare’s most beguiling comedy. Montgomery Castle, limited seating only, bring picnics, 7pm (outdoor event), £16 adults, £10 children, www.ticketsource.co.uk or at Bunners, Montgomery or 01686 668442.

Sun 21 August KING ARTHUR! Outdoor family adventure (Courtyard Fundraiser). With live music, physical comedy and lo-fi acrobatics. By kind permission of Joanna Cobb, Chair of the Courtyard Trust Board. Bring your own picnic, blanket or chairs, in the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved undercover. Free parking, 2pm, further details on venue and booking 01432 340555.

Tues 23 August GERALD DICKENS Great Great Grandson of Charles Dickens, presents two of Charles’ famous works in a one-man show. ‘Mr Dickens is Coming’ and ‘The Life and Advneutres of Nicholas Nickleby’. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £15. Tickets available from www.Victorian-festival.co.uk or on the door.

Thurs 25 August SHINING BRIGHT ALISON NEIL presents the story of Marie Curie. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £15. Tickets available from www.Victorian-festival.co.uk or on the door.

Sun 28 August THE SPIRIT OF WOODSTOCK Award-winning SOMETHING UNDERGROUND are bringing you their latest, open air stage show, The Spirit of Woodstock..... Over two wild and immersive hours. The politics, the conflicts, the music, the protests, the moon landings, the civil-rights movement, the adverts, the drugs, the music, the musicians and the personalities, all imbued with the soundscape of this incredible era. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 3pm, £14, 01497 821762.

Sun 28 August CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION SOMETHING UNDERGROUND. A highly dynamic and energetic theatre collage of the stories, the time, the people, the music. A romp through the 70’s. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £14, 01497 821762.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

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Much Ado about Nothing

Mon 1 August SKATEBOARD HERO Performed by visiting Spanish boys, a musical in English about a young Spanish skateboarder who gave his life during the terrorist attack on London Bridge in 2017.

St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 8pm, free.

Fri 19 & Sat 20 August RITZ AND GLITZ LLANDRINDOD WELLS THEATRE COMPANY celebrating 100 years of song. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, tickets on the door.

Ministry of Science

Fri 19 & Sat 20 August X-ENTRICITY 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASE Bringing cast members old and new to celebrate 20 years of musical memories. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 24 - Fri 26 August OPERATION JULIE THEATR NA NÓG. Breaking Bad collides with The Good Life in a psychedelic true story from the hillsides of rural Wales. An anarchic play with music from the 70’s prog-rock that tells the incredible story of the undercover operation that smashed one of the most extraordinary drug rings the world has ever seen. For ages 16+ or 14+ with adult. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Thurs 4 August THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT AND BENJAMIN BUNNY QUANTUM THEATRE are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales.

Shrewsbury Castle, 2pm, £15, under 16s £12.50, 01743 281281.

Sun 7 August THE GRIMM SISTERS SCRATCHWORKS THEATRE. Two sisters, one is quite clever and one is quite musical. The tales are great, but were stolen by their beastly brothers! Malvern Cube, 2pm & 5pm, www.malverncube.com Wed 17 August MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE! Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science with a few loud bangs along the way. Educational, entertaining, explosive and fun. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 22 August A DRAGON’S TALE Following each peformance, there will be an hour-long puppet making workshop which is £1 to cover materials.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 11am & 2pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

DRAMA WORKSHOPS Fri 5 - Sun 7 August SHAKESPEARE FAMILY CAMP! Pack your tents/caravans/campervans for a weekend feast of family fun, frolics and Shakespeare. Inclusive activities for all the family as we work through Macbeth, exploring dance, stage combat, drama and more. Suitable for all ages, £120 per family for the weekend inclusive of camping and activities. Food can be provided at an additional cost. Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 811487, www.shakespearelink.org.uk Email info@shakespearelink.org.uk Tues 9 August MA STAGE SCHOOL 2 DAY MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 10am-4pm, booking essential, email mastageschool@gmail.com Wed 10 - Fri 12 August THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Three day workshop will include lots of storytelling, games and fun for ages 4-7 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-12.30pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 15 - Fri 19 August BE A STAR WEEK - INCLUSIVE WORKSHOPS A full week of drama, dance and arts and craft activities.

All practitioners and staff are experienced in working with young people who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities. For ages 8-15. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-3pm, or 10.30am-1pm. To book contact Rebecca Cook, 01432 346511 or email rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk Mon 22 - Fri 26 August GREEK MYTHS AND LEGENDS

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 3-6: 4.30pm, £39 per term. Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.15pm, £43 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 7.30pm, £46 per term.

The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. Sat - Juniors, Year 8-14: 10am, £39 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury.

Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £39 per term.

Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £39 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. Mondays 3.45pm 4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2.

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

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8.

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow.org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm.

Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225.

Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE For 7-14 year-olds after school.

Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

Thursdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 years. All abilities welcome.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE At Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NN, £5 per session, info@shakespearelink.org.uk for details.

Delve into an ancient world of heroes and monsters.

Week-long workshop using drama to bring these stories to life. For ages 8 - 14 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-3pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 22 - Sun 28 August THE ALBERT HALL OPEN DAYS Come and learn about the history of The Albert Hall and take a look behind the scenes. Days to be confirmed, see www.thealberthall.co.uk for updates.

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COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Sat - Junior Yourth Theatre. Year 3: 9.15am. Year 4: 10.15am. Year 5: 11.15am. Year 6: 12.15pm. Year 7: 1.45pm. Year 8: 3pm. Year 9: 4.45pm, £68.50 per term.

Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. Year 10 & 11, 5.15pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre for Year 12+, 7pm, £73.50 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk.

Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds.

Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The HIve, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

www.tents4elements.co.uk

Conquest Theatre Bromyard

Streamed Events

Thurs 4 August, 7pm PRIMA FACIE National Theatre.

Starring Jodie Comer.

Sat 6 August, 8.30pm WESTLIFE Live from Wembley Stadium.

Sat 27 August, 7pm ANDRE RIEU Happy Days are Here Again.

Films

5 Aug, 7.30pm PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) 26 Aug, 7.30pm ELVIS (12A) Saturday Coffee Shop open 10.30am-12.30pm

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

47

word Helena Attlee, Presteigne Festival

Sat 13 August BEES AND WASPS A talk from expert Janice Vincett, £5 with refreshments.

Plus a bee based drawing session led by local artist Sorrel Matei with free art materials. CARAD, Rhayader Museum, www.carad.org.uk Wed 17 August THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS: THE MUSIC, HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF THE PIPE ORGAN Hilary Norris will explain how the organ works and illustrate it by playing on the Priory Organ. Leominster Priory Church, 7.30pm, £5 on the door. Leominster Historical Society.

Poetry & Storytelling

Thurs 11 August BABAR BLAH Spoken word open mic. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 5pm, free.

Sunday 28 August NEW POETRY IN PRESTEIGNE Presteigne-based poetry imprint Rack Press is hosting the launch by Melos Press of Elsewhere: Collected Poems of Nicholas Murray. The Old Manse, Broad Street, Presteigne, 12pm, free, no booking required, refreshments, www.rackpress.blogspot.com Mon 29 August POETRY WITH GILLIAN CLARKE One of the central figures in contemporary Welsh poetry.

Baptist Church, Hereford St, Presteigne, 2pm, £8, student £6. Part of Presteigne Festival, 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

Talks Wed 3 August TRADITONAL MIDWIFERY A talk by Lux Berndt from Brazil. Grange Road Community Centre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, 01588 630648.

Wed 3 August 100 PAINTINGS FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL TRUST A talk given by Dr John Chu, National Trust Senior National Curator for Pictures and Sculpture. Parish Centre, Church Stretton, 3pm, £10. Part of Church Stretton Arts Festival, www.strettonfestival.org.uk

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Wed 10 August OUT OF AFRICA: WHAT HAS THE ‘DARK CONTINENT’ EVER DONE FOR US? A talk by Professor Gary Craig, Professor of Social Justice at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £10, 01432 374225.

Thurs 25 - Tues 30 August PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL 25 Aug - ‘Huskisson Stubington - A Presteigne Musician Recalled’. Musical history with Michael Tavinor.

Baptist Church, Hereford St, Presteigne, 11am, £8, student £6. 26 Aug ‘Lev’s Violin’. An Italian adventure with Helena Attlee in conversation with Nicholas Murray.

St Michael’s Church, Discoed, 11am, £8, students £6.

26 Aug - Festival Composer-in-Residence, Julian Philips in conversation with Thomas Hyde. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, £8, students £6. 27 Aug - ‘Grandma’s Earwork’. Ian Marchant’s Vaughan Williams connection.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, £8, student £6.

29 Aug - ‘A Hundred Years On: Modernism’s Annus Mirabilis, 1922’, literature with Nicholas Murray.

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, £8, student £6. 30 Aug - ‘Vaughan Williams: A Voice for our Time’. Stephen Johnson talks about music. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, £8, student £6. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com Mon 5 September ROSS ARTS SOCIETY LECTURE ‘Exquisite Corpses and Angels of Anachy: the Surrealists and their Art’. A lecture by Justine Hopkins. The Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross-on-Wye, 1.30pm, £10, 01989 565465.

Workshops & Courses Fri 5 August (monthly on the first Friday POT AND PAGE BOOK CLUB A meal inspired by the book will be served during the evening and our all local bar will be open serving literary cocktails until close. Free entry, but please book your space online, www.potandpage.co.uk. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 7pm, 01531 248743.

Mondays WRITING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30-8.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Tues - Advance beginners 10am-11.30am, Wed - Advance Spanish B1, 10am. Thurs - Total beginners, 10am-11.30am with Mely. Private tuition - GCSE students and A Level. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505. www.hayspanish.com

Every Tuesday READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS Share words written by themselves or others. Music, good company and food. No booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6.30pm, www.potandpage.co.uk First Wednesday of each month BABARS’ BOOK CLUB All welcome, 6.30pm, Babar’s Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 01432 342334.

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

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.

Human medical / Sport Rehabilitation The Bright n Bute company @lasering1

Veterinary Low Level Laser Therapy I will travel to your horses and pets.

Louisa Clarke BSc (hons) Cert Ed. RVN, BHSPT Email: thebrightnbutecompany@gmail.com Mobile: 07972 220082 Web: www.thebright-n-bute-company.com

49

grass roots Filthy Rivers! New Protest Group Targets Severn Trent

C

LAIRE Kirby, a grandmother from Shrewsbury, describes herself as a lifelong environmentalist. She has always been interested in the natural world around her. But one unpleasant aspect of her local surroundings has begun to dominate her time in a way she never expected.

Claire lives near the River Severn in the Coton Hill area of Shrewsbury. She often uses a riverside path to get to and from the town. In recent times she has begun to notice, with disgust, that the path is often littered with sewage.

Claire has spoken to neighbours who’ve told her they’re also getting fed up with their shoes, and those of their children, becoming soiled by excrement.

In October about 50 people in the area attended a public meeting to protest about the pollution. Encouraged by the turnout, Claire and others formed a campaign group. They wanted to call it Up Shit Creek. But they were warned by local journalists that they would not be able to use even such a mild expletive in their reports. No shit! So the new group became Up Sewage Creek.

too little water company investment. “In recent years,” she said, “there has been a reduction in the financing of sewage infrastructure by water companies, while at the same time they have been making profits.”

Claire Kirby is well qualified to assess the pollution threat. She holds a degree in environmental science from King’s College London. The group she co-founded has held several demonstrations and has demanded action by the water company, Severn Trent, to stop discharges of untreated sewage into the river. In June, Severn Trent executives were invited to answer the complaints of residents and town councillors at Shire Hall, Shrewsbury.

Responding to the views expressed at Shire Hall, Severn Trent Water told Broad Sheep that it has spent £12 billion since privatisation on improving rivers across its region, and that it has dramatically reduced pollution levels. It also claims that it has cut the average number of spills from storm overflows and sewage treatment works from 27 to 25. But does it mean 25 a day? 25 a month? Or 25 a year?

It does not say!

The officials soon came under fire from the public benches. Several residents challenged the company to do much more to stop or curtail what they saw as the almost routine releases of sewage into the Severn. The water company fielded no fewer than four executives to address the meeting. It was a shrewd move, because the corporate team seemed to outnumber other platform speakers and thus to get most of the speaking time.

In June 2020 Severn Trent Water were fined £800,000 after allowing nearly 4 million litres of untreated sewage to enter a Shropshire stream from one of the company’s treatment works.

However, Claire Kirby, of Up Sewage Creek, gave them a forceful response. She was incensed by a Severn Trent official claiming that the river had attained its best condition in many decades. Later she told Broad Sheep, “It is little short of shameful that the water company has known about, and done nothing about, regular spillages of sewage, not just into the river, but on a footpath and into a local park.”

“Severn Trent were full of what they’re doing, but it’s too little! What they are offering is little more than greenwash.

They are only pretending to act now because of all the public pressure.”

The irate residents got a sympathetic hearing from several councillors including Labour member Kate Halliday.

She said that raw sewage discharges were a significant factor in reduced water quality. “We heard how residents are walking through sewage from the river that has washed up onto footpaths....and this is not acceptable.”

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Kate Halliday was concerned about what she saw as

Claire Kirby

But Shrewsbury and Shropshire are no exception. As I have complained before in Broad Sheep, the river Wye and the Lugg in Herefordshire, are plagued with growing pollution. The Commons Environmental Audit Committee has reported this year hearing evidence that the quality of water in England’s rivers is the worst in Europe. That judgement came from Wildlife and Countryside Link.

The MPs had heard that only 14% of English rivers could claim to have good ecological status. And on chemical contamination, not a single river in England had received a clean bill of health.

In June the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, was one of three experts who wrote to The Telegraph revealing that some individual water company “storm overflows”, so-called, were releasing sewage up to 200 times year, even though they were designed as occasional relief valves - to come into use only during extreme rainfall events.

These learned figures were echoing at national level the alarm being sounded by Claire Kirby and other residents locally in Shrewsbury. Severn Trent Water would do well to pay heed to Up Sewage Creek. I have a feeling we have not heard the last of it, or its energetic leading light, Claire Kirby.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events Tues 9 & Tues 23 August REALLY WILD ROADSHOW See meerkats, chinchilla, pygmy hedgehogs, snakes, bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, barn owl, tarantula and hissing cockroaches! Learn about and interact with the animals.

The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 11am-4pm.

Children’s meal from Bao to the Broth gains one child admission to the show.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 August BISHOP’S CASTLE CHALLENGE WALK 24 mile hike with 4000ft ascent over the uplands of East Powys and Shropshire hills. Do it in a day or over two days, £10, book online, www.bcchallengewalk.co.uk All proceeds to local charities.

Sat 27 August & Wed 7 September OPEN GARDENS Explore the Chapter House, Cloister garden, Canon’s garden, Dean’s garden and Bishop’s garden. (25 June NGS). Hereford Cathedral, bookable sessions between 10am and 3.30pm, £5, www.herefordcathedral.org August NGS POWYS GARDENS 5, 12 & 19 Aug - Welsh Lavender, Maesmynis, Builth Wells, pre-booking essential, £5, teas. 6 & 7 Aug - Moel y Gwelltyn Ucha, Llansilin, 1.30-5.30pm, £5, teas. 7 Aug Felindre Gardens, Berriew, 1-5pm, £5. teas at Rivermead.

14 Aug - Hurdley Hall, Churchstoke, 11am-5pm, £6, teas.

17 Aug - Tranquility Haven, Whitton, Knighton, 6-8pm, £4.50. 21 Aug - Tyn y Cwm, Beulah, 2-5.30pm, £5, teas.

Details www.ngs.org.uk Until December LOCAL NATURAL HISTORY TALKS Learn from experts in their field: mammals, moths, bees, freshwater habitats, birds, fungi, fossils. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, £5 with free refreshments, book online, www.carad.org.uk

Wed & Sat until September GARDEN TOURS Discover the historic gardens around Hereford Cathedral.

Wed 2.30pm, Sat 11am, £6, www.herefordcathedral.org/ garden-tours Until Sept SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 1 - 5 & 22 - 26 Aug - Fire and Food for ages 4-11 year olds, 1-2.30pm, £4.40. 9 - 12 Aug, 16 - 19 Aug & 20 Aug - 2 Sept - A Discovery Summer Children’s Holiday Club for ages 4 - 11 years, 9am-1pm, £9.50 per day, includes cooked lunch. 8 - 12 Aug & 29 Aug - 2 Sept - Iron Age Camp for ages 4-11 year olds, 1-2.30pm, £4.40. 15 - 19 Aug - Purple Prickles and Poisonous Warts. Look for signs of animals that are living in the meadows. For ages 3-11 year olds, 1-2.30pm, £4.40 per accompanied child.

20 Aug - Charity Car Boot, raising funds for Hopton Rehab and Homing’s Winter hay fund, 2-4.30pm, £5 per boot, pre book only. Bookings essential for all of the above. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060, www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk August KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP We manage woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. Volunteer with us on our weekly task days to learn new skills. http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/woodland-project Email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374.

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm.

Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997.

Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

2nd Thursday of the month KINGTON KLEEN Networking drinks. Oxford Arms, Kington, from 7pm, www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

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

A is for ACUPUNCTURE with Joanna Bruce RGN, MBAcC at The Body Clinic, Leominster & Richard’s Castle. Treating pain (NICE recommended) and long-term health conditions since 1985. Food intolerance testing. Phone 01584 831 840 or text 07984 460969.

E-booking: www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

CLEAR HEAD, FREE BODY, OPEN HEART Craniosacral Therapy, Therapeutic Massage and Yoga Classes with Clare Johnson, to help you feel more at ease and aligned physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I work in Ludlow and Elton, near Wigmore. Please phone 07980 070675 or email clareswork@gmail.com

ACCREDITED, EXPERIENCED PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COUNSELLOR: One-to-one sessions for adults age 18 upwards, in Hay-on-Wye (HR3) and by online video. Find relief from anxiety and depression; overcome trauma; transform anger and low self-worth; navigate divorce, bereavement, and other difficult life experiences. Contact Sarah Hamilton at HAY COUNSELLING, 07580 482751, www.haycounselling.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.

ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, LOW SELF WORTH and emotional difficulties - our innovative approach is being used with private and NHS clients with great success.

Clients attend an average of 4 sessions to achieve a substantial, some say transformative, effect on their well being. You can check out the testimonials and book a one to one session on our website www.peaceofmindnow.co.uk or get in touch for more information Mike Buckley 07931 986168 mcmbuckley@gmail.com 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 ASTROLOGY Have you ever wondered if your life is on the right path, or what the year might hold in these uncertain times? Astrological interpretations including natal and year ahead from Pagan Art. www.paganart.co.uk/astrology 10% off first chart with code BS22CA. BABIES, BIRTH AND BREASTS: I am an experienced Midwife, teacher and Craniosacral therapist. We can share KGHypnobirth sessions, Rebozo skills, Birth physiology, Postnatal healing, Breastfeeding support and ‘Closing-the-Bones’ nurture at home, online or in Talgarth. Mellowminnows.wordpress.com or phone Rachel 07484295235 for more info.

THE BRIGHT N BUTE COMPANY - Medical/Sports & Veterinary - K-laser (low level laser therapy) endorsed by vets (VBS Direct) & NHS (NICE guidance) for GP practices & medical profession. Contact: Louisa Clarke BSc(hons) RVN BHSPT Cert Ed. Email: thebrightnbutecompany@ gmail.com Website: https://the-bright-n-bute-company. business.site

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DEEPLY RELAXING Craniosacral Therapy can increase your well-being by releasing emotional and physical tensions. Given a safe space and correct focus, your body knows the way. I am an accredited practitioner, qualified since 2004, based in Shrewsbury, Crickhowell and Mid Wales. Email: cheryljonestherapy@gmail.com Mobile: 07476 012299.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), BAoG (Dip), MBIG (Dip) offers a 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 and anxiety.

For more information see www.thewritetofeel.com.

EQUINE FACILITATED LEARNING. Personal growth for individuals and groups through powerful yet gentle interactions with horses, with seasoned Eponaquest facilitator Angela Dunning. EFL sessions involve spending time outdoors with these beautiful sentient beings, where you will be guided to deepen your connection to yourself and your body; build true confidence; reconnect to your Soul’s purpose and bring greater authenticity to your life. No horse experienced required. Author of “The Horse Leads the Way”. Shropshire/Herefordshire/Borders. Contact me on: 01588 630061/07583 726207; angela@equinereflections. co.uk; or visit www.thehorsestruth.co.uk GONG BATH SOUND MEDITATION SESSIONS Group sessions twice a month. 1:1 sessions. Private groups. www.lizzieyogaherford.com lizegg@live.co.uk 07870 345216.

HAPPINESS COACHING & PERSON CENTRED COUNSELLING I’ve been practicing for 27 years and offer a safe confidential space to off load your stresses and problems bringing relief and skills for life enabling you to be your true, authentic, fulfilled, relaxed and happier self. I’m compassionate, empathic, focused and work with integrity.

Check my profile online at The Body Clinic Leominster and for booking an appointment or call me on 07903 415359.

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Holistic health care with experienced practitioner using homeopathy, essences and homeobotanicals; safe and effective for all ages. I work with you as an individual, listening without judgement, working with whatever issues or problems you may have. Regular clinics in Monmouth and Hereford, incl. Saturday morning children’s clinic in Hereford. See website: www.julietablett.co.uk or contact Juliet at juliet@julietablett.co.uk or 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 07910 892172.

HYPNOTHERAPY Vicky Nicolson-James DipHP HWHP Herefordshire based empathetic hypnotherapist offering online or 1-1 therapy to help you live the life you want and deserve. Professional Hypnotherapy Practitioner Association and National Society of Hypnotherapy.

T:01568 760 306 E: vickynicolsonjames@gmail.com WhatsApp: 07790 162067.

JINGTM LUCIA LLOYD-CLOKIE ACMT (ADV.CLINICAL MASSAGE THERAPIST) JING Method Advanced Clinical Massage -a unique outcome based system for addressing chronic musculoskeletal pain through a tried and tested fusion of advanced soft tissue and massage techniques. If you’re looking to reduce your pain and increase range of movement in 6 treatments or less (+ or -) contact Lucia, who will facilitate your healing journey. Discover your #bodyamazing! m:07506 906614; email: hello@unwind-clinic.co.uk; visit website: www.unwind-clinic.co.uk on FB and IG. In Hereford Daytime Thur & Fri: Lotions and Potions (opposite Fodder), Church St, or Hereford Yoga Centre Monday till 8pm.

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Kinesiology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Emmet technique.

Remedial and Holistic Massage. Counselling inc: Couples and Family, Cognitive Behaviour and NLP Stress Management, Child Birth Issues, Psychotherapy. Telephone 01568 616411 email infoleominstercommunitycentre@ gmail.com Or visit Leominster Community Centre, School Road HR6 8NJ (behind Bridge Street car park).

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage.

Clinic in Presteigne (The Retreat), Presteigne, LD8 2UF. Contact: marian@silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

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 www.midwalesmindfulness.co.uk NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST JULIE HOWES If you suffer gut problems, dementia, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue or any degenerative disease, I can help. Four consultations £150. Home visits or therapy room Hereford.

Call 07462 937 389. Web site juliehowesnutrition.com Email juliehowesnutrition@outlook.com

OSTEOPATH. Mr R A Hughes D.O. Registered Osteopath and Sports Therapist. Fully qualified and registered since 1995. Established in Presteigne for over 20 years.

Sciatica, Arthritis, Trapped Nerves, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain. Headaches, Sports Injuries. 07961 352056, rahughesosteo@gmail.com The Retreat, Presteigne – free car parking.

ONE-TO-ONE SHADOW WORK SESSIONS EXPERIENTIAL, RELATIONAL & EMBODIED THERAPEUTIC PROCESS Shadow work is a great way of approaching your inner experience and those things you want to change. It is a deep, sensitive and safe way of working with all manner of issues even when you have no idea how or where to begin. As we unburden ourselves from the limiting beliefs, behaviours and associated stuck emotions what emerges is an integrity and an authentic expression of our true self; a wholeness from which flows a greater engagement and enjoyment of life. I offer experiential psychotherapeutic process for personal development and for the exploration and transformation of inner conflict and difficulty. Find out more and schedule a free 30-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.uk Alasdair Kirk - 07878 964 792.

PARKINSON’S LIFE PROGRAMME: 1 to 1 Neuro Physio-Led Coaching, Education and Exercise for People with Parkinson’s and their Families. A Flexible and Positive Approach from Diagnosis onwards. Sarah Edwards Parkinson’s Specialist Physiotherapist, MCSP HCPC-Registered. Clinic Based in Castle Street, Hereford.

Home or Gym visits available. Contact us on 01432 628123 or www.edwardsphysio.co.uk 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 REFLEXOLOGY WITH ALICE Offering holistic and tailored treatments at The Body Clinic, Leominster. Reflexology can be used as a safe and effective way to support any number of physical and emotional health needs. Book online at www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Alice directly on reflexologywithalice@gmail.com / 07464948568.

REIKI I’ve been a Reiki practitioner and Spiritual Healer for 15 years. It’s a very gentle powerful healing of the mind and body, relieving pain, stress and anxiety bringing relief, comfort and relaxation. Check my profile online at The Body Clinic Leominster and for booking an appointment or call me on 07903 415359. Suzanna Underwood Advanced Reiki Master.

SPIRITUAL HEALER. 30 years plus experience.

One-on-one healing and ‘introduction to healing’ workshops.

“If you truly know yourself you will truly know freedom”.

Please contact Gilly Williamson, MNFSH, Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE Group classes - both live and online.

Individual tuition in Stapleton.

Moving consciously with the breath

Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

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SOULFUL AND SHAMANIC HEALING AND GUIDANCE WITH SUE ROSE GOULD. Facilitating wellbeing to realise fullest potential through Soul Plan coaching and Shamanic Practice. All consultations can be virtual and online.

Contact Sue through website: suepg.co.uk or message 07591 130762.

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. 07811 816637.

THE BODY CLINIC LEOMINSTER HEALTH A holistic health centre at 17, West Street, Leominster HR6 8EP. Health Assessments, Sports & Holistic massage, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Hypnotherapy, Thai massage, Reflexology, Mindfulness, Yoga, Tai Chi, Life coaching, Counselling (adults and young people), Reiki. Support with rehabilitation, pain, long term health conditions, women’s and men’s health, mental health, fertility and pregnancy. www.thebodyclinicleominster T: 01568 368 907/ 07493 078 566 E: thebodyclinicleominster@gmail.com ~ZX TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING & COUNSELLING WITH WENDY YOUNG Compassionate and focussed conversations and body-centred processes to heal developmental & emotional trauma and core wounding.

This supports your transformational journey of becoming

and living your authentic and joyful self. I offer a FREE 30 mins discovery call to answer your questions and see if it feels right for us to work together. Online nationally and inperson in Llanidloes, mid-Wales. For more info and to book call 07388 491 990; email wendy@wiselivingworld.com; website www.wiselivingworld.com.

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free.

Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

Sun 7 August HEALTH & WELLBEING FESTIVAL Healthy lifestyles, alternative healing, psychic and Tarot readings, crystals, food, skincare, gifts and more. Explore alternative ways of living - Holistic approaches, speak to professionals about mental health and wellbeing. Enjoy workshops and talks, live music. Bookable taster sessions for Thai Massage, yoga, readings, children’s activities.

Knighton Community Centre, LD7 1DR, 10am-4pm, free.

To book a stand email knightoncomm@gmail.com Sat 13 August LEARN TO DOWSE Learn how to use the tools and techniques to help guide us in daily life, including health, making choices, finding lost object, electricity cables, underground streams and more.

Weobley Marsh, 10.30am-3pm, £35, proceeds to Ukraine, 01544 319141 or email jdevey@btinternet.com Thurs 18 & 25 August YOGA With Karen Booth. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown, £8, please book in advance, karentheyoga@gmail.com 07794 337318.

FELDENKRAIS Awareness Through Movement Classes.

Learn to move more freely, with greater ease and flexibility, improving posture, balance and coordination. The Feldenkrais method uses a combination of gentle movement and relaxed attention to improve comfort and function and to enhance our sense of well being. Online classes (Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings); live classes in Tenbury (Wednesday mornings). To book and for more information, please contact Jane at janesethi@yahoo.co.uk or on 07949 432555.

ONLINE MINDFUL YOGA CLASSES Slow down, soften and turn inwards. Move and breath your way back into a natural state of vibrant well-being.

Join via Zoom weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6:15pm - 7:30pm. Classes are small, friendly and suitable for all levels of flexibility and experience. For more info and to book call Wendy Young 07388 491 990; email wendy@wiselivingworld.com; website www.wiselivingworld.com/mindful-hatha-yoga/ 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.

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Vintage Heaven